AskCodeMan

Builder today told me that his provisions for accessing two attic furnaces is OK. A 17'-0" ladder is required to get from one level in the attic to these furnaces. No ladder or steps have been provided. Is this compliant with 2006 IRC?

Hi Aaron,

aaronm wrote:A 17'-0" ladder is required to get from one level in the attic to these furnaces. No ladder or steps have been provided. Is this compliant with 2006 IRC?

No, that does not meet SECTION M1305, APPLIANCE ACCESS, in the 2006 IRC: (underlining and bold are mine)
- SECTION M1305
- - APPLIANCE ACCESS
- - - M1305.1.3 Appliances in attics. Attics containing appliances requiring access shall have with an opening and a clear and unobstructed passageway large enough to allow removal of the largest appliance, but not less than 30 inches (762 mm) high and 22 inches (559 mm) wide and not more than 20 feet (6096 mm) long when measured along the centerline of the passageway from the opening to the appliance. The passageway shall have continuous solid flooring in accordance with Chapter 5 not less than 24 inches (610 mm) wide. A level service space at least 30 inches (762 mm) deep and 30 inches (762 mm) wide shall be present along all sides of the appliance where access is required. The clear access opening dimensions shall be a minimum of 20 inches by 30 inches (508 mm) by 762 mm), where such dimensions are large enough to allow removal of the largest appliance.
- - - - Exceptions:
- - - - - 1. The passageway and level service space are not required where the appliance can be serviced and removed through the required opening.
- - - - - 2. Where the passageway is unobstructed and not less than 6 feet (1829 mm) high and 22 inches (559 mm) wide for its entire length, the passageway shall be not more than 50 feet (15 250 mm) long.
- - - - M1305.1.3.1 Electrical requirements. A luminaire controlled by a switch located at the required passageway opening and a receptacle outlet shall be installed at or near the appliance location in accordance with Chapter 38.

"The passageway shall have continuous solid flooring in accordance with Chapter 5 ... " could even be interpreted to preclude a stairway or other change in level which does not allow the continuous solid flooring, however, the reference to the continuous solid flooring being in accordance with Chapter 5 indicates that this section is only referencing the strength of the flooring as being suitable for the same strength and loads as any other flooring in Chapter 5, and that changes in level of the flooring would be allowed with a continuous and suitable substitute for that continuous solid flooring. That interpretation would allow the installation of permanent stairs, and possibly permanent ladders, between the different levels.

Thank you sir!