Minnesota Administrative Rules

1346.5306 SECTION 306 (IFGC) ACCESS AND SERVICE SPACE.

Subpart 1.

Section 306.5.

IFGC section 306.5 is amended to read as follows:

306.5 Mechanical equipment and appliances on roofs or elevated structures. Where mechanical equipment or appliances requiring periodic inspection, service or maintenance are installed on roofs or elevated structures, a permanent stair shall be provided for access.

Exception: A portable ladder may be used for dwellings, replacement equipment and appliances on existing buildings, and for exterior roof access points not exceeding 16 feet (4.9 m) above grade, unless the building official determines that the unique shape of the roof does not allow safe access with a portable ladder.

The permanent stair shall be as required by relevant safety regulations, but shall not be less than the following:

1. The stair shall be installed at an angle of not more than 60 degrees measured from the horizontal plane.

2. The stair shall have flat treads at least 6 inches (152 mm) deep and a clear width of at least 18 inches (457 mm) with equally spaced risers at least 10.5 inches (267 mm) high and not exceeding 14 inches (356 mm).

3. The stair shall have intermediate landings not exceeding 18 feet (5.5 m) vertically.

4. Continuous handrails shall be installed on both sides of the stair.

5. Interior stairs shall terminate at the under side of the roof at a hatch or scuttle of at least 8 square feet (0.74 m²) with a minimum dimension of 20 inches (508 mm).

6. When a roof access hatch or scuttle is located within 10 feet (3.0 m) of a roof edge, a guard shall be installed in accordance with IFGC section 306.6.

7. Exterior stairs shall terminate at the roof access point or at a level landing of at least 8 square feet (0.74 m²) with a minimum dimension of 20 inches (508 mm). The landing shall have a guard installed in accordance with IFGC section 306.6.

Subp. 2.

Section 306.5.

IFGC Section 306.5 is amended by adding a section to read as follows:

306.5.3 Permanent ladders. Where a change in roof elevation greater than 30 inches (762 mm) but not exceeding 16 feet (4.9 m) exists, a permanent ladder shall be provided. The ladder may be vertical and shall be as required by relevant safety regulations, but shall not be less than the following:

1. Width shall be at least 16 inches (406 mm).

2. Rung spacing shall be a maximum of 14 inches (356 mm).

3. Toe space shall be at least 6 inches (152 mm).

4. Side railings shall extend at least 30 inches (762 mm) above the roof or parapet wall.

Subp. 3.

Section 306.6.

IFGC section 306.6 is amended to read as follows:

306.6 Guards. Guards shall be provided where various components that require service and roof hatch openings are located within 10 feet (3,048 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 requires service. The top of the guard shall be located not less than 42 inches (1,067 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 mm) sphere and shall comply with the loading requirements for guards specified in the International Building Code.

Exception: Guards are not required where fall arrest/restraint anchorage connector devices that comply with ANSI/ASSE Z359.1 are installed.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 16B.59; 16B.61; 16B.64; 326B.02; 326B.101; 326B.106; 326B.13

History:

29 SR 299; L 2007 c 140 art 4 s 61; art 13 s 4; 39 SR 690; 44 SR 1085

Published Electronically:

April 22, 2020