What is the maximum exit access travel distance for a Group A occupancy without a sprinkler system?

In a Group A occupancy, which typically includes assembly spaces such as theaters, auditoriums, and other places where large groups of people gather, safety regulations are particularly stringent. One of the critical safety factors in these types of buildings is the maximum exit access travel distance—the distance occupants must travel to reach an exit.

Without a sprinkler system in place, the maximum exit access travel distance is set at 200 feet. This regulation is based on life safety codes, such as the International Building Code (IBC), which aim to minimize the risk of injury or fatality in the event of an emergency requiring evacuation. The rationale is that in the absence of sprinklers, which would help control a fire and give occupants more time to evacuate safely, limiting the travel distance to 200 feet ensures that individuals have a reasonable chance of reaching an exit and escaping within a shorter span, decreasing the likelihood of panic or injury.

This requirement is different for various occupancy types and can be longer when a building is equipped with a sprinkler system, reflecting the added safety measures that sprinklers provide. For assembly occupancies like the Group A type, having specific travel limits is crucial to maintaining safety and facilitating orderly evacuations during emergencies.