International Building Code 3004.1
Vents required. Hoistways of elevators and dumbwaiters
penetrating more than three stories shall be provided with a
means for venting smoke and hot gases to the outer air in case
of fire.
Exceptions:
1. In occupancies of other than Groups R-1, R-2, I-1, I-2
and similar occupancies with overnight sleeping
quarters, venting of hoistways is not required where
the building is equipped throughout with an approved
automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance
with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
2. Sidewalk elevator hoistways are not required to be
vented.
International Building Code 3004.2
Location of vents. Vents shall be located at the top of
the hoistway and shall open either directly to the outer air or
through noncombustible ducts to the outer air. Noncombustible
ducts shall be permitted to pass through the elevator machine
room, provided that portions of the ducts located outside the
hoistway or machine room are enclosed by construction having
not less than the fire protection rating required for the hoistway.
Holes in the machine room floors for the passage of ropes,
cables or other moving elevator equipment shall be limited so
as not to provide greater than 2 inches (51 mm) of clearance on
all sides.
International Building Code 3004.3
Area of vents. Except as provided for in Section
3004.3.1, the area of the vents shall not be less than 31/2 percent
of the area of the hoistway nor less than 3 square feet (0.28 m2)
for each elevator car, and not less than 31/2 percent nor less than
0.5 square feet (0.047 m2) for each dumbwaiter car in the
hoistway, whichever is greater. Of the total required vent area,
not less than one-third shall be permanently open. Closed portions
of the required vent area shall consist of openings glazed
with annealed glass not greater than 0.125 inch (3.2 mm) in
thickness.
Exception: The total required vent area shall not be
required to be permanently open where all the vent openings
automatically open upon detection of smoke in the elevator
lobbies or hoistway, upon power failure and upon activation
of a manual override control.
Reduced vent area. Where mechanical ventilation
conforming to the International Mechanical Code is
provided, a reduction in the required vent area is allowed
provided that all of the following conditions are met:
1. The occupancy is not in Group R-1, R-2, I-1 or I-2 or
of a similar occupancy with overnight sleeping quarters.
2. The vents required by Section 3004.2 do not have outside
exposure.
3. The hoistway does not extend to the top of the building.
4. The hoistway and machine room exhaust fan is automatically
reactivated by thermostatic means.
5. Equivalent venting of the hoistway is accomplished.
International Building Code 3004.3.1
Reduced vent area. Where mechanical ventilation
conforming to the International Mechanical Code is
provided, a reduction in the required vent area is allowed
provided that all of the following conditions are met:
1. The occupancy is not in Group R-1, R-2, I-1 or I-2 or
of a similar occupancy with overnight sleeping quarters.
2. The vents required by Section 3004.2 do not have outside
exposure.
3. The hoistway does not extend to the top of the building.
4. The hoistway and machine room exhaust fan is automatically
reactivated by thermostatic means.
5. Equivalent venting of the hoistway is accomplished.
International Building Code 3004.4
Plumbing and mechanical systems. Plumbing and
mechanical systems shall not be located in an elevator shaft.
Exception: Floor drains, sumps and sump pumps shall be
permitted at the base of the shaft provided they are indirectly
connected to the plumbing system.