Is Trap Door a Safety Issue?

[Six Flags]

The only access between the 1st and 2nd floor is thru a staircase which leads to a trap door on the second floor. The trap door can be shut, locked and walked on, but walking down the staircase is a little dangerous due to the incline and low overhang, plus if the door is left open is basically just a hole in the floor and a serious trip/fall issue.

The home is a raised ranch. The second floor is living space and the ground level is a garage and an above grade basement. There is an outdoor stairway which leads to the front door of the second floor and is the main access route to the living area of the home. There are also entrances to the ground level.

Does anyone know if I should flag this is a safety issue?

 

[Mike Kennedy]

"walking down the staircase is a little dangerous due to the incline and low overhang, plus if the door is left open is basically just a hole in the floor and a serious trip/fall issue.

PICS of the exterior (front, side, rear), the main entrance stairs, and the "trap"? Built as a 1 story Ranch over Unfinished Basement - then converted to Finished Bsmt? C.O. ?

 

[Six Flags]

There is no living area on the ground level. So the trap door leading to the staircase to the ground level is not needed to access the living area of the home. The main access to the second floor is via an outdoor staircase.

 

[Six Flags]

Here is a pic of the trap door. It leads from the second floor to the basement (above grade).

 

[Mike Kennedy]

"no living area on the ground level" - an unfinished Basement then? Is a "trap door" staircase with low head room typical and does it meet B.Code? C. of O?

 

[Six Flags]

I would say that it is definately not typical. I have no idea if it meets code or not.

 

[CJ1234]

What access is there to the upper area (IE living area)? Is the trap door the only access?

 

[Six Flags]

The main access to the living area is via an outdoor staircase.

 

[Mr Rex]

I always find that if you have to ask the question, then it is worth reporting and letting the DEU decide if it requires repair.:icon_idea:

 

[AnonApprsr]

If it's used to as a main access for living area than it may be. If it's for access to the basement, than it may not be. They're not unheard of around here.