Massachusetts Unrestricted Construction Supervisor License Practice Test

Which has a bigger occupancy load; a 15,000 gross square feet exercise room or a 10,000 square feet one story retail sales store at grade level?

1. Exercise room

2. Retail sales store

3. Both are equal

4. Depends on the number of exits

The correct answer is: Exercise room

The correct choice indicates that the exercise room has a larger occupancy load due to its total gross square footage. Occupancy load calculations generally consider the use of the space in addition to its size. For exercise rooms, the occupancy load is calculated based on a square footage per person requirement that is often less than that for retail spaces, reflecting a higher concentration of people engaging in activity. In this case, the larger total area of the exercise room, which is 15,000 square feet, allows for a significantly greater number of occupants than the smaller 10,000 square feet retail store. Although both types of establishments might accommodate visitors, the intended activity in an exercise facility typically allows for a more efficient use of space regarding how many people can safely occupy it. The other options consider various factors, such as the potential for equal loads or dependence on the number of exits, but these do not account for the straightforward comparison of square footages and occupancy calculations based specifically on the types of spaces. Thus, understanding the factors that influence occupancy load provides clarity in determining that the exercise room supports a higher occupancy load than the retail sales store.