S-1 occupancy, occupant load

[mc73]

2015 IBC, table 1004.1.2, what does a s-1 storage occupancy (repair garage with ordinary hazard) fall under for the occupant load factor? im thinking industrial at 200 sf per person

 

[RLGA]

Industrial is 100 sq. ft. per occupant.

 

[steveray]

I could probably get to 200 for parking garage....

 

[fatboy]

I could live with that also, considering they are working on vehicles, takes up a few sq ft.

 

[RLGA]

I do not mean to hijack this thread, but since we are on the subject of confusing occupant load factors, does anybody else believe that Table 1004.5 needs an overhaul? For example, how many bowling centers are constructed today? Not many in my experience, but we have a particular load factor for them. On the other hand, as this thread illustrates, vehicle maintenance facilities are popping up everywhere, especially in dealerships. Yet, there is no definitive guide for determining occupant loads for vehicle maintenance areas.

The 100 sq. ft. factor for industrial functions, in my opinion, is too much. With today's automation, large industrial buildings are operating with fewer employees. Assembly area factors could also receive some attention to clarify their application (e.g., queuing lines, lobbies, conference rooms, etc.).

Would anyone be willing to work with me in developing a proposal for the following code cycle to update Table 1004.5? If so, let me know via message (@RLGA), and if there is enough interest, I can start a new discussion thread to work on the issue and generate ideas.

 

[bill1952]

Interesting observation. I have proposed changes to assembly over last 30 years, some accepted. I do wonder when it's 100 or 200 sf, if doubling or halving the number really changes much. Seems like you'll have way more means of egress capacity just by distances and for convenience than for ol.

I'd volunteer but outside of assembly, not much experience.

 

[steveray]

@RLGA I'd be happy to help, there was a bunch or discussion in Pittsburgh on lobbies and elevator lobbies (where does one stop and the other begin)...I have less issues on this as I have no problems being reasonable when I am allowed to be (1004.1.2)....If we need further support/ input I can run it through my Region VI folks....

1004.1.2 Areas without fixed seating. The number of
occupants shall be computed at the rate of one occupant
per unit of area as prescribed in Table 1004.1.2. For areas
without fixed seating, the occupant load shall be not less
than that number determined by dividing the floor area
under consideration by the occupant load factor assigned
to the function of the space as set forth in Table 1004.1.2.
Where an intended function is not listed in Table 1004.1.2,
the building official shall establish a function based on a
listed function that most nearly resembles the intended
function.

 

[Genduct]

@RLGA I'd be happy to help, there was a bunch or discussion in Pittsburgh on lobbies and elevator lobbies (where does one stop and the other begin)...I have less issues on this as I have no problems being reasonable when I am allowed to be (1004.1.2)....If we need further support/ input I can run it through my Region VI folks....

1004.1.2 Areas without fixed seating. The number of
occupants shall be computed at the rate of one occupant
per unit of area as prescribed in Table 1004.1.2. For areas
without fixed seating, the occupant load shall be not less
than that number determined by dividing the floor area
under consideration by the occupant load factor assigned
to the function of the space as set forth in Table 1004.1.2.
Where an intended function is not listed in Table 1004.1.2,
the building official shall establish a function based on a
listed function that most nearly resembles the intended
function.

Good Thoughts BUT

Some of the most catastrophic examples we have all seen and heard, that included a Loss of Life have been Night Clubs where Adult Beverages are served in low lite areas.
I fully expect that the Unpredictable nature of how these A areas are used will encourage a continued "Overabundance of Caution"

 

[bill1952]

Good Thoughts BUT

Some of the most catastrophic examples we have all seen and heard, that included a Loss of Life have been Night Clubs where Adult Beverages are served in low lite areas.
I fully expect that the Unpredictable nature of how these A areas are used will encourage a continued "Overabundance of Caution"

Usually because of obstructed means of egress. Coconut Grove, Beverly Hills, Station, more.

 

[fatboy]

The Colorado Chapter of the ICC is a great resource and powerhouse in the code development arena. steveray knows, he has seen us at work.

I agree, a good look at the table may be in order.

 

[brokenkeys]

Please throw in a definition for warehouses too.

I've been told by different AHJ's to classify my warehouse spaces as storage, and my storage spaces as warehouse. I haven't had an issue with this yet, my warehouse spaces are usually small and/or accessory, but if I was doing actual, gigantic warehouses then 1:500 vs whatever interpretation the AHJ comes up with could be an issue.