Occupant Load Clarification

[Wakefield47]

I have a group of work stations that need to be enclosed into a private area. The workstation area is 1080 SF and the two offices within the closed space are each 150 SF - making the entire enclosed space 1380 SF. I believe the workstations make this space fixed seating and according to 1004.4 the occupant load is then determined by the number of fixed seats making the occupant load of this space 16 (12 workstations and 2 seats in each office). According to 303.1.1 that means this space is still business occupancy and not pushed to assembly. Is this interpretation correct?

In determining how many doors this space requires: 1029.8 Common Path of Egress Travel states that as an exception if an area serves less than 50 occupants the common path of egress shall not exceed 75'. If this space really only has an occupancy of 16 then I do meet this exception and only need one door. Also since the occupant load I calculated is less than 50 I believe the door can swing in. Can anyone confirm my interpretation of the code is correct?

Thank you!

 

[RLGA]

Workstations are not fixed seating, and the offices (including workstations) are definitely not assembly uses. Thus, Section 1029 is not applicable and the occupant load is based on the floor area and the occupant load factor.

For the common path of egress travel (CPET) in non-assembly spaces, follow Table 1006.2.1 (2018 IBC). If the occupant load is 30 or less and the building is nonsprinklered, then the CPET can be 100 ft.; otherwise, it is limited to 75 ft. If the building is sprinklered, the CPET can be 100 ft. regardless of occupant load.

 

[Wakefield47]

Workstations are not fixed seating, and the offices (including workstations) are definitely not assembly uses. Thus, Section 1029 is not applicable and the occupant load is based on the floor area and the occupant load factor.

For the common path of egress travel (CPET) in non-assembly spaces, follow Table 1006.2.1 (2018 IBC). If the occupant load is 30 or less and the building is nonsprinklered, then the CPET can be 100 ft.; otherwise, it is limited to 75 ft. If the building is sprinklered, the CPET can be 100 ft. regardless of occupant load.

Ah good catch - I just found the definition of fixed seating and definitely not fixed. I think my result still stands. 1380SF/100 gross = 13 occupants which would still allow us to use only 1 door swinging in because the greatest path of travel I have is less than 100' in a sprinklered space. Thank you for your input.

 

[mtlogcabin]

I have used the section below in certain occupancies where the workers are using small cubicles such as a call center. I count the number of work stations and if the OL is more than Table 104.5 then I use the section below. Plumbing fixture count may go up. CPOT may not work.

1004.5.1 Increased occupant load.
The occupant load permitted in any building, or portion thereof, is permitted to be increased from that number established for the occupancies in Table 1004.5, provided that all other requirements of the code are met based on such modified number and the occupant load does not exceed one occupant per 7 square feet (0.65 m2) of occupiable floor space.

 

[Tim Mailloux]

I have used the section below in certain occupancies where the workers are using small cubicles such as a call center. I count the number of work stations and if the OL is more than Table 104.5 then I use the section below. Plumbing fixture count may go up. CPOT may not work.

1004.5.1 Increased occupant load.
The occupant load permitted in any building, or portion thereof, is permitted to be increased from that number established for the occupancies in Table 1004.5, provided that all other requirements of the code are met based on such modified number and the occupant load does not exceed one occupant per 7 square feet (0.65 m2) of occupiable floor space.

I typically calculate the occupant load by table, then count actual butts in seats and use the higher of the two number.

 

[Wakefield47]

I have used the section below in certain occupancies where the workers are using small cubicles such as a call center. I count the number of work stations and if the OL is more than Table 104.5 then I use the section below. Plumbing fixture count may go up. CPOT may not work.

1004.5.1 Increased occupant load.
The occupant load permitted in any building, or portion thereof, is permitted to be increased from that number established for the occupancies in Table 1004.5, provided that all other requirements of the code are met based on such modified number and the occupant load does not exceed one occupant per 7 square feet (0.65 m2) of occupiable floor space.

Thank you - this is helpful.

 

[Paul Sweet]

The 2018 IBC increased the area per occupant for business areas to 150, but added section 1004.8 Concentrated business use areas for call centers and similar uses.
"Where approved by the building official, the occupant load for concentrated business use areas shall be the actual occupant load, but not less than one occupant per 50 square feet (4.65 m2) of gross occupiable floor space."