The capacity of means of egress components must be calculated multiplying the occupant load served by such component by a means of egress capacity factor of ___ inch per occupant.

The correct response to this question is based on established guidelines regarding means of egress, which ensure safety in the event of an emergency. The capacity of means of egress components is determined by multiplying the occupant load by a capacity factor that allows for sufficient space for individuals to evacuate safely.

In this context, a factor of 0.2 inches per occupant is used to calculate the required width for means of egress components, such as stairs, corridors, or exits. This standard is rooted in a public safety principle designed to facilitate safe evacuation. Essentially, the lower the factor per occupant, the greater the number of individuals can be accommodated within a given width, minimizing the chances of bottlenecks during an emergency.

This factor is set based on practical research into human behavior during evacuations, aiming to strike a balance between efficiency and safety. Other options present values that do not align with the recognized standard, which focuses on 0.2 inches per occupant as the optimal measurement for determining the egress width needed to ensure safe and timely evacuation in commercial buildings.