Occupancy Loads and Classifications

 Chapter 3: Occupancy Classifications and Loads

Knowing the occupancy classification and loads is important in understanding how occupants use a building or space. Within these classifications there are subclassifications and multiple different classifications for multiple purposes. In addition, occupancy classifications develop to address the different risk factors, or hazardous situations, within each type of use. These characteristics within occupancy classifications are in place so that people can be considered equally safe at work, a concert, or any other type of use.


Understanding Occupancy Classifications

Occupancy classifications are supposed to be assigned to every building or space within said building. Knowing and understanding the occupancy type within a building or structure is the first and a critical first step when designing the interior of a space. Three things should be understood and known for determining occupancy classifications. The first is the type of activity occurring within a structure or building. The second is the expected number of occupants that are occupying the space. And the third is knowing whether any hazards or risk factors are present. Being aware of these three things help to determine and anticipate what kind of classifications are required for your project.

Determining Occupancy Loads

The occupancy load is the number of occupants that are acceptable for determining exits. This sets up and allows people to evacuate safely and quickly in case of an emergency. The occupant load that is determined for each space is added together to create the occupant load for the entire floor or building. Determining the load early on in the design process is critical because it ultimately determines the occupancy classification. In addition, codes are established to consistently calculate a reasonable number of people for expected uses within a structure. In some cases, the occupancy load can be increased without increasing the size of the space, however, most of the time the occupancy load is immovable.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Means of Egress

Image
Means of Egress Getting in and out of any building or structure is important, especially in the case of an emergency. The way in which emergency exits are designed and specified is just as critical to how quickly they lead occupants to safety. As a designer, it is our job to recognize, establish, and correctly design these spaces according to code and jurisdiction. Means of Egress System The codes divvy up the means of egress into 3 main categories. These categories are known as exit access, exit, and exit discharge. The exit access is a part of a means of egress leading from any occupied area to the entrance of an exit. The exit is the part of egress that is between the exit access and the exit discharge, or public way. The exit discharge is the part of egress between the termination of an exit and the public way. A public way is the space outside of a building that is legally considered public. In addition, areas of refuge are established as a space or area that is available fo...
Read more