The Venue Capacity is calculated on the available space for people (once the permanent and temporary infrastructure has been removed from the available space) and the Occupant Capacity based on the number of emergency exits and WC facilities etc.

The number of emergency exits is subject to a calculation based on the evacuation rate – width of available exit space and evacuation route / time.

The final Occupant / Venue Capacity should never exceed the available calculated means of escape.

The means of escape is calculated using the following formula (ref: MFLP)

N = U x (40 x T)

Where: -
U = number of units (exits); (one unit being 750mm wide)
N = number of occupants;
40 = standard rate of flow - constant;
T = Flow time (i.e. 3 mins for Class 'A', 2.5 mins for Class 'B' and 2 mins for Class 'C')

Example:

Calculation of maximum occupant capacity based on 6 (6 doors and 1.6m wide = 12 units) double door push bar emergency exits is therefore:

( You should always assume that at least one exit is blocked by fire which leaves you 5 double door exits to calculate from in this example)

800 = 10 x (40 x 2)

Based on the above calculation (European fire safety regulations for permanent venues) the example venue we have shown has a safe occupant capacity of 800 people (based on 6 exits.)