Code of Massachusetts Regulations
780 CMR - STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
Chapter 30 - Elevators and Conveying Systems
Section 3004 - HOISTWAY VENTING
Subsection 3004.3 - Area of vents

Universal Citation: 780 CMR MA Code of Regs 3004.3

Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024

Except as provided for in Section 3004.3.1, the area of the vents shall not be less than 31/2 percent of the area of the hoistway nor less than 3 square feet (0.28 m2) for each elevator car, and not less than 31/2 percent nor less than 0.5 square feet (0.047 m2) for each dumbwaiter car in the hoistway, whichever is greater. Of the total required vent area, not less than one-third shall be permanently open. Closed portions of the required vent area shall consist of openings glazed with annealed glass not greater than 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) in thickness.

Exception: The total required vent area shall not be required to be permanently open where all the vent openings automatically open upon detection of smoke in the elevator lobbies or hoistway, upon power failure and upon activation of a manual override control. The manual override control shall be capable of opening and closing the vents and shall be located in an approved location.

3004.3.1 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 3004.2 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.

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