Determining Minimum Stairway Width (Egress)
In a code-related question, when you're asked to refer to the minimum dimension or standard, you should use the minimum dimensions specified in the initial statement of the code section or refer to the minimum dimensions outlined within any code exceptions.
For instance, when referring to stairway width as an egress component, the minimum width for stairways is typically 44 inches when the occupant load exceeds 50 people. However, an exception in the code allows for a minimum width of 36 inches if the occupant load is less than 50. In this case, would you consider the minimum width to be 44 inches or 36 inches?
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Omar Fernandez, the minimum stairway width should be generally be considered 44 inches if the occupant load exceeds 50 people, as specified in Section 1011.2 of IBC. However, when the occupant load if less than 50 people, an exception allows for a reduced minimum width of 36 inches.
Therefore, when asked to consider the "minimum width," you should apply the dimension that corresponds to the actual occupant load. If the load is greater than 50, the minimum width is 44 inches. For occupant loads under 50, the exception applies.
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