5.3 Two-Way Communication, Egress Signage, and Instructions

5.3 Two-Way Communication, Egress Signage, and Instructions

The final part of IBC Section 1009 covers what a person waiting for help sees and uses. These provisions are frequent exam targets because they combine numeric triggers, exact sign wording and A117.1 sign specifications.

Two-Way Communication (1009.8)

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.

This requirement applies even in sprinklered buildings, because sprinklers do not remove the need for a person who cannot use the stairs to request help at the elevator. Exceptions (2024 IBC list; the 2021 list contains the same core items):

1. Not required at the elevator landing where two-way communication is provided within areas of refuge per 1009.6.5.
2. Not required on floors provided with ramps complying with 1012.
3. Not required at landings serving only service elevators that are not part of the accessible means of egress or the required accessible route.
4. Not required at landings serving only freight elevators.
5. Not required at a landing serving a private residence elevator.
6. (2024) Not required in Group I-2 or I-3 facilities.

Areas of refuge must also have two-way communication (1009.6.5), and stairways without an area of refuge may rely on the elevator-landing system under 1009.3.3 Exception 1 for exit access stairways.

System Requirements (1009.8.1)

• Communication between each required location and the fire command center or a central control point approved by the fire department.
• Where the central control point is not constantly attended, the system has timed, automatic telephone dial-out to an approved supervising station or emergency services.
• The system includes both audible and visible signals so people who are deaf or hard of hearing can use it.
• The 2024 IBC adds that systems are listed to UL 2525 and installed per NFPA 72.

Directions (1009.8.2)

Directions for use, instructions for summoning assistance, and written identification of the location are posted adjacent to the system. Signage complies with the A117.1 requirements for visual characters (A117.1 703.2).

This egress system is different from the elevator car emergency communication in A117.1 407.4.10 and ASME A17.1, which connects the car interior to a point outside the hoistway.

Signage at Areas of Refuge and Exterior Areas for Assisted Rescue (1009.9)

These signs use A117.1 visual characters and include the International Symbol of Accessibility. Where exit sign illumination is required by 1013.3, the signs are illuminated. In addition, visual, raised character and braille signage complying with A117.1 is located at each door to an area of refuge and exterior area for assisted rescue in accordance with 1013.4. IBC 1112.1 Items 8 and 9 repeat that areas of refuge and exterior areas for assisted rescue are identified by the ISA.

Directional Signage (1009.10)

Directional signage indicating the location of all other means of egress and which of those are accessible means of egress is provided:

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.

IBC 1112.3 Item 5 cross-references this requirement for exits and exit stairways that do not provide an approved accessible means of egress.

Instructions (1009.11)

In areas of refuge, exterior areas for assisted rescue and locations required to have two-way communication, instructions on the use of the area under emergency conditions are posted, using A117.1 visual characters. The instructions include:

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.

Tactile Exit and Floor-Level Signs

• IBC 1013.4: Where exit signs are provided at an area of refuge with direct access to a stairway, an exterior area for assisted rescue, an exit stairway or ramp, an exit passageway, a horizontal exit and the exit discharge, a sign stating "EXIT" in visual characters, raised characters and braille complying with A117.1 is provided.
• A117.1 504.11 contains the matching technical requirement: a raised-character and braille "EXIT" sign adjacent to each door to an area of refuge providing direct access to a stairway, an exterior area for assisted rescue, an exit stairway, an exit ramp, an exit passageway and the exit discharge.
• IBC Section 1023 (1023.11 in 2024) and A117.1 504.10: where floor-level signs are provided in interior exit stairways, a sign in visual characters, raised characters and braille identifying the floor level is placed at each floor landing beside the door leading into the corridor; the exit door to the outside or to the level of exit discharge reads "EXIT."
• Raised characters and braille follow A117.1 703.3 and 703.4: raised characters are mounted 48 inches minimum to the baseline of the lowest character and 60 inches maximum to the baseline of the highest, on the latch side of single doors (see Section 8.2).

Doors on the Accessible Egress Path

• IBC 1009.2.2 requires maneuvering clearances in the direction of egress (both sides where re-entry is possible).
• A117.1 404.3.4 requires low-energy and full power automatic doors that are part of an accessible means of egress to have maneuvering clearances on the egress side, unless they have standby power or battery backup, remain open in the power-off condition, or are full power sliding doors with a break-away feature.

Worked Example

A new sprinklered seven-story hotel has two elevator banks and two exit stairways without areas of refuge.

• Two-way communication is required at the landing of each elevator bank on every accessible floor above the level of exit discharge (floors 2 to 7), with audible and visible signals and timed automatic dial-out if the control point is not constantly attended.
• Directions and location identification are posted beside each unit, along with the 1009.11 instructions.
• Directional signs at each elevator landing show all means of egress and which are accessible.
• The exit stairways need tactile "EXIT" signs where exit signs are provided and tactile floor-level signs at each landing door.