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Exit stairways must be at least _____ inches wide for an occupant load of 50 or more.

  1. 36 inches

  2. 44 inches

  3. 48 inches

  4. 54 inches

The correct answer is: 44 inches

For an occupant load of 50 or more, exit stairways must be a minimum of 44 inches wide. This requirement is set to ensure safe and efficient egress in emergency situations, allowing enough space for occupants to evacuate quickly and safely. The wider dimensions help accommodate the flow of people exiting a building and reduce the potential for congestion and bottlenecks, which can be critical during emergencies when timely evacuation is vital. The building codes typically outline these specifications based on the anticipated number of occupants, recognizing that higher numbers may increase the risk of crowding in narrower exits. Therefore, establishing a width of at least 44 inches for stairways is a crucial safety measure in building design.