A field perspective-What the inspector looks for
during a Racking inspection.
Does existing space meet the code at time
structure was built or has it been modified
and now is non-conforming. LOOKING AT
ALL ASPECTS OF SAFE EGRESS
Have new
elements been
added like awning,
occasionally the
light will be above
the new awnings
and prevent egress
from being
illuminated
Check to see if
handrails/Guards
have been
removed (holes in
the wall indicating
previously mounted on
wall side?)
Are steps new and
not per all code
requirements for
stairs (UNIFORMITY,
MINIMUM DEPTH OF
TREAD OR HEIGHT OF
RISER, STAIR WIDTH,
CLEAR HEADROOM,
SLOPE, ETC…)-
looking for
unsafe condition
Are existing
egress elements
STRUCTURALLY
sound
Issues upon entry:
Are all identified egress doors
1.
compliant with current or original
code requirements-Lighting,
Signage, operation, locking
devices, etc….?
2.
Is egress accessible or has it been
blocked with storage items?
All identified exits must be
maintained or reviewed to be
removed from the requirement for the
space they served (typical done when
something has been altered and exit is
non-conforming now). If exit is
determined to not be needed then
signage including directional must be
removed to that non-conforming
egress.
Is signage visible with new racking
layout (signs/lighting may need to be
modified to accommodate new
arrangements and will require
electrical permits). Careful care should
be taken to identify signage location
and layout based upon racking position
and storage height of commodities.
Fire inspector will pick up on
new extinguisher locations if
needed during their
inspection to include if visible
It’s important for the designer
to walk the job and identify in
advance all issues that a field
inspector may flag as a
concern to address that at the
plan review stage.
All exist need to be identified and travel
distance to assure no problems with
layout, identified doors as exists need to
be verified as required, safe and
compliant with current code or at time of
original construction. Older versions of
State Building codes are online at
NCDOI for review if needed (both rear
exists shown heree did not meet code)
Isle width should be indicated,
problem shown is back wall isle
had less than 30”, racking was
close to wall and had to be
removed
Note on plans about exit and
emergency lighting? Issue has
been discussed several time to help
get permit out the door and to start
project however if this is not shown
correctly on the original plan and
dealt with upfront in the permitting
process it can add delays and
significant last minute expenses.
This was a warehouse with
very small incidental office
space up front, no change
in use
Inspector will verify that space was original the
same occupancy group and there is no change in
usage that would trigger change of use review.
Structural plans indicate that the
racking at top of merchandise can
be as high as 21’-10” which will
obscure egress signage and there is
little to no directional signage
Other issue with installation is the exit signage is not
mounted flush but projects out and is not visible
straight on, also exit door drops off 4’ to grade with no
stairs on other side of opening (non-compliant means
of egress)
No exit
signage
visible in
this isle
Connection details
required to indentify not
just anchorage but how
rails are attached
The use of existing
racking that is relocated
may trigger
engineering review
based upon condition of
material used
Engineering
review required
Structural plans indicate a
different spacing attachment ,
this attachment not on plans,
alterations from sealed drawings
will require review by the
designer of record. Need to stick
with sealed drawing installation
for product or have alternate
attachment by designer
submitted to inspector.
Structural plans should call out
required bolting attachment and
need to be followed, original
inspection only had 1 bolt in base
plate but plans indicated 2 required.
Inspection will stick with the sealed
drawings on installation and should
be read carefully.
Random damage noted in several areas
using existing older racking, needs to be
reviewed by engineer
SECTION 1011
EXIT SIGNS
1011.1 Where required. Exits and exit
access doors shall be marked by an
approved exit sign readily visible from
any direction of egress travel. Access to
exits shall be marked by readily
visible exit signs in cases where the
exit or the path of egress travel is not
immediately visible to the occupants.
Exit sign placement shall be such that
no point in a corridor is more than 100
feet (30 480 mm) or the listed viewing
distance for the sign, whichever is less,
from the nearest visible exit sign.
Hard to see 1 directional signage that was added in
this warehouse. Directional signage can be reduced
or removed with larger sign installation. Options are
available under the code
Alterations not on plan will
require review by designer and
delay approval, racking must be
installed per plans and design,
solid angle on floor was not in
designer package
Many areas show bent
and in some cases no
longer connected on one
end to vertical supports
Isle was too close to back
wall, dimension not shown
on plans and had to be
modified in the field to all
for egress
Older not illuminated
egress sign was
removed when
determined this was
not a compliant
egress door
Signage was added
since door was not an
exit and drops off to
grade 4’ on other side,
this is rear of the
building at railroad
tracks
Flat signage was original, new
illuminated signage not facing
in correct direction, door had a
ladder attached on exterior
and was not a compliant means
of egress.
Ladders off side
hinged doors at
railroad tracks shown
on plans as a required
means of egress that
was not complaint with
code (current or
original), had exit
signage on interior
If existing overhead lighting doesn’t
have several that are on back up
power, new lighting sources will be
required for new warehouse layout.
It’s important to review this in the
field to prevent being an issue the
inspector address at a final
inspection when not installed.
Letters are required on the
following at final inspection:
1. Emergency lighting and
exist signage that the
electrical contractor has
tested and backup power
source is operationalsimple letterhead statement
2. Sprinkler certification letter
will be required if work was
done to the sprinkler
system per NFPA13, if no
work fire may just require
copies of the most current
system check.
3. Alarm certification letter,
only required if alarm
system is installed and per
NFPA72