In which scenarios must a pivot door be used according to egress requirements?

The requirement for a pivot door is typically associated with egress scenarios where the occupant load is significant, specifically in rooms with an occupant load of 50 or more persons. This is primarily due to safety regulations that dictate wider egress paths to facilitate rapid evacuation in emergencies. Pivot doors are advantageous in these scenarios as they can swing in both directions and provide a clear passageway without the obstruction of a traditional door swinging into the room.

In spaces that accommodate a large number of people, ensuring that exits can be used efficiently is crucial to prevent bottlenecks during an evacuation. Smaller rooms and areas with light occupancy do not necessitate the same robust egress solutions, as the demand for quick evacuation may not be as critical, and standard swinging doors could suffice. Emergency exits certainly need to comply with egress requirements, but the specification for pivot doors particularly emphasizes the occupant load, pointing to the need for optimal accessibility and safety in larger occupancy settings.