In a two-story building with an occupant load of 30 on each floor, how many individuals can a single exit handle?

In determining how many individuals a single exit can handle in a two-story building with an occupant load of 30 on each floor, understanding exit capacity is crucial. The International Building Code (IBC) provides guidelines for calculating the maximum allowable occupant load for exits based on the function and characteristics of the occupancy, which includes factors such as the exit width and the number of occupants that can safely egress through it.

For most egress situations, the IBC suggests that one exit can accommodate 50 occupants per exit for unsprinklered areas or assemblies. However, when considering the total occupant load of both floors in this scenario, the overall capacity is calculated. With 30 individuals on each floor, the building has a total occupant load of 60.

Therefore, a single exit designed per these codes can effectively accommodate up to 49 individuals safely, taking into consideration that it should not exceed the calculated limits of egress capacity. This value represents a balance between safety and efficiency in building occupancy egress planning. The calculated capacity ensures that individuals can evacuate the building in a timely manner during emergencies while adhering to fire safety standards.

This understanding highlights the importance of following building codes which ensure exits are adequately sized and sufficient to handle the maximum anticipated