Gas line penetrations in exit enclosure

[mtCDCcb]

Are gas line pentrations allowed in required exit enclosures?

[Jerry Peck - Codeman]

By "exit enclosure" you are referring to "exit passageways" I presume?

I will also presume the gas penetration is black iron pipe? (Not the the type of gas pipe material matters, just pointing out that if black iron pipe is not allowed, CSST and other types of gas piping which are not as resistant to penetrations and which are susceptible to physical damage would not be allowed either.)

If so, no, a gas line penetration is not allowed.

From the 2006 IBC.
- SECTION 1021
- - EXIT PASSAGEWAYS
- - - 1021.5 Penetrations. Penetrations into and openings through an exit passageway are prohibited except for required exit doors, equipment and ductwork necessary for independent pressurization, sprinkler piping, standpipes, electrical raceway for fire department communication and electrical raceway serving the exit passageway and terminating at a steel box not exceeding 16 square inches (0.010m2). Such penetrations shall be protected in accordance with Section 712. There shall be no penetrations or communicating openings, whether protected or not, between adjacent exit passageways.