BillConnerFASTC
Well-Known Member
Fascinating revived thread. Both NFPA 101 The Life Safety Code and the International Building Code - which are widely adopted model codes in the USA - require aisle lighting in assembly occupancies - 1 fc except it can be reduced to 0.2 for performing arts and cinema auditoria. While I spend a lot of effort to make sure the rooms I work on and design aisle lighting for comply with the code, its quite certain that most do not. We also spend a lot of time getting the light on the floor and not on the stage, so never step lights recessed in the risers. Too many people trip and fall and are injured using aisle stairs and it's simply unacceptable to not provide sufficient illumination for egress.
In terms of the floor finish being dark, I'll note both codes require "A contrasting marking stripe shall be provided on each tread at the nosing or leading edge so that the location of such tread is readily apparent, particularly when viewed in descent."
And the Life Safety Code requires the aisle lighting and the contrasting stripe in new and existing - no grandfathering on that one.
It's risky to accept something is permitted because you have seen elsewhere it or because you have not been cited for it previously.
(And if you do trip and fall and are injured in an aisle, have your lawyer give me a call.)
In terms of the floor finish being dark, I'll note both codes require "A contrasting marking stripe shall be provided on each tread at the nosing or leading edge so that the location of such tread is readily apparent, particularly when viewed in descent."
And the Life Safety Code requires the aisle lighting and the contrasting stripe in new and existing - no grandfathering on that one.
It's risky to accept something is permitted because you have seen elsewhere it or because you have not been cited for it previously.
(And if you do trip and fall and are injured in an aisle, have your lawyer give me a call.)