Section 51-50-3009. Section 3009—Hoistway venting.

3009.1 Vents required. Where required by the authority having jurisdiction over the conveyance, hoistways of elevators and dumbwaiters penetrating four or more stories shall be provided with a means for venting smoke and hot gases to the outer air in case of fire.

EXCEPTION:	Venting is not required for the following elevators and hoistways:
	1. In occupancies other than Groups R-1, R-2, I-1, I-2 and similar occupancies with overnight sleeping units, where the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
	2. Sidewalk elevator hoistways.
	3. Elevators contained within and serving open parking garages only.
	4. Elevators within individual residential dwelling units.

3009.2 Location of vents. Vents shall be located at the top of the hoistway and shall open either directly to the outer air or through noncombustible ducts to the outer air. Noncombustible ducts shall be permitted to pass through the elevator machine room, provided that portions of the ducts located outside the hoistway or machine room are enclosed by construction having not less than the fire-resistance rating required for the hoistway. Holes in the machine room floors for the passage of ropes, cables or other moving elevator equipment shall be limited as not to provide greater than 2 inches of clearance on all sides.

3009.3 Area of vents. Except as provided for in Section 3009.3.1, the area of the vents shall not be less than 3 1/2 percent of the area of the hoistway nor less than 3 square feet (0.28 m2) for each elevator car, and not less than 3 1/2 percent nor less than 0.5 square feet (0.047 m3) for each dumbwaiter car in the hoistway, whichever is greater. The total required vent area shall be equipped with dampers that remain powered closed until activated open by the fire alarm system panel. The dampers shall open upon loss of power.

3009.3.1 Reduced vent area. Where mechanical ventilation conforming to the International Mechanical Code is provided, a reduction in the required vent area is allowed provided that all of the following conditions are met:

1. The occupancy is not in Group R-1, R-2, I-1 or I-2 or of a similar occupancy with overnight sleeping units.

2. The vents required by Section 3009.2 do not have outside exposure.

3. The hoistway does not extend to the top of the building.

4. The hoistway and machine room exhaust fan is automatically reactivated by thermostatic means.

5. Equivalent venting of the hoistway is accomplished.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 16-03-064, § 51-50-3009, filed 1/19/16, effective 7/1/16.]

RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 16-03-064, § 51-50-3009, filed 1/19/16, effective 7/1/16.