Occupancy limits compliance

Arizona State University has facilities of various types of occupancy and construction, which are occupied 24-hours a day. Access and egress systems are required by local, state and federal regulations to be maintained free of obstruction and separated from other areas within the facility. The department, unit or organization is responsible for ensuring their operation does not obstruct exit systems and occupancy limits to ensure safe egress. Environmental Health and Safety identifies safety hazards and ensure the occupants correct and maintain exit discharge systems in order to ensure safe access and egress and establish occupancy limits as necessary by code or to create a safer environment. The following guideline has been prepared for all occupants of university facilities in accordance with applicable codes and standards, ASU fire prevention and safety plan and ASU policies and procedures.

Applicable regulations

• 29 CFR 1910 Subpart E
• Amendments to International Fire Code

Requirements

Maximum occupancy limits are established to help ensure a facility and an area within a facility can evacuate in a safe and efficient manner. Occupancy limits are determined by dividing the square footage of an area by the occupant load factor within Table 1004.1.2 of the 2003 International Fire Code. Table 1018.1 of the 2003 IFC is used to determine the number of exits required. Table 1005.1 of 2003 IFC is referenced to determine the egress width per person served for stairways and other egress components such as corridors and ramps. The user of an area of a facility must be aware of the maximum occupant load of the area and ensure the area does not exceed the limits.

The following common university occupancy uses are referenced with the Occupant Load Factor (OLF) and Number Of Exit Requirements (NOER):

• Auditoriums, chapels, dance floors, lobby access to assembly occupancies, reviewing stands, and stadiums—OLF (7), NOER (minimum of 2 when occupant load is 50 or more).
• Waiting rooms—OLF (3), NOER (minimum of 2 when occupant load is 50 or more).
• Assembly areas—conference rooms, dining rooms, drinking establishments, exhibit rooms gymnasiums, lounges, and stages—OLF (15), NOER (minimum of 2 when occupant load is 50 or more).
• Bowling Alley—OLF (based on 5 persons per bowling lane to include the runway), NOER (minimum of 2 when occupant load is 50 or more).
• Classrooms—OLF (20), NOER (minimum of 2 when occupant load is 50 or more).
• Congregated Residences—OLF (200), NOER (minimum of 2 when occupant load is 10 or more).
• Dormitories (Residential Halls)—OLF (50), NOER (minimum of 2 when occupant load is 10 or more).
• Dwellings—OLF (300), NOER (minimum of 2 when occupant load is 10 or more).
• Exercising Rooms—OLF (50), NOER (minimum of 2 when occupant load is 50 or more).
• Garage, Parking—OLF (200), NOER (minimum of 2 when occupant load is 30 or more).
• Health Care Facilities (treatment rooms)—OLF (240), NOER (minimum of 2 when occupant load is 10 or more).
• Hotels and Apartments—OLF (200), NOER (minimum of 2 when occupant load is 10 or more).
• Kitchen (commercial)—OLF (200), NOER (minimum of 2 when occupant load is 30 or more).
• Library—OLF (50 for reading rooms, 100 for stacks), NOER (minimum of 2 when occupant load is 50 or more for reading rooms and 30 or more for stacks).
• Locker Rooms—OLF (50), NOER (minimum of 2 when occupant load is 30 or more).
• Mechanical Equipment Rooms—OLF (300), NOER (minimum of 2 when occupant load is 30 or more).
• Nurseries for children—OLF (35), NOER (minimum of 2 when occupant load is 7 or more).
• Offices—OLF (100), NOER (minimum of 2 when occupant load is 30 or more).
• School shops and vocational rooms—OLF (50), NOER (minimum of 2 when occupant load is 50 or more).
• Storage and stock rooms—OLF (300), NOER (minimum of 2 when occupant load is 30 or more).
• Stores (retail sales rooms)—OLF (30 for basements and ground floors, 60 for above ground floors), NOER (minimum of 2 when occupant load is 50 or more).
• Swimming Pools—OLF (50 for pool area, 15 for the deck), NOER (minimum of 2 when occupant load is 50 or more).
• Warehouses—OLF (500), NOER (minimum of 2 when occupant load is 30 or more).

Determining the exit location

The exit location is very important especially when two or more are required. When the UBC Table 10-A and other sections of this code requires two or more exits, the second exit must be a minimum of half the room distance away from the main entry/exit. Half of the room distance is measured from one corner of the room to the opposite corner of the room. If the room is rectangular in shape, the measurement is taken from the largest diagonal room measurement.

More specific requirements of the exit and exit door may be required based on other factors related to the facility design and the type of occupancy which are more complex for this guideline.

In addition to calculating the maximum occupant load of an area of a facility as well as the entire facility, the width of all aisles, stairways, corridors, passageways, and exit doors must be determined in order to accommodate a safe and efficient egress.

The facility user can contact the university fire marshal to determine the maximum occupant load of any area and determination of the width of aisles and other components of the exit system. For more information, email the university fire marshal or call 480-965-1823.