1022.1 General.

Exits shall comply with Sections 1022 through 1027 and the applicable requirements of Sections 1003 through 1015. An exit shall not be used for any purpose that interferes with its function as a means of egress. Once a given level of exit protection is achieved, such level of protection shall not be reduced until arrival at the exit discharge. Exits shall be continuous from the point of entry into the exit to the exit discharge.

   Exception: Interior exit stairways with doors that are automatic-closing by smoke detection pursuant to the exception set forth in Section 713.7 may be used for travel between floors and this use shall not be deemed to interfere with function as a means of egress.

1022.2 Exterior exit doors.

Buildings or structures used for human occupancy shall have not less than one exterior door that meets the requirements of Section 1010.1.1.

1022.2.1 Detailed requirements.

Exterior exit doors shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 1010.1.

1022.2.2 Arrangement.

Exterior exit doors shall lead directly to the exit discharge or the public way.

Section BC 1023: Interior Exit Stairways and Ramps

1023.1 General.

Interior exit stairways and ramps serving as an exit component in a means of egress system shall comply with the requirements of this section. Interior exit stairways and ramps shall be enclosed and lead directly to the exterior of the building or shall be extended to the exterior of the building with an exit passageway conforming to the requirements of Section 1024, except as permitted in Section 1028.1. An interior exit stairway or ramp shall not be used for any purpose other than as a means of egress and a circulation path.

1023.2 Construction.

Enclosures for interior exit stairways and ramps shall be constructed as fire barriers in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both. Interior exit stairway and ramp enclosures shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours where connecting four stories or more and not less than 1 hour where connecting less than four stories. The number of stories connected by the interior exit stairways or ramps shall include any basements, but not any mezzanines. Interior exit stairways and ramps shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than the floor assembly penetrated, but need not exceed 2 hours. In Group R-1 and R-2 occupancies, where interior exit stairways and ramps are required to have a fire-resistance rating of 2 hours, such enclosures shall be constructed of masonry or masonry equivalent. Wall assemblies constituting masonry equivalent shall be constructed in accordance with department rules.

   Exceptions:

      1.   Interior exit stairways and ramps in Group I-3 occupancies in accordance with the provisions of Section 408.3.8.

      2.   Interior exit stairways within an atrium enclosed in accordance with Section 404.6.