What is the maximum occupant load for which manually operated horizontal sliding doors are permitted in a means of egress?

Manually operated horizontal sliding doors are permitted in means of egress primarily for practical reasons, including safety and accessibility. According to building codes, specifically when considering the flow of occupants during an emergency, the guidelines set forth limit their use to scenarios where the occupant load does not exceed a specified number.

When the occupant load is 10 or less, the code accommodates easier management of door operation since fewer people can navigate through such doors without creating congestion or a risk of blockage. This limit helps ensure that in the event of an emergency, the sliding doors can be operated efficiently, allowing for a swift and safe exit. In contrast, as the number of occupants increases, the risk of difficulty in door operation grows, especially with manual systems that require physical effort to open and may not accommodate the rapid egress that might be required in an emergency.

Therefore, the maximum occupant load for which manually operated horizontal sliding doors are permitted in means of egress is indeed 10 or less, reflecting the need for safety and swift evacuation in potentially hazardous situations.