What is the required number of exits for a building with 500 or fewer occupants?

For a building with 500 or fewer occupants, the requirement typically stipulates at least two exits. This ensures that in the event of an emergency, there are multiple avenues for egress, which is crucial for the safety of occupants. The two-exit requirement is grounded in the principles of fire safety, which aim to facilitate a swift and orderly evacuation.

Having a minimum of two exits helps to reduce congestion and increases the likelihood that all occupants can escape safely within a reasonable timeframe. In instances where a single exit would be locked, blocked, or compromised, having a second exit provides a backup route that can be utilized, thereby enhancing the overall safety of the structure.

For structures with larger occupant loads or specific occupancy types, additional exits may be required, but for buildings accommodating 500 or fewer people, two exits are deemed sufficient to meet standard life safety codes and regulations.