In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answered a question about emergency illumination in mechanical rooms.
Q: Is emergency lighting required for mechanical rooms?.
A: The answer depends on whether the mechanical room has a designated aisle, the occupancy classification of the building and whether it is an underground or windowless structure. According to section 7.8 of the 2000 Life Safety Code, the means of egress is required to be illuminated in the following locations in any occupancy:
• Designated stairs
• Designated aisles
• Designated corridors
• Designated ramps
• Passageways leading to an exit
As far as a mechanical room is concerned, if the room is large enough that there would be a designated aisle in the room, then it would require illumination.
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