Quick release latches for security bars in co-op

[NycApp]

Hello-

I inspected a co-op apartment on the 1st floor of a midrise building in Manhattan. The unit has security bars without quick release hatches in the bedroom window, and no other form of egress other than the bedroom door. From my understanding, this does not conform to NYC regulation, but I need to confirm this.

Does anyone know where I can find the code regarding this, or who I can contact to get this information.
This is for a standard purchase ( not FHA) but the client still requires comments on security bars.

Thanks.

 

[HF Mudd]

See chapter 10 of the FAQs

http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/firecode/FAQ.shtml


Below is a list of approved fire escape window gates:

http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/pdf/fire_prevention/fire_escape_window_gates.pdf

 

[NycApp]

Thanks HF Mudd,

I found this in chapter 10 of the firecode. http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/pdf/fi...d_ll37_41_64_2009_final_complete.pdf#page=183

Which states; "1025.4 Operational constraints. Emergency escape and rescue openings and windows or other openings onto fire escapes, as that term is defined in the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law, shall be operational from the inside of the room without the use of keys or tools. Bars, grilles, grates or similar devices are permitted to be placed over emergency escape and rescue openings and windows or other openings onto fire escapes, provided the minimum net clear opening size complies with the requirements of the construction codes, including the Building Code and the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law, and such devices are releasable or removable from the inside without the use of a key, tool or force greater than that which is required for normal operation of the escape and rescue opening, window or other opening."

 

[esturni]

The way I read that, it only covers windows which lead onto fire escapes. It says nothing (at least that section doesn't) about windows not leading to fire escapes, like your subject

 

[HF Mudd]

I found the following sections in the doc provided by NYC which covers windows which do not necessarily lead to fire escapes:​

SECTION FC 1002 ​

DEFINITIONS ​

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]1002.1 Definitions. [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]The following terms shall, for the purposes of this chapter and as used elsewhere in this code, have the meanings shown herein.[/FONT][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE OPENING. [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]An operable window, door or other similar device that provides for a means of escape and access for rescue in the event of an emergency. [/FONT][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]...[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]1025.5 Certificate of approval. [FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Bars, grilles, grates or similar devices placed over emergency escape and rescue openings, and windows or other openings onto fire escapes, shall be of a type for which a certificate of approval has been issued in accordance with this code. [/FONT]
[/FONT][/FONT]

 

[airphoto]

Would think that from a first floor dwelling access to the yard would be considered a 'fire escape.'

 

[NycApp]

My interpretation of the code is;
(Emergency escape and rescue openings) and (windows or other openings onto fire escapes...)

The window is considered an (Emergency escape and rescue opening) from the bedroom based on the definition in the fire code in HF Mudd's posting.

I also ran into an old 2008 posting in which someone said

Code is all bedroom windows must have releases. Living room bars are ok provided there are two point of egress. I spent a day down on Livingston St.(the old FDNY headquarters-they moved to Metro Tech) years ago getting to the bottom of it and that is what a Fire Marshall told me.

This post can be found here; http://appraisersforum.com/showpost.php?p=1685663&postcount=7

 

[Kevin Mc]

That is code for homes, large cooperative building probably has other rules and regs. I would call the NYC Fire Matshall's office. Many of the window guards can be be popped out with a good push. There is no doubt that the building is inspected regualrly by the FDNY and obviously I would think that the guard is in fact code. Is there another room with a window facing the exterior? My guess it is installed to code. The FDNY Marshall will have your answer. Good luck.

 

[esturni]

So then wouldn't that mean like 75% of all 1-4 family homes in NYC have illegal window bars? When I look down a street of brownstones in Brooklyn, I'd say almost every single one has window bars on the garden and 1st floors.

 

[Kevin Mc]

So then wouldn't that mean like 75% of all 1-4 family homes in NYC have illegal window bars? When I look down a street of brownstones in Brooklyn, I'd say almost every single one has window bars on the garden and 1st floors.

Not necessarily. You can have window bars anywhere you like as long as the bedroom bars have release latches and the subject has two points of egress. Living room, dining room,den,kitchen etc.... no problem except with various lenders. City and FDNY rules are not the same as lender requirements.