Room Occupancy and Load Capacity

**Subject to Provincial guidelines around COVID-19**

The Ontario Building Code 1997 establishes room occupancy limits (the minimum number of square feet/metres per person) on the basis of the use of the room.
For instance:

  • classrooms: at least 1.85 sq. m. or 19.9 sq. ft. per person
  • school labs: 4.6 sq. m. or 49.5 sq. ft. per person
  • school shops or vocational rooms: 9.3 sq. m or 100 sq. ft. per person
  • offices: 9.3 sq. m. or 100 sq. ft. per person *

(* Source: Table 3.1.17.1 “Occupant Load” Forming Part of Article 3.1.17.1, Ontario Building Code)

You can make a quick estimation of the size of your office or classroom by counting the acoustic ceiling tiles which generally measure 2 feet by 4 feet each. Report overcrowded spaces to your ">Health and Safety representatives and your supervisor.