§ 14-16-46. General requirements for elevator and dumbwaiter hoistways.

A.

Generally. Elevator and dumbwaiter hoistways shall be enclosed in accordance with the requirements of this section.

B.

Fireproof/semi-fireproof heavy timber, protected noncombustible and ordinary masonry construction. In fireproof, semifireproof, heavy timber, protected noncombustible and ordinary masonry construction hoistways shall have noncombustible enclosures of at least two hour fire-resistance rating. Exceptions: in public buildings of heavy timber, protected noncombustible or ordinary masonry construction when not over two stories in height, enclosures of hoistways may be one-hour construction, except for enclosures in basements and cellars, which shall be two-hour noncombustible construction.

C.

Unprotected noncombustible and woodframe buildings. In unprotected noncombustible and woodframe buildings, hoistway enclosures shall be at least one-hour noncombustible construction.

D.

Protection for openings. All openings shall be protected with approved fire doors or approved fire windows as required. In one hour construction wooden doors at least one and three-eighths inches in thickness may be used.

E.

Emergency door. Emergency doors in hoistways shall be provided at intervals of not over 36 feet for express elevators making long runs without stops in accordance with Rule 110.1a of the Elevator Safety Code.

F.

Roofs or tops. Roofs or tops of hoistways which extend to the top floor of the building shall be of equal fire resistant construction as required for the roof of the building, except where an elevator is accepted as a required exit.

G.

Ventilation. Hoistways shall be ventilated equal to one percent of the area of the hoistway which may be through the penthouse or by mechanical ventilation for existing elevators. Elevators hereafter installed shall conform to Rule 100.4 of the Elevator Safety Code.

H.

Hoistways not extending to lowest floor or to roof. A hoistway that does not extend to the lowest floor shall be enclosed at its lowest point with a floor construction equal to the required enclosure construction. When it does not extend through or to the roof construction, it shall have a top equal to the required enclosure construction.

I.

Hoistways in existing buildings. In buildings existing before January 1, 1961, where hoistways are not constructed as required in this chapter, the director may modify the requirements in accordance with conditions and good practice, but at least the openings shall have substantial guards or gates as specified, and shall be protected from fire communicating from floor to floor, at least by approved trap doors. Such traps shall be arranged to open and close by the action of the elevator's movement and shall form a substantial floor covering or they may be suspended in the open position provided they are supported by approved type fusible links.

(Code 1967, § 49-86; Code 1985, § 46-104)