Occupancy rating
Occupancy rating
(OP)
Has anyone out there come up on a situation where there is a building with mixed occupancy. I have one where the overall building is a "B" but within the same building there is also "M" and "A-3". The "A-3" is over 1000 load which requires voice-evac but the rest of the building would not require voice. My concern is there are areas that you could be hearing the voice message and the horns all at the same time. The city is using 2003 IFC. Also there is no one room in the four story building that has over 1000 occupancy, but combined comes to 1200. Any thoughts as to what might be required?





RE: Occupancy rating
Regarding the voice communication system, IFC 907.2.1.1 contains an exception that would allow school officials to use the system for live announcements for 3 minutes after activation. This exception requires approval of the fire code official.
RE: Occupancy rating
What is the room with the largest occupant load and is that room separated from the remainder of the building by a 1-hour or greater fire barrier?
Please clarify the building use.
RE: Occupancy rating
RE: Occupancy rating
Because the occupant load of each of your Group A occupancies is < 1,000 and because they are separated the emergency voice/communication system is not required by the IFC.
Is the building protected throughout by an automatic sprinkler system?
RE: Occupancy rating