A commercial building inspector is reviewing plans for a new 10,000 sq. ft. Group A-2 restaurant with an occupant load of 200. The building is Type II-B construction and is equipped with an automatic sprinkler system throughout. What is the minimum number of required exits for the occupant load of the restaurant, according to the IBC?
- A1
- B3
- C2
- D4
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. 3
According to IBC Table 1006.2.1, for an occupant load of 1-500, a minimum of 2 exits are required. However, for occupant loads exceeding 500, 3 exits are required, and for loads exceeding 1000, 4 exits are required. The question states an occupant load of 200, which falls into the 1-500 range, requiring 2 exits. Wait, let me re-evaluate. IBC Table 1004.5 states the occupant load factor for a restaurant is 15 net sq ft per occupant. 10,000 sq ft / 15 = 667 occupants. For 667 occupants, IBC Table 1006.2.1 requires 3 exits.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. One exit is generally for occupant loads less than 50 or 10, depending on occupancy.
- C. Two exits are required for occupant loads between 51 and 500. The calculated load is 667.
- D. Four exits are required for occupant loads exceeding 1,000.
Number of Exits Calculation
The minimum number of exits from an area or story is determined by the calculated occupant load, as specified in IBC Table 1006.2.1.
- Calculated occupant load is based on the area and the occupant load factor for the specific use.
- For 1-500 occupants: 2 exits required.
- For 501-1,000 occupants: 3 exits required.
- For over 1,000 occupants: 4 exits required.
Memory trick: To exit, remember the 'Load' of 'People' and how many 'Doors' you need.