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.

1023.9.5 Directions to openable doors.

Where doors serving interior exit stairways are locked on the stair side, signage shall be posted in compliance with Sections 1031.4.1, 1031.4.2 and 1031.4.3.

1023.10 Elevator lobby identification signs.

At landings in interior exit stairways where two or more doors lead to the floor level, any door with direct access to an enclosed elevator lobby shall be identified by signage located on the door or directly adjacent to the door stating "Elevator Lobby." Signage shall be in accordance with Section 1023.9.4, Items 4, 5 and 6.

1023.11 Smokeproof enclosures and pressurization alternative.

In buildings required to comply with Section 403 or 405, each of the interior exit stairways and ramps serving a story with a floor surface located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of Fire Department vehicle access or more than 30 feet (9144 mm) below the finished floor of a level of exit discharge serving such stories shall be protected by a smokeproof enclosure or pressurization alternative in accordance with Section 909.20.