Basements with habitable space and every sleeping room shall have at least one openable emergency escape and rescue window or exterior door opening for emergency escape and rescue. International Residential Code, section R310.1
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Emergency escape and rescue openings shall be operational from the inside of the room without the use of keys or tools. International Residential Code, section R310.1.4
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All emergency escape and rescue openings shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet. Exception follows. International Residential Code, section 310.1.1
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Exception: Grade floor openings shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5 square feet. Grade floor opening is a window or other opening located such that the sill height of the opening is not more than 44 inches above or below the finished ground level adjacent the opening. International Residential Code, section R310.1.1 and R202
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The minimum net clear opening height shall be 24 inches. International Residential Code, section R310.1.2
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The minimum net clear opening width shall be 20 inches. International Residential Code, section R310.1.3
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When openings are provided as a means of escape and rescue they shall have a sill height of not more than 44 inches above the floor. International Residential Code, section R310.1
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Window wells required for emergency escape and rescue shall have horizontal dimensions that allow the door or window of the emergency escape and rescue opening to be fully opened. The horizontal dimensions of the window well shall provide a minimum net clear area of 9 square feet with a minimum horizontal projection and width of 36 inches. International Residential Code, section R310.2
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Window wells with a vertical depth greater than 44 inches below the adjacent ground level shall be equipped with a permanently affixed ladder or steps usable with the window in the fully open position. The ladder or stairs...shall be permitted to encroach a maximum of six inches. International Residential Code, section R310.2.1
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Ladders or rungs shall have an inside width of at least 12 inches, shall project at least 3 inches from the wall and shall be spaced not more than 18 inches on center vertically for the full height of the window well. International Residential Code, section R310.2.1
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Bars, grills, covers, screens or similar devices are permitted to be placed over emergency escape and rescue openings provided such devices shall be releasable or removable from the inside without the use of a key, tool or force greater than that which is required for normal operation. International Residential Code, section R310.4
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A guard is not required for window wells. |
