The definitions contained in this chapter shall apply to the terms used in this Code. Where terms are not defined in this chapter or within another chapter, they shall be defined using their ordinarily accepted meanings within the context in which they are used. Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition, shall be the source for the ordinarily accepted meaning.
Acceptable to the AHJ.
An organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard, or for approving equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure (See Enforcement, 1.6, 1.7.1 Administration, 1.7.1 and Official Interpretations, 1.7.3.1).
A.3.2.2 Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). The phrase "authority having jurisdiction," or its acronym AHJ, is used in NFPA documents in a broad manner, since jurisdictions and approval agencies vary, as do their responsibilities. Where public safety is primary, the AHJ may be a federal, state, local, or other regional department or individual such as a fire chief; fire marshal; chief of a fire prevention bureau, labor department, or health department; building official; electrical inspector; or others having statutory authority. For insurance purposes, an insurance inspection department, rating bureau, or other insurance company representative may be the AHJ. In many circumstances, the property owner or his or her designated agent assumes the role of the AHJ; at government installations, the commanding officer or departmental official may be the AHJ.
In Massachusetts, the AHJ is based on an applicable code. Pursuant to M.G.L c. 143 § 96, the Massachusetts State Building Code shall incorporate, without change, specialized construction codes, rules or regulations pertaining to building construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair or demolition promulgated by and under the authority of such specialized boards. Specialized codes include, but are not limited to, the state plumbing code, electrical code, architectural barriers regulations, fire safety code, fire prevention regulations, sheet metal regulations and elevator regulations. The AHJ who enforces this Code is the Fire Official. There will be situations where the Fire Official may have to enforce this Code with other officials such as a Building Official or other specialized code official(s). Several examples of who is the AHJ, based on work activity, are provided below:
Example #1 In new construction and renovation of a building or structure the Building Official is the AHJ and the applicable code is the Building Code.
Example #2 Once a building or structure has a certificate of occupancy, the maintenance of the Building Code provisions, and the duties to maintain the building systems are enforceable through this Code therefore the AHJ is the Fire Official. Although, this delineation between pre- and post-certificate of occupancy is a general guideline, it is important to note that the AHJ follows the scope of the presiding specialized code which is not necessarily indicated by the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. In some instances, two or more AHJs may have jurisdiction over a code provision. In this case, the AHJ would comprise of multiple individuals, such as a Building Official, Fire Official, a Plumbing and Gas Inspector or an Inspector of Wires. Examples of such situations are provided below:
Example # 3 Hazardous material storage and use is regulated by both the Building Code and this Code. The AHJ for the applicable provisions are both the Building Official and the Fire Official.
Example #4 Except for sale and transfer, the installation/maintenance of a smoke alarms or detectors is regulated by the Building Code, therefore the AHJ is the Building Official, and the minimum wiring requirements are obtained using the Massachusetts Electrical Code, with the AHJ being the Inspector of Wires.
Examples #3 and #4 above that require more than one AHJ: In circumstances involving compliance with two or more Massachusetts codes, the AHJ, while enforcing this Code should, to the extent as reasonably practicable, coordinate inspections so that owners and occupants of a building or structure are not subjected to visits by numerous inspectors nor multiple or conflicting orders. Whenever the AHJ observes an apparent or actual violation of some provision of law, ordinance, code or bylaw not within the AHJ's authority, the AHJ should report the findings to the appropriate code official having jurisdiction to enforce said law, ordinance, code or bylaw.
In Massachusetts, the AHJ is based on an applicable code. Pursuant to M.G.L c. 143 § 96, the Massachusetts State Building Code shall incorporate, without change, specialized construction codes, rules or regulations pertaining to building construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair or demolition promulgated by and under the authority of such specialized boards. Specialized codes include, but are not limited to, the state plumbing code, electrical code, architectural barriers regulations, fire safety code, fire prevention regulations, sheet metal regulations and elevator regulations. The AHJ who enforces this Code is the Fire Official. There will be situations where the Fire Official may have to enforce this Code with other officials such as a Building Official or other specialized code official(s). Several examples of who is the AHJ, based on work activity, are provided below:
Example #1 In new construction and renovation of a building or structure the Building Official is the AHJ and the applicable code is the Building Code.
Example #2 Once a building or structure has a certificate of occupancy, the maintenance of the Building Code provisions, and the duties to maintain the building systems are enforceable through this Code therefore the AHJ is the Fire Official. Although, this delineation between pre- and post-certificate of occupancy is a general guideline, it is important to note that the AHJ follows the scope of the presiding specialized code which is not necessarily indicated by the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. In some instances, two or more AHJs may have jurisdiction over a code provision. In this case, the AHJ would comprise of multiple individuals, such as a Building Official, Fire Official, a Plumbing and Gas Inspector or an Inspector of Wires. Examples of such situations are provided below:
Example # 3 Hazardous material storage and use is regulated by both the Building Code and this Code. The AHJ for the applicable provisions are both the Building Official and the Fire Official.
Example #4 Except for sale and transfer, the installation/maintenance of a smoke alarms or detectors is regulated by the Building Code, therefore the AHJ is the Building Official, and the minimum wiring requirements are obtained using the Massachusetts Electrical Code, with the AHJ being the Inspector of Wires.
Examples #3 and #4 above that require more than one AHJ: In circumstances involving compliance with two or more Massachusetts codes, the AHJ, while enforcing this Code should, to the extent as reasonably practicable, coordinate inspections so that owners and occupants of a building or structure are not subjected to visits by numerous inspectors nor multiple or conflicting orders. Whenever the AHJ observes an apparent or actual violation of some provision of law, ordinance, code or bylaw not within the AHJ's authority, the AHJ should report the findings to the appropriate code official having jurisdiction to enforce said law, ordinance, code or bylaw.
A document that is advisory or informative in nature and that contains only nonmandatory provisions. A guide may contain mandatory statements such as when a guide can be used, but the document as a whole is not suitable for adoption into law.
Equipment or materials to which has been attached a label, symbol, or other identifying mark of an organization that is acceptable to the AHJ and concerned with product evaluation, that maintains periodic inspection of production of labeled equipment or materials, and by whose labeling the manufacturer indicates compliance with appropriate standards or performance in a specified manner.
Equipment, materials, or services included in a list published by an organization that is acceptable to the AHJ and concerned with evaluation of products or services, that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or materials or periodic evaluation of services, and whose listing states that either the equipment, material, or service meets appropriate designated standards or has been tested and found suitable for a specified purpose.
Indicates a mandatory requirement.
Indicates a recommendation or that which is advised but not required.
A document, the main text of which contains only mandatory provisions using the word "shall" to indicate requirements and which is in a form generally suitable for mandatory reference by another standard or code or for adoption into law. Nonmandatory provisions shall be located in an appendix or annex, footnote, or fine-print note and are not to be considered a part of the requirements of a standard.
Pressure based on a zero reference point, the perfect vacuum. [55, 2013]
An increase in building area, aggregate floor area, building height or number of stories of a structure. [5000, 2015]
An area on land or water that is used or intended to be used for the landing and takeoff of aircraft and includes buildings and facilities. [402, 2013]
Any outdoor area, including aprons and hardstands, where aircraft can be positioned, stored, serviced, or maintained, irrespective of the nature of the surface of the area. [415, 2013]
The horizontal dimension between the face of the loads in racks under consideration. [13, 2013]
A warning of danger. [72, 2013]
An alcohol-containing preparation designed for application to the hands for reducing the number of visible microorganisms on the hands and containing ethanol or isopropanol in an amount not exceeding 95 percent by volume.
An accessible clear space between storage piles or groups of piles suitable for housekeeping operations, visual inspection of piling areas, and initial fire-fighting operations.
The designation for American National Standards Institute publication sponsored and published by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
The area of a mercantile occupancy that is physically separated from the sales area and not intended to be accessible to the public. [30B, 2015]
A building or portion of a building, enclosed and bounded by exterior walls, fire walls, fire barriers and roofs, or a combination thereof, or an outdoor area within which hazardous materials are allowed to be stored, dispensed, used, or handled in quantities not exceeding the maximum allowable quantities (MAQ).
An area of a building separated from the remainder of the building by construction having a fire resistance of at least 1 hour and having all communicating openings properly protected by an assembly having a fire resistance rating of at least 1 hour. [30, 2015]
The floor area, in square feet, used to determine the required fire flow.
An area that is within a building or structure having overhead cover, other than a structure qualifying as "weather protection" in accordance with Section 6.6 of NFPA 55, Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code. [55, 2013]
A room or building used for the storage of liquids in containers or portable tanks, separated from other types of occupancies. [30, 2015]
An area used for the storage of organic peroxide formulations. [400, 2013]
An area that is not an indoor area. [55, 2013]
A specific location designed and approved for hot work operations that is maintained fire safe such as a maintenance shop or a detached outside location that is of noncombustible or fire-resistive construction, essentially free of combustible and flammable contents, and suitably segregated from adjacent areas. [51B, 2014]
Any location other than a designated area that is approved for hot work. A permit- required area is an area that is made fire safe by removing or protecting combustibles from ignition sources. [51B, 2014]
The area of a mercantile occupancy that is open to the public for the purpose of viewing and purchasing goods, wares, and merchandise. Individuals are free to circulate among the items, which are typically displayed on shelves, on racks, or on the floor.
[30B,2015]
A designated area where smoking
is permitted within a premises in which smoking is otherwise generally prohibited.
Any fully enclosed, partly enclosed, or unenclosed area in which dangerous quantities of flammable or combustible vapors, mists, residues, dusts, or deposits are present due to the operation of spray processes, including (1) any area in the direct path of a spray application process; (2) the interior of a spray booth or spray room or limited finishing workstation, as herein defined; (3) the interior of any exhaust plenum, eliminator section, or scrubber section; (4) the interior of any exhaust duct or exhaust stack leading from a spray application process; (5) the interior of
any air recirculation filter house or enclosure, including secondary recirculation particulate filters; (6) any solvent concentrator (pollution abatement) unit or solvent recovery (distillation) unit. The following shall not be considered part of the spray area: (1) Fresh air make-up units; (2) Air supply ducts and air supply plenums; (3) Recirculation air supply ducts downstream of secondary filters; (4) Exhaust ducts from solvent concentrator (pollution abatement) units. [33,2011]
American Society of Mechanical Engineers. [58, 2014]
American Society for Testing and Materials, now known as "ASTM International." [55, 2013]
The maximum height at which commodities can be stored above the floor and still maintain necessary clearance from structural members and the required clearance below sprinklers. [13, 2013]
A natural seed fiber wrapped and secured in industry-accepted materials, usually consisting of burlap, woven polypropylene, or sheet polyethylene, and secured with steel, synthetic, or wire bands, or wire; also includes linters (lint removed from the cottonseed) and motes (residual materials from the ginning process).
A basic yard storage unit for baled cotton comprising multiple-row storage with clear spaces on all sides.
Cotton, made into banded bales, with a packing density of at least 22 lb/ft3 (360 kg/m3), and dimensions complying with the following: a length of 55 in. (ca. 1400 mm ± 20 mm), a width of 21 in. (ca. 530 mm ± 20 mm), and a height of 27.6 in. to 35.4 in. (700 mm to 900 mm).
A cotton bale within which a fire has been packed as a result of a process in which ginning is the most frequent cause.
An unwrapped cotton bale secured with wire or steel straps.
A unit of volume used in the petroleum industry that is equal to 42 gal (159 L). [30, 2015]
Upcodes Diagrams
A storage battery that consists of lithium ions imbedded in a carbon graphite or nickel metal-oxide substrate. The electrolyte is a carbonate mixture or a gelled polymer. The lithium ions are the charge carriers of the battery.
A lead-acid battery consisting of sealed cells furnished with a valve that opens to vent the battery whenever the internal pressure of the battery exceeds the ambient pressure by a set amount.
A lead-acid battery consisting of cells that have electrodes immersed in liquid electrolyte.
See 3.3.20.1.
A group of persons appointed by the governing body of the jurisdiction adopting this Code for the purpose of hearing and adjudicating differences of opinion between the AHJ and the citizenry in the interpretation, application, and enforcement of this Code.
The temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid equals the surrounding atmospheric pressure. [30, 2015]
A combination of any materials, whether portable or fixed, having a roof, to
form a structure for the shelter of persons, animals or property. For the purpose of this definition
"roof" shall include an awning or any similar covering, whether or not permanent in nature. The
word "building" shall be construed where the context allows as though followed by the words
"or part or parts thereof".
A structure used primarily for air passenger enplaning or deplaning, including ticket sales, flight information, baggage handling, and other necessary functions in connection with air transport operations. This term includes any extensions and satellite buildings used for passenger handling or aircraft flight service functions. Aircraft loading walkways and "mobile lounges" are excluded. [415, 2013]
A building having only one common wall with another building having other types of occupancies.
A building erected or officially authorized prior to the effective date of the adoption of this edition of the Code by the agency or jurisdiction. [101, 2015]
A building where the floor of an occupiable story is greater than 75 ft (23 m) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. [5000, 2015]
A building that is considered not expendable in an exposure fire. [30, 2015]
A structure that can be adjacent to but separated from the airport terminal building, accessible above ground or through subway passages, and used to provide flight service operations, such as passenger check-in, waiting rooms, food service, enplaning or deplaning, etc. [415, 2013]
A building that is temporary, permanent, or mobile and contains a device or system that conveys passengers or provides a walkway along, around, or over a course in any direction as a form of amusement arranged so that the egress path is not readily apparent due to visual or audio distractions or an intentionally confounded egress path, or is not readily available due to the mode of conveyance through the building or structure. [101, 2015]
A three-dimensional space that is enclosed by a roof and walls that cover more than one-half of the possible area of the sides of the space, is of sufficient size to allow entry by personnel, will likely limit the dissipation of heat or dispersion of vapors, and restricts access for fire fighting. [30, 2015]
A fire-fighting strategy that allows for the free-bum of a tire fire.
A technique to resist the corrosion of a metal surface by making the surface the cathode of an electrochemical cell. [55, 2013]
A person who demonstrates an understanding of the principles and measurements of all common types of cathodic protection systems applicable to metal piping and container systems and who has education and experience in soil resistivity, stray current, structure-to-soil potential, and component electrical isolation measurements of metal piping and container systems. [55, 2013]
A written document for the purpose of granting permission to conduct or engage in any operation or act for which certification is required by way of one or more of the
following:
A written document issued by the State Fire Marshal to
a person who has passed an examination for a particular profession which allows that person to
be in charge of and responsible for the regulated activity.
A certificate which allows a person, firm, corporation or other legal entity to use or handle fireworks.
A certificate issued to a firm or company, indicating
the rebuttable presumption of statutory and regulatory compliance with responsible levels of
liability insurance and bonds required by M.G.L. c. 148, §§ 19, 20 and 20A, explosive storage
magazines, and a general knowledge of the requirements of explosive regulations in the use or
handling of explosives.
A written document issued by the State Fire Marshal to
a person, firm or corporation for the purpose of granting permission to conduct or engage in
servicing fire extinguishing systems.
The Code of Federal Regulations of the United States Government.
Compressed Gas Association.
The amount of heat released, in Btu/lb (kJ/g), when a substance is oxidized to yield stable end products, including water as a vapor, as measured under actual fire conditions in a normal ambient (air) atmosphere. [30B, 2015]
The scientific designation of a chemical in accordance with the nomenclature system developed by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry or the Chemical Abstracts Service rules of nomenclature, or a name that clearly identifies a chemical for the purpose of conducting an evaluation.
A large integrated plant or that portion of such a plant, other than a refinery or distillery, where liquids are produced by chemical reactions or used in chemical reactions. [30, 2015]
A wood chip of various species used in the manufacture of pulp.
A defined space in which the concentration of airborne particles is controlled to specified limits. [318, 2015]
A room in which the concentration of airborne particles is controlled to specified limits, including areas below the raised floor and above the ceiling grid if these areas are part of the air path and within the rated construction. [5000, 2015]
An area free of combustible materials but that can contain noncombustible materials that cannot transmit an exposure fire.
A dike with a cover intended to minimize the entrance of precipitation into the diked area. [30, 2015]
A device used to dry wet laundry by means of heat derived from the combustion of fuel or from electric heating elements. [211, 2013]
referenced in Sections 2.3.22 and 1.1.
The Massachusetts State Building Code as referenced in Section 2.3.22.
Plumbing Code referenced in Section 2.3.22.
This Code as referenced in Section 2.3.22
A single ranked pile of logs with individual logs of regular or irregular length usually 20 ft to 50 ft (6.1 m to 15.2 m) long, but greater than 8 ft (2.4 m) long.
A single vertical stack of rolls of paper.
A material that, in the form in which it is used and under the conditions anticipated, will ignite and burn; a material that does not meet the definition of noncombustible or limited-combustible. [101, 2015]
A finely divided combustible particulate solid that presents a flash fire hazard or explosion hazard when suspended in air or the process-specific oxidizing medium over a range of concentrations. [654, 2013]
Any material in a fibrous or shredded form that readily ignites when heat sources are present.
All combustible or loose rubbish, litter, or waste materials generated by an occupancy that are refused, rejected, or considered worthless and are disposed of by incineration on the premises where generated or periodically transported from the premises.
Combustible or loose waste material that is generated by an establishment or process and, if salvageable, is retained for scrap or reprocessing on the premises where generated or transported to a plant for processing.
A chemical process of oxidation that occurs at a rate fast enough to produce heat and usually light in the form of either a glow or flame.
The portion of exit access that must be traversed before two separate and distinct paths of travel to two exits are available. [101, 2015]
Upcodes Diagrams
A space within a building that is enclosed by fire barriers on all sides, including the top and bottom. [101, 2015]
A space within a building enclosed by smoke barriers on all sides, including the top and bottom. [101, 2015]
Documents that consist of scaled design drawings and specifications for the purpose of construction of new facilities or modification to existing facilities. (See also 3.3.227, Shop Drawings.)
A vessel, including cylinders, tanks, portable tanks, and cargo tanks, used for transporting or storing materials.
A pressure vessel designed to hold compressed gas at an absolute pressure greater than 1 atmosphere at 68°F (20°C) that includes cylinders, containers, and tanks. [55, 2013]
Any vessel of 119 gal (450 L) or less capacity used for transporting or storing liquids. [30, 2015]
Any vessel, including cylinders, tanks, portable tanks, and cargo tanks, used for the transporting or storing of LP-Gases. [58, 2014]
The noncommercial, residential burning of materials not exceeding 3 ft (0.9 m) in diameter and 2 ft (0.6 m) in height, other than rubbish in which the fuel burned is contained in an outdoor fireplace, a barbecue grill, or a barbecue pit for the purpose of preparing food.
Logs 8 ft (2.4 m) or less in length customarily intended for pulpwood or fuel uses.
The central tube around which paper is wound to form a roll. [13, 2013]
Hydrocarbon mixtures that have a flash point below 150°F (65.6°C) and that have not been processed in a refinery. [30, 2015]
A fluid with a boiling point lower than —130°F (—90°C) at an absolute pressure of 14.7 psi (101.3 kPa). [55, 2013]
A cryogenic fluid that forms flammable mixtures in air when in its vapor state. [55, 2013]
A cryogenic fluid that vaporizes to produce an intert gas when in its vapor state. [55, 2013]
An oxidizing gas in the cryogenic state. [55, 2013]
Buildings, structures, or sites, or portions thereof, that are culturally significant, or that house culturally significant collections. [914, 2010]
A pressure vessel designed for absolute pressures higher than 40 psi (276 kPa) and having a circular cross-section. It does not include a portable tank, multiunit tank car tank, cargo tank, or tank car. [55, 2013]
A gastight recovery vessel designed so that a leaking compressed gas container can be placed within its confines, thereby encapsulating the leaking container. [55, 2013]
Propagation of a combustion zone at a velocity that is less than the speed of sound in the unreacted medium. [68, 2013]
A device suitable for connection to a circuit that has a sensor that responds to a physical stimulus such as gas, heat or smoke. [72, 2013]
A detector that consists of a piping or tubing distribution network that runs from the detector to the area(s) to be protected. An aspiration fan in the detector housing draws air from the protected area back to the detector through air sampling ports, piping, or tubing. At the detector, the air is analyzed for fire products. [72, 2013]
A device designed to detect the presence of a fire signature and to initiate action. For the purpose of this Code, automatic fire detectors are classified as follows: Automatic Fire Extinguishing or Suppression System Operation Detector, Fire-Gas Detector, Heat Detector, Other Fire Detectors, Radiant Energy-Sensing Fire Detector, and Smoke Detector. [72, 2013]
A device that either responds to more than one of the fire phenomena or employs more than one operating principle to sense one of these phenomena. Typical examples are a combination of a heat detector with a smoke detector or a combination rate-of-rise and fixed-temperature heat detector. This device has listings for each sensing method employed. [72, 2013]
A line-type or spot-type sensing element in which resistance varies as a function of temperature. [72, 2013]
A device that detects gases produced by a fire. [72, 2013]
A device that responds when its operating element becomes heated to a predetermined level. [72, 2013]
A radiant energy-sensing fire detector that detects the radiant energy emitted by a flame. (Refer to A.17.8.2 of NFPA 72.) [72, 2013]
A device that detects the presence of a specified gas concentration. Gas detectors can be either spot-type or line-type detectors. [72, 2013]
A fire detector that detects either abnormally high temperature or rate of temperature rise, or both. [72, 2013]
A device in which detection is continuous along a path. Typical examples are rate-of-rise pneumatic tubing detectors, projected beam smoke detectors, and heat-sensitive cable. [72, 2013]
A device that contains multiple sensors that separately respond to physical stimulus such as heat, smoke, or fire gases, or employs more than one sensor to sense the same stimulus. This sensor is capable of generating only one alarm signal from the sensors employed in the design either independently or in combination. The sensor output signal is mathematically evaluated to determine when an alarm signal is warranted. The evaluation can be performed either at the detector or at the control unit. This detector has a single listing that establishes the primary function of the detector. [72, 2013]
A device that contains multiple sensors that separately respond to physical stimulus such as heat, smoke, or fire gases, or employs more than one sensor to sense the same stimulus. A device capable of generating multiple alarm signals from any one of the sensors employed in the design, independently or in combination. The sensor output signals are mathematically evaluated to determine when an alarm signal is warranted. The evaluation can be performed either at the detector or at the control unit. This device has listings for each sensing method employed. [72, 2013]
Devices that detect a phenomenon other than heat, smoke, flame, or gases produced by a fire. [72, 2013]
A line-type detector comprising small-diameter tubing, usually copper, that is installed on the ceiling or high on the walls throughout the protected area. The tubing is terminated in a detector unit containing diaphragms and associated contacts set to actuate at a predetermined pressure. The system is sealed except for calibrated vents that compensate for normal changes in temperature. [72, 2013]
A type of photoelectric light obscuration smoke detector wherein the beam spans the protected area. [72, 2013]
A device that detects radiant energy, such as ultraviolet, visible, or infrared, that is emitted as a product of combustion reaction and obeys the laws of optics. [72, 2013]
A device that responds when the temperature of the air surrounding the device reaches a predetermined level, regardless of the rate of temperature rise. [72, 2013]
A device that responds when the temperature rises at a rate exceeding a predetermined value. [72, 2013]
A device that detects visible or invisible particles of combustion. [72, 2013]
A radiant energy-sensing fire detector that is designed to detect sparks or embers, or both. These devices are normally intended to operate in dark environments and in the infrared part of the spectrum. [72, 2013]
A device in which the detecting element is concentrated at a particular location. Typical examples are bimetallic detectors, fusible alloy detectors, certain pneumatic rate-of-rise detectors, certain smoke detectors, and thermoelectric detectors. [72, 2013]
Propagation of a combustion zone at a velocity that is greater than the speed of sound in the unreacted medium. [68, 2013]
A plant or that portion of a plant where liquids produced by fermentation are concentrated and where the concentrated products are also mixed, stored, or packaged. [30, 2015]
A business engaged in the sale or resale, or both, of compressed gases or cryogenic fluids, or both. [55, 2013]
U.S. Department of Transportation.
A clear space suitable for fire-fighting operations by motorized fire apparatus.
One or more rooms arranged for complete, independent housekeeping purposes, with space for eating, living, and sleeping; facilities for cooking; and provisions for sanitation. [5000, 2015]
Afire, explosion, or hazardous condition that poses an immediate threat to the safety of life or damage to property.
An opening, construction method, or device that will automatically relieve excessive internal pressure due to an exposure fire. [30, 2015]
For the purposes of this code, containers built to UN specification 1A1. [55, 2013]
A valve inserted into a compressed gas cylinder, portable tank, or stationary tank that is designed to positively shut off the flow of gas in the event that its predetermined flow is exceeded.
An appliance or piece of equipment that consists of a top, a back, and two sides that provides a means of local exhaust for capturing gases, fumes, vapors, and mists. [55, 2013]
That which is already in existence on the date this edition of the Code goes into effect. [101, 2015]
Any situation, circumstance, or physical makeup of any structure, premise, or process that was ongoing or in effect prior to the adoption of this Code.
That portion of a means of egress that is separated from all other spaces of a building or structure by construction, location, or equipment as required to provide a protected way of travel to the exit discharge. [101, 2015]
A way of passage from one building to an area of refuge in another building on approximately the same level, or a way of passage through or around a fire barrier to an area of refuge on approximately the same level in the same building that affords safety from fire and smoke originating from the area of incidence and areas communicating therewith. [101, 2015]
That portion of a means of egress that leads to an exit. [101, 2015]
The bursting or rupture of an enclosure or a container due to the development of internal pressure from a deflagration. [69, 2014]
A means of either preventing an explosion through the use of explosion suppression, fuel reduction, or oxidant reduction systems or a means to prevent the structural collapse of a building in the event of an explosion through the use of deflagration venting, barricades, or related construction methods. [55, 2013]
A chemical compound, mixture, or device, the primary or common purpose of which is to function by explosion. [5000, 2015]
As applied to access and water supply, a structure or use in a fixed location including exterior storage, use, and handling areas that relates to the occupancies and operations covered by this Code.
A design arrangement incorporating one or more features that automatically counteracts the effect of an anticipated source of failure or which includes a design arrangement that eliminates or mitigates a hazardous condition by compensating automatically for a failure or malfunction.
A form of audience/spectator accommodation in which no seating, other than a floor or finished ground level, is provided for the audience/spectators gathered to observe a performance. [101, 2015]
Small pieces or splinters of wood byproducts that can pass through a 0.25 in. (6.4 mm) screen.
The interior Finish of ceilings. [101, 2015]
The exposed surfaces of walls, ceilings, and floors within buildings. [101, 2015]
The interior finish of floors, ramps, stair treads and risers, and other walking surfaces. [101, 2015]
The interior finish of columns, fixed or movable walls, and fixed or movable partitions. [101, 2015]
Class A fires are fires in ordinary combustible materials, such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber, and many plastics. [10, 2013]
Class B fires are fires in flammable liquids, combustible liquids, petroleum greases, tars, oils, oil-based paints, solvents, lacquers, alcohols, and flammable gases. [10, 2013]
Class C fires are fires that involve energized electrical equipment. [10, 2013]
Class D fires are fires in combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, lithium, and potassium. [10, 2013]
Class K fires are fires in cooking appliances that involve combustible cooking media (vegetable or animal oils and fats). [10, 2013]
The road or other means developed to allow access and operational setup for fire-fighting and rescue apparatus.
Any combination of afire door, a frame, hardware, and other accessories that together provide a specific degree of fire protection to the opening. [80, 2013]
The flow rate of a water supply, measured at 20 psi (137.9 kPa) residual pressure, that is available for fire fighting.
A valved connection on a water supply system having one or more outlets and that is used to supply hose and fire department pumpers with water. [1141, 2012]
A liquid, solid, or gas that tends to inhibit combustion when applied on, mixed in, or combined with combustible materials.
The assignment of a person or persons to an area for the express purpose of notifying the fire department, the building occupants, or both of an emergency; preventing a fire from occurring; extinguishing small fires; or protecting the public from fire or life safety dangers.
The propagation of flame over a surface. [101, 2015]
A comparative measure, expressed as a dimensionless number, derived from visual measurements of the spread of flame versus time for a material tested in accordance with ASTM E 84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, or ANSI/UL 723, Standard for Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. [101, 2015]
Flammable vapors are the concentration of flammable constituents in air that exceed 25 percent of their lower flammability limit (LFL).
The minimum temperature of a liquid at which sufficient vapor is given off to form an ignitible mixture with the air, near the surface of the liquid or within the vessel used, as determined by the appropriate test procedure and apparatus specified in Section 4.4 of NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code. [30, 2015]
Upcodes Diagrams
The floor area within the inside perimeter of the outside walls of the building under consideration with no deduction for hallways, stairs, closets, thickness of interior walls, columns, elevator and building services shafts, or other features, but excluding floor openings associated with atriums and communicating spaces. [5000, 2015]
Upcodes Diagrams
The floor area within the inside perimeter of the outside walls, or the outside walls and fire walls of the building, or outside and/or inside walls that bound an occupancy or incidental use area requiring the occupant load to be calculated using net floor area under consideration with deductions for hallways, stairs, closets, thickness of interior walls, columns, or other features. [5000, 2015]
Upcodes Diagrams
The ability to predict fire progression in a scrap tire storage location prior to the completion of the inventory fire break using heavy equipment.
Releases of flammable vapor that continuously or intermittently occur from process equipment during normal operations. [30, 2015]
1 U.S. gal = 0.833 Imperial gal = 231 in.3 = 3.785 L. [58, 2014]
A building or portion of a building in which one or more self-propelled vehicles carrying volatile flammable liquid for fuel or power are kept for use, sale, storage, rental, repair, exhibition, or demonstrating purposes, and all that portion of a building that is on or below the floor or floors in which such vehicles are kept and that is not separated therefrom by suitable cutoffs. [5000, 2015]
A material, or mixture of materials, that (1) is a gas at 68°F (20°C) or less at 14.7 psi (101.3 kPa) and (2) has a boiling point of 68°F (20°C) or less at 14.7 psi (101.3 kPa) that is liquefied, nonliquefied, or in solution, except those gases that have no other health or physical hazard properties are not considered to be compressed until the pressure in the packaging exceeds an absolute pressure of 40.6 psi (280 kPa) at 68°F (20°C). [55, 2013]
A mixture of two or more compressed gases contained in a packaging, the hazard properties of which are represented by the properties of the mixture as a whole.
Nonliquefied gases that are dissolved in a solvent.
Gases, other than those in solution, that are contained in a packaging under the charged pressure and are entirely gaseous at a temperature of 68°F (20°C).
A gas that causes visible destruction of or irreversible alterations in living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact. [55, 2013]
A material that is a gas at 68°F (20°C) or less at an absolute pressure of 14.7 psi (101.3 kPa), that is ignitable at an absolute pressure of 14.7 psi (101.3 kPa) when in a mixture of 13 percent or less by volume with air, or that has a flammable range at an absolute pressure of 14.7 psi (101.3 kPa) with air of at least 12 percent, regardless of the lower limit. [55, 2013]
A liquefied compressed gas that, when under a charged pressure, is partially liquid at a temperature of 68°F (20°C) and is flammable. [55, 2013]
A chemical that has a median lethal concentration (LC50) in air of 200 ppm by volume or less of gas or vapor, or 2 mg/L or less of mist, fume, or dust, when administered by continuous inhalation for 1 hour (or less if death occurs within 1 hour) to albino rats weighing between 0.44 lb and 0.66 lb (200 g and 300 g) each. [55, 2013]
A nonreactive, nonflammable, noncorrosive gas such as argon, helium, krypton, neon, nitrogen, and xenon. [55, 2013]
A chemical that is not corrosive, but that causes a reversible inflammatory effect on living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact. A chemical is a skin irritant if, when tested on the intact skin of albino rabbits by the methods of 16 CFR 1500.41, for an exposure of 4 or more hours or by other appropriate techniques, it results in an empirical score of 5 or more. A chemical is classified as an eye irritant if so determined under the procedure listed in 16 CFR 1500.42, or other appropriate techniques. [55, 2013]
A gas, other than in solution, that in a packaging under the charged pressure exists both as a liquid and a gas at a temperature of 68°F (20°C). [30, 2012]
A fluid in the cryogenic liquid state that is composed predominantly of methane and that can contain minor quantities of ethane, propane, nitrogen, and other components normally found in natural gas. [59A, 2013]
Any material having a vapor pressure not exceeding that allowed for commercial propane that is composed predominantly of the following hydrocarbons, either by themselves (except propylene) or as mixtures: propane, propylene, butane (normal butane or isobutane), and butylenes. [58, 2014]
A gas that does not meet the definition of a flammable gas. [55, 2013]
A gas that is not a corrosive gas, flammable gas, highly toxic gas, oxidizing gas, pyrophoric gas, toxic gas, or unstable reactive gas with a hazard rating of Class 2, Class 3, or Class 4 gas. [55, 2013]
A gas that can support and accelerate combustion of other materials more than air does. [55, 2013]
A gas with an autoignition temperature in air at or below 130°F (54.4°C). [55, 2013]
A residual process gas that is collected for treatment or release at a location remote from the site of use.
A gas that does not provide sufficient oxygen to support life and that has none of the other physical or health hazards.
A gas with a median lethal concentration (LC50) in air of more than 200 ppm but not more than 2000 ppm by volume of gas or vapor, or more than 2 mg/L but not more than 20 mg/L of mist, fume, or dust, when administered by continuous inhalation for 1 hour (or less if death occurs within 1 hour) to albino rats weighing between 0.44 lb and 0.66 lb (200 g and 300 g) each. [55, 2013]
A gas that, in the pure state or as commercially produced, will vigorously polymerize, decompose, or condense; become self-reactive; or otherwise undergo a violent chemical change under conditions of shock, pressure, or temperature. [55, 2013]
A fully enclosed, noncombustible enclosure used to provide an isolated environment for compressed gas cylinders in storage or use. [55, 2013]
A business that produces compressed gases or cryogenic fluids, or both, or fills portable or stationary gas containers, cylinders, or tanks. [55, 2013]
A separately ventilated, fully enclosed room in which only compressed gases, cryogenic fluids, associated equipment, and supplies are stored or used. [55, 2013]
A container that could be mounted on wheels and is used for heating tar, asphalt, or similar substances.
High hazard contents shall include materials defined as hazardous materials in 3.3.173.4, whether stored, used, or handled. [5000:6.3.2.4.1.1]
High hazard Level 1 contents shall include materials that present a detonation hazard including, but not limited to, the following: (1) Explosives; (2) Unclassified detonable organic peroxides; (3) Class 4 oxidizers; (4) Detonable pyrophoric materials; (5) Class 3 detonable and Class 4 unstable (reactive) materials. [5000:6.3.2.4.2]
High hazard Level 2 contents shall include materials that present a deflagration hazard or a hazard from accelerated burning including, but not limited to, the following: (1) Class I, Class II, or Class III-A flammable or combustible liquids that are used or stored in normally open containers or systems, or in closed containers or systems at gauge pressures of more than 15 psi (103 kPa); (2) Combustible dusts stored, used, or generated in a manner creating a severe fire or explosion hazard; (3) Flammable gases and flammable cryogenic liquids; (4) Class I organic peroxides; (5) Class 3 solid or liquid oxidizers that are used or stored in normally open containers or systems, or in closed containers or systems at gauge pressures of more than 15 psi (103 kPa); (6) Nondetonable pyrophoric materials; (7) Class 3 nondetonable unstable (reactive) materials; (8) Class 3 water-reactive materials [5000:6.3.2.4.3]
High hazard Level 3 contents shall include materials that readily support combustion or present a physical hazard including, but not limited to, the following; (1) Level 2 and Level 3 aerosols; (2) Class I, Class II, or Class III-A flammable or combustible liquids that are used or stored in normally closed containers or systems at gauge pressures of less than 15 psi (103 kPa); (3) Flammable solids, other than dusts classified as high hazard Level 2, stored, used, or generated in a manner creating a high fire hazard; (4) Class II and Class III organic peroxides; (5) Class 2 solid or liquid oxidizers; (6) Class 3 solid or liquid oxidizers that are used or stored in normally closed containers or systems at gauge pressures of less than 15 psi (103 kPa); (7) Oxidizing gases and oxidizing cryogenic liquids; (8) Class 2 unstable (reactive) materials; (9) Class 2 water-reactive materials [5000:6.3.2.4.4]
High hazard Level 4 contents shall include materials that are acute health hazards including, but not limited to, the following: (1) Corrosives; (2) Highly toxic materials; (3) Toxic materials [5000:6.3.2.4.5]
High hazard Level 5 contents include hazardous production materials (HPM) used in the fabrication of semiconductors or semiconductor research and development. [5000:6.3.2.4.6]
Low hazard contents shall be classified as those of such low combustibility that no self-propagating fire therein can occur. [5000:6.3.2.2]
Ordinary hazard contents shall be classified as those that are likely to burn with moderate rapidity or to give off a considerable volume of smoke. [5000:6.3.2.3]
A chemical for which there is evidence that it is a combustible liquid,
compressed gas, cryogenic, explosive, flammable gas, flammable liquid, flammable solid,
organic peroxide, oxidizer, pyrophoric or unstable (reactive) or water-reactive material.
A building, a portion of a building, or exterior area used for the storage of hazardous materials in excess of exempt amounts.
A movable prefabricated structure, manufactured primarily at a site other than the final location of the structure and transported completely assembled or in a ready-to-assemble package to the final location, and intended to meet local, state, and federal requirements for outside storage of hazardous materials. [30, 2015]
Reactions that result in dangers beyond the fire problems relating to flash point and boiling point of either the reactants or of the products. [30, 2015]
A liquid that is used as a medium to transfer heat energy from a heater or vaporizer to a remote heat consumer (e.g., injection molding machine, oven, or dryer, or jacketed chemical reactor). [30, 2015]
An identifiable area located on land, on water, or on a structure, that also includes any existing buildings or facilities thereon, used or intended to be used for landing and takeoff of helicopters. [418, 2011]
A concentration of airborne contaminants, normally expressed in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per cubic meter, that represents the maximum level from which one could escape within 30 minutes without any escape-impairing symptoms or irreversible health effects. [55, 2013]
A condition or practice in an occupancy or structure that poses a danger that could reasonably be expected to cause death, serious physical harm, or serious property loss.
The individual responsible for all incident activities, including the development of strategies and tactics and the ordering and the release of resources. The IC has overall authority and responsibility for conducting incident operations and is
responsible for the management of all incident operations at the incident site.
A circuit to which automatic or manual initiating devices are connected where the signal received does not identify the individual device operated. [72, 2013]
An assembly of tanks or tubular cylinders permanently mounted in a frame conforming to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) requirements. [55, 2013]
A governmental unit or political division or a subdivision.
The maximum concentration of an airborne contaminant to which one can be exposed. [5000, 2015]
The maximum permitted 8-hour, time-weighted average concentration of an airborne contaminant. [55, 2013]
The concentration to which it is believed that workers can be exposed continuously for a short period of time without suffering from irritation, chronic or irreversible tissue damage, or narcosis of a degree sufficient to increase the likelihood of accidental injury, impairment of self-rescue, or the material reduction of work efficiency, without exceeding the daily permissible exposure limit (PEL). [55, 2013]
See 4.5.10. [5000, 2015]
A material that has a melting point that is equal to or less than 68°F (20°C) and a boiling point that is greater than 68°F (20°C) and 14.7 psia (101.3 kPa). When not otherwise identified, the term liquid shall mean both flammable and combustible liquids. [5000, 2015]
Any liquid that has a closed-cup flash point at or above 100°F (37.8°C), as determined by the test procedures and apparatus set forth in Section 4.4 of NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code. Combustible liquids are classified according to Section 4.3 of NFPA 30. [30, 2015]
Any liquid that has a closed-cup flash point below 100°F (37.8°C), as determined by the test procedures and apparatus set forth in Section 4.4 of NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, and a Reid vapor pressure that does not exceed an absolute pressure of 40 psi (276 kPa) at 100°F (37.8°C), as determined by ASTM D 323, Standard Test Method for Vapor Pressure of Petroleum Products (Reid Method). Flammable liquids are classified according to Section 4.3 of NFPA 30. [30, 2015]
A liquid with a boiling point of less than 68°F (20°C).
Any liquid not defined as unstable. [30, 2015]
Felled tree from which all the branches have been removed.
A separate detached building in which unbaled combustible fibers are stored.
Wood from felled trees having a section produced by lengthwise sawing or chipping of logs or other solid wood of large dimensions and possible crosscutting and/or further machining to obtain a certain size and includes boards, dimension lumber, timber, and similar wood products.
A manually operated device used to initiate a fire alarm signal. [72, 2013]
A facility comprised of one or more berths, piers, wharves, loading and unloading areas, warehouses, and storage yards and used for transfer of people and/or cargo between waterborne and land transportation modes. [307, 2011]
A water craft or other artificial contrivance used as a means of transportation in or on the water.
A chemical that causes visible destruction of, or irreversible alterations in, living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact. [400, 2013]
A chemical or substance that is classified as a physical hazard material or a health hazard material, whether the chemical or substance is in usable or waste condition. (See also 3.3.173.6, Health Hazard Material, and 3.3.173.12, Physical Hazard Material.) [400, 2013]
A solid, liquid, or gas associated with semiconductor manufacturing that has a degree-of-hazard rating of 3 or 4 in health, flammability, instability, or water reactivity in accordance with NFPA 704 and that is used directly in research, laboratory, or production processes that have as their end product materials that are not hazardous. [5000, 2015]
A chemical or substance classified as a toxic, highly toxic, or corrosive material in accordance with definitions set forth in this Code. [400, 2013]
A material that produces a lethal dose or lethal concentration that falls within any of following categories: (1) a chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of 50 mg/kg or less of body weight when administered orally to albino rats weighing between 200 g and 300 g each; (2) a chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of 200 mg/kg or less of body weight when administered by continuous contact for 24 hours, or less if death occurs within 24 hours, with the bare skin of albino rabbits weighing between 2 kg and 3 kg each or albino rats weighing 200 g to 300 g each; (3) a chemical that has a median lethal concentration (LC50) in air of 200 parts per million by volume or less of gas or vapor, or 2 mg/L or less of mist, fume, or dust, when administered by continuous inhalation for 1 hour, or less if death occurs within 1 hour, to albino rats weighing between 200 g and 300 g each. [400, 2013]
Materials that, when in contact with each other, have the potential to react in a manner that generates heat, fumes, gases or by-products that are hazardous to life or property. [400, 2013]
See 4.5.10. [5000, 2015]
See 4.5.9. [5000, 2015]
A chemical or substance classified as a combustible liquid, explosive, flammable cryogen, flammable gas, flammable liquid, flammable solid, organic peroxide, oxidizer, oxidizing cryogen, pyrophoric, unstable (reactive), or water-reactive material. [400, 2013]
A chemical with an autoignition temperature in air at or below 130°F (54.4°C). [400, 2013]
A material that produces a lethal dose or a lethal concentration within any of the following categories: (1) a chemical or substance that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of more than 50 mg/kg but not more than 500 mg/kg of body weight when administered orally to albino rats weighing between 200 g and 300 g each; (2) a chemical or substance that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of more than 200 mg/kg but not more than 1000 mg/kg of body weight when administered by continuous contact for 24 hours, or less if death occurs within 24 hours, with the bare skin of albino rabbits weighing between 2 kg and 3 kg each; (3) a chemical or substance that has a median lethal concentration (LC50) in air of more than 200 parts per million but not more than 2000 parts per million by volume of gas or vapor, or more than 2 mg/L but not more than 20 mg/L, of mist, fume, or dust when administered by continuous inhalation for 1 hour, or less if death occurs within 1 hour, to albino rats weighing between 200 g and 300 g each. [400, 2013]
A material, other than an explosive, which in the pure state or as commercially produced, will vigorously polymerize, decompose, condense or become self-reactive and undergo other violent chemical changes, including explosion, when exposed to heat, friction or shock, or in the absence of an inhibitor, or in the presence of contaminants, or in contact with incompatible materials. Unstable (reactive) materials are subdivided and defined as follows:
Materials that in themselves are normally stable, but which can become
unstable at elevated temperatures and pressure.
Materials that in themselves are normally unstable and readily undergo
violent chemical change, but do not detonate. This class includes materials that can undergo
chemical change with rapid release of energy at normal temperatures and pressures, and that can
undergo violent chemical change at elevated temperatures and pressures.
Materials that in themselves are capable of detonation or of explosive
decomposition or explosive reaction, but which require a strong initiating source or which must
be heated under confinement before initiation. This class includes materials that are sensitive
to thermal or mechanical shock at elevated temperatures and pressures.
Materials that in themselves is readily capable of detonation or explosive decomposition or explosive reaction at normal temperatures and pressures. This class includes materials that are sensitive to mechanical or localized thermal shock at normal temperatures and pressures.
A material that explodes, violently reacts, produces flammable, toxic, or other hazardous gases; or evolves enough heat to cause self-ignition or ignition of nearby combustibles upon exposure to water or moisture. [400, 2013]
Written or printed material concerning a hazardous material that is prepared in accordance with the provisions of OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200.
The quantity of hazardous material permitted in a control area.
A continuous and unobstructed way of travel from any point in a building or structure to a public way consisting of three separate and distinct parts: (1) the exit access, (2) the exit, and (3) the exit discharge. [101, 2015]
Upcodes Diagrams
A way out of a building or structure that does not conform to the strict definition of means of egress but does provide an alternate way out. [101, 2015]
An intermediate level between the floor and the ceiling of any room or space. [101, 2015]
Any supply source that is equipped with wheels so it is able to be moved around. [55, 2013]
A fluid that is a flammable, combustible, or hazardous material, such as crankcase fluids, fuel, brake fluids, transmission fluids, radiator fluids, and gear oil.
A temperature of 70°F (21°C) at an absolute pressure of 14.7 psi (101.3 kPa). [55, 2013]
The purpose for which a building or other structure, or part thereof, is used or intended to be used. [ASCE/SEI 7:1.2]
Upcodes Diagrams
An occupancy used to provide services or treatment simultaneously to four or more patients that provides, on an outpatient basis, one or more of the following: (1) treatment for patients that renders the patients incapable of taking action for self-preservation under emergency conditions without the assistance of others; (2) anesthesia that renders the patients incapable of taking action for self-preservation under emergency conditions without the assistance of others; (3) emergency or urgent care for patients who, due to the nature of their injury or illness, are incapable of taking action for self-preservation under emergency conditions without the assistance of others [101, 2015]
A building or portion thereof containing three or more dwelling units with independent cooking and bathroom facilities. [101, 2015]
An occupancy (1) used for a gathering of 50 or more persons for deliberation, worship, entertainment, eating, drinking, amusement, awaiting transportation, or similar uses; or (2) used as a special amusement building, regardless of occupant load. [101, 2015]
An occupancy used for the transaction of business other than mercantile. [101, 2015]
A building or portion of a building in which more than 3 but not more than 12 clients receive care, maintenance, and supervision, by other than their relative(s) or legal guardian(s), for less than 24 hours per day. [101, 2015]
An occupancy in which four or more clients receive care, maintenance, and supervision, by other than their relatives or legal guardians, for less than 24 hours per day. [101, 2015]
An occupancy used to house one or more persons under varied degrees of restraint or security where such occupants are mostly incapable of self-preservation because of security measures not under the occupants' control. [101, 2015]
For application of the life safety requirements in Section 20.7, the resident user category is divided into the five use conditions.
A condition under which free movement is allowed from sleeping areas and other spaces where access or occupancy is permitted to the exterior via means of egress that meet the requirements of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code. [101: 22.1.2.1.1]
A condition under which free movement is allowed from sleeping areas and any other occupied smoke compartment to one or more other smoke compartments. [101: 22.1.2.1.2]
A condition under which free movement is allowed within individual smoke compartments, such as within a residential unit comprised of individual sleeping rooms and a group activity space, with egress impeded by remote-controlled release of means of egress from such a smoke compartment to another smoke compartment. [101: 22.1.2.1.3]
A condition under which free movement is restricted from an occupied space, and remote-controlled release is provided to allow movement from all sleeping rooms, activity spaces, and other occupied areas within the smoke compartment to another smoke compartment. [101: 22.1.2.1.4]
A condition under which free movement is restricted from an occupied space, and staff-controlled manual release at each door is provided to allow movement from all sleeping rooms, activity spaces, and other occupied areas within the smoke compartment to another smoke compartment. [101: 22.1.2.1.5]
Abuilding or a space in a building in which group sleeping accommodations are provided for more than 16 persons who are not members of the same family in one room, or a series of closely associated rooms under joint occupancy and single management, with or without meals, but without individual cooking facilities. [101, 2015]
An occupancy used for educational purposes through the twelfth grade by six or more persons for 4 or more hours per day or more than 12 hours per week. [101, 2015]
An occupancy used to provide medical or other treatment or care simultaneously to four or more patients on an inpatient basis, where such patients are mostly incapable of self-preservation due to age, physical or mental disability, or because of security measures not under the occupants' control. [101, 2015]
A building or portion thereof used on a 24-hour basis for the medical, psychiatric, obstetrical, or surgical care of four or more inpatients. [101, 2015]
A building or groups of buildings under the same management in which there are sleeping accommodations for more than 16 persons and primarily used by transients for lodging with or without meals. [101, 2015]
An occupancy in which products are manufactured or in which processing, assembling, mixing, packaging, finishing, decorating, or repair operations are conducted. [101, 2015]
A building or portion of a building used on a 24-hour basis for the housing of four or more persons who are incapable of self-preservation because of age; physical limitations due to accident or illness; or limitations such as mental retardation/developmental disability, mental illness, or chemical dependency. [101, 2015]
A building or portion thereof that does not qualify as a one- or two-family dwelling, that provides sleeping accommodations for a total of 16 or fewer people on a transient or permanent basis, without personal care services, with or without meals, but without separate cooking facilities for individual occupants. [101, 2015]
An occupancy used for the display and sale of merchandise. [101, 2015]
All mercantile occupancies having an aggregate gross area of more than 30,000 ft2 (2800 m2) or occupying more than three stories for sales purposes. [101, 2015]
All mercantile occupancies of more than 3000 ft2 (280 m2), but not more than 30,000 ft2 (2800 m2), aggregate gross area and occupying not more than three stories for sales purposes. Class B also includes all mercantile occupancies of not more than 3000 ft2 (280 m2) gross area and occupying two or three stories for sales purposes. [101, 2015]
All mercantile occupancies of not more than 3000 ft2 (280 m2) gross area and used for sales purposes occupying one story only. [101, 2015]
A multiple occupancy where the occupancies are intermingled. [101, 2015]
That portion of a property where motor fuels are stored and dispensed from fixed equipment into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles or marine craft or into approved containers, including all equipment used in connection therewith. [30A, 2015]
A motor fuel dispensing facility at a commercial, industrial, governmental, or manufacturing property where motor fuels are dispensed into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles that are used in connection with the business or operation of that property by persons within the employ of such business or operation. [30A, 2015]
A motor fuel dispensing facility at or adjacent to shore, a pier, a wharf, or a floating dock where motor fuels are dispensed into the fuel tanks of marine craft. [30A, 2015]
That portion of a motor fuel dispensing facility located within the perimeter of a building or building structure that also contains other occupancies. [30A, 2015]
A building or structure in which two or more classes of occupancy exist. [101, 2015]
Abuilding or portion of a building used on a 24-hour basis for the housing and nursing care of four or more persons who, because of mental or physical incapacity, might be unable to provide for their own needs and safety without the assistance of another person. [101, 2015]
One- and two- family dwellings include buildings containing not more than two dwelling units in which each dwelling unit is occupied by members of a single family with not more than three outsiders, if any, accommodated in rented rooms.
A building that contains not more than two dwelling units with independent cooking and bathroom facilities. [101, 2015]
A building, structure, or portion thereof used for the parking, storage, or both, of motor vehicles. [88A, 2015]
Parking structures that are located below grade. A basement parking structure has other occupancies above it and an underground parking structure has no occupancy other than parking above it. Basement and underground parking structures are considered as specific cases of enclosed parking structures.
Any parking structure that is not an open parking structure. [88A, 2015]
A parking structure that meets the requirements of Section 5.5 of NFPA 88A. [88A, 2015]
A building or portions of a building where major repairs, such as engine overhauls, painting, body and fender work, and repairs that require draining of the motor vehicle fuel tank are performed on motor vehicles, including associated floor space used for offices, parking, or showrooms.
A building or portions of a building used for lubrication, inspection, and minor automotive maintenance work, such as engine tune-ups, replacement of parts, fluid changes (e.g., oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, brake fluid, air conditioning refrigerants, etc.), brake system repairs, tire rotation, and similar routine maintenance work, including associated floor space used for offices, parking, or showrooms.
An occupancy used for lodging and boarding of four or more residents, not related by blood or marriage to the owners or operators, for the purpose of providing personal care services. [101, 2015]
An occupancy that provides sleeping accommodations for purposes other than health care or detention and correctional. [101, 2015]
A multiple occupancy where the occupancies are separated by fire resistance-rated assemblies. [101, 2015]
A storage occupancy partitioned into individual storage units, with a majority of the individual units not greater than 750 ft2 in area, that are rented or leased for the purposes of storing personal or business items where all of the following apply: (1) the storage units are separated from each other by less than a 1-hour fire resistance rated barrier, (2) the owner of the facility does not have unrestricted access to the storage units, and (3) the items being stored are concealed from view from outside the storage unit.
The total number of persons that might occupy a building or portion thereof at any one time. [101, 2015]
The pressure at which a system operates.
The equipment in which a unit operation or unit process is conducted. (See also 3.3.263, Unit Operation or Unit Process.) [30, 2015]
Any organic compound having a double oxygen or peroxy (-O-O-) group in its chemical structure. [400, 2013]
A pure or technically pure organic peroxide or a mixture of organic peroxides alone or in combination with one or more materials in various combinations and concentrations. [400, 2013]
Class I shall describe those formulations that are more severe than a Class II but do not detonate. [400, 2013]
Class II shall describe those formulations that burn very rapidly and that present a severe reactivity hazard. [400, 2013]
Class III shall describe those formulations that burn rapidly and that present a moderate reactivity hazard. [400, 2013]
Class IV shall describe those formulations that burn in the same manner as ordinary combustibles and that present a minimal reactivity hazard. [400, 2013]
Class V shall describe those formulations that burn with less intensity than ordinary combustibles or do not sustain combustion and that present no reactivity hazard. [400, 2013]
Organic peroxides that are capable of detonation. These
peroxides pose an extremely high explosion hazard through rapid explosive decomposition.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor. [55, 2013]
Any solid or liquid material that readily yields oxygen or other oxidizing gas or that readily reacts to promote or initiate combustion of combustible materials and that can, under some circumstances undergo a vigorous self-sustained decomposition due to contamination or heat exposure. [400, 2013]
An oxidizer that does not moderately increase the burning rate of combustible materials with which it comes into contact or a solid oxidizer classified as Class 1 when tested in accordance with the test protocol set forth in G.1 of NFPA 400. [400, 2013]
A gas that can support and accelerate combustion of other
materials.
An oxidizer that causes a moderate in crease in the burning rate of combustible materials with which it comes into contact or a solid oxidizer classified as Class 2 when tested in accordance with the test protocol set forth in G.1 of NFPA 400. [400, 2013]
An oxidizer that causes a severe increase in the burning rate of combustible materials with which it comes into contact or a solid oxidizer classified as Class 3 when tested in accordance with the test protocol set forth in G.1 of NFPA 400. [400, 2013]
An oxidizer that can undergo an explosive reaction due to contamination or exposure to thermal or physical shock and that causes a severe increase in the burning rate of combustible materials with which it comes into contact. [400, 2013]
Equipment that causes the production of ozone.
Felted sheets made from natural fibrous materials, usually vegetable but sometimes mineral or animal, and formed on a fine wire screen by means of water suspension.
A document issued by the AHJ for the purpose of authorizing performance of a specified activity.
A chemical that, when exposed to air, forms explosive peroxides that are shock sensitive, pressure sensitive, or heat sensitive.
The care of residents who do not require chronic or convalescent medical or nursing care. [101, 2015]
Any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest or for use as a plant regulator, defoliant, or desiccant.
A chemical for which there is scientifically valid evidence that the chemical is an organic peroxide or oxidizer.
A structure, usually of greater length than width and projecting from the shore into a body of water with direct access from land, that can be either open deck or provided with a superstructure. [307, 2011]
A sequence of operations in which the sequence can be inclusive of physical operations such as heating, cooling, mixing, distilling, compressing, and pressurizing, and chemical operations, such as polymerization, oxidation, reduction, and other chemical reaction processes. The sequence can involve, but is not limited to: preparation, separation, combination, purification, or any actions that cause a change in state, energy content, or chemical composition.
Information regarding compounds or ingredients used in a process or production that do not qualify as trade secrets but that provide an industry or business with a competitive advantage.
Fire protection for structures on property adjacent to liquid storage that is provided by (1) a public fire department or (2) a private fire brigade maintained on the property adjacent to the liquid storage, either of which is capable of providing cooling water streams to protect the property adjacent to the liquid storage. [30, 2015]
A street, alley, or other similar parcel of land essentially open to the outside air deeded, dedicated, or otherwise permanently appropriated to the public for public use and having a clear width and height of not less than 10 ft (3050 mm). [101, 2015]
A chemical with an autoignition temperature in air, at or below a temperature of 130°F (54.4°C).
The procedures conducted by the registered design professionals (RDPs) responsible for design and the registered design professionals responsible for inspection that provide evidence and documentation to the RDPs, the owner, and the AHJ that the work is being constructed in accordance with the approved construction documents. [5000, 2015]
A predefined set of observations, special inspections, tests, and other procedures that provide an independent record to the owner, AHJ, and RDP responsible for design that the construction is in general conformance with the approved construction documents. [5000, 2015]
Any combination of vertical, horizontal, and diagonal members that supports stored materials.
Racks less than or equal to 12 ft (3.7 m) in depth or single-row racks placed back to back having an aggregate depth up to 12 ft (3.7 in), with aisles having an aisle width of at least 3.5 ft (1.1 m) between loads on racks. [13, 2013]
Racks greater than 12 ft (3.7 m) in depth or single- or double-row racks separated by aisles less than 3.5 ft (1.1 m) wide having an overall width greater than 12 ft (3.7 m). [13, 2013]
Racks that are not fixed in place and can be arranged in any number of configurations. [13, 2013]
A walking surface that has a slope steeper than 1 in 20. [101, 2015]
The noncommercial burning of materials other than rubbish for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, or similar purposes in which the fuel burned is not contained in an incinerator, a barbecue grill, or a barbecue pit, and the total fuel area is not exceeding 3 ft (0.9 m) in diameter and 2 ft (0.6 m) in height.
A plant in which flammable or combustible liquids are produced on a commercial scale from crude petroleum, natural gasoline, or other hydrocarbon sources. [30, 2015]
An individual who is registered or licensed to practice his/her respective design profession as defined by the statutory requirements of the professional registration laws of the state or jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed. [5000, 2015]
A device for indoor use consisting of an attachment plug on one end of a flexible cord and two or more receptacles on the opposite end, and has overcurrent protection.
A minimum yard storage unit comprised of adjoining cotton bales.
A listed container of not more than 5.3 gal (20 L) capacity having a screen or strainer in each fill and pour opening, and having a spring-closing lid and spout cover, designed to safely relieve internal pressure when exposed to fire. [30, 2015]
A vehicle that is dismantled for parts or awaiting destruction.
Equipped with an approved device that ensures closing after opening. [101, 2015]
Physically separated by a specified distance, construction, or appliance. [55, 2013]
Scaled working drawings, equipment cutsheets, and design calculations. (See 3.3.12, Plan, of NFPA 1031.) [1031, 2014]
A signal that results from the detection of a supervisory condition. [72, 2013]
A signal that results from the detection of a trouble condition. [72, 2013]
A single or multiple-station alarm responsive to smoke. [72, 2013]
A continuous membrane, or a membrane with discontinuities created by protected openings, where such membrane is designed and constructed to restrict the movement of smoke. [5000, 2015]
Upcodes Diagrams
A continuous membrane that is designed to form a barrier to limit the transfer of smoke. [101, 2015]
Upcodes Diagrams
The use or carrying of a lighted pipe, cigar, cigarette, tobacco, or any other type of smoking substance.
A solid, other than a blasting agent or explosive, that is capable of causing fire through friction, absorption or moisture, spontaneous chemical change, or retained heat from manufacturing or processing, or which has an ignition temperature below 212°F (100°C) or which burns so vigorously and persistently when ignited as to create a serious hazard.
A material that has a melting point, decomposes, or sublimes at a temperature greater than 68°F (20°C). [5000, 2015]
Solid shelving is fixed in place, slatted, wire mesh, or other type of shelves located within racks. The area of a solid shelf is defined by perimeter aisle or flue space on all four sides. Solid shelves having an area equal to or less than 20 ft2 (1.9 m2) shall be defined as open racks. Shelves of wire mesh, slats, or other materials more than 50 percent open and where the flue spaces are maintained shall be defined as open racks. [13, 2013]
A power-ventilated enclosure for a spray application operation or process that confines and limits the escape of the material being sprayed, including vapors, mists, dusts, and residues that are produced by the spraying operation and conducts or directs these materials to an exhaust system. [33, 2011]
A power-ventilated fully enclosed room used exclusively for open spraying of flammable or combustible materials. [33, 2011]
An amount of gas that occupies one cubic foot at an absolute pressure of 14.7 psi (101 kPa) and a temperature of 70°F (21°C). [55, 2013]
A temperature of 70°F (21°C) and a pressure of 1 atmosphere (14.7 psi or 760 mm Hg).
Storage consisting of corrugated cardboard or paperboard containers that fully enclose the commodity.
Storage in a separate building or in an outside area located away from all structures.
The storage of rubber tires that is incidental to the main use of the building. Storage areas shall not exceed 2000 ft2 (186 m2). On-tread storage piles, regardless of storage method, shall not exceed 25 ft (7.6 m) in the direction of the wheel holes. Acceptable storage arrangements include (a) on-floor, on-side storage up to 12 ft (3.7 m) high; (b) on-floor, on-tread storage up to 5 ft (1.5 m) high; (c) double-row or multirow fixed or portable rack storage on-side or on-tread up to 5 ft (1.5 m) high; (d) single row fixed or portable rack storage on-side or on-tread up to 12 ft (3.7 m) high; and (e) laced tires in racks up to 5 ft (1.5 m) in height. [13, 2013]
Tires stored horizontally or flat. [13, 2013]
Tires stored vertically or on their treads. [13, 2013]
Storage on portable racks of various types utilizing a conventional pallet as a base. [13, 2013]
Storage located in the same room or inside area that is physically separated by distance from incompatible materials.
The portion of a building located between the upper surface of a floor and the upper surface of the floor or roof next above. [5000, 2015]
A story occupied by people on a regular basis. [101, 2015]
A public thoroughfare that has been dedicated for vehicular use by the public and can be used for access by fire department vehicles. [101, 2015]
The columns and girders, beams, trusses, joists, braced frames, moment-resistant frames, and vertical and lateral resisting elements, and other framing members that are designed to carry any portion of the dead or live load and lateral forces, that are essential to the stability of the building or structure. [5000, 2015]
A combination of materials assembled at a fixed location to give support or shelter, such as a building, framework, retaining wall, tent, reviewing stand, platform, bin, fence, sign, flagpole, mast for radio antenna or the like. The word "structure" shall be construed, where the context allows, as though followed by the words "or part or parts thereof".
To immediately judge a condition to be a fire hazard to life or property and to order immediate correction of such condition.
Several items of equipment assembled, grouped, or otherwise interconnected for the accomplishment of a purpose or function.
An assembly of equipment that consists of, but is not limited to, storage containers, pressure regulators, pressure relief devices, compressors, manifolds, and piping, with a storage capacity of more than (5000 scf) (141.6 Nm3) of compressed hydrogen gas and that terminates at the source valve. [55, 2013]
An assembly of equipment that consists of, but is not limited to, storage containers, pressure regulators, pressure relief devices, vaporizers, manifolds, and piping, with a storage capacity of more than 20.000 scf (566 Nm3) of inert gas, including unconnected reserves on hand at the site, and that terminates at the source valve. [55, 2013]
An assembly of equipment that consists of, but is not limited to, storage containers, pressure regulators, pressure relief devices, vaporizers, liquid pumps, compressors, manifolds, and piping, with a storage capacity of more than 39.7 gal (150 L) of liquefied hydrogen that terminates at the source valve. [55, 2013]
An assembly of equipment, such as oxygen storage containers, pressure regulators, pressure relief devices, vaporizers, manifolds, and interconnecting piping, that has a storage capacity of more than 20.000 scf (566 Nm3) of oxygen and that terminates at the source valve. [55, 2013]
A system or group of systems in which the operations of circuits and devices are transmitted automatically to, recorded in, maintained by, and supervised from a listed central station that has competent and experienced servers and operators who, upon receipt of a signal, take such action as required by NFPA 72. Such service is to be controlled and operated by a person, firm, or corporation whose business is the furnishing, maintaining, or monitoring of supervised alarm systems. [72, 2013]
An assembly of equipment designed to contain, distribute, or transport compressed gases. [318, 2015]
A gas detection system in which the instrument is maintained in continuous operation and the interval between sampling of any point does not exceed 30 minutes. [55, 2013]
A gastight recovery system comprising equipment or devices that can be placed over a leak in a compressed gas container, thereby stopping or controlling the escape of gas from the leaking container. [55, 2013]
An arrangement of piping, valves, hose connections, and allied equipment installed in a building or structure, with the hose connections located in such a manner that water can be discharged in streams or spray patterns through attached hose and nozzles, for the purpose of extinguishing a fire, thereby protecting a building or structure and its contents in addition to protecting the occupants. [14, 2013]
An assembly of equipment capable of processing a hazardous gas and reducing the gas concentration to a predetermined level at the point of discharge from the system to the atmosphere. [55, 2013]
A system designed to capture and process vapors displaced during transfer or filling operations by use of mechanical or chemical means. [30, 2015]
A system designed to capture and retain, without processing, vapors displaced during transfer or filling operations. [30, 2015]
A horizontal or vertical tank that is listed and intended for fixed installation, without backfill, above or below grade and is used within the scope of its approval or listing. [30A, 2015]
A tank that is installed above grade, at grade, or below grade without backfill. [30, 2012]
An atmospheric aboveground storage tank with integral secondary containment and thermal insulation that has been evaluated for resistance to physical damage and for limiting the heat transferred to the primary tank when exposed to a hydrocarbon pool fire and is listed in accordance with ANSI/UL 2085, Standard for Protected Aboveground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids, or an equivalent test procedure. [30:22.2.3]
A tank that has an inner and outer wall with an interstitial space (annulus) between the walls and that has a means for monitoring the interstitial space for a leak. [30, 2015]
A packaging designed primarily for stationary installations not intended for loading, unloading, or attachment to a transport vehicle as part of its normal operation in the process of use. [55, 2010]
Any vessel having a liquid capacity that exceeds 60 gal (230 L), is intended for fixed installation, and is not used for processing. [30, 2015]
As defined and regulated by 310 CMR 80.00:
Underground Storage Tanks (UST) Systems.
Approved wiring for power and lighting during a period of construction, remodeling, maintenance, repair, or demolition, and decorative lighting, carnival power and lighting, and similar purposes.
Pneumatic tires for passenger automobiles, aircraft, light and heavy trucks, trailers, farm equipment, construction equipment (off-the-road), and buses. [13, 2013]
A tire that can no longer be used for its original purpose due to wear or damage.
Transport Canada. [55, 2013]
A roadway design element utilized to reduce vehicle speeds, decrease motor vehicle volumes, and increase safety for pedestrians and nonmotorized vehicles.
A truck or semitrailer on which a number of very long compressed gas tubular cylinders have been mounted and manifolded into a common piping system. [55, 2013]
A release or emission of materials in a manner that does not conform to the provisions of this Code or applicable public health and safety regulations.
A segment of a physical or chemical process that might or might not be integrated with other segments to constitute the manufacturing sequence. [30, 2015]
Use of a solid or liquid hazardous material in a closed vessel or system that remains closed during normal operations where vapors emitted by the product are not liberated outside of the vessel or system and the product is not exposed to the atmosphere during normal operations, and all uses of compressed gases. [400, 2013]
Use of a solid or liquid hazardous material in a vessel or system that is continuously open to the atmosphere during normal operations and where vapors are liberated, or the product is exposed to the atmosphere during normal operations. [400, 2013]
A use that includes, but is not limited to, events or occurrences during which life safety-threatening situations or fire hazards exist or are likely to exist as determined by the AHJ.
A removable device that forms a gastight seal on the outlet to the control valve that is provided on a source containing a compressed gas or cryogenic fluid. [55, 2013]
A separate, detached building or portion of a building used only for warehousing-type operations and classified as a "storage — low hazard" or "storage — ordinary hazard" occupancy by the building code and by NFPA 101, Life Safety Code. [30, 2015]
A separate, detached building or an attached building that is used for warehousing-type operations for liquids and whose exterior wall comprises at least 25 percent of the building perimeter. [30, 2015]
The amount of water at 60°F (16°C) required to fill a container. [58, 2014]
A structure at the shoreline that has a platform built along and parallel to a body of water with either an open deck or a superstructure. [307, 2011]
The presence of structures in locations in which the AHJ determines that topographical features, vegetation fuel types, local weather conditions, and prevailing winds result in the potential for ignition of the structures within the area from flames and firebrands of a wildland fire. [1144, 2013]
Board or sheet made from veneers, particles, or fibers of wood and includes plywood, oriented strandboard, and similar wood products.
A notification in writing delivered in person to the individual or parties intended, or delivered at, or sent by certified or registered mail to, the last residential or business address of legal record.
A material that explodes; violently reacts; produces
flammable, toxic or other hazardous gases; or evolves enough heat to cause self-ignition or
ignition of nearby combustibles upon exposure to water or moisture. Water-reactive Material
are subdivided and defined as follows:
A calculation procedure that differs from the procedure originally employed by the design team but that provides predictions for the same variables of interest. [101, 2015]
An analysis performed to determine the degree to which a predicted output will vary given a specified change in an input parameter, usually in relation to models. [5000, 2015]
An analysis intended to (1) identify key sources of uncertainties in the predictions of a model, (2) assess the potential impacts of these uncertainties on the predictions, and (3) assess the likelihood of these potential impacts. Per this definition, sensitivity analysis performs some but not all of the functions of uncertainty analysis. [805, 2010]
The process of developing the input data set for the assessment method of choice. [101, 2015]
A building characteristic and other conditions that are under the control of the design team. [5000, 2015]
A group of stakeholders including, but not limited to, representatives of the architect, client, and any pertinent engineers and other designers. [101, 2015]
A fire that starts at a location that is remote from the area being protected and grows to expose that which is being protected. [101, 2015]
Mathematical prediction of fire growth, environmental conditions, and potential effects on structures, systems, or components based on the conservation equations or empirical data. [805, 2010]
A set of conditions that defines the development of fire, the spread of combustion products throughout a building or portion of a building, the reactions of people to fire, and the effects of combustion products. [101, 2015]
A fire scenario selected for evaluation of a proposed design. [914, 2010]
The total quantity of combustible contents of a building, space, or fire area. [5000, 2015]
A condition under which humans do not function adequately and become unable to escape untenable conditions. [101, 2015]
Information required by the verification method. [101, 2015]
The abilities or behaviors of people before and during a fire. [101, 2015]
Threshold values on measurement scales that are based on quantified performance objectives. [101, 2015]
A design developed by a design team and submitted to the AHJ for approval. [101, 2015]
A location remote or separated from the effects of a fire so that such effects no longer pose a threat. [101, 2015]
A factor applied to a predicted value to ensure that a sufficient safety margin is maintained. [101, 2015]
The difference between a predicted value and the actual value where a fault condition is expected. [101, 2015]
An individual, or representative of same, having an interest in the successful completion of a project. [101, 2015]
A procedure or process used to demonstrate or confirm that the proposed design meets the specified criteria. [101, 2015]