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ESCAPE continued ::s- Window wells.Window wells required for emergency P. escape and rescue shall have horizontal dimensions that allow the door or window of the emergency escape 44 INCHES and rescue openings to be fully opened.The horizontal dimensions of the window well shall provide a minimum net clear area of 9 square feet(0.84m2)with a minimum horizontal projection and width of 36 inches(914 mm). Exception:The ladder or steps required by Section R310.2.1 shall be permitted to encroach a maximum of 6 inches(152 mm)into the required dimensions of the window well. Bulkhead enclosures. Bulkhead enclosures shall provide direct access to the basement.The bulkhead enclosure with the door panels in the fully open position shall provide the minimum net clear opening required by Section R310.1.1. Bulkhead enclosures shall also comply with Section R314.9. Bars, grills,covers, screens, or similar devices are permitted to be placed over emergency escape and rescue openings, bulkhead enclosures, or window wells that serve such openings, provided the minimum net clear opening size complies with Sections R310.1.1 to R310.1.3, and such devices shall be releaseable or removable from the inside without the use of a key,tool or force greater than that which is required for normal operation of the escape and rescue opening. Ladder and steps.Window wells with a vertical depth greater than 44 inches(1118 mm) below the adjacent ground level shall be equipped with a permanently affixed ladder or steps usable with the window in the fully open position. Ladders or steps required by this section shall not be required to comply with Section R314 and R315. Ladders or rungs shall have an inside width of at least 12 inches (305 mm), shall project at least 3 inches(76 mm) GR. from the wall and shall be spaced not more than 18 inches (457 mm) on center vertically for the full height of the A X B = 9 window well. SQUARE FEET Guard.Although the code does NOT specify requirements for guard around window wells to keep persons from falling into them,falls can and do occur. Because of the security devices such as grilles, bars and steel shutters. variations in size, location, and depth of window wells and Unless properly designed and constructed, these security since a guard could present an impediment to escape devices over emergency windows can completely defeat or rescue, the code is silent.The potential for falls into a window well should be evaluated by the homeowner and the purpose of the emergency escape and rescue window. suitable guards or visual barriers provide based on the The code makes provisions for use of security devices, location, depth and size of the well. Barriers, guards or provided the release mechanism has been approved by the covers installed to prevent falls must be placed in such building official and it is operable from the inside without the a way that does not impede use of the window well for use of a key or special knowledge. escape and rescue. If covers are used,the effects of snow Fire deaths have been attributed to the inability of the on the ability to open or remove them in an emergency individual to escape from the building because the security must also be evaluated. bars prevented emergency escape. Security devices should The ever-increasing concern for security, particularly in only be installed where absolutely necessary and only with a residential buildings has created a fairly large demand for permit after an evaluation by your local building and fire official. BCSO-GIo12 io-u 3