If egress stairways serve an occupant load of less than 50, then the width can be reduced to ______ inches.

The correct width for egress stairways serving an occupant load of less than 50 is 36 inches. This measurement is important because it reflects the minimum width needed to safely accommodate the flow of occupants during an emergency evacuation.

In building codes and regulations, there are specific provisions that allow for reduced widths based on occupant load. For smaller occupant loads, such as those below 50, a width of 36 inches is considered adequate to facilitate safe egress without overly compromising safety. This reduction acknowledges the likelihood that fewer people will need to exit at one time, thus allowing for a narrower stairway while still maintaining a focus on safety.

Wider stairways, such as those measuring 32, 42, or 48 inches, would not apply in this situation as they are not the minimum requirement for this specific occupant load category. Numbering the various widths reflects their applications in different scenarios, but for an occupant load of less than 50, the 36-inch width strikes a balance between safety and practicality.