IBC and NFPA Code Compliant Universal Fit Egress Barrier Swing Gates

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The Problem

Finding the exact egress gate you need at the last minute is a real pain—holding up inspection and approval.

  • Exact building codes for Discharge Identification is confusing.
  • Building codes are not prescriptive in saying what you must-have.
  • The local authority has jurisdiction (AHJ) to decide what is allowed.
  • No specific code determines design requirements, leaving Architects to interpret code and design a custom detail to represent the solution they envision.
  • Contractors end up purchasing expensive custom-order egress gates to accommodate individual projects.
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The requirement for means to interrupt the flow of traffic in a stairwell is to prevent people from exiting further down the stairs in an emergency and missing the door to the exit discharge. Signs alone are proven not to be an effective means, but since the building code is not prescriptive in saying what you must have, then the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) is the judge of what is allowed. Metal gates that swing in the direction of egress is the most common type of interruption device.

Whatever device you choose, ultimately have your local AHJ approve it.



THE ONLY IBC/IFC 2018 REQUIREMENT:

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.



RELATED CODE REQUIREMENTS:

The following building codes are references of 2018 IBC which can be interpreted as requirements for an approved barrier "Discharge Identification" by a local AHJ. Our egress barrier gate has been designed to satisfy your local AHJ by meeting the following code requirements:

Experience Note:Section 1023.8 references an "Approved Barrier" however is not specific about the approved barrier being identified as a "door" or "gate". A gray area in the code. The final code requirements are often left to install practicality and local AHJ approval with field conditions considered.

1003.6 MEANS OF EGRESS CONTINUITY. The path of egress travel along a means of egress shall not be interrupted by a building element other than a means of egress component as specified in this chapter. Obstructions shall not be placed in the minimum width or required capacity of a means of egress component except projections permitted by this chapter. The minimum width or required capacity of a means of egress system shall not be diminished along the path of egress travel.

1005.7.1 DOORS. Doors, when fully opened, shall not reduce the required width by more than 7 inches (178 mm). Doors in any position shall not reduce the required width by more than one-half.

1010.1.2 DOOR SWING. Egress doors shall be of the pivoted or side-hinged swinging type.

1010.1.2.1 DIRECTION OF SWING. Pivot or side-hinged swinging doors shall swing in the direction of egress travel where serving a room or area containing an occupant load of 50 or more persons or a Group H occupancy.

1010.1.6 LANDINGS AT DOORS. Landings shall have a width not less than the width of the stairway or the door, whichever is greater. Doors in the fully open position shall not reduce a required dimension by more than 7 inches (178 mm). Where a landing serves an occupant load of 50 or more, doors in any position shall not reduce the landing to less than one-half its required width. Landings shall have a length measured in the direction of travel of not less than 44 inches (1118 mm).

Exception: Landing length in the direction of travel in Groups R-3 and U and within individual units of Group R-2 need not exceed 36 inches (914 mm).

1010.1.9.2 HARDWARE HEIGHT. Door handles, pulls, latches, locks and other operating devices shall be installed 34 inches (864 mm) minimum and 48 inches (1219 mm) maximum above the finished floor. Locks used only for security purposes and not used for normal operation are permitted at any height.

1010.2 GATES. Gates serving the means of egress system shall comply with the requirements of this section. Gates used as a component in a means of egress shall conform to the applicable requirements for doors.
Q: Are there any code requirements for the placement (mounting location) of the gate?
A: Building codes do not specifically identify the required location of the barrier. Keep in mind, the requirement for means to interrupt the flow of traffic in a stairwell is to prevent people from exiting further down the stairs in an emergency and missing the door to the exit discharge. The riser of the stair flight, at the stair rail end post is commonly an acceptable location by the AHJ. The path of egress is least interrupted here. If the stair-shaft allows, the stair can be designed to allow the barrier gate to be mounted away from the riser. Please consult with your local AHJ for their interpretation. The local AHJ provides final approval.

Q: What direction should the gate swing?
A: Building codes do not specifically identify the required swing of the egress barrier gate. However, IBC 2018 section 1010.1.2.1 states that the pivot or side-hinged swinging doors shall swing in the direction of egress travel. It's commonly interpreted that that the barrier should also swing in the direction of egress travel. For safety purposes, the barrier shall swing into the landing to avoid persons from falling down the stair. Please consult with your local AHJ for their interpretation. The local AHJ provides final approval.

Q: When should a single or double swing gate be used?
A: Building codes do not specifically identify when a single or double swing barrier gate should be used. If the stair width is less than 50-55 inches, and the swing of the barrier gate does not interfere with obstacles - a single swing barrier gate should suffice. If the stair width exceeds 50-55 inches or the barrier gate is interrupted by a doorway or other obstruction - a double swing barrier gate would eliminate obstruction interference or offer less encroachment into the path of egress. Please consult with your local AHJ for their interpretation. The local AHJ provides final approval.


What is an Egress Fire Barrier Gate (EgressGate)?



International Building Code (IBC) & National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires Code Complaint Universal Fit Egress Barrier Swing Gates.

 

EgressGate a physical barrier to deter or impede the un-intentional flow of personnel to the basement instead of to the exit and discharge area during an evacuation of the building. Required at the buildings level of exit discharge.

 

Your next project will benefit from our Universal Fit Egress Barrier Swing Gate. It's designed to provide a physical barrier to deter or impede the un-intentional flow of personnel towards the basement instead of to the exit and discharge area during an evacuation of the building.

 

Our IBC & NFPA Compliant Universal Fit Swing Fire Barrier Gate is the perfect solution for any multi-story, low-rise or high-rise building having a situation where you need to block off an egress floor stairwell during an emergency situation.

 

Our Egress Fire Barrier Gate is designed as a universal fit to all common walkways, it is intended to restrict the flow of persons into the basement area during an evacuation. This product meets the requirements of International Building Code (IBC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

 

This egress barrier gate swings open allowing occupant to use the stairs and closes automatically by fire code to make it a viable egress route.

 

EgressGate can be retrofit to use a hold-open or electromagnetic hold, attached to the stop plate, tied to the fire alarm when building code or building plans require the use of these devices.

 

Since these swing gates are manufactured from quality steel, they are guaranteed to be durable, reliable and long-lasting. When the gate is installed and not modified, a lifetime warranty is guaranteed. 

 

It's lightweight, steel construction is easy to install, operate and maintain.

 

EgressGate can be modified by the installer to meet specific design needs. The gate can be trimmed to fit narrower openings.

 

When a double swing gate is needed. Possibly when the opening is too wide or the swing of the gate impedes doors or walking paths to much. Purchase two of EgressGate. The gate is built symmetrical. Flip and mirror to get the same swing direction. 

 

The swing force and speed can be adjusted. Slowly tighten one lock nut at one spring to slow the swing speed.

 

The product arrives shop primer painted. Ready to install. Each gate includes mounting hardware for concrete, brick or CMU, metal or wood stud walls. Alternatively they swing gate can be bolted or welded to posts or stair rail.

 

A metal sign plate with a photoluminescent "no exit" sign is included with each gate to help occupants understand the purpose of the gate. If the sign is not required, remove the metal sign plate.

 

EgressGate is the ready now solution. The product is premanufactured and ready to ship today. Choose multiple options for shipping speed. Typically arrives within 2-5 business days.

 

For specific questions or a quote, please contact us.

 

To place your order please visit: https://egressgate.com/pages/purchase