Questions and Answers
The way that a building or space is to be used ___ generally determines the occupancy classification of a building or space.
occupancy
Occupancy classifications ___ have been developed by the codes to address the different hazardous situations, often referred to as 'risk factors', associated with each type of use.
codes
What do risk factors consider?
The type of characteristics of the typical environment, the activity that will occur in a space, and the occupants that will be using the space.
Which of the following is NOT a risk factor?
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What is occupancy load?
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Determining the occupancy classification ___ is one of the most important steps in the code process.
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Determining the occupancy classification, occupancy ___ should be the first step when designing the interior of a building.
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What are three things that must be known before accurately determining occupancy classification?
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A restaurant can be classified as a business or mercantile occupancy, as an assembly, or as an accessory to a larger adjacent ___ .
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What is an assembly occupancy?
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What type of activity is an A-1 occupancy designed for?
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How is business occupancy considered in terms of risk?
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When a building includes care or supervision of the occupants, it is classified as an ___ occupancy.
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What does the NFPA code rely on primarily to determine the classification of an assembly?
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What is the formula used to calculate occupant load?
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The IBC has ___ institutional sub-classifications.
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Study Notes
Occupancy Classifications and Loads
- Building or space usage determines its occupancy classification.
- Occupancy classifications address hazardous situations known as "risk factors" according to building codes.
Risk Factors
- Encompass spatial characteristics, fuel loads, concentration of occupants, and occupant characteristics (mobility, age, alertness).
- Low light levels, fixed seating, and high sound levels are critical spatial characteristics.
- Fuel loads refer to flammable contents like finish materials and upholstered furniture.
Occupancy Load
- Occupancy load is crucial in establishing the occupancy classification, representing the maximum number of people expected to safely occupy a space.
- Determining occupancy classification is a vital step in the design process, influencing interior codes and regulations.
Common Occupancy Classifications
- Ten common classifications include Assembly, Business, Educational, Factory/Industrial, Hazardous, Mercantile, Residential, Storage, Utility/Miscellaneous.
Key Considerations for Occupancy Classification
- Essential factors include the type of activity occurring, expected number of occupants, and presence of unusual hazards.
Assembly Occupancies
- Assembly occupancy includes areas where people gather for social, civic, or entertainment purposes, subject to various codes due to multiple risk factors.
- Risk factors for assembly occupancies include large numbers of occupants, low light levels, and potential panic situations.
Types of Assembly Occupancies
- A-1: For performing arts, includes stages with low light & high sound levels.
- A-2: For food and drink consumption, featuring low light and loud music.
- A-3: For worship or recreation with moderate to low fuel loads.
- A-4: For indoor sporting events, includes defined spectator seating.
- A-5: For outdoor participation or viewing activities.
Business and Educational Occupancies
- Business occupancy includes spaces used for office or professional services, considered low risk due to alert occupants.
- Educational occupancy pertains to spaces used for instruction up to the twelfth grade.
Institutional Occupancies
- Institutional occupancies involve care and supervision, divided into classifications like I-1 for custodial care and I-2 for health care.
Hazardous Occupancies
- Hazardous occupancy involves the generation or storage of hazardous materials, categorized as low, medium, or high hazards based on risk.
Mixed and Accessory Occupancies
- Mixed occupancies consist of spaces of similar size and classification; accessory occupancies are smaller and auxiliary to the main use.
- Incidental uses refer to hazardous areas within other occupancy types, like boiler rooms.
Load Types in Building Design
- Dead loads refer to permanent structural elements; live loads account for temporary furnishings and the occupants themselves.
- Occupant load is critical for determining safety measures, including adequate egress requirements.
Load Factor and Calculations
- Load factors indicate required space per occupant based on occupancy type, used to calculate occupant load with the formula: Occupant Load = Floor Area X Load Factor.
- Adjustments are made to occupant totals by rounding to the nearest whole number.
Additional Definitions
- Habitable rooms are those used for living or cooking, excluding bathrooms and hallways.
- Dwelling units must include provisions for living and dining, defining accessibility types under International Residential Code (IRC).
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Description
Test your knowledge on occupancy classifications and loads with these flashcards. Each card provides essential definitions and concepts necessary for understanding how buildings or spaces are classified based on their use. Perfect for students and professionals in architecture and safety management.
