ABOUT CODE CORNER
CCFS would like to remind you to check
with your local “Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)” for questions and opinions
concerning your local Fire and Building
Codes. The information contained in this
article is supplied as a courtesy by the
International Code Council (ICC) and is
based on the International Fire and
Building Codes and their respective commentaries. Your local codes or ordinances may vary.
Submitted by Randall Hormann, Founding Editor
Chapter 10
Means of Egress
SECTION 1004 - OCCUPANT
LOAD
1004.1 Design occupant load. In determining means of egress requirements,
the number of occupants for whom
means of egress facilities shall be provided shall be established by the largest number computed in accordance
with Sections 1004.1.1 through
1004.1.3.
occupied space, floor or building is de- area as prescribed in Table
1004.1.2.
signed.
The number of occupants that will
occupy a space is the actual number
and is only limited by Section 1004.2. If
the construction documents indicate
that the actual occupant load of a
space exceeds that determined by Sections 1004.1.2 and 1004.1.3, then the
actual number is to be used as the design occupant load of that space.
Where the actual number is less than
the occupant load determined in accordance with Section 1004.1.2 or
1004.1.3, the largest number must be
used in the egress design. For example,
if a proposed conference room has a
calculated occupant load of 55—using
15 net square (1.4 m2) feet per person
for assembly without fixed seats, unconcentrated tables and chairs (see
Table 1004.1.2) —but the owner indicates that the actual number of occupants will not exceed 25, the design
occupant load of the room is 55.
Therefore, in accordance with Table
1014.1, at least two means of egress
must be provided from the conference
room. Conversely, if the actual occupant load planned for is
The design occupant load is the number of people that are intended to occupy a building, or portion thereof, at
any one time; consequently, the number for which the means of egress is to
be designed. It is the largest number
derived by the application of Sections
1004.1 through 1004.1.3. There is a
limit to the density of occupants permitted in an area to enable a reasonable amount of freedom of movement
(see Section 1004.2). The design occupant load is also utilized to determine
the required plumbing fixture count 65, the design occupant load is then
(see the commentary to Chapter 29 of 65.
the IBC).
1004.1.2 Number by Table 1004.1.2.
1004.1.1 Actual number. The actual The number of occupants computed at
number of occupants for whom each the rate of one occupant per unit of
1004.2 Increased occupant load.
The occupant load permitted in
any building or portion thereof is
permitted to be increased from
that number established for the
occupancies in Table 1004.1.2
provided that all other requirements of the code are also met
based on such modified number
and the occupant load shall not
exceed one occupant per 5
square feet (0.47 m2) of occupiable floor space. Where required
by the fire code official, an approved aisle, seating or fixed
equipment diagram substantiating any increase in occupant
load shall be submitted. Where
required by the fire code official, such diagram shall be
posted.
An increased occupant load is
permitted above that developed
by using Table 1004.1.2; for example, utilizing the actual occupant load alternative in Section
1004.1.1. However, if the occupant load exceeds that which is
determined in accordance with
Section 1004.1.2, the fire code
official has the authority to require aisle, seating and equipment diagrams to confirm that
all occupants have access to an
CONTINUED: CODE CORNER
exit, the exits provide sufficient capacity for all occupants and compliance with this section is attained.
1004.3 Posting of occupant load. Every room or space that is an assembly occupancy shall have the occupant load
of the room or space posted in a conspicuous place, near the main exit or exit access doorway from the room or
space. Posted signs shall be of an approved legible permanent design and shall be maintained by the owner or authorized agent.
Each room or space used for an assembly occupancy is required to display the approved occupant load. The placard
must be posted in a visible location (near the main entrance). See Figure 1004.3 for an example of an occupant
load limit sign. The posting is required to provide a means by which to determine that the maximum approved occupant load is not exceeded. This permanent and readily visible sign provides a constant reminder to building personnel and is a reference for fire code officials during periodic inspections. While the composition and organization
of information in the sign are not specified, information must be recorded in a permanent manner. This means that
a sign with changeable numbers would not be acceptable.
Randall L. Hormann has been a fire fighter for the last 23 years. He spent 15 plus years in fire safety/public
safety for larger division 1 schools in Ohio as well as years of consulting on student training programs and philosophy and campus fire safety. Randy works teaching fire fighters code enforcement and instructional skills, and has
lectured on campus fire safety at many colleges, universities and conferences including the NFPA.