1023.7 Interior exit stairway and ramp exterior walls.

Exterior walls of the interior exit stairway or ramp shall comply with the requirements of Section 705 for exterior walls. Where nonrated walls or unprotected openings enclose the exterior of the stairway or ramps and the walls or openings are exposed by other parts of the building at an angle of less than 180 degrees (3.14 rad), the building exterior walls within 10 feet (3048 mm) horizontally of a nonrated wall or unprotected opening shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour. Openings within such exterior walls shall be protected by opening protectives having a fire protection rating of not less than 3/4 hour. This construction shall extend vertically from the ground to a point 10 feet (3048 mm) above the topmost landing of the stairway or ramp, or to the roof line, whichever is lower.

1023.8 Discharge identification.

An interior exit stairway and ramp shall not continue below its level of exit discharge unless an approved barrier is provided at the level of exit discharge to prevent persons from unintentionally continuing into levels below. Directional exit signs shall be provided as specified in Section 1013. An approved barrier shall consist of partitions, doors, or gates separating the portion of the interior exit stairway above grade from the portion below grade. Where doors or gates are provided as approved barriers, such doors or gates shall be self-closing, opening in the direction of exit travel from the floors below grade, and provided with landings in accordance with Sections 1010.1.5 and 1010.1.6.

   Exceptions:

      1.   Such barrier separating the above-grade portion of the interior exit stairways and ramps from the portion below grade shall not be required in Group E and R-3 occupancies.

      2.   Such barrier separating the above-grade portion of the interior exit stairways and ramps from the portion below grade shall not be required where the stairway or ramp design is intended to continue the path of egress through a below grade level.

1023.9 Stairway identification and floor level signs.

Signs identifying stairways shall comply with Section 1023.9.1. Signs identifying floor levels shall comply with Sections 1023.9.2 through 1023.9.5.

1023.9.1 Stairway identification signs.

A stairway identification sign indicating each stair by alphabetic letter shall be posted on both sides of each stair door. The alphabetic letters designating the identification of the interior exit stairway and ramp shall be not less than 3 inches (76.2 mm) in height. Such sign shall comply with Items 2, 5 and 6 of Section 1023.9.4.

1023.9.2 Floor identification signs.

A floor identification sign shall be provided at each floor landing in an interior exit stairway and ramp connecting more than three stories. Such sign shall designate:

   1.   The floor level;

   2.   The terminus of the top and bottom of the interior exit stairway and ramp;

   3.   The identification of the interior exit stairway and ramp;

   4.   The story of the exit discharge; and

   5.   The availability of roof access from the interior exit stairway and ramp for the Fire Department.

1023.9.3 Accessible floor level identification signs.

Floor level identification signs in visual characters, raised characters and braille complying with ICC A117.1 shall be located at each floor level landing adjacent to the door on the stair side.

1023.9.4 Signage requirements.

Floor identification signs required by Section 1023.9.2 shall comply with all of the following requirements:

   1.   The signs shall be a minimum size of 18 inches (457.2 mm) by 12 inches (304.8 mm).

   2.   The top of the signs shall be located 5 feet (1524 mm) above the floor landing in a position that is readily visible when the doors are in the open and closed positions.

   3.   The number designating the floor level shall be not less than 5 inches (127 mm) in height and located in the center of the sign.

   4.   Other lettering and numbers shall be not less than 1 inch (25.4 mm) in height.

   5.   Characters and their background shall have a nonglare finish. Characters shall contrast with their background, with either light characters on a dark background or dark characters on a light background.

   6.   Where signs required by Section 1023.9 are installed in the interior exit stairways and ramps of buildings subject to Section 1025, the signs shall be made of the same luminous materials as required by Section 1025.4.