N.Y. Multiple Dwelling Law § 147: Bulkheads and scuttles

§ 147. Bulkheads and scuttles. 1. Except as otherwise provided in

subdivision two of this section, every required stair, fire-stair and

fire-tower in dwellings three stories or more in height shall have a

bulkhead constructed as provided for fireproof dwellings in section one

hundred four, except that the bulkhead of any required stair which is

not required to be fireproof may be built of wood covered on the outside

with twenty-six gauge metal and on the inside with wire or metal lath

covered with two coats of cement plaster or other fire-retarding

material approved by the department.

2. Such a dwelling which is two stories or less in height, or is three

stories in height and erected pursuant to plans filed with the

department on or after May first, nineteen hundred fifty-nine and

occupied by not more than one family on each story, shall be provided at

each required stair, fire-stair or fire-tower either with such a

bulkhead or with a scuttle at least two feet by three feet in size,

located in the ceiling of the public hall on the top story and so

arranged as to provide direct and uninterrupted access to the roof.

Every such scuttle shall be arranged to be readily opened, shall be

covered on the outside with metal and shall be provided with stairs or a

stationary iron ladder or ladders leading thereto and easily accessible

to all the tenants of the dwelling.

3. No bulkhead or other superstructure on the roof shall be used for

human occupancy.

4. When a dwelling has a pitched or sloping roof with a pitch or slope

of more than fifteen degrees, no bulkhead or scuttle or stair or ladder

leading thereto shall be required.