Occupancy Classification

• Classifications assigned to structures, based on intended use to ensure safety and code compliance.
• Divided into categories reflecting risk levels and specific usage scenarios.

Occupant Load

• Total number of individuals allowed to occupy a building at any given time.

Risk Factors and Hazards

• Influenced by the number of occupants, their mobility, alertness, familiarity, and potential fire spread.

Assembly Occupancy

• Spaces designed for gatherings (over 50 individuals).
• Features include low lighting, limited awareness, and risk of panic.

Specific Assembly Occupancies

• A-1: Theaters (motion picture, concerts, etc.) with fixed seating and low lighting.
• A-2: Food venues (restaurants, nightclubs) with dynamic furniture layouts and late hours.
• A-3: Worship and recreation spaces (museums, gymnasiums) that account for moderate loads.
• A-4: Venues for indoor sporting events (arenas, rinks) with defined seating.
• A-5: Outdoor venues for activities (stadiums, amusement parks).

Business and Educational Occupancies

• Business: Facilities for business transactions (banks, offices, post offices).
• Educational: Buildings for educational purposes up to 12th grade; capacities between 6-500.

Specialized Occupancies

• Factory: Spaces for product manufacturing and assembly (e.g., textiles, machinery).
• Hazardous: Facilities dealing with hazardous materials (e.g., fuel plants, ammunition storage).
• Institutional: Care facilities for occupants requiring supervision (e.g., hospitals, jails).

Types of Institutional Occupancies

• I-1: Supervised care facilities (e.g., group homes) with around-the-clock supervision.
• I-2: Health care facilities (e.g., nursing homes) requiring surveillance for vulnerable individuals.
• I-3: Detainment facilities requiring monitoring for safety and security.
• I-4: Daycare facilities providing temporary care.

Residential Occupancies

• General classification for buildings providing sleeping accommodations.
• Specific types include:
  • R-1: Transient residences (hotels, motels) for less than 30 days.
  • R-2: Multi-dwelling units (apartments, dormitories).
  • R-3: Permanent residences (single-family homes).
  • R-4: Assisted living facilities catering to a limited number of residents.

Storage Occupancy

• Structures used for storing various products with minimal occupancy.
• Examples include warehouses and cold storage facilities.

Utility and Miscellaneous Occupancy

• Non-standard buildings not fitting other categories (e.g., barns, parking garages, mobile homes).

Mixed Occupancy Types

• Buildings such as hotels or malls may encompass multiple occupancy classifications.

Load Factor

• Calculation based on occupant load and floor area to determine maximum allowable occupants.

Construction Types

• Five categories determined by fire-resistive capabilities:
  • Type I: Fire-resistive materials (steel, concrete).
  • Type II: Non-combustible materials but allows some combustion.
  • Type III: Mix of combustible and non-combustible materials.
  • Type IV: Heavy timber structures.
  • Type V: Wood structures, including residential buildings.

Fire Safety Elements

• Fire Wall: Constructed to limit fire spread, extending from foundation to roof.
• Horizontal Assemblies: Serve as fire barriers extending horizontally between walls.