[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 164 (Thursday, August 25, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-20473]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: August 25, 1994]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
29 CFR Part 1960
[Docket No. F-01]
Request by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for an
Alternate Standard for Emergency Egress in Air Traffic Control Towers
(ATCTs)
AGENCY: Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Department
of Labor.
ACTION: Proposed rule; Request for Comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA has requested approval from OSHA for an alternate
standard regulating emergency egress in Air Traffic Control Towers
(ATCTs). In this notice. OSHA has published the proposed alternate
standard for public review and comments.
DATES: The last date for interested persons to submit comments is
September 26, 1994.
ADDRESSES: Comments are to be sent to the Docket Office, Docket No. F-
01, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N2625, 200 Constitution Avenue,
N.W., Washington, DC 20210.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. John Plummer, OSHA, U.S. Department of Labor, Director, Office of
Federal Agency Programs, Room N3112, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW.,
Washington, DC 20210; Telephone: (202) 219-8151.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 19 of the Occupational Safety and
Health Act (the Act) contains provisions to assure safe and healthful
working conditions for Federal employees. Under that section, it is the
responsibility of the head of each Federal agency to establish and
maintain an effective and comprehensive occupational safety and health
program which is consistent with the standards promulgated under
section 6 of the Act. The Secretary of Labor (the Secretary), under
section 19, is to report to the President certain evaluations and
recommendations with respect to the programs of the various agencies,
and the duties which section 24 of the Act imposes on the Secretary of
Labor necessarily extend to the collection, compilation, and analysis
of the occupational safety and health statistics from the Federal
Government.
Executive Order 12196, Occupational Safety and Health Programs for
Federal Employees, issued February 26, 1980, prescribes additional
responsibilities for the heads of agencies, the Secretary, and the
General Services Administrator. Among other duties, the Secretary is
required to issue basic program element in accordance with which the
heads of agencies shall operate their safety and health programs. These
basic program elements are set forth in 29 CFR Part 1960. Although
agency heads are required to comply with all standards issued under
section 6 of the Act and to operate a program in accordance with the
basic program elements, those elements contain numerous provisions
which, by their terms, permit agency heads the flexibility necessary to
implement their programs in a manner consistent with their respective
missions, sizes, and organization. Thus, an agency head, after
consultation with agency employees or their representatives and with
appropriate safety and health committees may request the Secretary to
consider approval of an alternate standard. Pursuant to 29 CFR 1960.17,
when requesting an alternate standard the agency head must do the
following:
(a) Any request by the head of the agency for an alternate standard
shall be transmitted to the Secretary.
(b) Any such request for an alternate standard shall not be
approved by the Secretary unless it provides equivalent or greater
protection for affected employees. Any such request shall include:
(1) A statement of why the agency cannot comply with the OSHA
standard or wants to adopt an alternate standard;
(2) A description of the alternate standard;
(3) An explanation of how the alternate standard provides
equivalent or greater protection for the affected employees;
(4) A description of interim protective measures afforded employees
until a decision is rendered by the Secretary of Labor; and
(5) A summary of written comments, if any, from interested
employees, employee representative, and occupational safety and health
committees.
This Notice is a request for comment on the proposed alternate
standard submitted to OSHA by the FAA. This action is intended to
assist the Secretary in assuring that ample opportunity has been given
to allow affected employees, employee representatives and interested
parties, such as occupational safety and health committees, to comment
on the effectiveness of the proposed alternate standard and on its
equivalence to appropriate OSHA standards. The Secretary also believes
that review of this alternate standard by the scientific community and
those National Committees responsible for developing comparable
standards is essential so that workers in ATCTs are free from the
hazards posed by inappropriate means of egress.
Alternate Standard
The FAA provided materials in support of the proposed alternate
standard to 29 CFR 1910.36 (b)(8). FAA's request was based on the
following:
A number of specifications established in the existing
alternate standard for ATCTs require types of construction beyond those
mandated in OSHA regulations or in life safety and building codes.
A licensed fire protection engineer has provided several
alternate protection measures for ATCTs which were not included in the
existing alternate standard.
The existing alternate standard does not address important
operational ATCT requirements (e.g., 360 degrees field of vision at the
cab level) or their relationship with protective structural or
procedural features.
Additionally, FAA describes the alternate as follows:
The revision to the existing alternate standard provides types of
ATCT construction and methods of operation which enhance the fire
detection and notification, fire resistance, smoke control, and
emergency response features for ATCTs. These features provide early
warning of the presence of fire or smoke, flame and smoke spread
control, and automatic notification of emergency response units such
that a level of fire safety equivalent to two means of egress are
afforded ATCT occupants.
FAA contends that the alternate standard provides equivalent or
greater protection for the affected employees because of enhancements
such as, but not limited to:
An ATCT stairway smoke control system;
Fire resistant rated materials for stairway enclosures and
openings;
Self-closing or automatic fire doors;
ATCT fire alarm system wiring in accordance with NFPA 72
reliability standards;
Automatic smoke detection;
Automatic fire detection, alarm, and signaling systems
with automatic fire department and ATCT notification and ATCT cab
annunciator panels with battery backup;
Prohibition of storage of high hazard materials or use of
more then minimal amounts of high hazard materials for specific duties;
Occupancy above the level of exit discharge only be able-
bodied persons;
Prescribed quality and type of interior finish materials;
Specified levels of fire resistant rated opening
protective to base buildings.
Commenters are requested to comment on FAA's finding of equivalency
as well as on the appropriateness of the enhancements.
Comments are requested on the following:
(1) Is an alternate standard necessary, or are technologies such
that two means of egress are possible in ATCTs?
(2) Should an alternate standard be designed and formatted like
equivalent OSHA standards?
(3) Does this alternate standard provide equivalent protection for
affected employees as does the equivalent OSHA standard?
(4) What interim measures should be in effect while approval for
this alternate standard is being considered?
(5) Should Chapter 12 be revised in accordance with the new Life
Safety Codes (LSC)?
(6) Are there requirements set forth in Chapter 12 which are
inappropriate?
(7) Should there be requirements proposed in Chapter 12 which go
beyond the concept of allowing a single means of egress, e.g. width of
steps, slopes of ladders, etc.?
Public Participation
Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and
comments with respect to this alternate standard. These comments must
be postmarked on or before (insert date 30 days after publication in
the Federal Register), and submitted in quadruplicate to the Docket
Office, Docket No. F-01, Room N2625, U.S. Department of Labor, 200
Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210. Comments limited to 10
pages or less also may be transmitted by facsimile to (202) 219-5046,
provided the original and three copies are sent to the Docket Office
thereafter.
Written submissions must clearly identify the provisions of the
alternate standard which are being addressed and the position taken
with respect to each issue. The data, views, and comments that are
submitted will be available for public inspection and copying at the
above address.
Signed at Washington, DC this 12th day of August, 1994.
Joseph A. Dear,
Assistant Secretary of Labor.
Alternate Emergency Egress Standard for Airport Traffic Control
Towers--Final Version
August 30, 1993.
Alternate Emergency Egress Standard for Air Traffic Control Towers
(ATCT)
a. Scope and Application
1. General. Airport Traffic Control Towers (ATCTs) are unique
structures used for the control of aircraft, usually over or near an
airport facility. The distinctive mission of ATCTs requires ATCT
designs that permit 360 deg. visibility at the cab level and, in
many cases, sufficient space for radar equipment and administrative
activities related to ATCT operations.
2. This standard applies to all ATCTs.
3. Specific. This standard sets forth minimum fundamental
requirements essential to providing a safe means of egress from fire
and similar emergencies. Nothing in this standard shall be construed
to prohibit a better type of building construction, more exits, or
otherwise safer conditions than the minimum requirements specified
herein.
4. Equivalent Protection. The use of alternative arrangements or
construction, developed or approved by a licensed fire protection
engineer, may be permitted by the authority having jurisdiction when
it is shown that these features provide a level of safety to life
equivalent to that required in this standard or, where this standard
is silent on an issue, by other standards or codes.
b. Definitions
1. ``Aisle'' is a passageway between rows of desks, cabinets,
equipment, etc, generally within a room or work area which leads to
or connects with a corridor.
2. ``Approved'' refers to equipment listed or approved by a
nationally recognized testing laboratory.
3. ``ASTM'' represents the American Society for Testing and
Materials, who establishes flame spread characteristics for
materials used in building construction and furnishing.
4. ``ATCT'' represents an airport traffic control tower and is
an occupied structure containing equipment and supplies necessary
for aircraft control and related activities.
5. ``Authority Having Jurisdiction'' is the Department of Labor,
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) is responsible for implementing the
requirements of this standard for FAA-owned or occupied ATCTs.
6. ``Base Building'' is a single or multiple level structure
attached to an ATCT and which may house administrative, air traffic
control, or facility management functions.
7. ``Corridor'' is an enclosed passageway which limits the means
of egress to a single path of travel.
8. ``Decorations'' are curtains, hangings, draperies, mirrors,
or other embellishments suspended from walls or ceilings.
9. ``Draftstopping'' is any building material installed to
prevent the movement of air, smoke, gases, and flame to other areas
of the building through large concealed passages such as attic
spaces and floor assemblies with suspended ceilings or open-web
trusses.
10. ``Emergency action plan'' is a plan for a workplace, or
parts thereof, describing what procedures the employer and employees
must take to ensure employee safety from fire or other emergencies.
11. ``Emergency escape route'' is the route that employees are
directed to follow in the event they are required to evacuate the
workplace or seek a designated refuge area.
12. ``Exit'' is that portion of a means of egress which is
separated from all other spaces of the building or structure by
construction or equipment as required in this standard to provide a
protected way of travel to the exit discharge.
13. ``Exit access'' is that portions of a means of egress which
leads to an exit.
14. ``Exit discharge'; is that portion of a means of egress
between the termination of an exit and a public way.
15. ``Fire Partition'' is a vertical assembly of material having
protected openings and designed to restrict the spread of fire.
16. ``Fire Resistive or Resistant'' refers to the ability of
materials or assemblies of construction to withstand exposure under
standard fire test conditions for a prescribed temperature and
period of time without structural failure.
17. ``Fire Separation Assembly'' is a continuous barrier, either
horizontally or vertically oriented, with a fire resistance rating
and protected openings, designed to restrict the spread of fire.
18. ``Fire Separation Distance'' is the distance in feed
measured from the building face to the closest interior lot line, to
the center line of a street or public way or to an imaginary line
between two buildings on the same property.
19. ``Firestopping'' is approved noncombustible building
material installed to prevent the movement of flame and gases to
other areas of a building through small concealed passages in
building components such as floors, walls, and stairs.
20. ``Furnishings'' are chairs, tables, plants, or other movable
objects.
21. ``Hazardous Areas'' are areas of an ATCT possessing a degree
of hazard greater than that normal to the facility, such as areas
used for the storage of combustibles or flammable materials, or
areas containing furnaces or boilers.
22. ``High hazard contents'' are contents classified as those
which are liable to burn with extreme rapidity or from which
poisonous fumes or explosions are to be feared in the event of fire
(such as flammable or combustible liquids).
23. ``Interior Finish'' is the exposed interior surfaces of a
building including, but not limited, to, walls and ceilings.
24. ``Link'' is a connecting passageway between at ATCT and a
base building. Links are usually one story in height with direct
access to the exterior.
25. ``Listed'' refers to equipment or material included in a
list published by an organization acceptable to the ``authority
having jurisdiction'' and concerned with product evaluation, that
maintains periodic inspection of listed equipment or material and
whose listing states either that the equipment or material meets
appropriate standards or has been tested and found suitable for use
in a specified manner.
26. ``Means of Egress'' is a continuous and unobstructed way of
exit travel from any point in a building or structure to a public
way and consists of three separate and distinct parts: the way of
exit access, the exit, and the way of exit discharge. A means of
egress comprises the vertical and horizontal ways of travel and
shall include intervening room spaces, doorways, hallways,
corridors, passageways, balconies, ramps, stairs, enclosures,
lobbies, horizontal exit, courts, and yards.
27. ``Noncombustible Construction'' is construction in which the
materials have been tested in accordance with ASTM E136 and conform
to the criteria contained in Section 7 of that test method (e.g.,
gypsum wallboard).
28. ``NRTL'' is a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory.
29. ``Opening Protectives'' are the parts of an opening in a
fire barrier that ensure the integrity of the protected barrier.
Opening protective fire protection ratings for different fire
barrier ratings are established in NFPA 101--Life Safety Code.
30. ``Protected Construction'' is construction in which the
structural members are protected from fire so that they can
withstand exposure to fire for specified periods of time.
31. ``Public way'' is any street, alley, or other parcel of land
open to the outside air leading to a public street, which has been
deeded, dedicated, or otherwise permanently appropriated to the
public for public use and which as a clear width and height of not
less than 10 feet.
32. ``Shaft'' is an enclosed space extending through one or more
stories of a building, connecting vertical openings in successive
floors, or floors and the roof.
33. ``Smokeproof enclosure'' is an enclosed interior stairway
designed to limit the infiltration of heat, smoke, and fire gases
from a fire in any part of the building by either natural or
mechanical means.
34. ``Story'' is that portion of a building included between the
upper surface of a floor and the upper surface of the floor or roof
next above.
35. ``Structural elements'' are the beams, columns, and other or
similar supporting members of an ATCT.
36. ``Type of Construction Classifications'' are classifications
which designate the fire resistance rating requirements of
protection provided for certain types of construction, as follows:
First number represents: Exterior bearing walls.
Second number represents: Structural frame or columns and
girders, supporting loads for more than one floor.
Third number represents: Floor construction.
37. ``Type I Construction'' is that type in which the structural
members, including walls, columns, beams, floors, and roofs, are of
approved noncombustible or limited-combustible materials and have
fire resistance ratings not less than 443 or 332 (see NFPA 220,
Table 3).
38. ``Type II Construction'' is that type not qualifying as Type
I construction in which the structural members, including walls,
columns, beams, floors, and roofs, are of approved noncombustible or
limited-combustible materials and have fire resistance ratings not
less than 222, 111, or 000 (see NFPA 220, Table 3).
39. ``Type III Construction'' is that type in which exterior
walls and structural members that are portions of exterior walls are
of approved noncombustible or limited-combustible materials, and
interior structural members, including walls, columns, beams,
floors, and roofs, are wholly or partly of wood of smaller
dimensions than required for Type IV construction or of approved
noncombustible, limited-combustible, or other approved combustible
materials. In addition, structural members have fire resistance
ratings not less than 221 or 200 (see NFPA 220, Table 3).
40. ``Type IV Construction'' is that type in which exterior and
interior walls and structural members that are portions of such
walls are of approved noncombustible or limited-combustible
materials. Other interior structural members, including columns,
beams, arches, floors, and roofs, are of solid or laminated wood
without concealed spaces and comply with the provisions of NFPA 220
section 3-4.2 through 3-4.6. In addition, structural members have
fire resistance ratings not less than 2HH (see NFPA 220, Table 3 and
section 3-4 for additional information on Type IV construction).
Interior columns, arches, beams, girders, and trusses of approved
materials other than wood are permitted by NFPA 220 section 3-4.1
provided they are protected to provide a fire resistance rating of
not less than 1 hour. Certain concealed spaces are permitted by NFPA
220 section 3-4.4.
41. ``Vertical opening'' is an opening through a floor or roof.
c. General Provisions
1. Existing ATCTs occupied at the time of adoption of this
standard may remain in use provided:
(a) The occupancy classification remains the same.
(b) No serious life safety hazard exists that would constitute
an imminent threat.
2. Federally-owned or operated ATCTs shall be provided with
protection of occupants and means of egress which meets the
requirements of this chapter or shall have a plan established for
bringing the structure into compliance with this chapter.
3. Compliance with this standard shall not be construed as
eliminating or reducing the necessity for other provisions for
safety of persons using a structure under normal occupancy
conditions.
d. Protection of Employees During Construction and Repair
Operations
1. No new ATCT under construction shall be occupied in whole or
in part until all means of egress and fire protection features for
that area of the structures are completed and ready for use.
2. No existing ATCT shall be occupied during repairs or
alterations unless all existing means of egress and any existing
fire protection features are continuously maintained, or in lieu
thereof, other measures are taken which provide equivalent safety
(e.g., contractor-provided fire watches).
3. No flammable or explosive substances or equipment used for
repairs or alterations shall be introduced or stored in an ATCT
while the ATCT is in operation, unless safeguards are provided to
prevent any additional danger (e.g., contractor-provided fire
watches, use of only those amounts of flammable substances in the
ATCT necessary for the immediate task at hand).
e. Protection for Persons With Disabilities
1. Persons who are unable to use the stairway for emergency
egress and who are permitted access to the ATCT shall be restricted
to the level of exit discharge only.
2. Provisions must be made for employees who are temporarily
unable to use the ATCT stairway.
3. Such provisions may include:
(a) requiring duties to be performed at the level of exit
discharge only; or,
(b) ensuring that pre-planned procedures have been established
to facilitate the egress of persons with disabilities during
emergencies.
f. Structural and Architectural Design Requirements
1. General. The structural elements of new ATCT facilities shall
be noncombustible.
(a) The new ATCTs shall be of Type I, II, III, or IV
construction as defined by NFPA 220, as follows:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Height in feet,
measured from
Type of construction grade to cab
floor
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I (443 or 332)........................................ Unlimited.
II (222).............................................. 240
II (111).............................................. 100
II (000).............................................. 85
III (211)............................................. 65
IV (2HH).............................................. 65
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exception: Existing ATCTs may be constructed of protected
combustible materials provided they meet the other criteria
established in this standard (e.g., fire resistance rated
protectives, fire detection and alarm systems and the provisions of
section c.1).
(b) The minimum fire resistance ratings of structural elements
shall be as follows:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type of construction
Structural elements -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I (443) I (332) II (222) II (III) II (000) III (211) IV (2HH)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exterior Walls...................... Loadbearing................... 4 3 2 1 0 2 2
Nonloadbearing................ 0 0 0 0 0 \1\0 \1\0
Fire Separation Assemblies.......... Exits......................... 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Shafts (other than exits)..... 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Hazardous Area Separations....
(6)< =Not less than the fire
resistance rating required by f.12=
>
Fire Partitions..................... Exit Access Corridors.........
(6)< =Not less than the fire
resistance rating required by f.4=
>
Tenant Space Separations...... 1 1 1 1 0 1 1
Other Nonloadbearing Partitions..... \1\0 \1\0 \1\0 \1\0 \1\0 \1\0 0
Interior loadbearing walls, Supporting more than 1 floor.. 4 3 2 1 0 \1\0 See Note a.
loadbearing partitions, columns,
girders, trusses (other than roof
trusses), and framing.
Supporting 1 floor/roof only.. 3 2 1\1/2\ 1 0 \1\1
Structural members supporting wall.. 3 2 1\1/2\ 1 0 \1\1 \1\1
(6)< =Not less than the fire
resistance rating of wall
supported= >
Floor construction incl beams....... 3 2 1\1/2\ 1 0 \1\1 See Note a.\1\
Roof construction, including beams, 15 feet or less in height to 2 1\1/2\ 1 1 0 \1\1 See Note a.\1\
trusses and framing, arches and lowest member.
roof deck.
More than 15 feet, but less 1 1 1 0 0 \1\0 See Note a.\1\
than 20 feet to lowest member.
20 feet or more to lowest 0 0 0 0 0 \1\0 See Note a.\1\
member.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\May be combustible construction.
Note a: See NFPA 220 for details.
(c) Combustible Materials. Where an ATCT or part of an ATCT is
required to be constructed of noncombustible construction, the use
of combustible elements shall be permitted subject to the
limitations of this section without altering the construction
classification.
(1) Roofs, Floors, and Walls. Combustible elements in roofs,
floors, and walls are permitted to be used for the following
components:
A. Interior finish and trim materials as prescribed in section
g.1.
B. Fire retardant treated wood.
C. Mastic and caulking materials applied to provide flexible
seals between components of exterior wall construction.
D. Roof covering materials as prescribed in section f.1.(b).
2. Exterior Walls.
(a) Exterior walls of ATCTs shall be noncombustible.
Exception: Exterior nonloadbearing walls of existing ATCTs may
be constructed of combustible materials if the structural elements
of the ATCT are protected.
(b) Exterior walls of ATCTs shall be protected from weather
damage.
3. Exterior Opening Protectives.
(a) Approved protected construction shall be provided for every
opening that is less than 15 feet vertically above the roof of an
adjoining building and within a horizontal fire separation distance
of 15 feet of an adjacent building, unless the building's roof
construction affords a fire resistance rating of not less than one
hour.
4. Fire Separation Assemblies.
(a) Fire separation assemblies installed to enclose exits, floor
openings, vertical shafts, and for separation of hazardous areas
shall be constructed of approved materials consistent with the
limitations for the type of construction and shall have not less
than the fire resistance rating prescribed by section f.1.(b).
(b) Openings in exit enclosures other than unexposed exterior
openings shall be limited to those necessary for exit access to the
enclosure from normally occupied spaces and for egress from the
enclosure. All opening protectives in fire separation assemblies
shall have the minimum fire resistance rating as prescribed in
section f.9.
(c) All vertical fire separation assemblies shall extend from
the top of the fire resistance rated floor assembly below to the
underside of the slab or deck above and shall be securely attached
thereto. These walls shall be continuous through all concealed
spaces such as the space above a suspended ceiling. The supporting
construction shall be protected to afford the required fire
resistance rating of the fire separation assembly supported. All
hollow vertical spaces shall be firestopped at every floor level as
required in section f.11.
Exception: Interstitial (crawl space) subjunction (immediately
below the cab) levels do not require fire separation assemblies
provided the ATCT meets the other criteria established in this
standard (e.g., fire resistance rated protectives, fire detection
and alarm systems).
(d) Where exterior walls serve as a part of a required fire
resistance rated enclosure, such walls shall comply with the
requirements of section f.2 of exterior walls and the fire
resistance rated enclosure requirements shall not apply.
5. Vertical Shafts.
(a) Vertical shafts include stairways; HVAC, mechanical,
electrical, and plumbing chases; elevators; and dumbwaiters.
(b) Vertical shafts and their enclosures shall be constructed of
materials permitted by f.1 for the type of construction of the ATCT.
Vertical shaft walls which are exterior walls shall be constructed
of materials approved for exterior walls.
(c) All vertical shafts in ATCTs shall be enclosed with fire
separation assemblies having at least a 2-hour fire resistive
rating.
Exception: Vertical shafts connecting fewer than four (4)
stories may be enclosed by 1-hour rated construction.
(d) A vertical shaft that does not extend to the underside of
the roof deck shall be enclosed at the top with a fire separation
assembly having a fire resistance rating of not less than that
required for the shaft enclosure walls.
(e) Shafts which do not extend to the bottom of the ATCT shall
be enclosed at the lowest ATCT level with a fire separation assembly
(e.g., fire resistant construction) having a fire resistance rating
of not less than that required for the shaft enclosure walls, or the
shaft shall terminate in a room having an occupancy related to the
purpose of the shaft. The room shall be separated from the remainder
of the ATCT by fire separation assemblies having a fire resistance
rating with openings protected as prescribed in section f.9.
(f) Every shaft opening shall be protected by a normally closed,
self-closing, or automatic closing door, cover, hatch, removable
section, damper, or other device arranged to meet the requirements
of f.9 or f.10.
6. Elevators and Dumbwaiters. Elevators and dumbwaiters shall
conform to the requirements of the Safety Code for Elevators and
Escalators (ASME A17.1 for new elevators and dumbwaiters and ASME/
ANSI A17.3 for existing elevator and dumbwaiters) American Society
of Mechanical Engineers and the American National Standards
Institute, New York, New York.
Exception: For existing elevators, Phase II emergency in-car
operation shall not be required.
7. Fire Partitions.
(a) Fire partitions for new ATCTs shall be noncombustible and
have the minimum fire resistance rating prescribed by section
f.1.(b) for the type of construction.
Exception: Existing partitions may be of combustible
construction provided the ATCT meets the other criteria established
in this standard (e.g., fire resistance rated protectives, fire
detection and alarm systems).
(b) All fire partitions must extend from the floor slab to the
bottom of the slab above or shall connect with ceiling construction
having a fire resistance rating of not less than that required for
the fire partition walls.
(c) All opening protectives (e.g., doors, windows) in fire
partitions shall have the minimum fire resistance rating as set
forth in section f.9.
(d) Penetrations through assemblies shall comply with section
f.11.(b).
8. Floor/Ceiling and Roof/Ceiling Assemblies.
(a) All floor openings connecting two or more stories shall be
protected by a vertical shaft enclosure that complies with section
f.5.
(b) All penetrations of a floor/ceiling assembly shall be
protected by a shaft enclosure that complies with section f.5.
Exception: A shaft enclosure shall not be required where cables,
cable trays, conduits, tubes, or pipes penetrate a floor assembly
and are protected with an approved through-penetration protection
system tested in accordance with ASTM E814. The system shall have an
``F'' rating and a ``T'' rating of not less than 1 hour, but not
less than the required fire resistance rating of the assembly being
penetrated.
Exception: Hatch openings at the top of the shaft are permitted
when a 1.5 hour fire rated assembly is provided at the hatch opening
or when a protected enclosure around the shaft opening is a 1.5 hour
fire rated assembly.
(c) All roof/ceiling assembly penetrations shall be protected in
accordance with section f.1.(b).
9. Fire Door Assemblies.
(a) Fire door assemblies shall provide a fire resistance rating
in accordance with the following table:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Required Minimum
assembly opening
Type of assembly rating protection
(hours)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fire separation assemblies having a fire
resistance rating greater than one hour.......... 4 3
3 3
2 1\1/2\
1\1/2\ 1\1/2\
Fire separation assemblies:
Shaft and exit enclosure walls.................. 1 1
Other fire separation assemblies................ 1 \3/4\
Fire partitions:
Exit access corridor enclosure wall............. 1 \1/3\
\1/2\ \1/3\
Other fire partitions........................... 1 \3/4\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(b) Operation. Fire doors shall be self-closing and latching.
Stairwell doors may be held open by approved devices that will meet
all of the following requirements:
(1) The device shall release the door and the door shall
automatically close and latch if the ATCT fire alarm is operated.
(2) The fire door shall be provided with appropriate hardware so
that it can be instantly reopened manually by some simple and
readily obvious operation (e.g., panic hardware, door knob).
10. Fire Dampers. Fire dampers shall be installed in accordance
with the applicable provisions of NFPA 90A, Standard for the
Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems.
11. Firestopping and Draftstopping.
(a) Firestops or draftstops shall be provided as specified
herein in all walls, partitions, and other concealed spaces or
openings, horizontal and vertical, to prevent the free passage of
flame and the products of combustion and shall be sufficient to
maintain the fire resistance rating of the wall, partition, or floor
pierced.
(b) Wall and floor openings penetrated by materials (e.g.,
telephone and communication cables) where the materials are required
to be frequently changed, added, etc., may be firestopped using
mineral wool, firestop pillows, or other fire resistive material.
(c) Firestops shall be provided in any concealed space where
there is the potential for fire, heat, or smoke passage, other than
a properly enclosed service shaft, pass, or chase.
(d) Firestopping shall consist of approved noncombustible
materials securely fastened in place. In open spaces of wood
framing, firestops may be of approved noncombustible materials or of
two-inch lumber installed with tight joints or the equivalent.
(e) The integrity of all firestopping and draftstopping
materials shall be continuously maintained.
(f) Firestopping shall be installed in the locations specified
in section f.11.(a), including:
(1) concealed wall spaces;
(2) connections between horizontal and vertical spaces;
(3) concealed spaces between stairway stringers at the top and
bottom of the run; and
(4) ceilings and floor openings.
(g) Draftstopping shall be installed in ATCTs of Types III and
IV construction in locations specified below:
(1) Floors. Where ceilings are suspended below solid wood joists
or suspended or attached directly to the bottom of open-web wood
floor trusses, the space between the ceiling and the floor above
shall be divided by draftstopping installed so that horizontal areas
do not exceed 1,000 square feet.
(2) Draftstopping materials shall not be less than half-inch
gypsum board, \3/8\-inch plywood or other approved materials
adequately supported.
(3) Concealed roof spaces shall be provided with draftstopping
such that no horizontal area exceeds 3,000 square feet.
Exception: Draftstopping is not required in a concealed space
when ATCTs are equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler
system, provided that automatic sprinklers are also installed in
combustible concealed spaces.
12. Hazardous Areas. Rooms or Areas designated as hazardous
areas shall be separated from the remainder of the ATCT by fire
separation assemblies as follows:
(a) Boiler and furnace rooms. Boiler and furnace rooms shall be
separated by 1-hour fire resistance rated construction or provided
with an automatic fire suppression system.
(b) Storage rooms.
(1) Storage rooms greater than 50 square feet in area shall be
separated by 1-hour fire resistance rated construction.
(2) Storage rooms greater than 100 square feet in area shall be
separated by 2-hour fire resistance rated construction.
(c) Engine generator rooms shall be separated from the remainder
of the ATCT by 2-hour fire resistance rated construction.
(d) Other Electrical Equipment Rooms. Other electrical equipment
rooms shall be separated by 1 hour fire resistance rated
construction or provided with an automatic fire suppression system.
13. Connections to Base Buildings.
(a) The base building shall be separated from the ATCT by a fire
separation assembly with a minimum fire resistance rating equivalent
to the rating required of the stair shaft.
(b) The exit stairway of an ATCT which is directly connected to
a base building, or is connected to a base building by a link, shall
be a smokeproof enclosure or pressurized in accordance with this
standard.
(c) ATCTs surrounded by a base building shall have the
following:
A. At least one smokeproof or pressurized stairway.
B. ATCT stairways that discharge into a base building at the
level of exit discharge with these considerations:
(a) Means of Egress on the level of exit discharge shall be free
and unobstructed to the exterior of the building.
(b) Entire level of exist discharge is provided with automatic
sprinkler protection, and any nonsprinklered areas are separated by
fire rated construction equivalent to the rating required for the
stair shaft.
(c) Smoke detectors shall be provided in all hazardous areas of
the base building not separated by fire rated construction
equivalent to the rating required for the stairway.
(d) Smoke detectors shall be provided on the base building side
of openings between the ATCT and the base building.
C. Where the ATCT exist stairway does not discharge onto the
level of exit discharge of the base building (as in an ATCT on top
of a terminal) safe and continuous passageways, aisles, or corridors
leading directly to base building exits shall be maintained and so
arranged as to provide convenient access for each occupant to at
least two exists by separate ways of travel, except as a single exit
or limited dead ends are permitted by other provisions of this
standard.
g. Interior Finishes
1. Interior Finish and Trim.
(a) All materials used for interior finish and trim shall be
classified in accordance with ASTM E84. The classifications of
interior finishes referred to in this section correspond to flame
spread ratings on the flame spread test scale determined by ASTM E84
as follows: Class A flame spread, 0-25; Class B flame spread, 26-75;
Class C flame spread, 76-200.
(1) Foam plastics shall not be installed as interior trim or
finish.
(2) Interior wall and ceiling finish materials that have a
smoke-developed rating greater than 450 when tested in accordance
with ASTM E84 shall not be permitted.
(b) All materials used inside an exit stairway shall have fire
hazard ratings of not more than 25 for flame spread and not more
than 50 for smoke development.
(c) Other than in sprinklered ATCTs, all materials used for
interior finish shall have fire hazard ratings of not more than 25
for flame spread and not more than 450 for smoke development and
fuel contribution (Class A).
Exception: Carpeting may be used as wall covering in non-
sprinklered areas provided the carpet type meets the requirements of
the 8 x 12 x 8 ft room/corner fire test procedure described in NFPA
101, Section A-6-5.2.3 (1991 edition).
(d) In sprinklered ATCTs, all materials used for interior finish
in enclosed rooms and spaces and in means of egress shall have fire
hazard ratings of not more than 75 for flame spread and not more
than 450 for smoke development.
Exception: Carpeting with a Class A flame spread classification
may be used as wall covering provided it is used only in rooms
protected by an approved automatic fire suppression system.
(e) Baseboards, chair rails, moldings, trim around openings and
other interior trim, not in excess of 10 percent of the aggregate
wall and ceiling areas of any room or space, shall be of Class A, B,
or C materials.
(f) Paint, veneer, and other thin final finishing materials not
over 0.035-inch thick and applied directly to a noncombustible base
are permitted and may be used provided that such materials do not
significantly increase the fire hazard ratings of the base material
involved.
(g) Fire retardant paints. Fire retardant paints or solutions
shall be re-applied as necessary to maintain the required flame
retardant properties.
2. Interior Floor Finish.
(a) Finished floors or floor covering materials of a traditional
type, such as wood, vinyl, linoleum, terrazzo, and other resilient
floor covering materials, are exempt from the requirements of this
section. Floor coverings judged by the authority having jurisdiction
to represent an unusual hazard, such as carpet, shall meet the
requirements of this section.
(b) Interior floor finish in means of egress shall be of not
less than Class B materials in accordance with ASTM E648. Class B
corresponds to a critical radiant flux of 0.22 watts/cm\2\ as
defined in ASTM E648. In all other areas the interior floor finish
shall comply with the Department of Commerce FF-1 ``pill test''
(CPSC 16 CFR 1630).
(c) The requirement for rooms or enclosed spaces is based on the
condition that the areas have partitions which extend from the floor
to the ceiling. Where partitions do not satisfy this criterion, the
room or space is considered part of the corridor.
3. Furnishings and Decorations.
(a) No furnishings, decorations, or other objects shall be so
placed as to obstruct exits, access thereto, egress therefrom, or
visibility thereof.
(b) No furnishings or decorations of an explosive or highly
flammable character shall be used in any occupancy.
h. ATCT Console Construction
Consoles in the ATCT which are not constructed entirely of
noncombustible materials shall comply with National Electrical
Manufacturers Association Standard LD3, which incorporates a
``Radiant Heat Resistance'' test which measures the ability of the
surface of high pressure decorative laminate to resist spot damage
when subjected to a radiant heat source.
i. Electrical Requirements
All electrical wiring and equipment shall comply with the
National Electrical Code, NFPA 70, 1993, National Fire Protection
Association, Quincy, Massachusetts.
j. Means of Egress
1. General. Every ATCT shall be provided with exits of kinds,
number, location, protective features, and capacity appropriate to
the individual building or structure, with due regard to the unique
character of ATCTs, the number of persons exposed, the fire
protection available, and the height and type of construction of the
building or structure, to afford all occupants convenient facilities
for escape.
2. Occupancy and Use Requirements.
(a) ATCT structures are occupied by personnel and contain
equipment and supplies necessary for aircraft control operations.
ATCTs are designed to provide 360 deg. visibility from the cab
level.
(b) ATCTs may not be used for living or sleeping purposes.
(c) ATCTs may be occupied above the level of exit discharge by
only able-bodied persons.
(d) No combustible materials shall be located in, under, or
within the immediate vicinity of the ATCT except necessary furniture
and equipment.
(e) High hazard contents shall not be permitted in the ATCT or
the immediate vicinity thereof.
(f) ATCT exits shall be so arranged and maintained as to provide
free and unobstructed egress from all parts of the building or
structure at all times when it is occupied. No locks or fastening
which prevents unimpeded escape from the inside of any building
shall be installed.
3. General Limitations
(a) Permissible Means of Egress components. Means of egress
shall consist only of the approved components as described in this
section. Means of egress shall be constructed as components of the
building or shall be permanently affixed thereto.
(b) Headroom. Means of egress shall be so designed and
maintained as to provide adequate headroom, but in no case shall the
ceiling height be less than 7 feet 6 inches nor any projection from
the ceiling be less than 6 feet 8 inches from the floor.
Exception: In existing ATCTs where the headroom is less than
that required in this section, signs reading ``Low Clearance'' shall
be placed on both sides of the obstruction.
(c) Changes in elevation. Where changes in elevation exceed 21
inches in a means of egress, the difference in elevation shall be
negotiated by stairs or ramps.
(d) Means of egress walking surfaces shall provide sufficient
friction to prevent slipping under normal conditions.
4. Types and Location of Means of Egress
(a) Access to means of egress.
(1) Means of egress shall be so located and exit access shall be
so arranged that exits are readily discernible and unobstructed at
all times.
(2) In no case shall access to an exit be through a bathroom, or
other room subject to locking, except where the exit is required to
serve only the room subject to locking.
(3) Exit access shall be so arranged that it will not be
necessary to travel toward any area of hazardous occupancy in order
to reach the nearest exit, unless the path of travel is effectively
shielded from the high hazard location by suitable partitions or
other physical barriers.
(b) Discharge from exits.
(1) All exit discharges shall empty directly to the street, or
to a yard, court, or other open space that gives safe access to a
public way. The streets to which the exits discharge shall be of
width adequate to accommodate all persons leaving the building.
Yards, courts, or other open spaces to which exits discharge shall
also be of adequate width and size to provide all persons leaving
the building with ready access to the street.
(2) The exit discharge shall be so arranged as to make clear the
direction of egress to the public way.
(c) Exterior ways of exit access.
(1) Access to an exit may be by means of any exterior balcony,
porch, gallery, or roof that conforms to the requirements of this
standard.
(2) Exterior ways of exit access shall have smooth, solid
floors, substantially level, and shall have guards on the unenclosed
sides.
(3) Where accumulation of snow or ice is likely because of the
climate, the exterior way of exit access shall be maintained so that
these accumulations of snow and ice will be regularly removed.
(4) A permanent, direct path of travel shall be maintained over
the required exterior way of exit access. There shall be no
obstruction by railings, barriers, or gates that divide the open
space into sections.
(5) An exterior way of exit access, such as a courtyard,
balcony, bridge, or porch shall be so arranged that there are no
dead ends in excess of 20 feet.
(6) Any gallery, balcony, bridge, porch, or other exterior exit
access that projects beyond the outside wall of the building shall
comply with the requirements of this section (j.4.(c)) as to width
and arrangement.
5. Occupant Load
(a) ATCTs may have an occupant load of 20 persons per floor and
not more than 80 persons total provided that the type of ATCT
construction is Type I, II, III, or IV.
(b) The occupant load shall be the maximum number of persons
that may be in the space at any time.
(c) Where exits serve more than one floor, only the occupant
load of each floor considered individually need be used in computing
the capacity of the exits at the floor, provided that exit capacity
shall not be decreased in the direction of exit travel.
6. Width and Capacity of Means of Egress
(a) The capacity of the means of egress for any floor, balcony,
tier, or other occupied space shall be sufficient for the occupant
load thereof.
(b) The minimum exit width shall not be less than 28 inches for
existing ATCTs and not less than 36 inches for new ATCTs.
(c) Exit width shall be measured in the clear at the narrowest
point of the means of egress.
(d) A door during its swing shall not reduce the width of the
means of egress to one-half of the required exit width.
(e) When fully open, a door shall not project more than 7 inches
into the required width of an aisle, corridor, passageway, or
landing.
(f) Where a single way of exit access leads to an exit, its
capacity in terms of width shall be at least equal to the required
capacity of the exit to which it leads. Where more than one way of
exit access leads to an exit, each shall have a width adequate for
the number of persons it must accommodate.
(g) Means of egress shall be measured in inches per person. The
ATCT egress capacity shall be 0.3 inch per person for stairways and
0.2 inch per person for level components.
(1) Level Egress Components. (including Class A Ramps). If an
entry doorway has 28 inches clear width, a discharge doorway has 28
inches clear width, and a stairway is 30 inches wide, the egress
capacity would be 100 persons, or the smallest of the three
capacities.
Example:
28 in./0.2 = 140 persons for the entry doorway
28 in./0.2 = 140 persons for the discharge doorway
30 in./0.3 = 100 persons for the stairway
(2) Inclined Egress Components (including Class B Ramps). For
Class B ramps used for ascent, the width per person shall be
increased by 10 percent beyond what is required for Class A ramps.
Widths for Class B ramps used for descent shall be calculated the
same as for Class A ramps.
(h) A ramp shall be designated as Class A or Class B based on
the following table:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A Class B
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minimum width.......... 44 inches.............. 30 inches.
Maximum slope.......... 1 in 10................ 1 in 8.
Maximum height between 12 feet................ 12 feet.
landings.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. Number of Exits
(a) A single means of egress from an ATCT is permitted where:
(1) the exit is protected by a smokeproof enclosure as set forth
in section j.13, or a pressurized enclosure as set forth in section
j.13.(d).
(2) An automatic fire detection and alarm system is provided.
(3) ATCTs are not used for living or sleeping purposes.
(4) ATCTs are occupied by only able-bodied persons.
(5) No combustible materials are located in, under, or in the
immediate vicinity of the ATCT except necessary furniture and
equipment.
(6) The tower is subject to occupancy by no more than 20 persons
per floor and not more than 80 persons total.
(7) Other requirements and exceptions specified in this standard
for existing ATCTs are satisfied.
(b) Base buildings shall have as a minimum two exits remote from
each other so arranged as to minimize the possibility that both may
be blocked by any one fire or other emergency condition.
Exception: A single means of egress is permissible for those
base buildings consisting of a single story, above ground and having
less than 350 square feet gross floor area, and where all other
requirements of this standard are met.
(c) Neither elevators nor ladders are acceptable as an approved
exit component or a means of egress from an ATCT facility.
Exception: Ladders may be used for access to or egress from
normally unoccupied roof areas.
8. Exit Access Passageways and Corridors
(a) Every corridor shall be not less than 44 inches in width.
Exception: Exit access passageways and corridors in existing
ATCTs shall be no less than 28 inches provided they meet the other
criteria established in this standard (e.g., fire resistance rated
protectives, fire detection and alarm systems).
(b) Aisles shall not be less than 28 inches in width.
9. Means of Egress Doorways
(a) Every door which is required to serve as an exit shall be so
designed and constructed that the way of exit travel is obvious and
direct. Windows that, because of their physical configuration or
design and the materials used in their construction, could be
mistaken for doors shall be made inaccessible to the occupants by
barriers or railings.
(b) Any door in a means of egress shall be of the side-hinged,
or pivoted-swinging type. The door shall be so designed and
installed that it is capable of swinging from any position to the
full use of the opening in which it is installed. Doors shall swing
in the direction of exit travel where serving a room or area with an
occupant load of 50 or more, where used in an exit enclosure, and
where serving a high hazard area.
Exception: Horizontal sliding doors may be used in means of
egress provided they comply with the criteria established in NFPA
101--Life Safety Code Section 5-2.1.14.
Exception: Revolving doors may be used in means of egress
provided they comply with NFPA 101--Life Safety Code Section 5-
2.1.10.
(c) Every required exit doorway shall be of a size to permit the
installation of a door not less than 36 inches in width.
(d) Exit doors shall be capable of opening at least 90 degrees
and shall be mounted so as to provide a clear width of exit not less
than 28 inches.
(e) A means of egress door shall be so arranged as to be readily
opened from the side from which egress is to be effected at all
times when the building is occupied. No lock or fastening to prevent
free escape from the inside of an ATCT facility shall be installed.
(f) Doors shall latch upon closing except that a latch or other
fastening device on a door shall be provided with a knob, handle,
panic bar, or other simple type of releasing device.
(g) Doors required to be fire rated shall be marked by the
manufacturer with a label indicating the fire resistive rating of
the door and the approved testing laboratory. Door hardware shall be
labeled appropriately.
(h) Automatic or self-closing doors shall operate so that in the
event that the fire alarm is activated either manually or
automatically, the ``hold open device'' automatically releases and
the door automatically closes and latches.
(i) All doors shall be equipped with hardware which can be
instantly reopened manually by some simple type of releasing device.
10. Stairways
(a) ATCT stairways serving an occupant load of more than 50
shall be not less than 44 inches in width. Stairways serving an
occupant load of 50 or less may be 36 inches wide. Handrails may
project from each side of a stairway at a distance of 3\1/2\ inches
into the required width. A stringer may project inside the measured
width not more than 1\1/2\ inches.
Exception: The width of a stairway may be 28 inches in existing
ATCTs provided the ATCT meets the other criteria established in this
standard (e.g., fire resistance rated protectives, fire detection
and alarm systems).
(b) Circular stairways are prohibited except in ATCT cabs where
the circular stairway serves an occupant load of 10 or less and the
minimum width of run is not less than 5 inches and the rise is not
more than 9 inches.
Exception: The run of steps from the cab for existing ATCTs may
be less than 5 inches (when measured 12 inches from the center
column) provided the ATCT meets the other criteria established in
this standard (e.g., fire resistance rated protectives, fire
detection and alarm systems).
(c) The maximum riser height of every step in an existing ATCT
stairway shall not exceed 7\1/2\ inches and the minimum run (tread
depth) shall not be less than 10 inches. For stairways constructed
after the effective date of this standard, the stair rise shall not
be less than 4 inches and shall not exceed 7 inches and the minimum
run shall be 11 inches.
Exception No. 1: Stairways serving an occupant load of less than
10 and stairways to roofs may be constructed with an 8-inch maximum
rise and 9-inch minimum run.
Exception No. 2: Circular stairways as permitted by section
j.10.(b) are excluded from this requirement.
Exception No. 3: The rise of steps from the cab for existing
ATCTs may be greater than 7\1/2\ inches and the run in existing
ATCTs may be greater than 10 inches (when measured 12 inches from
the center column) provided the ATCT meets the other criteria
established in this standard (e.g., fire resistance rated
protectives, fire detection and alarm systems).
(d) The least dimension of a stair landing shall not be less
than the required width of the stairway (36 inches for new ATCTs and
28 inches for existing ATCTs), except that the landing dimension in
the direction of egress travel need not exceed 4 feet where the
travel from one stair flight to the next stair flight is a straight
run.
(e) There shall be not more than 12 feet vertically between
landings.
Exception: Distances between landings in existing ATCTs serving
an occupant load of 10 or less may be more than 12 feet provided the
ATCT meets the other criteria established in this standard (e.g.,
fire resistance rated protectives, fire detection and alarm
systems).
(f) Exit stairs that continue beyond the floor of discharge
shall be interrupted at the floor of discharge by partitions, doors,
or other effective means.
11. Guards
(a) Means of egress such as stairs or landings that are more
than 30 inches above the floor or the grade below shall be provided
with guards at least 42 inches high to prevent falls over the open
side.
Exception: Existing handrails meeting the requirements of
section j.12 below shall be permitted to serve as guards.
(b) Guards shall have a pattern such that a sphere 4 inches in
diameter cannot pass through the opening.
Exception: Guards in existing ATCTs may have an approved
intermediate rail.
12. Handrails
(a) Handrails shall continue for the full length of each flight
of stairs. At turns of stairs, inside handrails shall be continuous
between flights and landings.
Exception: On existing stairs, the handrails are not required to
be continuous between flights of stairs at landings provided the
ATCT meets the other criteria established in this standard (e.g.,
fire resistance rated protectives, fire detection and alarm
systems).
(b) Handrails on stairs shall not be less than 34 inches nor
more than 38 inches above the surface of the tread.
Exception No. 1: Handrails that form part of a guard shall be
permitted to have a maximum height of 42 inches above the surface of
the tread provided the ATCT meets the other criteria established in
this standard (e.g., fire resistance rated protectives, fire
detection and alarm systems).
Exception No. 2: Handrails in existing ATCTs shall not be less
than 30 inches above the surface of the tread.
Exception No. 3: Additional handrails, beyond those required in
this standard, are permitted at heights other than those stipulated
provided the ATCT meets the other criteria established in this
standard (e.g., fire resistance rated protectives, fire detection
and alarm systems).
(c) Handrails shall not project more than 3\1/2\ inches into the
required passageway, aisle, corridor, stair, or ramp width.
(d) The clear space between the handrail and the adjacent wall
or surface shall not be less than 1\1/2\ inches.
13. Smokeproof Enclosures
(a) A smokeproof enclosure shall consist of a continuous
stairway enclosed by walls of fire resistive construction. The top
of the enclosure shall be located within 50 feet travel distance
from the most remote point of the cab for existing ATCTs and 20 feet
travel distance from the most remote point of the cab for new ATCTs.
(b) The smokeproof enclosure shall be designed for natural or
mechanical ventilation in compliance with NFPA 101--Life Safety
Code.
(c) Every ATCT shall have at least one exit which shall be a
smokeproof enclosure. The enclosure construction meet the
requirements of section f.5.(c) of this standard.
Exception: A pressurized stairway system may be used where the
ATCT is protected by an automatic sprinkler system or is provided
with equivalent levels of protection established in this standard
(e.g., fire resistance rated protectives, fire detection and alarm
systems).
(d) Pressurized Stairway Requirements. Smokeproof enclosures by
stairway pressurization shall comply with the following:
(1) the ATCT meets the other criteria established in this
standard (e.g., fire resistance rated protectives, fire detection
and alarm systems); and
(2) the exist stairways are pressurized to a minimum of 0.15
inch of water column and a maximum of 0.35 inch of water column in
the shaft relative to the building measured with all stairway doors
closed under maximum anticipated stack pressures.
14. Exit Signs
(a) Exists shall be marked by a readily visible sign. Access to
exists shall be marked by readily visible signs in all cases where
the exit or pathway to an exit is not immediately visible to the
occupants.
(b) Any door, passage, or stairway which is neither an exit nor
a way of exit access, and which is so located or arranged as to be
likely to be mistaken for an exit, shall be identified by a sign
reading ``Not an Exit'' or similar designation, or shall be
identified by a sign indicating its actual character, such as ``To
Basement,'' ``Storeroom,'' ``Linen Closet,'' or the like.
(c) Every required sign designating an exit or way of exit
access shall be so located and of such size, color, and design as to
be readily visible. No decorations, furnishings, or equipment which
impair visibility of an exit sign shall be permitted, nor shall
there be any brightly illuminated sign (for other than exit
purposes), display, or object in or near the line of vision to the
required exit sign of such a character as to so detract attention
from the exit sign that it may not be noticed.
(d) Lettering of exit signs shall be at least 6 inches high with
the principal strokes of letters not less than three-fourths of an
inch wide.
(e) A sign reading ``Exit,'' or similar designation, with an
arrow indicating the directions, shall be placed in every location
where the direction(s) of travel to reach the nearest exit is not
immediately apparent.
(f) Every exit sign shall be suitably illuminated by a reliable
light source of not less than 5 foot-candles, either internally or
externally, on the illuminated surface.
Exception: Approved internally illuminated signs which evenly
illuminate letters shall have a minimum luminance of 0.06 foot
lambert.
15. Illumination of Means of Egress
(a) An emergency lighting system for means of egress shall be
provided for every ATCT facility.
(b) In the absence of an emergency lighting system consisting of
a prime mover-operated electric generator, electric battery-operated
emergency lights shall be used which comply fully with the National
Electrical Code, NFPA 70.
(c) Illumination of means of egress shall be continuous during
the time the ATCT is occupied.
(d) The floors throughout the means of egress shall have an
illumination of not less than 1 footcandle.
(e) Any required illumination shall be arranged so that failure
of any single lighting unit will not leave any area in total
darkness.
16. Emergency Power Requirements
(a) ATCTs more than 75 feet high shall have stand-by power in
accordance with NFPA 70--National Electrical Code and NFPA 110--
Emergency Standby Power Systems, Class I, Type 60 for the emergency
lighting, automatic fire alarm system, electrical fire pump, central
control station, mechanical equipment for smokeproof enclosures, and
at least one elevator serving all floors except the cab which is
transferable to any elevator.
(b) ATCTs less than 75 feet shall have emergency power for
emergency lighting, automatic fire alarm systems, and mechanical
equipment for smokeproof enclosures.
Exception: In existing ATCTs, emergency power to elevators is
not required provided the ATCT meets the other criteria established
in this standard (e.g., fire resistance rated protectives, fire
detection and alarm systems).
17. Fire Escape Ladders and Exterior Stairs
(a) Fire escape ladders and exterior stairs shall not constitute
any of the required means of egress in ATCTs.
(b) Although this standard contains provisions for fire escape
ladders and exterior stairs on ATCTs, it does not recommend their
use for several primary reasons:
(1) possible icing in cold conditions;
(2) fear of height by users;
(3) poor condition due to low maintenance;
(4) lack of protection from smoke and fire;
(5) lack of appropriate fall protection; and
(6) slow descent rate of users.
(c) Fire Escape Ladders.
(1) Fire escape ladders shall be permitted to be used only under
the following conditions:
A. the ladders comply with OSHA requirement 29 CFR 1910.27,
Fixed Ladders;
B. to provide access to unoccupied roof or maintenance areas;
and
C. To provide a second means of escape from ATCTs only if fire
conditions prevent the use of the primary means of egress or prevent
other less dangerous means of escape or rescue.
(d) Fire Escape Exterior Stairs.
(1) Fire escape stairs shall be permitted in existing ATCTs but
shall not constitute more than 50 percent of the required exit
capacity.
(2) Fire escape stairs shall provide a continuous, unobstructed,
safe path of travel to the exit discharge or a safe area of refuge.
(3) Fire escape stairs shall also comply with the other
provisions of 1991 edition of NFPA 101--Life Safety Code, Chapter 5-
2.8 for fire escape stairs.
Exception: Existing noncomplying fire escape stairs may be
continued to be used subject to the authority having jurisdiction.
18. Openings in exit enclosures shall be confined to those
necessary for access to the enclosure from normally occupied spaces
and for egress from the enclosure.
k. Fire Protection
1. General. Fire detection, alarm, and suppression equipment
including detectors, manual and automatic alarms, and portable
extinguishers shall be provided at ATCT facilities.
2. Automatic Fire Detection and Alarm Systems. In every ATCT,
automatic fire detection and alarm systems shall be provided to warn
occupants of the existence of fire.
(a) Fire detection and alarm systems. Fire detection and alarm
systems shall be maintained and tested in accordance with the
requirements of 29 CFR 1910.164(c) and NFPA 72.
(b) The fire alarm control panel which indicates the existence
and location of a fire shall be installed in a constantly attended
area in a location acceptable to the responding fire department,
typically at the ATCT front entrance.
(c) The system shall be fully supervised at all times in
accordance with the following styles of wiring per NFPA 72:
A. Initiating device circuits shall be Style D.
B. Indicating appliance circuits shall be Style Z.
C. If a multiplex system, signaling line circuits shall be Style
6 or 7.
Exception: Any style of wiring that complies with NFPA 72 shall
be permitted if the ATCT is fully sprinklered.
(d) The fire detection and alarm system shall automatically
notify the fire department providing service to the ATCT, or an
effective plan for notifying the fire department shall be
established.
(e) Alarms shall sound in all occupied spaces at a sound level
of 15 dBA above the ambient sound pressure level to assure
notification of all personnel in accordance with NFPA 72.
Exception: Alarm horns or bells are not required in ATCT cab or
TRACON. An annunciator complying with k.2. (g), below, shall be
provided.
(f) Manual fire alarm stations shall be provided in the path of
escape. The stations shall be plainly marked, and lighted for ease
of use in an emergency.
(g) When automatic sprinkler systems are employed, the systems
shall be supervised by the alarm system.
(h) An annunciator panel to indicate the location of an actuated
manual station, automatic detector, or waterflow switch shall be
provided in the ATCT cab and TRACON which incorporates a silencing
feature in accordance with NFPA 72 and Underwriters Laboratory.
Additionally, annunciators shall resound an alarm indication at the
annunciator after a period of 90 seconds if the system has not been
reset or cleared.
(i) All detection and alarm equipment shall be listed by a
Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL).
(j) Products of combustion (smoke) detectors shall be provided
in all areas throughout an ATCT. Spacing of detectors shall not
exceed the maximum distance indicated by tests performed by the
approving laboratory for the particular device used.
(k) A secondary power source shall be provided for every fire
detection and alarm system and shall operate automatically in the
event of failure of the primary power source. Secondary power may be
supplied by either an engine driven generator or by storage
batteries of sufficient capacity.
(l) Detectors need not be provided in spaces above suspended
ceilings where no combustibles are present.
(m) Detectors shall be installed below raised floors in
accordance with the applicable provisions of NFPA 72.
(n) Detectors shall be installed in air handling systems
downstream of air handlers with a capacity of greater than 2,000
cubic feet per minute. Upon activation of a detector, the associated
air handling unit will be shut down.
3. Standpipe Systems. Standpipe systems, where required by local
building code, shall conform to those local building codes.
4. Automatic Sprinkler, Halon 1301, Other Extinguishing Systems,
and Portable Fire Extinguishers.
(a) Sprinkler Systems.
(1) Where automatic sprinklers are installed in an ATCT,
sprinklers shall be provided in all areas or rooms.
(2) Sprinkler systems shall generally be of the wet type unless
subject to freezing conditions. Waterflow and valve tamper
supervision shall be annunciated with a listed alarm check valve or
other listed waterflow detecting alarm device with the necessary
attachments required to give an alarm. Installation shall comply
with NFPA 13.
(3) All automatic sprinkler systems shall be continuously
maintained in reliable operating condition at all times, and such
periodic inspections and tests shall be made as are necessary to
assure proper maintenance.
(b) Halon or Other Extinguishing Systems (see note in section
k.3.(c)(4)).
(1) Halon 1301 extinguishing systems or other alternative
extinguishing systems may be used in lieu of automatic sprinklers
for existing ATCT computer or electronic equipment areas. Such areas
include but are not limited to ATCT cabs, TRACON rooms,
communications equipment rooms, and radar equipment rooms. However,
a Halon 1301 or other alternative extinguishing system shall not be
considered to be equivalent to an automatic sprinkler system for
purposes of omitting the requirement for fire resistive construction
as required in this standard unless it has automatic standby
capacity.
(2) Halon 1301 or other alternative extinguishing systems shall
be designed as an automatic sensing and actuating type with
sufficient standby capacity.
(3) Halon 1301 systems shall be installed and maintained in
accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation and NFPA No. 12A,
1973, Halogenated Fire Extinguishing Agent Systems--Halon 1301,
National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, Massachusetts.
(4) Other alternative extinguishing systems shall be maintained
in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and the
appropriate NFPA standard.
(c) Portable Fire Extinguishers.
(1) General.
A. Portable extinguishers shall be maintained in a fully charged
and operable condition, and kept in their designated places at all
times when they are not being used.
B. Extinguishers shall be conspicuously mounted where they will
be readily accessible and immediately available in the event of
fire. They shall be mounted along normal paths of travel.
C. Extinguishers shall not be obstructed or obscured from view.
In large rooms and in certain locations where visual obstruction
cannot be completely avoided, signs shall be provided to
conspicuously indicate the location and intended use of
extinguishers.
D. All extinguishers shall be marked conspicuously as to their
intended use upon different classes of fire to ensure choice of the
proper extinguisher.
(2) Inspection and Maintenance.
A. Extinguishers shall be inspected monthly, or at more frequent
intervals when circumstances require, to ensure they are in their
designated places, to ensure they have not been actuated or tampered
with, and to detect any obvious physical damage, corrosion, or other
impairments. Any extinguisher showing defects shall be given a
complete maintenance check and repaired or replaced, as necessary.
B. At regular intervals, not more than 1 years apart, or when
specifically indicated by an inspection, extinguishers shall be
thoroughly examined and/or recharged or repaired to ensure
operability and safety; or replaced as needed.
C. Extinguishers removed from the premises to be recharged or
repaired shall be replaced by spare extinguishers during the period
they are gone.
D. Each extinguisher shall have a durable tag securely attached
to show the maintenance or recharge date and the initials or
signature of the person who performs this service.
E. If, at any time, an extinguisher shows evidence of corrosion
or damage, it shall be subjected to a hydrostatic pressure test, or
replaced.
(3) Selection and Location. A fire extinguisher of proper size
and type shall be available within 75 feet from any point in a room.
This requirement may increase the number of extinguishers over the
quantity required in the table on Minimum Quantity and Type of Fire
Extinguishers.
Minimum Quantity and Type of Fire Extinguisher (Note 1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Water, antifreeze and
Room or area type loaded stream Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Halon 1301
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATCT, All Occupied and Support Note 2, 4................ ......................... Note 4
Areas.
Electronic Equipment Room..... Note 2, 4................ Note 3, 4................ Note 4
Mechanical Equipment Room..... Note 2, 4................ Note 3, 4................ Note 4
Telco Equipment Room.......... Note 2, 4................ Two 15 lb. Extinguishers Note 4
Note 3, 4.
Engine Generator Room......... Note 2, 4................ One 15 lb. Extinguisher Note 4
Note 3, 4.
Electric Storage Area......... Note 2, 4................ Note 3, 4................ Note 3
General Storage Area.......... Note 2, 4................ One 15 lb. Extinguisher ..........................
Note 3, 4.
Maintenance Shop.............. Note 2, 4................ One 15 lb. Extinguisher ..........................
Note 3, 4.
Kitchen....................... Note 2, 4 Multipurpose... ......................... One 2A, 10B:C Halon
Extinguisher
Office Space.................. ......................... ......................... ..........................
ATCT Cab...................... Note 2, 4................ Note 3, 4................ Note 4
TRACON Room................... Note 2, 4................ Note 3, 4................ Note 4
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note:
1. An extinguisher shall be available within 75 feet from any point in a room. This may increase the number of
extinguishers over the quantity required in the above table. Multiple extinguishers of a lesser rating may not
be substituted for one larger extinguisher.
2. One 2\1/2\ gallon extinguisher shall be provided per 300 square feet of floor area or portion thereof.
3. One 15 lb. CO2 extinguisher shall be required for each 1600 square feet of floor area or portion thereof.
4. Halon 1301 or 1211 extinguishers may be used instead of CO2 or water, antifreeze and loaded stream
extinguishers in existing ATCTs. A Halon extinguisher rated 10 B:C may be substituted for a 15 lb. CO2
extinguisher. A Halon extinguisher with 2A rating may be substituted for a water, antifreeze and loaded stream
extinguisher with a 2\1/2\ gallon capacity.
5. Multipurpose dry chemical extinguishers are preferred for use on all types of fires. Multipurpose dry
chemical extinguishers may be used instead of CO2, or water, antifreeze and loaded stream extinguishers in
ATCTs. A multipurpose dry chemical extinguisher rated 10 B:C may be substituted for a 15 lb. CO2 extinguisher.
A multipurpose dry chemical extinguisher with 2A rating may be substituted for a water, antifreeze and loaded
stream extinguisher with a 2\1/2\ gallon capacity.
(4) Halogenated extinguishing agents are no longer in
production. Existing supplies of Halon extinguishers may remain in
use until they are either discharged or require repair.
(5) ATCTs constructed and occupied after the date this standard
is promulgated shall not be equipped with halogenated fire
extinguishers.
1. Fire Prevention and Evacuation Plan
1. Fire Prevention Plan.
(a) Each ATCT shall develop a written fire prevention plan which
shall include at a minimum the following:
(1) a list of all of the major workplace fire hazards and their
proper handling and storage procedures, potential ignition sources
(e.g., welding, smoking) and their control procedures, and the type
of fire protection equipment or systems which can control a fire
involving those hazards;
(2) names or job titles of personnel responsible for maintaining
equipment and systems installed to prevent or control fire;
(3) names or job titles of personnel responsible for controlling
fuel source hazards; and
(4) a list of extinguishers installed at the facility and their
locations.
(b) Housekeeping. The employer shall control accumulations of
flammable and combustible materials so that they do not contribute
to a fire emergency. Housekeeping procedures shall be included in
the written fire prevention plan.
(c) Training.
(1) The employer shall inform employees of the fire hazards of
the materials and processes to which they are exposed.
(2) The employer shall review with each employee upon initial
assignment and annually thereafter those parts of the fire
prevention plan which the employee must know in the event of an
emergency. The written fire prevention plan shall be kept in the
workplace and be available for employee review.
(3) Employers shall train employees on the use of the various
type of fire extinguishers used in their facility.
(4) Supervisors shall document employee fire prevention training
in employee records.
2. Emergency Evacuation Plan.
(a) An emergency egress plan shall be developed and posted at
each ATCT facility where it is available for employee review.
(b) This plan shall include actions employers and employees must
take to ensure safety from fire and other emergencies. The plan
shall include, at a minimum the following:
(1) emergency escape procedures and emergency escape route
assignments;
(2) procedures to be followed by employees who remain to perform
critical ATCT operations before they evacuate;
(3) procedures to account for all employees after emergency
evacuation has been completed;
(4) rescue and medical duties for those employees who are to
perform them; and
(5) names or job titles of persons or departments who can be
contacted for further information or explanation of duties under the
plan.
(6) This plan shall be posted in a place readily available to
employees. A diagram of designated emergency egress routes shall be
posted along the path of egress.
(c) Training.
(1) Before implementing the emergency action plan, the employer
shall designate and train a sufficient number of persons to assist
in the safe and orderly emergency evacuation of employees.
(2) The employer shall review the plan with each employee
covered by the plan at the following times:
A. initially when the plan is developed;
B. whenever the employee's responsibilities or designated
actions under the plan change; and
C. whenever the plan is changed.
D. The employer shall review with each employee upon initial
assignment and annually thereafter those parts of the evacuation
plan which the employee must know to protect the employee in the
event of an emergency.
(d) Fire drills shall be held periodically. Fire drills shall be
held often enough to ensure that each employee participates in at
least one drill annually.
(e) Since all personnel may not be able to leave their positions
during a fire drill, employees who were not able to participate
shall be briefed on the emergency evacuation route and instructed to
use this route the next time they leave the facility in order to
familiarize themselves with the exit route. Supervisors shall
document employee briefings in employee records.
(f) Ladders shall not be used during evacuation drills as their
use during drills poses unnecessary risk.
Material Provided in Support of the Proposed Alternate Standard to 29
CFR 1910.36(b)(8)
A statement of why the agency cannot comply with the OSHA standard
or wants to adopt an alternate standard.
The existing alternate standard was proposed by the Department of
Transportation (DOT) and accepted by the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) for Airport Traffic Control Towers (ATCTs) in
1982 in recognition of the characteristic structure of ATCTs and the
unique FAA mission to control aircraft from these buildings.
Contributing factors in the DOT pursuit of an alternate standard
included the feasibility of using alternate life safety measures which
provided an equivalent level of protection for ATCT occupants, the
enormous expense and impracticality of adding a second exit to existing
ATCTs or constructing ATCTs with two remote exits, and the need to
minimize disruption of the commercial and private aviation activities.
DOT requests modification to the existing alternate standard for
ATCTs for the reasons stated below.
A number of specifications established in the existing
alternate standard for ATCTs require types of construction beyond those
mandated in OSHA regulations or in life safety and building codes.
A licensed fire protection engineer has provided several
alternative protection measures for ATCTs which were not included in
the existing alternate standard.
The existing alternate standard does not address important
operational ATCT requirements (e.g., 360 deg. field of vision at the
cab level) or their relationship with protective structural or
procedural features.
A description of the alternate standard.
The revision to the existing alternate standard provides types of
ATCT construction and methods of operation which enhance the fire
detection and notification, fire resistance, smoke control, and
emergency response features for ATCTs. These features provide early
warning of the presence of fire or smoke, flame and smoke spread
control, and automatic notification of emergency response units such
that a level of fire safety equivalent to two means of egress are
afforded ATCT occupants.
An explanation of how the alternate standard provides equivalent or
greater protection for the affected employees.
Enhancements to the alternate standard include:
an ATCT stairway smoke control system;
fire resistant rated materials for stairway enclosures and
openings;
self-closing or automatic fire doors;
ATCT fire alarm system wiring in accordance with NFPA 72
reliability standards;
automatic smoke detection;
automatic fire detection, alarm, and signalling systems
with automatic fire department and ATCT notification and ATCT cab
annunciator panels with battery backup;
prohibition of storage of high hazard materials or use of
more than minimal amounts of high hazard materials for specific duties;
occupancy above the level of exit discharge only by able-
bodied persons;
prescribed quality and type of interior finish materials;
specified levels of fire resistant rated opening
protectives to base buildings.
These and other measures in the proposed revision to the alternate
standard will provide equivalent or greater protection for ATCTs.
A description of interim protective measures afforded employees.
Pending approval of the proposed alternate standard, DOT has
completed standard design ATCT structural fire safety enhancements
proposed by the Rolf Jensen Associates licensed fire protection
engineer. These enhancements comply with the proposed alternate
standard. Other ATCTs are currently under going review by the licensed
fire protection engineer contractor and up-grades are scheduled for
completion by December 1994. In the interim, DOT has initiated a
program in which ATCT employees are trained in emergency response
techniques (evacuation plan, fire response techniques, and fire
extinguisher use), agreements are made with local fire and rescue
response units to ensure prompt fire control and medical service
response, smoke detectors and fire alarms are installed, and
housekeeping material and storage practices are improved.
[FR Doc. 94-20473 Filed 8-24-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-26-M