N.Y. MRE Law § 60

§ 60. Bulkheads and scuttles. 1. There shall be a fire-resistive\nbulkhead in the roof over, or connecting directly by means of a public\nhall with the highest portion of every stair extending to the highest\nstory below the main roof. Stairs leading to such bulkheads shall be\nfire-retarded as required for other public stairs and shall have at the\ntop fireproof doors and assemblies with the doors self-closing. All\nstairs to required bulkheads shall be provided with a guide or handrail.\nA scuttle so constructed as to be readily opened may be substituted for\na bulkhead in dwellings not exceeding three stories and a basement in\nheight. Such scuttle shall be at least twenty-one inches in width and\ntwenty-eight inches in length, covered on the outside with metal and\nprovided with a stationary iron or steel ladder leading thereto.\n 2. When a dwelling has a pitched or sloping roof with a pitch or slope\nof more than fifteen degrees, no bulkhead or scuttle, or stair or ladder\nleading thereto shall be required.\n 3. A bulkhead door or scuttle shall never be locked with a key, but\nmay be fastened on the inside with movable rustproof bolts or hooks.\nAll key locks shall be removed.\n 4. Bulkheads and stairs leading thereto existing on July first,\nnineteen hundred fifty-two, shall be permitted provided the stairs have\nsuch angle of ascent and treads of such dimensions as may be approved by\nthe department.\n