Commercial Building Inspector B2Public Safety and Special ConstructionMedium
A new three-story medical office building (Group B) is being designed. The building has an occupant load of 150 persons per floor. According to IBC 1007.7.1, what is the minimum number of accessible means of egress required from each story above or below the level of exit discharge?
- ATwo accessible means of egress.
- BOne accessible means of egress.
- COne accessible means of egress if the occupant load is 50 or less.
- DThe same number as the required exits for the story.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. One accessible means of egress.
IBC 1007.7.1 states that not less than one accessible means of egress shall be provided from each story of a building and from occupied roofs. While more than one exit may be required, only one accessible means of egress is the minimum.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Two accessible means of egress are generally not a minimum requirement unless specific hazard or occupant load conditions trigger it, which is not stated here.
- C. The occupant load of 50 or less is typically a threshold for requiring only one exit, but not specifically for accessible means of egress, which still requires at least one regardless.
- D. The number of accessible means of egress is not necessarily equal to the total number of required exits; the minimum is one accessible means unless specific conditions dictate more.
Minimum Accessible Means of Egress
At least one accessible means of egress is required from each story of a building and from occupied roofs, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can safely evacuate.
- Applies to all stories above or below the level of exit discharge.
- Can include accessible egress routes, elevators, or areas of refuge.
- Separate from the total number of required exits, but must be part of them.
Memory trick: Just one accessible way, to save the day.