BCAB #1518 - Protection of Exit Facilities, Articles 3.2.3.12 and 3.2.3.13

September 20, 2000

BCAB #1518

Re: Protection of Exit Facilities, Articles 3.2.3.12 and 3.2.3.13

Project Description

The project is a sprinklered 4 storey Group C apartment building over a single storey underground storage garage.

Reason for Appeal

Articles 3.2.3.12. and 3.2.3.13. require protection of exit facilities and walls exposed to unprotected openings in other walls in different fire compartments.

Appellant's Position

The appellant contends the exposure protection required by Sentences 3.2.3.12.(1),(2) and (3) are waived in a building that is sprinklered. Clause 3.2.3.12.(4)(c) refers to a closure conforming to the requirements of Article 3.2.3.13. Sentence 3.2.3.13.(3) exempts the requirements for exposure protection for the unprotected openings within a building that is sprinklered.

Building Official's Position

As there is no direct reference to Sentence 3.2.3.13.(3) from Article 3.2.3.12., the Building Official contends that exposure protection is required for the exits. Also, that a closure by definition is not regular glazing and the exemption for protection in Sentence 3.2.3.13.(3) is to unprotected openings which are not closures.

Appeal Board Decision #1518

It is the determination of the Board that the exposure protection of exits required by Article 3.2.3.12 is not waived by Sentence 3.2.3.13.(3), even though the building is sprinklered.

George Humphrey, Chair