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Occupancy Calculations

The occupancy figure for a building is based on the lesser of two calculations: 1) the number of persons that can safely reside based on floor space factors, and 2) the width and capacity of exit routes to allow safe escape. Floor space factors indicate maximum persons based on space type and area. Exit route widths and capacities are also considered to determine maximum occupancy based on premises risk level and number of exits. The example shows a premises with a maximum capacity of 450 persons based on floor space but an exit capacity of only 300 persons, so the overall occupancy is set at 300 persons.

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300 views2 pages

Occupancy Calculations

The occupancy figure for a building is based on the lesser of two calculations: 1) the number of persons that can safely reside based on floor space factors, and 2) the width and capacity of exit routes to allow safe escape. Floor space factors indicate maximum persons based on space type and area. Exit route widths and capacities are also considered to determine maximum occupancy based on premises risk level and number of exits. The example shows a premises with a maximum capacity of 450 persons based on floor space but an exit capacity of only 300 persons, so the overall occupancy is set at 300 persons.

Uploaded by

John Mark Ombina
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OCCUPANCY CALCULATIONS

The following information has been extracted from the CLG guide for Fire Safety Risk Assessment in Small
and Medium Places of Assembly under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (this guide is
available to download free from www.communities.gov.uk/firesafety) and Build Regulations approved
Document B (ADB).
The occupancy figure for any building is based on the lesser of the two following calculations; the number
of persons who can safely reside in the premises (using the floor space factor may assist in working this
out) and the width and capacity of the exit routes to allow them to escape safely.

Floor space factors


Floor space factors may assist you in working out the maximum number of persons who may safely reside
in the premises and are based on the following table is taken from Building Regulations ADB (only calculate
for the main function areas. Take care not to include stairs, exit routes (corridors), toilets, plant rooms etc.)
Type of accommodation
Standing areas, Bars without seating
Assembly Halls, Dance floors, Concert events
Dining rooms, Seated Lounge/Bar, Restaurants

M2 per person
0.3
0.5
1.0

Where you have fixed seating then the maximum numbers of people in the Hall, Bar or Restaurant will be
known from the number of seats provided. If you are providing temporary seating then this may be limited
by the maximum numbers your escape routes can accommodate.
e.g. Bar area of 100m2 0.3 = 300 persons and 50 seats around the side of the room total occupancy =
350

Widths of escape routes and exits


Minimum width for an escape route should ideally be 1050mm but in any case not less than 750mm and
where wheelchair users are likely to use it not less than 900mm. The premises fire risk level will be
obtained from your fire risk assessment (use medium risk if you are not sure of your premises risk level).
Minimum width on escape route or exit

Premises Fire Risk level & Persons


Low risk = 120 persons
750mm 1050mm
Medium risk = 100 persons
High risk = 80 persons
Low risk = 240 persons
1050mm
Medium risk = 200 persons
High risk = 160 persons
Over 1050mm every 75mm
= +15 persons regardless or risk level
When calculating the exit capacity you must remember to discount the largest exit or exits if they are close
together (see example below), as they may be unavailable due to the fire. Then add together the number of
persons who can safely use the remaining available exits.
E.g. Exit A (1200mm wide) = 200 + 30 (150mm over 1050mm) = 230 persons, Exit B (900mm wide) = 100
persons and Exit C (850mm wide) = 100 persons. Discount the largest Exit (A) then total exit capacity is
Exit B + Exit C = 200 persons
Note: An occupancy limit of 60 persons will apply where only one exit exists and 60 persons is the limit for
an exit where an exit door opens inwards (unless that door is fastened open).
Other guides are available which may also assist in calculating a safe and accurate occupancy figure for
fire safety in buildings e.g. Building Regulations, BS 9999.
FOR LISENCED PREMISES BE AWARE THAT ANY FIGURE ARRIVED AT MAY BE VARIED AS A
CONDITION OF YOUR LISENCE BY THE FIRE AUTHORITY OR OTHER STATUTARY CONSULTEE

Example calculation for occupancy figure

Using the floor space factors the number of persons that the plan premises can safely hold is 450.
Using the exit width calculations (without discounting an exit) exit capacity is 700.
Finally calculate the total exit capacity after discounting the largest exit (or exits in the case of ones that are
close together) as the fire may affect an exit, in this case 2 exits for 200 persons each are close together so
their total is discounted 700 400 = 300 persons total exit capacity.
Although the premises can hold 450 persons the exits only have the capacity to allow 300 to escape safely,
so the occupancy for the plan premises is 300 persons.

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