N.Y. Multiple Residence Law § 60: Bulkheads and scuttles

§ 60. Bulkheads and scuttles. 1. There shall be a fire-resistive

bulkhead in the roof over, or connecting directly by means of a public

hall with the highest portion of every stair extending to the highest

story below the main roof. Stairs leading to such bulkheads shall be

fire-retarded as required for other public stairs and shall have at the

top fireproof doors and assemblies with the doors self-closing. All

stairs to required bulkheads shall be provided with a guide or handrail.

A scuttle so constructed as to be readily opened may be substituted for

a bulkhead in dwellings not exceeding three stories and a basement in

height. Such scuttle shall be at least twenty-one inches in width and

twenty-eight inches in length, covered on the outside with metal and

provided with a stationary iron or steel ladder leading thereto.

2. 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.

3. A bulkhead door or scuttle shall never be locked with a key, but

may be fastened on the inside with movable rustproof bolts or hooks.

All key locks shall be removed.

4. Bulkheads and stairs leading thereto existing on July first,

nineteen hundred fifty-two, shall be permitted provided the stairs have

such angle of ascent and treads of such dimensions as may be approved by

the department.