35.27 - Building Corridor and Hallway Use

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Last updated: October 7, 2024

A. General. Building corridors and hallways must remain clear in order to provide safe egress during emergencies. Any time items are placed in corridors or hallways, they must never impede flow of persons entering and/or exiting the building, reduce the access width below minimum requirements, or create a fire hazard situation. Basic university policy is to keep corridors and hallways clear of obstructions regardless of access width. In certain situations, however, with proper approval from Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), certain items may be placed in corridors or hallways without adversely affecting exiting requirements. [ed. 12-09]

A-1. Regulatory Requirements. The legal minimum width of corridors and hallways is determined by the applicable International Building Code, International Fire Code, Life Safety Code, and the Idaho General Safety and Health Standards. [ed. 12-09]

A-2. Unapproved Placement. Items placed in a corridor, hallway, or other path of entry or egress without approval may be subject to immediate removal at the direction of the Environmental Health and Safety Office. The unit responsible for the unapproved item will also be responsible for the cost of removal and any resulting damage. [add. 12-09]

B. Process. Campus units desiring to place objects in corridors or hallways are required to complete and submit a Building Corridor Use Exemption Request Form to EHS. EHS personnel will review the request, inspect the area, and make final a determination as to approval or denial. [rev. 12-09]

C. Procedures for Obtaining Approval to Place Objects in Corridors or Hallways.

C-1. Compliance Issues. Conditions that may result in denial of requests include, but are not limited to: [rev. 12-09]

i) Placement of objects reduces the width of the corridor or hallway to less than the legally required minimum. [rev. 12-09]

ii) The object is not fixed to the floor or wall or is something considered immovable. Examples of items allowed include vending machines or display cases mounted on a wall. Examples of items not allowed include chairs, student desks, tables, etc. [rev. 12-09]

iii) The object is flammable or readily combustible, or contains flammable or hazardous materials (e.g., cardboard boxes or storage cabinet for flammable liquids or hazardous materials). Hazardous materials are defined as any hazardous chemical, any biohazardous material, or any radioactive material. [rev. 12-09]

iv) The objects placed in corridors or hallways are considered permanent storage (e.g., unused equipment items). [rev. 12-09]

v) The object blocks the view of an exit or exit sign. [rev. 12-09]

vi) The object blocks access to, or the operation of, fire extinguishers, fire alarm pull stations, fire alarm/detector panels, fire hoses, sprinkler systems, smoke or heat detectors, emergency showers, eye wash stations, emergency lighting, circuit breaker panels, etc. [rev. 12-09]

vii) The full, legally required width of the exit path cannot be maintained as a straight path down the length of the hallway. [rev. 12-09]

viii) the items have been placed in a stairwell. [rev. 12-09]

C-2. Request Form. Download a Building Corridor Use Exemption Request Form from this link or obtain one from the Environmental Health and Safety Office. [add. 12-09]

C-3. Request Submittal. Submit requests to EHS (campus mail code 2030) or by fax @ (208) 885-5969. EHS personnel will evaluate the requirements and, if necessary, coordinate work with Facilities. [rev. & ren. 12-09]

D. Information. For additional information regarding building corridors and hallways, please contact the Environmental Health and Safety Office at (208) 885-6524. [ed. 12-09]

Version History

Amended October 2024. Minor edit to update owner position title.