The total number of people for which the means of egress of a building or portion thereof is designed is called what?

• A. Occupant Load
• B. Capacity Factor
• C. Egress Rating
• D. Tenant Density

Answer: (A)

Occupant load is the total number of people for whom the means of egress is designed. In life-safety design, the egress system must safely accommodate the maximum expected occupancy, so codes use the occupant load to size exits, doors, corridors, stairs, and travel distances. You determine it by multiplying the floor area by an occupant load factor specified for the space’s use (and then sum for all portions of the building). This concept ties directly to how many exits are required and how wide they must be, ensuring there’s enough capacity for a safe, prompt evacuation. Other terms don’t describe the number of people the egress is designed to serve, so occupant load is the correct term.