I am trying to understand NFPA 101-2012 section 8.6.8. When it says that one story must be enclosed off from the opening exactly what does that mean? Does one story have to have closure walls exactly at the edge of the opening or can the closure walls be located away from the opening? Can egress pass througn the non-separated story meaning can the opening be open to corridors that must be traveled to reach an exit? If I can locate the story enclosure walls a distance from the opening I assume that a corridor or egress path cannot go through the floor area that the opening is open to?
Hi Richard:
You wrote: I am trying to understand NFPA 101-2012 section 8.6.8. When it says that one story must be enclosed off from the opening exactly what does that mean? Does one story have to have closure walls exactly at the edge of the opening or can the closure walls be located away from the opening?
To me the enclosure is to meet the requirements of Section 8.6.5. Any configuration of vertical and horizontal construction to enclose a floor opening is acceptable.
Can egress pass through the non-separated story meaning can the opening be open to corridors that must be traveled to reach an exit?
I would say yes for the exit access through the vertical opening, but Section 8.6.2 for the continuity of the enclosure must be met on the separated floor.
If I can locate the story enclosure walls a distance from the opening I assume that a corridor or egress path cannot go through the floor area that the opening is open to?
I would say no. The exit access is permitted through the floors of vertical opening accordance with Section 8.6.8. Section 8.6.8 does not permit the partially enclosed two-story vertical opening to be an exit enclosure. Meaning to me this vertical opening can not be counted as an exit in the means of egress.
My best,
Milt Werner