239 - Tower fire-escapes and supplemental stairs.

§  239.  Tower  fire-escapes  and  supplemental  stairs.  In fireproof  tenements tower fire-escapes or stairs which  are  supplemental  to  the  stairs   required   by   law  may  be  installed  providing  such  tower  fire-escapes or stairs shall be shut off from all  other  parts  of  the  dwelling  by  brick  walls  or partitions of terra cotta blocks at least  four inches thick, or hollow cement blocks at least  four  inches  thick  which  have  successfully  withstood a three-hour standard fire test and  been approved by the department, and have fireproof doors and assemblies  with the doors self-closing at all openings. Whenever such supplementary  stairs are provided they shall be constructed in  accordance  with  such  supplementary  regulations  as  may  be  adopted by the department. Such  tower fire-escapes or stairs shall not be used  as  service  stairs  and  shall be kept adequately lighted at all times and free from encumbrance.