R 408.10633 Permissible exits and exit components.

Rule 633. (1) Approved exits for all occupancies regulated by this part shall be restricted to the following permissible types: doors, inside or outside stairs, horizontal exits, ramps, escalators, and fire escapes for existing occupancies. (2) An exit shall consist only of approved components. An exit shall be constructed as an integral part of the building or permanently affixed thereto. (3) Stairs, landings, and other exit components shall be guarded against falls over open edges, and guards and handrails shall continue the full length of the guarded exit component. (4) An exit protected by separation from other parts of the building shall have the separating construction meet the following: (a) The separation shall have not less than a 1-hour fire-resistance rating when the exit connects 3 stories or less. This applies whether the stories connected are above or below the story at which the exit discharge is located. (b) The separation shall have not less than a 2-hour fire-resistance rating when the exit connects 4 or more stories, whether above or below the floor of discharge. (c) An opening into an exit must be protected by a self-closing fire door that remains closed or automatically closes in an emergency upon the sounding of a fire alarm or employee alarm system. (d) An opening in an exit enclosure shall be confined to that which is necessary for access to the enclosure from a normally occupied space and for egress from the enclosure. (5) Each exit route shall be a permanent part of the workplace. (6) Each fire door, including its frame and hardware, shall be listed or approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. For the definition of a "nationally recognized testing laboratory, see 29 C.F.R. §1910.7 “Definition and requirements for a nationally recognized testing laboratory,” as adopted in R 408.10606.