In my NYS town we have a few churches that are over 75+ years old. They do not have “any” emergency lights or exit signs in the Nave (where Mass is held) the occupancy load varies from 50-125. I recently told them they need to install them. I’m getting some negative inputs as to “why now”. Any direction would be appreciated as my town thinks they can give them a variance.
I have the ICC 2015 collection. I also ask that they have them installed by their next annual inspection.
Thanks. Also I need to correct the occupant load as it is 285 in one Church and 500 in the other.
Hi Brian:
I agree with the building owner saying "why now". Seems like an unreasonable request to them. Inconsistency of the inspections, do not relieve the owners to comply with Chapter 11 of the 2018 IFC. 2018 IFC: 1103.1 requires assembly occupancies to comply with 1104. 1104 have no requirement to retrofit the churches with exit signs, However when the churches were equipped exit signs 75 years ago (1943), the signs must be illuminated according to 1104.3. However if natural illumination for the means of egress was available during the worship hours (assembly use), the electrical system would not be required for the illumination of the means of egress. Therefore, the emergency illumination would not be required. This applies to NFPA 101 also.
I could see a variance issued on the condition the worship hours are during daylight hours.
However if the NFPA 101, Life Safety Code was legally adopted by your jurisdiction for existing buildings and new construction, there are requirements to provide emergency lighting and exit signs in the 2018 NFPA 101.
Respectfully,
Milt Werner
What building and fire code and edition do you use.
Yes sometimes hard to go back and require stuff.
Sometimes it is easier to say for your safety these need to be installed, and give them a little more time.