410.6 Means of egress.

Except as modified or as provided for in this section, the provisions of Chapter 10 shall apply.

410.6.1 Stage exits.

No fewer than one exit or exit access doorway shall be provided from each side of the stage and from each side of the space under the stage. Technical production areas shall comply with Section 410.6.3.

410.6.2 Stairway and ramp enclosure.

Exit access stairways and ramps serving a stage or platform are not required to be enclosed. Exit access stairways and ramps serving technical production areas are not required to be enclosed.

410.6.3 Technical production areas.

Technical production areas shall be provided with means of egress and means of escape in accordance with Sections 410.6.3.1 through 410.6.3.5.

410.6.3.1 Number of means of egress.

No fewer than one means of egress shall be provided from technical production areas.

410.6.3.2 Exit access travel distance.

The exit access travel distance shall be not greater than 300 feet (91 440 mm) for buildings without a sprinkler system and 400 feet (121 900 mm) for buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

410.6.3.3 Two means of egress.

Where two means of egress are required, the common path of travel shall be not greater than 100 feet (30 480 mm).

   Exception: A means of escape to a roof in place of a second means of egress is permitted.

410.6.3.4 Path of egress travel.

The following exit access components are permitted where serving technical production areas:

   1.   Stairways.

   2.   Ramps.

   3.   Spiral stairways.

   4.   Catwalks.

   5.   Alternating tread devices.

   6.   Permanent ladders.

410.6.3.5 Width.

The path of egress travel within and from technical support areas shall be not less than 22 inches (559 mm) in width.

410.7 Automatic sprinkler system.

An automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 shall be provided in the following areas when located within a place of assembly:

   1.   Stages including those with stage height greater than 40 feet (12 192 mm);

   2.   Technical production areas over the stage including under the roof, above and below the gridiron, catwalks and galleries;

   3.   Dressing rooms, performer lounges, shops and storerooms accessory to stages or platforms, with live entertainment;

   4.   Platforms with live entertainment;

   5.   Cabarets; or

   6.   When openings are provided in the stage floor for stage lifts, trap doors or stairs, sprinklers spaced 5 feet (1524 mm) on centers shall be provided around the opening at the ceiling below the stage, and baffles at least 12 inches (305 mm) in depth shall be installed around the perimeter of the opening.

   Exceptions:

      1.   Sprinklers are not required under stages or platforms less than 4 feet (1219 mm) in clear height that are utilized exclusively for storage of tables and chairs, provided the concealed space is separated from the adjacent spaces by Type X gypsum board not less than 5/8 inch (15.9 mm) in thickness.

      2.   Sprinklers are not required within portable orchestra enclosures on stages.

410.8 Standpipes.

Standpipe systems shall be provided in accordance with Section 905.

410.9 Voice/alarm communication system.

Stages shall be provided with a voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.2.1.1.