(55ca) The Critical Role of Accurate Hazmat Classification to Determine Occupancy Classification Required By Model Building & Fire Codes

The use and storage of hazardous material (hazmat) in any structure can introduce facilities to several regulatory and permitting challenges. An often-overlooked requirement is how hazmat utilization impacts Building and Fire Code requirements. A critical first step for success is to identify and accurately classify each hazmat that is being utilized. Accurate hazmat classification ensures that regulatory requirements are met, facility safety is ensured, and that expensive design and construction rework is avoided.

The International Building and Fire Codes, along with NFPA Codes & Standards establish specific protective provisions based on the quantity and type of hazmat used. To accurately establish Occupancy Classification and required protective features with hazmat utilization, there is a three-step process that is typically used: (1) Characterize the Hazardous Material(s) planned or used; (2) Determine use category for each hazardous material; and (3) Properly Account for the Quantity of Hazardous Material used. Many stakeholders struggle with an effective way to achieve the first critical step of this process – accurate characterization and classification of hazmat.

This presentation will provide an overview of the chemical classification processes that are contained within International Fire Code (IFC), NFPA 1, Fire Code, and NFPA 400, Hazardous Chemicals Code, resources. It will focus on a disciplined approach that provides practical insight into accurate hazmat classification, sharing common resources and testing approaches used to successfully document this critical first step in the Occupancy Classification determination process.

Learning Objectives:

1. Awareness of the 14 unique categories for hazmat used to determine Protection Levels in the NFPA Codes & Standards Process, and the 17 unique categories used for Occupancy Classification in the International Building Code (IBC) / International Fire Code (IFC).
2. Understanding a disciplined approach to evaluating specific hazmat for accurate assignment of category(ies) as required by the IBC, IFC, NFPA 1 and NFPA 400.
3. Familiarity with the publicly available resources available for identifying the relevant hazards categories.
4. Understanding practical testing approaches to fill in the informational gaps for materials with unknown hazards.