The classification of hazard of contents is based on the potential threat to life presented by the contents. The Life Safety Code classifies contents based on the threat of fire, explosions, and other similar events. It does not specifically consider the danger posed by toxic chemical, etiologic contamination, or similar hazards.
| LOW HAZARD CONTENT: Classified as those of such low combustibility that no self-propagating fire therein can occur. | ORDINARY HAZARD CONTENT: Classified as those that are likely to burn with moderate rapidity or to give off a considerable volume of smoke. | HIGH HAZARD CONTENT: Classified as those that are likely to burn with extreme rapidity or from which explosions are likely. |
| Examples: – Church seating areas – Corridors – Office areas – Dwelling units – Combustible concealed spaces (not used for storage) – Office areas – Corridors – Toilet rooms – Break rooms – Patient rooms – Corridors – Offices – Chapels – Dining areas – Hotel guest rooms – Corridors – Toilet rooms – Lobby – Dining room seating areas – Meeting rooms – Ballrooms (not used for exhibitions) | Examples: – Parking garages – Kitchens – Mechanical rooms – Storage rooms – Retail stores – Warehouses – Elevator machine rooms – Mechanical rooms – Electrical rooms – Kitchens – Storage rooms (ceiling height 8 feet or less)1 – Soiled utility rooms – Clean utility rooms – Laboratories (hazard classification will depend upon the amounts of flammable and combustible liquids used and stored in the laboratories – Mechanical rooms – Electrical rooms – Elevator machine rooms – Kitchens – Storage rooms (ceiling height 8 feet or less)1 – Parking garages – Ballrooms used for exhibition purposes | Examples: – Saw mills – Plywood/particle board manufacturing – Furniture upholstering using foam plastics – Flammable liquid spraying – Mobile home manufacturing |
Notes:
- Code Reference used is NFPA-101 2012 edition unless otherwise noted.
- These information is not complete and intended to be used as quick references only, always refer to NFPA or your local codes for complete information.
Weblinks:
- NFPA-101 6.2 (Hazard of Contents)
- http://www.mass.gov/eopss/docs/dfs/mfa/training/hazard-classification-6-28-10.pdf
- http://codesonline.nfpa.org/a/c.ref/ID020101110939/chapter