Vertical Opening Separation

These case studies deal with a condition wherein several floors are common to each other. The floors are inter-connected with an interior exit access or communicating stairways. Previous editions of the code addressed these stair features as non-egress stairs. The 2015 edition of the code defines exit access stairways as stairways with the exit access portion of the means of egress system. (202)

In the second case study a convenience stair within a university learning center is open to each floor it connects during normal school operation. When the building goes into alarm two McKEON 3-hour side acting assemblies, each with a conforming egress swing door and conventional fire exit hardware, combine to provide shaft enclosure protection.