Extreme Measures

Toll Free: 1.877.963.2787
Local Tel: 416.323.2858
Email: mail@xmeasures.com
Web: www.xmeasures.com

This help desk is a free resource intended for discussion purposes only. Neither BOMA, its chapters, affiliates, or Extreme Measures Inc.® are responsible for the information, comments or opinions expressed herein. For complete information, refer to the official publications of the standards themselves.

FAQ & Read-Me Articles: What are as-built drawings / models?; What is CAD and BIM?; How do I resolve an area dispute?; Where can I get measurement standards publications?; BOMA Office Overview; BOMA Industrial Overview; BOMA Retail Overview; BOMA Multi-Unit Residential Overview; BOMA Gross Areas Overview; BOMA Mixed-Use Overview; IPMS for Office Overview; Alternative Methodologies; Glossary of Industry Terms

Forum Categories BOMA 2010 - Office Buildings Question

Stairs that have no doors- not real stairwells

Townsend Wilson: PWGSC; February 23, 2017

On some of our small 2 story government buildings built many years ago, we tend to have stairs that resemble a stairwell but there are no doors to the stairs on the 1st floor nor on the 2nd floor. At times there may be a door built later on one of the floors to control access- no for fire/smoke separation. At times it's a straight run of stairs from 1st to 2nd floor and at other times, the stairs are in a tight U shape. There is no open air space to look down or up. Is this a BS(1st floor) and void(2nd floor) scenario or does one stay with Vertical penetration?

David Fingret: Extreme Measures Inc.; February 24, 2017

Hi Townsend,

It's difficult to answer without seeing floor plans but I believe the way you are describing this, these are unenclosed stairwells. As long as there is a hole in the floor slab, Major Vertical Penetration would apply. When a stair occurs in a VOID then the stair is part of the VOID and not a Major Vertical Penetration. Feel free to send plans to mail@xmeasures.com if you would like greater clarity.

Thanks,