Section 408.10675. Swinging stairs.

Rule 675. (1) A swinging stair section shall not be used for a fire escape stairs, except where termination is over a sidewalk, alley, or driveway.

(2)   A swinging stair section shall not be located over doors, over the path of travel from another exit, nor be in any location where there are obstructions.

(3)   The width of a swinging stair section shall be at least equal to that of the stairs above and the pitch shall not be steeper than that of the stairs above.

(4)   A counterweight shall be provided for a swinging stair section and this shall be of the type balancing about a pivot, no cables being used. Counter-balancing shall be such that a weight of 150 pounds 1 step from pivot will not start swinging section, and a weight of 150 pounds, 1/4 of the length of the swinging stairs from the pivot, will positively cause the stairs to swing down.

(5)    A latch or other device shall not be installed or used to lock a swinging stair section in the up position.

History: 1979 AC; 2015 AACS.