Massachusetts Unrestricted Construction Supervisor License Practice Test

What is the minimum required egress width per occupant for a stairway in an office building that is fully sprinkled?

1. 0.3 inches per occupant

2. 0.2 inches per occupant

3. 0.5 inches per occupant

4. 1 inch per occupant

The correct answer is: 0.2 inches per occupant

The minimum required egress width for a stairway in an office building that is fully sprinkled is 0.2 inches per occupant. This standard is established in building codes that address means of egress for occupants during emergencies. For buildings equipped with automatic sprinkler systems, these codes allow for reduced egress widths, recognizing that the additional fire protection provided by sprinklers can enhance occupant safety in the event of a fire. In fully sprinkled buildings, the rationale for the 0.2 inches requirement is grounded in the assumption that rapid evacuation can occur due to the reduced risk of a large fire spread, thus requiring less width for safe egress. Each occupant's space during an evacuation is considered, and the width provided is intended to facilitate orderly movement while accommodating the expected occupancy load. In contrast, wider egress measures, such as 0.3, 0.5, or 1 inch per occupant, are generally associated with buildings that are not fully sprinkled or have different occupancy characteristics. These wider dimensions ensure safety in conditions where the risk level is higher or where additional safety precautions may not be present. This reflects the adaptability of building codes to the specific safety features of a structure.