Which statement best describes occupant load in relation to OSHA standards?

• A. It is always identical to OSHA limits
• B. It is determined by local or state fire codes and may be more stringent than OSHA
• C. It is set by federal OSHA
• D. It is determined by the building owner

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that occupant load is a number dictated by the local or state fire code, not a fixed federal OSHA value. Occupant load represents how many people a space can safely accommodate for egress, and the fire code uses space area and the type of occupancy to set this limit. Because codes are adopted and enforced by local jurisdictions, the resulting occupant load can be more restrictive than what OSHA might otherwise allow. In practice, OSHA requires safe means of egress, and the actual occupant load used for design and inspections comes from the applicable fire/building codes and the authority having jurisdiction. The building owner doesn’t set this limit on their own; it’s governed by the code.