Delaware Administrative Code
Title 1 - Authorities, Boards and Commissions
700 - Delaware State Fire Prevention Commission
702 - Fire Protection in Building Construction
Chapter 3 - Special Fire Safety Provisions For Physically Handicapped People
Section 702-3-1.0 - Areas of Refuge

Universal Citation: 1 DE Admin Code 702-3-1.0

Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 3, September 1, 2024

1.1 Definition. An area of refuge for a floor area is that space which is sufficiently protected from the heat and toxic gases produced by a developing fire in the floor area and which provides a direct access to an exit. An area of refuge is intended to facilitate a safe delay in egress from the story containing the floor area, thus constituting a safe space for the handicapped or otherwise disabled persons to await assistance for their safe evacuation.

1.2 Every mid-rise building and high-rise building shall incorporate areas of refuge which shall be established and maintained in accordance with this Chapter.

1.3 Every floor area of a mid-rise building and high-rise building where barrier free access is provided above the first story shall have not less than one area of refuge.

1.4 An area of refuge shall consist of one of the following:

1.4.1 A protected space within the floor area acceptable to the State Fire Marshal that:
1.4.1.1 Is separated from the remainder of the floor area by a fire separation having a fire resistance rating of not less than one hour and a level of smoke control at least equal to that required of an accredited exit;

1.4.1.2 Is served by a fire fighters elevator;

1.4.1.3 Provides an aggregate clear floor space of not less than 30" X 48" per non ambulatory occupant, with a minimum of two such spaces provided; (See ANSI A117.1 1986)

1.4.2 A horizontal exit providing an accessible route from one floor area to another floor area;

1.4.3 A protected space that is either part of an accredited exit or connected by a door to an accredited exit and that:
1.4.3.1 Is separated from the remainder of the floor area by a fire separation having a fire resistance rating and level of smoke control at least equal to that required of the accredited exit;

1.4.3.2 Provides an aggregate floor space of not less than 30" X 48" per non ambulatory occupant, with a minimum of two such spaces provided; (See ANSI A117.1 1986)

1.5 Areas of refuge shall be designated as such on all building plans and identified as such within the building. Identification within the building shall incorporate the "International Symbol of Accessibility" and be tactile in texture in accordance with ANSI Standard A117.1-1986. Except for doors, glazed openings shall not be permitted in walls separating areas of refuge from the remainder of the floor area.

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