Section 51-54A-1030. Emergency escape and rescue.

1030.1 General. In addition to the means of egress required by this chapter, provisions shall be made to emergency escape and rescue openings in Group R-2 occupancies in accordance with Tables 1006.3.2(1) and 1006.3.2(2) and Group R-3 occupancies. Basements and sleeping rooms below the fourth story above grade plane shall have at least one exterior emergency escape and rescue opening in accordance with this section. Where basements contain one or more sleeping rooms, emergency escape and rescue openings shall be required in each sleeping room, but shall not be required in adjoining areas of the basement. Such openings shall open directly into a public way or to a yard or court that opens to a public way.

EXCEPTIONS:	1. Basements with a ceiling height of less than 80 inches (2032 mm) shall not be required to have emergency escape and rescue openings.
	2. Emergency escape and rescue openings are not required from basements or sleeping rooms that have an exit door or exit access door that opens directly into a public way or to a yard, court or exterior balcony that opens to a public way.
	3. Basements without habitable spaces and having not more than 200 square feet (18.6 m2) in floor area shall not be required to have emergency escape and rescue openings.
	4. Within individual dwelling and sleeping units in Groups R-2 and R-3, where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3, sleeping rooms in basements shall not be required to have emergency escape and rescue openings provided that the basement has one of the following:
	a. One means of egress and one emergency escape and rescue opening.
	b. Two means of egress.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 16-03-055, § 51-54A-1030, filed 1/16/16, effective 7/1/16.]

RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 16-03-055, § 51-54A-1030, filed 1/16/16, effective 7/1/16.