SECTION 748:20-13-8. IMC® 2015 Chapter 3 General Regulations

  Chapter 3 of the IMC® 2015 is adopted with the following modifications:

(1)   Section 301.15 Wind resistance. This section has been modified to allow design and installation of equipment and appliances that are exposed to wind to be built in accordance with SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards - Metal and Flexible or other approved methods. This section has been modified to read: 301.15 Wind resistance. Mechanical equipment, appliances and supports that are exposed to wind shall be designed and installed to resist the wind pressures determined in accordance with the International Building Code®, SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards - Metal and Flexible, and other approved methods.

(2)   Section 304.11 Guards. This section has been modified to clarify the circumstances under which guards shall be provided around components and to modify the exception to require the authority having jurisdiction approve the use of a fall/restraint system instead of guards. This section has been modified to read: 304.11 Guards. Guards shall be provided where various components that require serviceare located on a roof or elevated structure and have a condition as set fourth in Sections 304.11.1 through 304.11.3. The top of the guard shall be located not less than 42 inches (1067 mm) above the elevated surface adjacent to the guard. The guard shall be constructed so as to prevent the passage of a 21-inch diameter (533 mm) sphere and shall comply with the loading requirements for guards as specified in the International Building Code®. Guards shall be provided at new components when added or replaced on an existing roof or elevated structure and have a condition as set forth in Sections 304.11.1 through 304.11.3. Exception: When approved by the authority having jurisdiction, guards are not required where permanent fall arrest/restraint anchorage connector devices that comply with ANSI/ASSE Z 359.1 are affixed for use during the entire roof covering lifetime. The devices shall be reevaluated for possible replacement when the entire roof covering is replaced. The devices shall be placed not more than 10 feet (3048 mm) on center along hip and ridge lines and placed not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from roof edges and the open sides of walking surfaces.

(3)   Section 304.11.1 Roof edge. This section has been added to clarify the circumstances required to exist for the installation of guards at the roof edge when the components needed service are within a specific distance of the roof edge. This section has been added to read: 304.11.1 Roof edge. Guards complying with 304.11 shall be provided when components are located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of a roof edge or open side of a walking surface or elevated structure and such edge or open side is located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor, roof, or grade below. The guard shall extend not less than 30 inches (762 mm) beyond each end of the component that requires service.

(4)   Section 304.11.2 Skylights. This section has been added to clarify the circumstances for the installation of guards around components near skylights and to provide exceptions to the requirement. This section has been added to read: 304.11.2 Skylights. Guards complying with Section 304.11 shall be provided when a skylight is within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the component that requires service. The guard shall extend 30 inches (762 mm) beyond the edge of the skylight. Exceptions:

(A)   Guards are not required when the skylight is located at least 42 inches (1067 mm) above the highest point of the walking surface adjacent to the skylight or component.

(B)   Guards are not required if some other provision for skylight fall-through protection is provided and approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

(5)   Section 304.11.3 Roof hatch. This section has been added to clarify the circumstances for the installation of guards around components installed within a specific distance from the roof hatch. This section has been added to read: 304.11.3 Roof hatch. Guards complying with Section 304.11 shall be provided when a roof hatch is within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the component that requires service. The guard shall extend 30 inches (762 mm) beyond the edge of the roof hatch. If the component is within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the ladder access side of the roof hatch, the guard shall incorporate a self-closing, self-latching gate. The gate shall have a top edge of not less than 42 inches (1067 mm) above the elevated surface adjacent to the gate and shall not allow the passage of a 21 inch (533 mm) sphere. If a roof hatch exists within 10 feet of a roof edge that is located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor, roof or grade below and a new component that requires services on that existing roof or elevated structure, than a guard complying with Section 304.11 shall be added between the existing roof hatch and the roof edge.

(6)   Section 305.5.1 Location and protection of refrigerant piping. This section has been added to provide protection for refrigerant piping installed within 1 1/2 inches (38 mm) of the underside of roof decks. This section shall read: 305.5.1 Location and protection of refrigerant piping. Refrigerant piping installed within 1 1/2 inches (38 mm) of the underside of roof decks shall be protected from damage caused by nails and other fasteners.

(7)   Section 306.5 Equipment and appliances on roofs or elevated structures. This section has been modified to add a second exception for when the section would not apply. This section has been modified to read: 306.5 Equipment and appliances on roofs or elevated structures: Where equipment requiring access or appliances are located on an elevated structure or the roof of a building such that personnel will have to climb higher than 16 feet (4877 mm) above grade to access such equipment or appliances, an interior or exterior means of access shall be provided. Such access shall not require climbing over obstructions greater than 30 inches (762 mm) in height or walking on roofs having a slope greater than 4 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33-percent slope). Such access shall not require the use of portable ladders. Where access involves climbing over parapet walls, the height shall be measured to the top of the parapet wall.

(A)   Permanent ladders installed to provide the required access shall comply with the following minimum design criteria:

(i)   The side railing shall extend above the parapet or roof edge not less than 30 inches (762 mm).

(ii)   Ladders shall have rung spacing not to exceed 14 inches (356 mm) on center. The uppermost rung shall not be greater than 24 inches (610 mm) below the upper edge of the roof hatch, roof or parapet, as applicable.

(iii)   Ladders shall have a toe spacing not less than 6 inches (152 mm) deep.

(iv)   There shall be not less than 18 inches (457 mm) between rails.

(v)   Rungs shall have a diameter not less than 0.75-inch (19 mm) and be capable of withstanding a 300-pound (136.1 kg) load.

(vi)   Ladders over 30 feet (9144 mm) in height shall be provided with offset sections and landings capable of withstanding 100 pounds per square foot (488.2 kg divided by meters squared). Landing dimensions shall be not less than the width of the ladder served. A guard rail shall be provided on all open sides of the landing.

(vii)   Climbing clearance. The distance from the centerline of rungs to the nearest permanent object on the climbing side of the ladder shall be not less than 30 inches (762 mm) measured perpendicular to the rungs. This distance shall be maintained from the point of ladder access to the bottom of the roof hatch. A minimum clear width of 15 inches (381 mm) shall be provided on both sides of the ladder measured from the midpoint of and parallel with the rungs except where cages or wells are installed.

(viii)   Landing required. The ladder shall be provided with a clear and unobstructed bottom landing area having a minimum dimension of 30 inches (762 mm) by 30 inches (762 mm) centered in front of the ladder.

(ix)   Ladders shall be protected against corrosion by an approved means.

(x)   Access to ladders shall be provided at all times.

(B)   Catwalks installed to provide the required access shall be not less than 24 inches (610 mm) wide and shall have railings as required for service platforms. Exceptions:

(i)   This section shall not apply to Group R-3 occupancies.

(ii)   This section shall not apply to appliance replacement.

(8)   Section 307.2.1 Condensate disposal. This section has been modified to allow condensate drains to terminate to a pit or French drain when approved by the code official. This section has been modified to read: 307.2.1 Condensate disposal. Condensate from all cooling coils and evaporators shall be conveyed from the drain pan outlet to an approved place of disposal. Such piping shall maintain a minimum horizontal slope in the direction of discharge of not less than one-eighth unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (1-percent slope). Condensate drains shall be allowed to terminate to an approved pit or French drain consisting of a minimum of 24 inches by 24 inches by 24 inches (610 mm by 610 mm by 610 mm), or equivalent; of 1 inch (25 mm) washed rock. Such pits or French drains shall be located 30 inches (762 mm) minimum from outer edge of foundation to nearest edge of pit or French drain. Condensate shall not discharge into a street, alley or other areas so as to cause a nuisance.

(9)   Section 307.2.3.1 Water-level monitoring devices. This section was modified to add an exception for when the section shall not apply. This section has been modified to read: 307.2.3.1 Water-level monitoring devices. On down-flow units and all other coils that do not have a secondary drain or provisions to install a secondary or auxiliary drain pan, a water-level monitoring device shall be installed inside the primary drain pan. This device shall shut off the equipment served in the event that the primary drain becomes restricted. Devices installed in the drain line shall not be permitted. Exception: This section shall not apply to appliances installed in areas outside on the ground or elevated structure where condensate overflow does not damage building components or contents.

[Source: Added at 29 Ok Reg 1659, eff 11-1-12; Amended at 32 Ok Reg 2270, eff 11-1-15]