Section 20.12 - AREAS OF RESCUE ASSISTANCEShall be provided where an accessible means of egress is not provided and shall comply with the following requirements:
Exception: Areas of rescue assistance are not required in:
a. existing buildings undergoing alterations, remodeling, reconstructionb.buildings or facilities having a supervised automatic sprinkler systemsd. open air parking garages and open air transit stations20.12.1 Location and Construction: An area of rescue assistance shall be one of the following:a. A portion of a stairway landing within a smokeproof enclosure (complying with applicable requirements of 780 CMR (The Massachusetts State Building Code). SeeFig. 20i. Click to view image
b. A portion of an exterior exit balcony located immediately adjacent to an exit stairway when the balcony complies with applicable requirements of 780 CMR (The Massachusetts State Building Code) for exterior exit balconies. Openings to the interior of the building located within 20 feet (20' = 6m) of the area of rescue assistance shall be protected with fire assemblies having a 3/4 hour fire protection rating.c. A portion of a one hour fire-resistive corridor (complying with applicable requirements of 780 CMR: the State Building Code for fire-resistive construction and for openings) located immediately adjacent to an exit enclosure. (SeeFig. 20j) Click to view image
d. A vestibule located immediately adjacent to an exit enclosure and constructed to the same fire-resistive standards controlling corridors and openings.e. A portion of a stairway landing within an exit enclosure which is vented to the exterior and is separated from the interior of the building with not less than one hour fire-resistive doors.f. When approved by the appropriate applicable building official, an area or a room that is separated from other portions of the building by a smoke barrier. Smoke barriers shall have a fire-resistive rating of not less than one hour and shall completely enclose the area or room. Doors in the smoke barrier shall be tight-fitting smoke- and draft-control assemblies having a fire-protection rating of not less than 20 minutes and shall be self-closing or automatic closing. The area or room shall be provided with an exit directly to an exit enclosure. Where the room or area exits into an exit enclosure which is required to be of more than one hour fire-resistive construction, the room or area shall have the same fire-resistive construction, including the same opening protection, as required for the adjacent exit enclosure.g. An elevator lobby where elevator shafts and adjacent lobbies are pressurized as required for smokeproof enclosures by 780 CMR: the State Building Code or 524 CMR: the State Board of Elevator Regulations, and when complying with requirements herein for size, communication, and signage. Such pressurization system shall be activated by smoke detectors on each floor located in a manner approved by the appropriate local authority. Pressurization equipment and its duct work within the building shall be separated from other portions of the building by a minimum two-hour fire restrictive construction.h. A flat level area that is stable, firm and slip resistant adjacent to the exit discharge in locations where the public way is further than 100 feet from the building. 20.12.2 Size: Each area of rescue assistance shall provide at least two accessible spaces, not less than 30 inches by 48 inches (30" x 48" = 762mm by 1219mm) each.a. The area of rescue assistance shall not encroach on any required exit width.b. The total number of such 30 inch by 48 inch (30" x 48" = 762mm by 1219mm) areas per story shall be not less than one for every 200 persons of calculated occupant load served by the area of rescue assistance. 20.12.3Stairway Width: Each stairway adjacent to an area of rescue assistance shall have a minimum clear width of 48 inches (48" = 1219mm) between handrails.20.12.4 Two-way Communication: A method of two-way communication, with both visible and audible signals, shall be provided between each area of rescue assistance and the primary entrance to the building. The fire department or appropriate building official may approve a location other than the primary entrance to the building. Any operable mechanism shall comply with 521 CMR 39.00: CONTROLS.20.12.5 Identification: Each area of rescue assistance shall be identified by a sign that states "area of rescue assistance " and displays the international symbol of accessibility. The sign shall be illuminated when exit sign illumination is required. Signage shall also be installed at all inaccessible exits and where otherwise necessary to clearly indicate the direction to areas of rescue assistance. In each area of rescue assistance, instructions on the use of the area under emergency conditions shall be posted adjoining the two-way communication system.