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3, Measure and verify maximum allowable travel distances​

Use Table 1016.1 (2014 Code) or Table 6-1 (1968 Code) to calculate the required travel distances (from the furthest point to an exit) for the specific Occupancy Classification to verify whether egress conditions are adequate. For larger buildings that may not require additional exits based on the established occupant load, may still require additional exits if the path of travel to such exits exceed the max. allowable by code.

4. Determine required egress width and capacity of exits

There are a few different ways to calculate required exit capacity and egress widths varying with each code and Project Scope. For the purpose of this eGuide, I list a few simple key points I like to follow when calculating exit width capacity from both 1968 Building Code and 2014 Building Code. Also refer to the Example Egress Template for a typical Alteration of Exiting Office Space.

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• 2014 Code – Divide the existing or proposed door(s) width (TYP. 36” ea.) by 0.2 to determine the allowable exit capacity of the exit door. Each 36” door would allow an exit capacity of 180 persons.

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• 2014 Code – Divide the existing or proposed exit stair(s) width (TYP. 44” ea.) by 0.3 to determine the allowable exit capacity of the exit stair. Each 44” stair would allow an exit capacity of 146 persons.

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• 1968 Code – Calculated based off increments of 22 inches = 1 unit of width multiplied by the exit capacity listed in Table 6-1 (1968 Code). For a 36” door in an office occupancy, the exit capacity is 120 persons (1.5 units X 80 = 120). For a 44” stair in an office occupancy, the allowable exit capacity is 120 persons (2 units X 60 = 120).

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• 1968 Code - Fractions of 12 inches or greater may increase the unit of width by an additional 0.5 units. Although a door width of 36” divided by 22” is 1.63, DO NOT multiply 1.63 by the factor listed in Table 6-1 to determine max. exit capacity. Only fractions of 0.5 shall be used.