Egress in Elevator Bank

Q: Our facility has egress in an elevator bank.  Smoke doors close off this area and a door also accesses the basement.  So, egress becomes the stairs at the hallway prior to the smoke doors.  The estimated width is 24 feet by 20 feet.  Sometimes nurses put beds or wheelchairs in the elevator area.  Is this acceptable?

A: Based on the information you have provided, it would appear as though the elevator areas in question are physically separated and just beyond the paths of egress leading to the exit stairs. Therefore, I believe it would be acceptable to park beds or wheelchairs in those areas as long as there is at least eight feet of clear and unobstructed space maintained at the elevator entrances for use by fire or other emergency responders. However, the elevator areas should never be used for the storage of combustible materials or supplies.

-Dean Samet, SSR