Protect Our Firefighters: How Hazardous Materials Impact Your Facility's Occupancy Classification
What do a vape shop explosion in Los Angeles and a beverage shop making hand sanitizer in Michigan have in common? They both have made changes to their facilities by introducing hazardous materials without also considering how those changes impact building code requirements. Introducing hazardous materials into a building without conducting a Group H Occupancy impact analysis can put our workers, neighbors, and first responders at risk.
Model building codes in the United States establish strict requirements for hazardous materials through the occupancy classification process. These codes rely on the accurate determination of Group H occupancy designation to ensure the building meets required occupant and facility safety standards.
This presentation provides an overview of the model building codes used in the United States and describes a three-step process to ensure accurate classification.