Commercial Building Inspector B2General Administration, Permits, and PlansMedium
A commercial building inspector is conducting a final inspection for a new 3-story Group B (Business) occupancy building. The building has an occupant load of 150 on the third floor. The plans indicate that the common path of egress travel on the third floor is 85 feet. The building is not sprinklered. What is the maximum allowed common path of egress travel distance for this scenario, according to the IBC?
- A75 feet
- B150 feet
- C125 feet
- D100 feet
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 75 feet
According to IBC Table 1006.2.1, for Group B occupancy, the maximum common path of egress travel without sprinklers is 75 feet. With sprinklers, it would be 100 feet. The given 85 feet exceeds the allowed 75 feet.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 150 feet is not the correct maximum for this specific occupancy and condition.
- C. 125 feet is not the correct maximum for this specific occupancy and condition.
- D. 100 feet is only permitted if the building is equipped with an automatic sprinkler system.
Common Path of Egress Travel
The portion of exit access that must be traversed before two separate and distinct paths of egress travel to two exits are available.
- Measured from the most remote point to the point where two separate exit paths are available.
- Maximum allowed distance varies by occupancy group and sprinkler protection.
- A critical component of means of egress design to ensure timely evacuation.
Memory trick: Don't 'Wander' too far in the 'Common' area before you see 'Two' ways out!