Pennsylvania Code
Title 34 - LABOR AND INDUSTRY
Part I - Department of Labor and Industry
Chapter 50 - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS-BUILDINGS
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Section 50.94 - Fixed seating

(a) The spacing of rows of seats shall provide a space of not less than 12 inches from the back of one seat to the front of the most forward projection of the seat immediately behind it, when the seat is in the down position, as measured horizontally between vertical planes.

(b) Aisles shall be provided so that no more than six seats intervene between any seat and the aisle or aisles, except that the number of seats in a row may not be limited when self-raising seats are provided which leave an unobstructed passage between rows of seats of not less than 18 inches in width leading to side aisles in which exit doors are located at not more than 25 foot intervals.

(c) Seats without dividing arms shall have their capacity determined by allowing 18 inches per person.

(d) Every aisle shall lead to an exit door or to a cross aisle that is running parallel with the seat rows and leading directly to an exit door. In places of assembly where seating is provided, side aisles running at right angles to the seat rows and adjacent to exterior walls may not be less than 36 inches in width. Aisles having seats on both sides may not be less in width than 36 inches, plus 1/4 inch for every foot of length from their point of beginning to an exit door, or for their length between cross aisles. Cross aisles shall be not less in width than the widest connecting aisle.

(e) Aisles shall be used only for passage to and from seats and shall be kept unobstructed.

(f) Steps shall not be placed in aisles unless the gradient would exceed 1 foot rise in 10 feet run. Steps, when necessary, shall be grouped, and so far as practicable isolated steps shall be avoided. The steps shall extend across the full width of the aisles and shall be illuminated; treads and risers shall conform with the requirements for exit stairs under § 50.26(b) (relating to intercommunicating stairway).

(g) In balconies and galleries having more than 20 rows of seats, there shall be provided a cross aisle not less than 4 feet wide leading directly to an exit, if there is in no case a difference of level exceeding 11 feet between the lowest or highest seat platform and cross aisle or between intermediate cross aisles.

(h) The fascia of boxes, balconies and galleries shall have substantial railings not less than 26 inches above the floor. Aisles which intersect the fascia shall have railways along the fascia not less than 30 inches above the floor for the width of the aisle. Stairs which intersect the fascia shall have railings along the fascia not less than 36 inches above the floor for the width of the stair. Cross aisles shall have railings not less than 26 inches above the floor except where the backs of the seats on the front of the aisle project 24 inches or more above the floor of the aisle.

(i) In balconies, galleries or other locations where seats are arranged on platforms or successive tiers and the height of rise from one platform to another below and in front of it exceeds 21 inches, a substantial railing not less than 30 inches high shall be placed at the edge of platform along the entire row of seats.

(j) Stairways from balconies, galleries, boxes or loges, discharging through a public lobby shall discharge in a direction parallel to and travel with the exit from the main assembly floor or shall have a rail separating the lines of travel. No more than 50% of the total exit capacity from a place of public assembly, or from a balcony or tier thereof, shall be through a single public lobby.

(k) Enclosed exit stairways from balconies shall be provided to accomodate 1/3 of the balcony capacity; except for balconies with capacities less than 200, no stairways need be enclosed.

(l) One means of egress is permissible for balconies of 600 square feet in area if the exitway is 1 1/2 units in width.