Gates that surround stadiums do not require panic hardware if safe dispersal areas based on ___ sq ft per occupant are located between the fence and enclosed space.

The correct choice is based on the requirements set forth in safety regulations regarding egress and panic hardware for stadium gates. Specifically, an understanding of occupancy load and dispersal areas allows for stipulations on hardware requirements.

For stadiums, it is indicated that if safe dispersal areas are designed with a specific amount of square footage allocated per occupant, the need for panic hardware may be waived on gates surrounding those areas. The threshold in question here is three square feet per occupant, which aligns with many safety codes. If the area between the fence and the enclosed space is ample enough—three square feet for each person—the gates won't require panic hardware, as it is assumed that evacuees would have sufficient space to disperse safely without encountering hazardous congestion.

Thus, when the available dispersal area meets or exceeds this three-square-foot per occupant requirement, it demonstrates that sufficient space exists to allow for safe and effective evacuation, minimizing the potential for crowd-related injuries or fatalities. This regulatory strategy aims to enhance safety while streamlining the design requirements for stadium facilities.