N.Y.C. Admin. Code § BC 1001: Section BC 1001: Administration

1001.1 General.

Buildings or portions thereof shall be provided with a means of egress system as required by this chapter. The provisions of this chapter shall control the design, construction and arrangement of means of egress components required to provide an approved means of egress from structures and portions thereof.

1001.2 Minimum requirements.

It shall be unlawful to alter a building or structure in a manner that will reduce the number of exits or the minimum width or required capacity of the means of egress to less than required by this code.

1001.3 Maintenance.

Means of egress shall be maintained in accordance with the New York City Fire Code.

1001.3.1 Workplace exits.

Except as specifically provided for in this chapter, no employer or agent of such employer shall lock the doors of or otherwise prohibit exit from any workplace, when by so doing the health or safety of any employee, independent contractor or other individual working in such workplace may become endangered by fire or other hazardous condition. Refer to Article 307 of Title 28 of the Administrative Code.

1001.3.2 Inadequate exits for existing structures.

Every existing structure which is not provided with means of egress as required by this chapter and, in which the means of egress are, in the opinion of the commissioner inadequate for the safety of the occupants, shall be provided with means of egress or fire protection as directed by the commissioner.

1001.4 Fire protection and emergency preparedness plans.

Fire protection plans shall be provided for occupancies and buildings where required by Article 109* of the Administrative Code. Such fire protection plans shall comply with the applicable provisions of Section 28-109.3 of the Administrative Code. Emergency preparedness plans shall be provided for occupancies and buildings where required by the New York City Fire Code. Such emergency preparedness plans shall comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 4 of the New York City Fire Code.