N.Y.C. Admin. Code § FGC 306: Section FGC 306: Access and Service Space

306.1 Clearances for maintenance and replacement.

Appliances, control devices, heat exchangers and HVAC components shall be accessible for inspection, service, repair and replacement without disabling the function of a fire-resistance-rated assembly or removing permanent construction, other appliances, or any other piping or ducts not connected to the appliance being inspected, serviced, repaired or replaced. A level working space not less than 30 inches (762 mm) deep and 30 inches (762 mm) wide shall be provided in front of the control side to service an appliance.

306.2 Appliances in rooms.

Rooms containing appliances shall be provided with a door and an unobstructed passageway measuring not less than 36 inches (914.4 mm) wide and 80 inches (2032 mm) high.

Exception: Within a dwelling unit, appliances installed in a compartment, alcove, basement or similar space shall be provided with access by an opening or door and an unobstructed passageway measuring not less than 24 inches (609.6 mm) wide and large enough to allow removal of the largest appliance in the space, provided that a level service space of not less than 30 inches (762 mm) deep and the height of the appliance, but not less than 30 inches (762 mm), is present at the front or service side of the appliance with the door open.

306.3 Appliances in attics.

Attics containing appliances shall be provided with an opening and unobstructed passageway large enough to allow removal of the largest appliance. The passageway shall be not less than 30 inches (762 mm) high and 22 inches (558.8 mm) wide and not more than 20 feet (6096 mm) in length when measured along the centerline of the passageway from the opening to the appliance. The passageway shall have continuous solid flooring not less than 24 inches (609.6 mm) wide. A level service space not less than 30 inches (762 mm) deep and 30 inches (762 mm) wide shall be present at the front or service side of the appliance. The clear access opening dimensions shall be not less than 20 inches by 30 inches (508 mm by 762 mm) and large enough to allow removal of the largest component of the appliance.

Exceptions:

1. The passageway and level service space are not required where the appliance is capable of being serviced and removed through the required opening.

2. Where the passageway is not less than 6 feet (1828.8 mm) high and 24 inches (609.6 mm) wide for its entire length, the passageway shall be not greater than 50 feet (15 250 mm) in length.

306.3.1 Electrical requirements.

A luminaire controlled by a switch located at the required passageway opening and a receptacle outlet shall be provided at or near the appliance location in accordance with the New York City Electrical Code.

306.4 Appliances under floors.

Under-floor spaces containing appliances shall be provided with an access opening and unobstructed passageway large enough to remove the largest component of the appliance. The passageway shall be not less than 30 inches (762 mm) high and 22 inches (558.8 mm) wide, nor more than 20 feet (6096 mm) in length when measured along the centerline of the passageway from the opening to the appliance. A level service space not less than 30 inches (762 mm) deep and 30 inches (762 mm) wide shall be present at the front or service side of the appliance. If the depth of the passageway or the service space exceeds 12 inches (304.8 mm) below the adjoining grade, the walls of the passageway shall be lined with concrete or masonry extending 4 inches (101.6 mm) above the adjoining grade and having sufficient lateral-bearing capacity to resist collapse. The clear access opening dimensions shall be not less than 22 inches by 30 inches (558.8 mm by 762 mm), and large enough to allow removal of the largest appliance.

Exceptions:

1. The passageway is not required where the level service space is present when the access is open and the appliance is capable of being serviced and removed through the required opening.

2. Where the passageway is not less than 6 feet (1828.8 mm) high and 22 inches (558.8 mm) wide for its entire length, the passageway shall not be limited in length.

306.4.1 Electrical requirements.

A luminaire controlled by a switch located at the required passageway opening and a receptacle outlet shall be provided at or near the appliance location in accordance with the New York City Electrical Code.

306.5 Equipment and appliances on roofs or elevated structures.

Where equipment or appliances requiring access are located on an elevated structure or the roof of a building such that personnel will have to climb higher than 16 feet (4877 mm) above grade, roof, or floor level to access such equipment or appliances, an interior or exterior means of access shall be provided. Such access shall not require climbing over obstructions greater than 30 inches (762 mm) in height or walking on roofs having a slope greater than 4 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33-percent slope). Such access to the roof or elevated structure and access from the roof or elevated structure to equipment requiring maintenance shall not require the use of portable ladders. Where access involves climbing over parapet walls, the height shall be measured to the top of the parapet wall.

Permanent ladders installed to provide the required access shall comply with the following minimum design criteria:

1. The side railing shall extend above the parapet or roof edge not less than 30 inches (762 mm).

2. Ladders shall have rung spacing not to exceed 12 inches (304.8 mm) on center. The uppermost rung shall be not more than 24 inches (609.6 mm) below the upper edge of the roof hatch, roof or parapet, as applicable.

3. Ladders shall have a toe spacing not less than 7 inches (177.8 mm) deep.

4. There shall be not less than 18 inches (457.2 mm) between rails.

5. Rungs shall have a diameter not less than 0.75-inch (19 mm) and be capable of withstanding a 300-pound (136.1 kg) load.

6. Where a cage, well or ladder safety device is provided, ladders over 20 feet (6096 mm) in height shall be provided with landing platforms for each 30 feet (9144 mm) of height. Where a cage, well or ladder safety device is not provided, ladders over 20 feet (6096 mm) in height shall be provided with landing platforms for each 20 feet (6096 mm) in height. Landings shall be capable of withstanding a load of 100 pounds per square foot (488.2 kg/m

2

). A guardrail and toeboard shall be provided on all open sides of the landing.

7. Climbing clearance. The distance from the centerline of the rungs to the nearest permanent object on the climbing side of the ladder shall be not less than 30 inches (762 mm) measured perpendicular to the rungs. This distance shall be maintained from the point of ladder access to the bottom of the roof hatch. A minimum clear width of 15 inches (381 mm) shall be provided on both sides of the ladder measured from the midpoint of and parallel with the rungs, except where cages or wells are installed.

8. Landing required. The ladder shall be provided with a clear and unobstructed bottom landing area having a minimum dimension of 30 inches by 30 inches (762 mm by 762 mm) centered in front of the ladder.

9. Ladders shall be protected against corrosion by approved means.

10. Service personnel shall have access to ladders at all times.

11. Where ladder extensions are installed, the side rails of through or side-step ladder extensions shall extend 3 1/2 feet (1066.8 mm) above the parapets and landings. For through ladder extensions, the rungs shall be omitted from the extensions and shall have not less than 18 inches (457.2 mm) nor more than 24 inches (609.6 mm) of clearance between rails. For side-step or offset fixed ladder sections, at landings, the side rails and rungs shall be carried to the next regular rung beyond or above the 3 1/2 feet (1066.8 mm) minimum.

Catwalks installed to provide the required access shall be not less than 24 inches (609.6 mm) wide and shall have railings as required for service platforms.

Exception: This section shall not apply to Group R-3 occupancies.

306.5.1 Sloped roofs.

Where appliances, equipment, fans or other components that require service are installed on a roof having a slope of 3 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (25-percent slope) or greater and having an edge more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade at such edge, a level platform shall be provided on each side of the appliance or equipment to which access is required for service, repair or maintenance. The platform shall be not less than 30 inches (762 mm) in any dimension and shall be provided with guards. The guards shall extend not less than 42 inches (1066.8 mm) above the platform, shall be constructed so as to prevent the passage of a 21-inch-diameter (533.4 mm) sphere and shall comply with the loading requirements for guards specified in the New York City Building Code. Access shall not require walking on roofs having a slope greater than 4 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33-percent slope). Where access involves obstructions greater than 30 inches (762 mm) in height, such obstructions shall be provided with ladders installed in accordance with Section 306.5 or stairways installed in accordance with the requirements specified in the New York City Building Code in the path of travel to and from appliances, fans or equipment requiring service.

306.5.2 Electrical requirements.

A receptacle outlet shall be provided at or near the appliance location in accordance with the New York City Electrical Code.

306.6 Guards.

Guards shall be provided where various components that require service and roof hatch openings are located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of a roof edge or open side of a walking surface and such edge or open side is located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor, roof or grade below. The guard shall extend not less than 30 inches (762 mm) beyond each end of components that require service. The top of the guard shall be located not less than 42 inches (1066.8 mm) above the elevated surface adjacent to the guard. The guard shall be constructed so as to prevent the passage of a 21-inch-diameter (533.4 mm) sphere and shall comply with the loading requirements for guards specified in the New York City Building Code.

306.7. Rooftop access and obstructions.

Equipment and appliances installed on rooftops of buildings shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of the New York City Fire Code regarding rooftop access and obstructions, and shall not obstruct or interfere with firefighting operations or the operation of any doors, windows, fire escapes, or other means of egress or other building components requiring operation or access.