IBC 2009 & 2012 Requirements

Requires a two-way communication system for all area(s) of refuge in new construction, significant remodels, or change of building use, regardless if they have a sprinkler system or not.

• 1007.6.3 Two-Way Communication. Areas of Refuge shall be provided with a two-way communication system complying with Sections 1007.8.1 and 1007.8.2.
• 1007.8 Two-Way Communication. A two-way communication system shall be provided at the elevator landing on each accessible floor that is one or more stories above or below the story of exit discharge complying with Sections

1007.8.1 and 1007.8.2.

Exceptions:

1. Two-way communication systems are not required at the elevator landing where the two-way communication system is provided within areas of refuge in accordance with Section 1007.6.3 (stairwell areas of refuge).
2. Two-way communication systems are not required on floors provided with ramps conforming to the provisions of

Section 1010.

• 1007.8.1 System Requirements. Two-way communications shall provide communication between each required location and the fire command center or central control point location approved by the fire department. Where the central control point is not constantly attended, a two-way communication system shall have a timed automatic telephone dial-out capability to a monitoring location or 911.

The two-way communication system shall include both audible and visible signals.

Important: Many Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) mandate dual off-site person-to-person voice communication systems.

• 1007.8.2 Directions. Directions for the use of the two-way communication system, instructions for summoning assistance via the two-way communication system and written identification of the location shall be posted adjacent to the two-way communication system.
• 1007.9 Signage. Signage indicating special accessibility provisions shall be provided as shown:

1. Each door providing access to an area of refuge from the adjacent floor shall be identified by a sign stating:

AREA OF REFUGE

Signage shall comply with the ICC A117.1 requirements for visual characters and include the International Symbol of Accessibility. Where exit sign illumination is required by Section 1011.3, the signs shall be illuminated. Additionally, tactile signage complying with ICC A117.1 shall be located at each door to an area of refuge.

• 1007.10 Directional Signage.

Direction signage indicating the location of the other means of egress and which are accessible means of egress shall be provided at the following:

1. At exits serving a required accessible space but not providing an approved accessible means of egress.
2. At elevator landings.
3. Within areas of refuge.

• 1007.11 Instructions. In areas of refuge and exterior areas for assisted rescue, instructions on the use of the area under emergency conditions shall be posted. The instructions shall include all of the following:

1. Persons able to use the exit stairway do so as soon as possible, unless they are assisting others.
2. Information on planned availability of assistance in the use of stairs or supervised operation of elevators and how to summon such assistance.
3. Directions for use of the two-way communications system where provided.

• 403.5.3.1 Stairway Communication System. A telephone or other two-way communications system connected to an approved constantly attended station shall be provided at not less than every fifth floor in each stairway where the doors to the stairway are locked.

IBC 2015, 2018 & 2021 Requirements

• 1009.6.5 Two-Way Communication. Area of refuge shall be provided with a two-way communication system complying with Sections 1009.8.1 and 1009.8.2.
• 1009.8 Two-Way Communication. A two-way communication system complying with Sections 1009.8.1 and 1009.8.2 shall be provided at the landing serving each elevator or bank of elevators on each accessible floor that is one or more stories above or below the level of exit discharge.

Exceptions:

1. Two-way communication systems are not required at the landing serving each elevator or bank of elevators where the two-way communication system is provided within areas of refuge in accordance with Section 1009.6.5.
2. Two-way communication systems are not required on floors provided with ramps conforming to the provisions of Section 1012.
3. Two-way communication systems are not required at the landings serving only service elevators that are not designated as part of the accessible means of egress or serve as part of the required accessible route into a facility.
4. Two-way communication systems are not required at the landings serving only freight elevators. 5. Two-way communication systems are not required at the landing serving a private residence elevator. 6. Two-way communication systems are not required in I-2 or I-3 facilities (2018 IBC).

• 1009.8.1 System Requirements. Two-way communication systems shall provide communication between each required location and the fire command center or a central control point location approved by the fire department. Where the central control point is not a constantly attended location, a two-way communication system shall have a timed automatic telephone dial-out capability to a monitoring location or 9-1-1. The two-way communication system shall include both audible and visible signals.
• 1009.8.2 Directions. Directions for the use of the two-way communication system, instructions for summoning assistance via the two-way communication system and written identification of the location shall be posted adjacent to the two-way communication system. Signage shall comply with the ICC A117.1 requirements for visual characters.
• 1009.9 Signage. Signage indicating special accessibility provisions shall be provided as shown:

1. Each door providing access to an area of refuge an adjacent floor area shall be identified by a sign stating:

AREA OF REFUGE. 2. Each door providing access to an exterior area for assisted rescue shall be identified by a sign stating:

EXTERIOR AREA FOR ASSISTED RESCUE. Signage shall comply with the ICC A117.1 requirements for visual characters and include the International

Symbol of Accessibility. Where exit sign illumination is required by Section 1013.3, the signs shall be illuminated. Additionally, visual characters, raised character and braille signage complying with ICC A117.1 shall be located at each door to an area of refuge and exterior area for assisted rescue in accordance with Section

1013.4.

• 1009.10 Directional Signage. Directional Signage indicating the location of all other means of egress and which of those are accessible means of egress shall be provided at the following:

1. At exits serving a required accessible space but not providing an approved accessible means of egress.
2. At elevator landings.
3. Within area(s) of refuge.

• 1009.11 Instructions. In areas of refuge and exterior areas for assisted rescue, instructions on the use of the area under emergency conditions shall be posted. Signage shall comply with the ICC A117.1 requirements for visual characters. The instructions shall include all of the following: 1. Persons able to use the exit stairway do so as soon as possible, unless they are assisting others. 2. Information on planned availability of assistance in the use of stairs or supervised operation of elevators and how to summon such assistance.

3. Directions for use of the two-way communication system where provided.

• 403.5.3.1 Stairway Communication System. A telephone or other two-way communications system connected to an approved constantly attended station shall be provided at not less than every fifth floor in each stairway where the doors to the stairway are locked.