The ____________ is the number of persons for which the means of egress of a building is occupied.

The occupant load refers to the maximum number of individuals a building can safely accommodate based on its means of egress. This concept is vital for ensuring safety during emergencies, as it dictates the design and capacity of escape routes, such as stairs, doors, and hallways, that individuals will use to evacuate the building. Understanding occupant load is crucial for inspectors to ensure compliance with safety codes and regulations. It specifically addresses the requirements for safe evacuation in case of fire or other emergencies, making it a critical component of building safety assessments.

In contrast, occupancy typically refers to the actual usage or purpose of a building (e.g., assembly, business, residential), population could refer to a broader grouping of individuals within a geographic area, and means of egress pertains to the physical pathways allowing exit from a building. While related to building safety, these terms do not specifically define the number of persons a building is designed to accommodate for safe evacuation, which is why occupant load is the correct term in this context.