ICC Certified Fire inspector One Practice Test

Which of the following occupancy loads requires doors to swing in the direction of egress?

1. 100 or more

2. 50 or more

3. 20 or more

4. 12 or more

The correct answer is: 12 or more

The occupancy load that necessitates doors to swing in the direction of egress is primarily based on safety regulations designed to facilitate a quick and efficient evacuation in emergencies. When the occupancy load of a space reaches a certain threshold, the risk is increased, necessitating specific egress requirements to ensure that all occupants can exit safely and swiftly if needed. In this scenario, having a minimum occupancy load of 12 or more requires that doors swing in the direction of egress. This requirement is grounded in building and fire safety codes, which stipulate that in spaces where a certain number of people could be present, the likelihood of crowding and difficulty in exit increases. Therefore, doors must be designed to open outwards to accommodate these potential situations, allowing for a more direct and rapid exit route. This regulation helps prevent bottlenecks that could occur if doors were to swing inward, enabling a clear and unobstructed path for individuals leaving the area. By understanding this requirement, safety inspectors can ensure that buildings are compliant with fire safety codes and capable of safeguarding the people within them in the event of an emergency.