Final answer:
The correct answer regarding the minimum and maximum occupant load factor (OLF) for the means of egress in a covered mall building is that it should not be less than 30 square feet per occupant and not exceed 60 square feet per occupant, as per building safety codes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question regarding the occupancy factors for means of egress in a covered mall building is that the occupant load factor (OLF) is not required to be less than 30 square feet per occupant and shall not exceed 60 square feet per occupant. These figures are guided by building codes such as the International Building Code (IBC), which sets forth regulations for the safety and egress requirements in various types of buildings, including shopping malls.
It's important to ensure that the means of egress can accommodate all the people that might be in a mall at any given time. Safety codes have determined that each person requires a certain amount of space to safely exit the building in an emergency without overcrowding the egress routes. Therefore, architects and building planners must calculate the occupant load to design the appropriate number of exits and the width of the egress paths.
Remember, adherence to local building codes and regulations is crucial as variations and updates may occur, and it is essential to check the most current building regulations that pertain to the specific region the mall is located in.