From:
Beltis.Kevin**At_Symbol_Here**TIAXLLC.COM
Subject:
Re: [DCHAS-L] EXTERNAL [DCHAS-L] What is a working definition for eye level?
Date:
Apr 26, 2023 18:54 UTC
Reply-To:
ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU>
Message-ID:
<OF73890AD8.F50347A9-ON8525899D.00670EB5-8525899D.0067D322**At_Symbol_Here**tiaxllc.com>
In-Reply-To:
<CAEPFAxUaYWqoyLDXmTuxOxfvanghj1L11vveSB3tuqDE4eB49g**At_Symbol_Here**mail.gmail.com>
A quick internet search:
- NYC Fire Code Guide,
Code Development Unit, Bureau of Fire Prevention, April 28, 2021
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question:
I have read the Fire Department rules that implement FC505.3 and 505.4,
which require that apartment buildings and hotels have room numbers, hallway
directional signs, and “fire emergency markings” on entrance and stairwell
doors. The requirements differ depending on whether the building is sprinklered
and has more than 8 apartments or guest rooms on a floor, and whether any
apartment or guest room has more than one entrance on one or more floors.
Frankly, I find the requirements confusing. Could you provide a simple
explanation?
Response: We
will try to do so. The different standards for requiring installation of
these new fire safety markings and signage resulted from compromises intended
to minimize the burden of compliance. For example, it was agreed in drafting
the 2014 Fire Code that building hallway directional signs, which are intended
to speed a medical or other non-fire emergency response to a building,
should not be required if the building has 8 or fewer apartments on a floor.
... compliance obligations
... may be summarized as follows:
- Apartment/guest room
entrance door identification. These are “eye-level” markings on the main
entrance door to each dwelling unit in the building hallway (public) corridor.
They are required in all buildings, whether or not they are sprinklered
and regardless of the number of units on the floor. See FC505.3 and Fire
Department rule 3 RCNY 505-01(c). Compliance is required by March 30, 2017.
[N.B: Eye level in accompanying table - that had to be deleted to
listserv rules - shows the "eye-level" to be 48"-60".]
- Lobby and hallway corridor
directional signs. These are “eye-level” markings. They are required
in all buildings that have more than 8 dwelling units on a floor whether
or not they are sprinklered. There is an exception if all of the apartments
are located in a single direction from the elevator lobby or stairwell.
See FC505.3.2 and Fire Department rule 3 RCNY 505-01(d). Compliance is
required by March 30, 2017.
- A building code
from a UK reference shows eye-level (for placement of glass decals) as
follows: "Common practice for glass wall safety markings (decal) are
to be applied in two locations. One between 32" and 40" above
finish floor, and one between 55" and 63" above finish floor.
That makes the glass visible for young and old, short people and tall people
and even pets."
- HVAC contractors
set thermostat height (a reasonable indicator) to sit between 52 and 60
inches. (Anecdotally, the thermostats in my immediate vicinity are set
at about 60 inches.)
- Miami, Florida
Building codes have as a reference: … eye level (five feet, six inches
from grade)…
*****
If not already
obvious, check the local building code in question. Seemingly 42"
-60", the lower range may be required for ADA applications, some which
say not to exceed 48."
Best regards,
-Kevin
************************************************************
Kevin J. Beltis
Director of Health, Safety and Environment
TIAX LLC
35 Hartwell Avenue
Lexington, MA 02421-3102
TIAX, "Powered by Innovation"
************************************************************
TIAX LLC is a privately held company at the intersection of business and
technology. TIAX builds on a rich heritage based on creating business opportunities
and growth through the power of science, technology, and innovation.
From:
"Frankie
Wood-Black" <fwoodblack90**At_Symbol_Here**GMAIL.COM>
To:
DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU
Date:
04/26/2023
01:41 PM
Subject:
EXTERNAL
[DCHAS-L] What is a working definition for eye level?
Sent
by: "ACS
Division of Chemical Health and Safety" <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU>
There are some standards that use the
term "eye level" - any one have a reference as to what
that would mean from a practical standpoint? Most of us have a particular idea
- but I am looking for a reference. And, would think this may have
come up in an FAQ.
Frankie Wood-Black,
Ph.D., REM, MBA
ACS Fellow, AAAS
Fellow
Principal - Sophic
Pursuits
NOTE - ADDRESS CHANGE
- Mailing Address - PO Box 433, Tonkawa, OK 74653
email address fwoodblack90**At_Symbol_Here**gmail.com
or fwblack**At_Symbol_Here**sophicpursuits.com
580-761-3703
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