Pictures? How big is the radiator? Probably needs to be removed though there needs to typically be an unobstructed path to the egress window.

It’s around 30” l, 4” w x26” h. There is nothing in the code particularly, so we’d like to avoid removing it if possible. There is currently a door on the other side of the basement for egress, but we may close off this area to be a bedroom at some point and then the window would be the only egress.

Should be fine in most cases. As long as window doesn't get into the radiator footprint, you can build steps over them and make them compliant too.

Ithink it could remain as long the height of the radiator is below the clear opening. I’d check with you’re inspections dept.

Ok thanks!

All about your inspector, nothing else. It should be an easy phone call.

Not always about the inspector, I shot down many and all that had there own renegade interpetation of code. I still agree to ask but dont be afraid to ask show me where does this say I can’t do it.

You can have a radiator there. The Egress window is all about a net clear window opening to escape and emergency personnel to enter having full gear on and whatnot to rescue... the height from the basement floor is so you can climb out (the radiator can only assist in doing that). The height above the floor should not exceed 44" but lately some jurisdictions have been changing that to 42".

The same goes for the window wells located outside the egress window they also must meet certain sizes and requirements.

The code wants to make sure that the emergency exit can be opened from the inside without using a key or tools, in other words, or anything except your hands. The same goes for grills, bars, storm windows, or anything else installed over emergency exits, they also must open from the inside without using tools or keys, and also comply with the opening size and location requirements for an emergency exit.

^ and that description is exactly why a local inspector might not allow a radiator in front of an emergency escape and rescue opening (not "egress"). One could argue that the radiator, which you have to lean over to reach the window, can impede easily opening it. It is also not moveable or steppable, so may impede access vertically. It's up to your inspector and/or fire code marshal.

Code only talks about clear openings and the height that openings should be from the floor level. The code does not specify there should be a min floor clearance in front of the opening or any other obstruction.

It is mainly for emergency rescue teams like a firefighter to be able to get through that opening with full gear including the oxygen tank.

If you have an older person using a bedroom or this is a child's bedroom having anything in front or having nothing there, they will not be able to get out...But someone can get in and rescue them.

No building inspector or fire marshal can tell you otherwise unless the code is changed and there is a clearance requirement something like you have for a fireplace clearance which clearly shows a diagram that specifies the area where there shouldn't be any combustible material and the distance in 4 different directions or like you have for the Electrical panel that shows the area to be kept clear for access.

The ingress only specifies the sill height and the min opening size.

Thanks for the info.