Massachusetts Unrestricted Construction Supervisor License Practice Test

What should be the minimum door width for an occupancy of 30 people in an egress situation?

1. 28 inches

2. 30 inches

3. 32 inches

4. 34 inches

The correct answer is: 32 inches

In an egress situation for an occupancy of 30 people, the minimum door width is determined by life safety codes intended to ensure that people can exit a building quickly and safely in emergencies. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and building codes, such as the International Building Code, provide guidelines that help establish these minimum widths based on occupancy load. For an occupancy of 30 people, the minimum door width requirement is set at 32 inches. This width is stipulated to allow sufficient space for individuals to pass through efficiently, minimizing congestion during an evacuation. Thus, the dimensions are designed to facilitate a rapid and safe exit in case of emergencies, accounting for the need to accommodate the movement of individuals side-by-side if necessary. Choosing a door width of 32 inches supports these safety goals. The other options fall short of meeting these recommended guidelines for safe egress in an occupancy situation of this size and may not allow for the efficient flow of individuals during an evacuation.