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Despite their mass , many booths are proposed as furniture due to their intended mobility . However , privacy booths are more comparable to rooms , creating an enclosed space , and therefore require a level of safety consistent with the remainder of the building . Establishing consistent code considerations for installing privacy booths can help streamline evaluations and ensure the safety and resiliency of the built environment .
Privacy booth safety and applicable codes
When implementing privacy booths , addressing fire and nonstructural life safety requirements of the 2021 edition of the International Building Code ( IBC ) is necessary . While the following is not an exhaustive discussion of all potentially applicable codes and standards , this serves as a basis for understanding some of the crucial requirements .
• Finishes and textiles : interior finishes and textile wall coverings throughout a booth are potential fire hazards . Interior wall and ceiling finishes and textile wall and ceiling coverings are to meet flame spread indexes when tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723 ( IBC § 803.1.2 , § 803.5.2 ). Interior floor finishes are to meet critical radiant flux limits when tested in accordance with ASTM E648 or NFPA 253 ( IBC § 804.4.2 ).
• Occupant egress : ease of egress can improve occupant safety during an emergency significantly . Doors are to have a clear opening width of 32 inches but are permitted to be reduced to 20 inches when serving nonaccessible , single-user spaces ( IBC § 1010.1.1 , Ex . 11 ). Although the clear width is intended to support occupants in wheelchairs , door width impacts the dimensions of the booth .
During emergency egress , landing size is intended to accommodate maneuverability when operating doors , while landing elevation and threshold height are intended to prevent trip hazards . A floor or landing is to be
provided at the same elevation on both sides of a door ( IBC § 1010.1.4 ), with a width not less than the door ’ s width and a length not less than 44 inches measured in the direction of travel ( IBC § 1010.1.5 ). Threshold heights are limited to one-half inch above the finished floor ( IBC § 1010.1.6 ). These requirements impact the floor dimensions of the booth .
• Sprinkler protection : for a building to be considered equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system and apply allowances permitted by codes for sprinklered buildings , sprinklers must be provided within all areas of the building ( IBC § 903.3.1.1 ). Typically , sprinklers are required within privacy booths . However , when approved by the jurisdiction , sprinkler protection may not be required in small temporarily occupied enclosures if the enclosure does not extend to the ceiling , does not exceed 24 square feet , and is physically isolated from other booths by open space ( 2022 NFPA 13 § 9.2.10 ).
When installing a booth , placement in the building must be considered , as the booth height may obstruct a sprinkler and prevent
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