Exceeding the stated occupancy limit is a clear and quantifiable indicator of overcrowding in an assembly area. Each venue is designed to accommodate a specific number of occupants safely. This limit is often established based on factors such as the size of the space, number of exits, and fire safety regulations. When the number of individuals present surpasses this occupancy limit, it poses a significant risk to safety, including challenges in evacuation during emergencies.
While high noise levels, long lines at exits, and insufficient lighting can be signs of other issues in an assembly area, they do not specifically indicate overcrowding in a direct manner. High noise levels might result from crowd enthusiasm or other factors, lines at exits could simply reflect high attendance without exceeding capacity, and insufficient lighting can occur in various settings unrelated to the number of occupants. Hence, the key measure of overcrowding is determining if the attendance exceeds the venue's established safety limit.