Unless otherwise specifically stated, the provisions of this article shall apply to all structures hereafter erected, except as may be otherwise provided by state law; Article
XVI I, Multiple Dwellings; §
86-16B(3), Required means of egress for converted institutional buildings; and Article
XIII, Special Occupancies.
When serving as an exit from or in connection
with one or more stairways, the clear width of any hallway or passageway
shall be not less than the aggregate required clear width of all stairs
leading to it. The clear width of every hallway or passageway leading
to an exit shall be not less than 44 inches for the first 50 persons
to be accommodated thereby and six inches additional for each additional
50 persons or fraction thereof. When the number of persons to be accommodated
thereby is less than 50, the clear width of such hallway or passageway
may be reduced two inches for each 10 persons less than 50.
No horizontal exit shall be deemed satisfactory
under this article unless the floor area on either side of such horizontal
exit is sufficient to hold the joint occupancy of both floor areas,
allowing not less than 3 1/2 square feet of clear floor space
per person, and at least one interior stairway or fire tower conforming
to the requirements of this article is provided on each side of such
horizontal exit. When vestibules or open-air balconies are used, they
shall conform to the requirements for vestibules or open-air balconies
or fire towers. When bridges are used, they shall be constructed of
incombustible material. All doorways or windows opening on such vestibules,
balconies or bridges shall be equipped with self-closing fire doors
or automatic fire windows. Where there is a difference in level between
the connected floor areas, gradients shall be provided of not more
than one foot in 10 feet.
When fire escapes are used as a means of egress under the provisions of §
86-36M, they shall be constructed of incombustible materials of sufficient strength to safely sustain a superimposed load of 100 pounds per square foot. Fire escapes used as a means of egress shall have balconies at each story at least 36 inches wide in the clear and at least 54 inches long and shall be provided with staircases extending to the ground level with a maximum riser of eight inches and minimum width of treads of eight inches, exclusive of nosings. Fire escape staircases shall be at least 22 inches in width. If fire escapes are located on a street front of a structure, the Superintendent of Buildings may permit the use of a drop ladder or a counterbalanced stair from the lowest balcony, provided that the height of such balcony above the sidewalk immediately below does not exceed 16 feet.
The placing of any obstruction in front of,
in or on any required means of egress is forbidden.