Exits

[safe]

Is there a "code" that specifies the number of "exits" required based on square footage and/or occupancy? For example, we are in the process of creating an office environment on the second level of our facility that will hold a maximum of 100 employees and the square footage is 13,000. Currently, we have one stairway on the north end and one on the south end that leads to the main level. Is this adequate?

 

[JedClampett]

This would be covered in your local building code, either UBC, IBC, NFPA, etc.. I'm mostly familiar with UBC and it has chapters (especially chapter 10) defining egress requirements. Distances to exits, numbers of exits and other important attributes are defined.

 

[dpc]

In addition to building codes, the NEC has some additional requirements for electrical rooms.

What you are describing sounds very marginal, but it's hard to judge without seeing plans.

Your local fire marshall could give you an answer, or your underwriter.

 

[humanfactoreng123]

Subj: Exits

The answer to your question about the 2 stairs from a 13,000 s.f. floor area of 100 people meets the Life Safety Code (NFPA 101, 2000 ed.) requirements as follows:
1. Capacity is calculated at 100 persons/s.f., which equals 130 max. people capacity for 13,000 s.f. area.
2. 2 existing stairs, if they are 44 in. wide divided by .3 equals 147 people may exit through one stair and 147 people may exit through the 2nd stair, if it is 44 in. wide.

References: Life Safety Code, Chapter 7, Section 7.3.3.1, Capacity Factors table and Occupant Load Factor Table 7.3.1.2

John Heywood, P.E., CSP
Senior Safety Engineer

 

[omar12]

Minimum of two exit per room should be adequate. Double check in NFPA 101 and your local Fire Marshall or building permit department in your town.