Which of the following statements about occupant load factors in egress design is correct?

• A. They inform required exit capacities, number and size of exits, and aisle widths.
• B. They determine interior finish selection.
• C. They determine the position of restrooms.
• D. They determine window placement.

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is how occupant load factors drive egress design. Occupant load factors convert the occupied floor area into the expected number of people and, from that, determine the required egress performance. They inform the needed exit capacity and the number and size of exits, as well as the width of aisles and corridors to ensure safe and swift movement to an exit. The more people expected, the greater the exit capacity and/or number of exits and wider travel paths must be provided to avoid bottlenecks and meet code-required travel times. Interior finish selection, restroom placement, and window placement are governed by other considerations and codes, not by occupant load factors.