Chapter 10 — California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9)

(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user.

See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)

Adopting Agency	BSC	BSC- CG	SFM		HCD			DSA		OSHPD						BSCC	DPH	AGR	DWR	CEC	CA	SL	SLC
Adopting Agency	BSC	BSC- CG	T-24	T-19*	1	2	1/AC	AC	SS	1	1R	2	3	4	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5
Adopt Entire Chapter
Adopt Entire Chapter as amended (amended sections listed below)			X
Adopt only those sections that are listed below
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1]				X
Chapter / Section
[T-19 §4.1 (a)]				X
[T-19 §4.1 (b)]				X
1003.1			X
1003.2			X
1003.3			X
1003.3.1			X
1003.3.3.1			X
1003.3.4			X
1003.5			X
[T-19 §3.27]				X
1004.1			X
Table 1004.5			X
1004.6				X
[T-19 §3.30]				X
1005.3.1			X
1005.3.2			X
1005.7.1			X
1005.7.2			X
1006.2.1			X
Table 1006.2.1			X
1006.2.2.4			X
1006.2.2.6			X
1006.3.3			X
Table 1006.3.3(1)			X
Table 1006.3.3(2)			X
1008.2			X
1009.1			X
1009.2			X
1009.4			X
1009.5			X
1009.6.3			X
1009.8.1			X
1009.8.2			X
1009.10			X
1009.12			X

(continued)

Copyright © 2019 ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Accessed by Kevin Day (kevin.day@dgs.ca.gov), (California Building Standards Commission) Order Number #100735044 on Jul 24, 2019 03:54 PM (PDT) pursuant to License Agreement with ICC. No further reproduction or distribution authorized. Single user only, copying and networking prohibited. ANY UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION OR DISTRIBUTION IS A VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT, AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER.

100735044

CHAPTER 10 – MEANS OF EGRESS—continued

Adopting Agency	BSC	BSC- CG	SFM		HCD			DSA		OSHPD						BSCC	DPH	AGR	DWR	CEC	CA	SL	SLC
Adopting Agency	BSC	BSC- CG	T-24	T-19*	1	2	1/AC	AC	SS	1	1R	2	3	4	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5
Adopt Entire Chapter
Adopt Entire Chapter as amended (amended sections listed below)			X
Adopt only those sections that are listed below
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1]				X
Chapter / Section
1010.1.1			X
1010.1.1.1
1010.1.2			X
1010.1.2.1			X
1010.1.4.5.1			X
1010.1.7			X
1010.1.8			X
1010.1.9.1			X
1010.1.9.7			X
1010.1.9.8			X
1010.1.9.9			X
1010.1.9.10			X
1010.1.9.11			X
1010.1.9.13			X
1010.1.10			X
1010.1.11			X
1011.2			X
1011.5.2			X
1011.6			X
1011.11			X
1011.15			X
1012.6.3			X
1013.1			X
1013.2			X
1013.4			X
1013.6.3			X
1013.7			X
1013.8			X
1014.8			X
1015.3			X
1015.4			X
1016.2			X
1016.2.2			X
Table 1017.2			X
1018			X
[T-19 §3.06 (a)]				X
[T-19 §3.06 (b)]				X
1018.3			X
1019.3			X
1019.4			X

(continued)

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CHAPTER 10 – MEANS OF EGRESS—continued

Adopting Agency	BSC	BSC- CG	SFM		HCD			DSA		OSHPD						BSCC	DPH	AGR	DWR	CEC	CA	SL	SLC
Adopting Agency	BSC	BSC- CG	T-24	T-19*	1	2	1/AC	AC	SS	1	1R	2	3	4	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5
Adopt Entire Chapter
Adopt Entire Chapter as amended (amended sections listed below)			X
Adopt only those sections that are listed below
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1]				X
Chapter / Section
1020.1			X
Table 1020.1			X
Table 1020.2			X
1020.4			X
1020.5			X
1020.6			X
1023.2			X
1023.9			X
1023.9.1			X
1023.11.2			X
1024.2			X
1026.4.2			X
1028.5			X
1029.1			X
1029.2			X
1029.3			X
1029.3.1			X
1029.6.4			X
1029.9.1			X
[T-19 §3.06 (a)]				X
1030.1			X
1030.1.1			X
[T-19 §4.2]				X
[T-19 §4.3 (a-c)]				X
[T-19 §4.4]				X
[T-19 §4.5 (a)]				X
[T-19 §4.6 (a)(b)]				X
[T-19 §3.11 (a-d)]				X

The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Fire Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same.

100735044

226 2019 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE Copyright © 2019 ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Accessed by Kevin Day (kevin.day@dgs.ca.gov), (California Building Standards Commission) Order Number #100735044 on Jul 24, 2019 03:54 PM (PDT) pursuant to License Agreement with ICC. No further reproduction or distribution authorized. Single user only, copying and networking prohibited. ANY UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION OR DISTRIBUTION IS A VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT, AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER.

100735044

CHAPTER 10

MEANS OF EGRESS

User note:

About this chapter: Chapter 10 provides the general criteria for designing the means of egress established as the primary method for protec- tion of people in buildings by allowing timely relocation or evacuation of building occupants. Both prescriptive and performance language is utilized in this chapter to provide for a basic approach in the determination of a safe exiting system for all occupancies. This chapter addresses all portions of the egress system (exit access, exits and exit discharge) and includes design requirements as well as provisions regulating individual components. The requirements detail the size, arrangement, number and protection of means of egress components. Functional and operational characteristics that will permit the safe use of components without special knowledge or effort are specified.

The means of egress protection requirements work in coordination with other sections of the code, such as protection of vertical openings (see Chapter 7), interior finish (see Chapter 8), fire suppression and detection systems (see Chapter 9) and numerous others, all having an impact on life safety. Sections 1003 through 1030 are duplicated text from Chapter 10 of the International Building Code ^® ; however, the International Fire Code ^® contains an additional Section 1031 on maintenance of the means of egress system in existing buildings. Retroactive min- imum means of egress requirements for existing buildings are found in Chapter 11.

1013.7 Floor-level exit signs. Where exit signs are required¶

by Chapter 10, additional approved low-level exit signs which are internally or externally illuminated photolumines- cent or self-luminous shall be provided in all interior corri- dors of Group A, E, I and R-2.1 occupancies and in all areas serving guest rooms of hotels in Group R, Division 1 occu- pancies.

Exceptions:

1. Group A occupancies that are protected throughout by an approved supervised fire sprinkler system.

2. Group E occupancies where direct exits have been provided from each classroom.

3. Group I and R-2.1 occupancies which are provided with smoke barriers constructed in accordance with Section 407.5 of the California Building Code.

4. Group I-3 occupancies.

The bottom of the sign shall not be less than 6 inches (152 mm) or more than 8 inches (203 mm) above the floor level and shall indicate the path of exit travel. For exit and exit-access doors, the sign shall be on the door or adjacent to the door with the closest edge of the sign or marker within 4 inches (102 mm) of the door frame.

Note: Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 13143, this California amendment applies to all newly constructed buildings or structures, subject to this section, for which a building permit is issued (or construction commenced, where no building permit is issued) on or after January 1, 1989.

Exceptions & meaning →

1013.8 Path marking. When exit signs are required by Chap-¶

ter 10, in addition to approved floor-level exit signs, approved path marking shall be installed at floor level or no higher than 8 inches (203 mm) above the floor level in all

100735044

MEANS OF EGRESS

cies that are accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy or accessory to individual dwelling units in Group R-2 occupancies; handrails shall be Type I in accordance with Section 1014.3.1, Type II in accordance with Section 1014.3.2 or shall provide equivalent graspability.

[BE] 1014.3.1 Type I. Handrails with a circular cross section shall have an outside diameter of not less than 1 ¹ /4 inches (32 mm) and not greater than 2 inches (51 mm). Where the handrail is not circular, it shall have a perimeter dimension of not less than 4 inches (102 mm) and not greater than 6 ¹ /4 inches (160 mm) with a maximum crosssectional dimension of 2 ¹ /4 inches (57 mm) and minimum cross-sectional dimension of 1 inch (25 mm). Edges shall have a minimum radius of 0.01 inch (0.25 mm).

[BE] 1014.3.2 Type II. Handrails with a perimeter greater than 6 ¹ /4 inches (160 mm) shall provide a graspable finger recess area on both sides of the profile. The finger recess shall begin within a distance of ³ /4 inch (19 mm) measured vertically from the tallest portion of the profile and achieve a depth of not less than ⁵ /16 inch (8 mm) within ⁷ /8 inch (22 mm) below the widest portion of the profile. This required depth shall continue for not less than ³ /8 inch (10 mm) to a level that is not less than 1 ³ /4 inches (45 mm) below the tallest portion of the profile. The width of the handrail above the recess shall be not less than 1 ¹ /4 inches (32 mm) to not greater than 2 ³ /4 inches (70 mm). Edges shall have a minimum radius of 0.01 inch (0.25 mm).

[BE] 1014.4 Continuity. Handrail gripping surfaces shall be continuous, without interruption by newel posts or other obstructions.

Exceptions:

Handrails within dwelling units are permitted to be interrupted by a newel post at a turn or landing.
Within a dwelling unit, the use of a volute, turnout, starting easing or starting newel is allowed over the lowest tread.
Handrail brackets or balusters attached to the bottom surface of the handrail that do not project horizontally beyond the sides of the handrail within 1 ¹ /2 inches (38 mm) of the bottom of the handrail shall not be considered obstructions. For each ¹ /2 inch (12.7 mm) of additional handrail perimeter dimension above 4 inches (102 mm), the vertical clearance dimension of 1 ¹ /2 inches (38 mm) shall be permitted to be reduced by ¹ /8 inch (3.2 mm).
Where handrails are provided along walking surfaces with slopes not steeper than 1:20, the bottoms of the handrail gripping surfaces shall be permitted to be obstructed along their entire length where they are integral to crash rails or bumper guards.
Handrails serving stepped aisles or ramped aisles are permitted to be discontinuous in accordance with Section 1029.16.1.

[BE] 1014.5 Fittings. Handrails shall not rotate within their fittings.

[BE] 1014.6 Handrail extensions. Handrails shall return to a wall, guard or the walking surface or shall be continuous to the handrail of an adjacent flight of stairs or ramp run. Where handrails are not continuous between flights the handrails shall extend horizontally not less than 12 inches (305 mm) beyond the top riser and continue to slope for the depth of one tread beyond the bottom riser. At ramps where handrails are not continuous between runs, the handrails shall extend horizontally above the landing 12 inches (305 mm) minimum beyond the top and bottom of ramp runs. The extensions of handrails shall be in the same direction of the flights of stairs at stairways and the ramp runs at ramps.

Exceptions:

Handrails within a dwelling unit that is not required to be accessible need extend only from the top riser to the bottom riser.
Handrails serving aisles in rooms or spaces used for assembly purposes are permitted to comply with the handrail extensions in accordance with Section 1029.16.
Handrails for alternating tread devices and ships ladders are permitted to terminate at a location vertically above the top and bottom risers. Handrails for alternating tread devices are not required to be continuous between flights or to extend beyond the top or bottom risers.

[BE] 1014.7 Clearance. Clear space between a handrail and a wall or other surface shall be not less than 1 ¹ /2 inches (38 mm). A handrail and a wall or other surface adjacent to the handrail shall be free of any sharp or abrasive elements.

[BE] 1014.8 Projections. On ramps and on ramped aisles that are part of an accessible route, the clear width between handrails shall be 36 inches (914 mm) minimum. Projections into the required width of aisles, stairways and ramps at each side shall not exceed 4 ¹ /2 inches (114 mm) at or below the handrail height. Projections into the required width shall not be limited above the minimum headroom height required in Section 1011.3. Projections due to intermediate handrails shall not constitute a reduction in the egress width. Where a pair of intermediate handrails are provided within the stairway width without a walking surface between the pair of intermediate handrails and the distance between the pair of intermediate handrails is greater than 6 inches (152 mm), the available egress width shall be reduced by the distance between the closest edges of each such intermediate pair of handrails that is greater than 6 inches (152 mm).

In Group I-2 occupancies, ramps required for exit access shall not be less than 8 feet in width and handrails are per- mitted to protrude 3 ¹ /2 inches from the wall on both sides. For ramps used as exits and stairways used for the movement of bed and litter patients, the clear width between handrails shall be 44 inches (1118 mm) minimum.

[BE] 1014.9 Intermediate handrails. Stairways shall have intermediate handrails located in such a manner that all portions of the stairway minimum width or required capacity are within 30 inches (762 mm) of a handrail. On monumental stairs, handrails shall be located along the most direct path of egress travel.

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Exceptions & meaning →