Occupant load

[cda]

Since Occupant load is the subject lately,

Coin operated type laundry facility, where there is nothing but washers and dryers open to the general public,

Occupant load factor to use???

 

[fatboy]

That's a good one..........number of machines, plus the waiting area at chairs only (7) for the total?

Seems like it could be high, but I have seen some packed Laundromats.

 

[mark handler]

in the past, I Have Subtracted the Machine spaces and assumed business area ===> 100 SQ.FT. per person

 

[Paul Sweet]

It's been years since I used laundromats regularly, but I think most people used 2 or more machines at a time, and few stayed the whole time. Maybe one person per 4 machines would be reasonable.

 

[ADAguy]

Not if they bring the "little ones" which they often do, depending on the surrounding community.
Worse case, one person per washer.

 

[PJC89]

It should be noted that there is no exact science as to how occupant load factors are applied to a particular space - it is largely based on reason and usage of the space. Just because a space is a dry cleaner with seating doesn't mean that 100 gross sq. ft./person is applied throughout for the business use. The occupant load factor(s) that is applied should always be based on how the space is used - not the occupancy classification.

That all being said, for a space such as this I would break it out into two different occupant load factors that are typical to such a space. That is: 100 gross square feet/person for all areas other than where seating occurs. Area used for seating I would apply 7 net sq. ft./person.

Using the 2015 IBC as an example: https://up.codes/viewer/general/int_building_code_2015/chapter/10/means-of-egress#1004