NFPA 101, Life Safety Code Handbook 2019 edition

1277 Pages·2018·50.269 MB·English

by  NFPA

Life Safety Code®
Handbook
FOURTEENTH EDITION
Edited by
Gregory E. Harrington, P.E. Kristin C. Bigda, P.E.
Principal Engineer, Building Fire Principal Engineer, Building Fire
Protection and Life Safety Protection and Life Safety
National Fire Protection Association National Fire Protection Association
With the complete text of the 2018 edition of NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code®
NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION
The leading information and knowledge resource on fire, electrical and related hazards
A Guide to Using the Life Safety Code®
Handbook
This fourteenth edition of the Life Safety Code® Handbook contains the complete manda-
tory text of the 2018 edition of NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code®, and the nonmandatory annex
material. Commentary is provided in this handbook to explain the reasoning behind the
Code’s requirements.
Section 12.1/13.1 ● General Requirements 449
CCHHAAPPTTEERR 1122 ●●NNeeww CCHHAAPPTTEERR 1133 ●● EExxiissttiinngg
protection is required on the subbasement assembly occupancy rise buildings). Each of these subsections is to be applied inde- New and Existing Occupancy
floor, the basement level between the subbasement and the pendently of the others to determine whether automatic sprin-
level of exit discharge, and the level of exit discharge if any open- kler protection is required. For example, the provisions of chapters (12–23 and 28–39) are
ings exist between the level of exit discharge and the enclosed 12/13.3.5 and 12/13.4.4 might not require sprinklers, while the
exit stairs serving the assembly occupancy. provisions of 12/13.1.6 might require sprinklers for an assembly paired for easy comparison
The three primary subsections that address automatic occupancy with a given occupant load, based on building con-
sprinkler protection that might be required in assembly occu- struction type and location within the building. If one subsec-
pancies are 12/13.1.6 (minimum construction requirements), tion requires sprinklers while the others do not, sprinklers are
12/13.3.5 (extinguishment requirements), and 12/13.4.4 (high- required to be provided.
12.1.7 Occupant Load. 13.1.7 Occupant Load. Commentary text is printed in blue
12.1.7.1*General.The occupant load, in number of persons for whom 13.1.7.1*General.The occupant load, in number of persons for whom
means of egress and other provisions are required, shall be determined means of egress and other provisions are required, shall be determined to distinguish it from Code text.
on the basis of the occupant load factors of Table 7.3.1.2 that are char- on the basis of the occupant load factors of Table 7.3.1.2 that are char-
acteristic of the use of the space or shall be determined as the maximum acteristic of the use of the space or shall be determined as the maximum
probable population of the space under consideration, whichever is probable population of the space under consideration, whichever is
greater. greater.
A.12.1.7.1The increase in occupant load above that calculated using A.13.1.7.1The increase in occupant load above that calculated using
occupant load factors from Table 7.3.1.2 is permitted if the provisions occupant load factors from Table 7.3.1.2 is permitted if the provisions
of 12.1.7.1 are followed. The owner or operator has the right to submit of 13.1.7.1 are followed. The owner or operator has the right to submit
plans and to be permitted an increase in occupant load if the plans plans and to be permitted an increase in occupant load if the plans
comply with the Code. The authority having jurisdiction is permitted comply with the Code. The authority having jurisdiction is permitted
to reject the plan for increase in occupant load if the plan is unrealistic, to reject the plan for increase in occupant load if the plan is unrealistic,
inaccurate, or otherwise does not properly reflect compliance with inaccurate, or otherwise does not properly reflect compliance with
other Code requirements. It is not the intent of the provisions of other Code requirements. It is not the intent of the provisions of 134 Chapter 7 ● Means of Egress
12.1.7.1 to prohibit an increase in occupant load solely on the basis 13.1.7.1 to prohibit an increase in occupant load solely on the basis
of exceeding the limits calculated using occupant load factors from of exceeding the limits calculated using occupant load factors from
Table 7.3.1.2 TableE 7x.i3st.1in.2g auditorium and arena structures might not be designed Exhibit 7.14 As explained in the commentary following 4.4.2.3, the occu-
for the added occupant load beyond the fixed seating. The authority pancy chapters can modify the requirements of Chapters 1
having jurisdiction should consider exit access and aisles before permit- through 4 and Chapters 6 through 10. In some cases, the modifi-
ting additional occupant load in areas using seating such as festival cation results in a more stringent requirement. In others, the
seating or movable seating on the auditorium or arena floor area. result is a relaxation of a base chapter requirement. Interior finish
To assist in preventing serious overcrowding incidents in sports To assist in preventing serious overcrowding incidents in sports is addressed in detail in Section 10.2, with specific limitations in
arenas, stadia, and similar occupancies, spectator standing room should arenas, stadia, and similar occupancies, spectator standing room should subsections __.3.3 of the occupancy chapters. For example, for
not be permitted between the seating areas and the playing areas, except not be permitted between the seating areas and the playing areas, except new interior wall and ceiling finish materials in health care occu-
in horse race and dog track facilities. in horse race and dog track facilities. pancies, the requirements of 18.3.3 result in more stringent crite-
Where a capacity or near-capacity audience is anticipated, all seat- Where a capacity or near-capacity audience is anticipated, all seat- ria for wall and ceiling finish within exit enclosures than are
inanruegma s bshWehorouh.uledlrd eb mest eaaenstsd itighnnege fdroo lwolomiwth i intsi gcp kceerrtimste isrthitaeo:dw , itnhge tchaep saeccittiyo no,f rtohwe, satnadn dsienagt inanruegma s bshWehorouh.uledlrd eb mest eaaenstsd itighnnege fdroo lwolomiwth i intsi gcp kceerrtimste isrthitaeo:dw , itnhge tchaep saeccittiyo no,f rtohwe, satnadn dsienagt rnCeolaqnsussip rAer id—n kb lnye or7et. d1C. 4lha. esWsa lBht he—r ec amnreeaw teo rciincatulesp.r iaIofn rtc hwye,a etllhn fecinl oriesshuq ruiesi raiennmsdtea anldlte jdaisc ienfno atr
smoke compartments of the building are sprinklered, the
(1) The capacity should be determined on the basis of 5 ft2 (0.46 m2) (1) The capacity should be determined on the basis of 5 ft2 (0.46 m2) requirement is for Class B — not Class C — materials. In this case,
per person. per person. the occupancy chapter, considering the needs of its typical occu-
( ( (234))) TeTTghhhreeee scccsaa apprpeaaacqcicuittiyiytr ye ss hmhsooehuunoldltuds lb. dbe e ab ldeod ceaadsts etiodg tnthoee dt sh eesa trtaiennagdr iconafgp t-ahrceoi otsyme ian-toi dnneglt yea rrmteiaci.nkientgs ( ( (234))) TeTTghhhreeee scccsaa apprpeaaacqcicuittiyiytr ye ss hmhsooehuunoldltuds lb. dbe e ab ldeod ceaadsts etiodg tnthoee dt sh eesa trtaiennagdr iconafgp t-ahrceoi otsyme ian-toi dnneglt yea rrmteiaci.nkientgs RPaoullelsd) carpet stored in an exit enclosure. (Photo courtesy of Jake pah eadnlpetf aegcnrohdui-eipnv e-(ip .telha.,ec pe ien srttseroanntdese gidny c miasp ienamibmlpeul omoyf esleedvl)fe,- lpt aorieflo slierfser v istaast fipeortnoy .fvoisri wonhso tmo
according to the area designated for the purpose. according to the area designated for the purpose. Exhibit 7.14 shows rolled carpet on a stair landing within an 7.1.5* Headroom.
The number of tickets sold, or otherwise distributed, should not The number of tickets sold, or otherwise distributed, should not exit enclosure. The presence of the carpeting violates the require- A.7.1.5For the purpose of this requirement, projections include devices
exceed the aggregate number of seats plus the approved standing room exceed the aggregate number of seats plus the approved standing room ment of 7.1.3.2.3 in two ways: such as lighting equipment, emergency signaling equipment, environ-
numbers. numbers. 1. The carpet encroaches on the required egress width. mental controls and equipment, security devices, signs, and decorations
2. If the combustible carpet were to burn, the resultant heat that are typically limited in area.
Life Safety Code Handbook 2018 and smoke would prevent the exit enclosure from serving 7.1.5.1 Means of egress shall be designed and maintained to provide
its intended use. headroom in accordance with other sections of this Code, and such
The prohibitions of 7.1.3.2.3 also apply to exit passageways, htheea dceroiloinmg sshhaallll bpero nvoidt ele hsesa tdhraono 7m f ot f6 n iont. l(e2s2s8 t5h amn m6 )f.t P8r ionj.e (c2ti0o3n0s mfrmom),
because they also are exit enclosures. with a tolerance of −3⁄4 in. (−19 mm), above the finished floor, unless
7.1.4 Interior Finish in Exit Enclosures. otherwise specified by any of the following:
7.1.4.1*Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish in Exit Enclosures.Interior (1) In existing buildings, the ceiling height shall be not less than 7 ft
wall and ceiling finish shall be in accordance with Section 10.2. In exit (2135 mm) from the floor, with projections from the ceiling not
Mandatory Code text is printed enclosures, interior wall and ceiling finish materials complying with less than 6 ft 8 in. (2030 mm) nominal above the floor.
Section 10.2 shall be Class A or Class B. (2) Headroom in industrial equipment access areas as provided in
in black. A.7.1.4.1See Chapters 12 through 42 for further limitations on interior 40.2.5.3 shall be permitted.
wall and ceiling finish. 7.1.5.2 The minimum ceiling height shall be maintained for not less
than two-thirds of the ceiling area of any room or space, provided that
7.1.4.2*Interior Floor Finish in Exit Enclosures.New interior floor the ceiling height of the remaining ceiling area is not less than 6 ft 8 in.
finish in exit enclosures, including stair treads and risers, shall be not (2030 mm).
less than Class II in accordance with Section 10.2
7.1.5.3 Headroom on stairs and stair landings shall be not less than 6 ft
Nonmandatory Annex A material Aflo.7o.r1 f.4in.2ishS.ee Chapters 12 through 42 for further limitations on interior 8to i,n a.n (d2 0ta3n0g menmt )w ainthd, sthhael lm boes mt feoarswuraerdd vperortjieccatliloyn a obfo vthee a s ptalairn ter epaadra.llel
is printed in black and follows Paragraph 7.1.4.1 regulates interior wall and ceiling finish within The minimum 7 ft 6 in. (2285 mm) ceiling height and the mini-
exit enclosures, such as enclosed exit stairs. The intent is to mini- mum 6 ft 8 in. (2030 mm) clearance below any projections
the Code text it references. mize the possibility of fire spreading into and within the exit descending from the minimum ceiling height is expressed with
enclosure. Except as modified by occupancy Chapters 12 a tolerance of –3⁄4 in. (–19 mm) rather than as an absolute mini-
through 42, the interior wall and ceiling finish in exit enclosures mum height. Thus, it is the intent of 7.1.5.1 to recognize the
is required to be either Class A or Class B, as detailed in Sec- clearance provided in passing through the door frame opening
tion 10.2. Per the provisions of 10.2.8.1, Class C interior wall and associated with a standard 6 ft 8 in. (2030 mm) door leaf where
ceiling finish would be permitted within an exit enclosure if the door stop built into the door frame at the top of the door
automatic sprinklers protected the enclosure and adjacent areas opening encroaches on the height of the opening. Paragraph
of the building. 7.1.5.3 and the dimensional criteria of 7.2.2.2.1 also permit the
2018 Life Safety Code Handbook
The Guide continues on the inside back cover.
344 Chapter 8 ● Features of Fire Protection
Before converting the smoke production rate to a volumet- where:
ric flow rate, it is necessary to determine the temperature rise V = volumetric flow rate (ft3/min)
above ambient of the smoke at time of venting in order to estab- m = smoke production rate, 574 lb/s as previously
lish the density of the smoke during the vented stage. As calculated
emexqupumlaal i ntteoemd z peberyor a.t thUuesr eela rstihts een owvteeilnl itonec dTc ausbtrla eigf Deth .1tee. 3mt ooptfae Nlr ahFtePuAaret 9 lro2is,s est h ffeao crmtmoarux liias- ρ = dcaelncusiltayt eodf heated smoke, 0.0717 lb/ft3 as previously
Calculations interspersed with- from Table D.1.3, simplified by setting the total heat loss factor Substituting gives
iCno tdhee rceoqmuimreemnetanrtys sahreo wap hpoliwed . equal to zero, to determin∆e T∆=T as6( ρ0foc QVllo)cws: V== 4680[00,3.50377541 f7t3]/min
which, as shown in equation 5.5.5 of NFPA 92, can be reduced to The preceding calculations assume that the smoke plume
∆T=mQcc hreaasc hniontg w thidee dneesdig tno incotenrtfaaccte thheei gwhat lolsf o86f tfht ea baotvrieu mth ep aritoriru tmo
floor in this example. As a plume rises, it also widens. If the
where: plume were to contact all of the walls of the atrium prior to
∆T = temperature rise above ambient of smoke at time of reaching the ceiling, the smoke interface would be considered
venting (°F) as occurring at the height of contact with all of the surrounding
Qmc == 537540 0lb B/tsu, a/ss, daesv deelovpeleodp iend p irne vpiroeuvsio cuaslc cualalctuiolantsions wocaclulsr. aNboo vaed dthitaiot nhael igshmto, kbee cgaeunsee raadtidoint iocnaanl abier eansstruaminemde ntot
Cboomthm deranwtainryg se xahnidb iptsh, ointoclgurdaipnhgs , c = s0m.2o4 kBet ue/qlbu-a°lFs, aspirecific heat of smoke, assuming iownfat ocllo st nhotefa tcphtle.u T maot erci uhisme cc,ok e niqfs uitdaheteiro ewndi d5to.e5 n.b4ine.1 gn o epfg lNulimFgPiebA l he9a 2as b ccaoonvne bt atehc utees pde odti hntoet
Substituting gives predict the total plume diameter, at the interface height, as
are set within blue lines to distin- ∆T=5743(000.24) follows: d= 0.5z
guish them from Code figures. = 25°F d = 0.5(86)
Assuming ambient temperature of 68°F, the temperature of = 43 ft
smoke is Ts= 25 + 68 = 93°F. where:
Using equation 5.8a of NFPA 92, the density of smoke at d = plume diameter (ft)
93°F can be calculated as follows: z = interface height (ft)
ρ=R(1T4+4P 4at6m0) contaTchtu tsh, ein w thalilss 1 p0r0io frt t×o r2e0a0c hfti nagtr tiuhme d aeresiag, nth inet semrfaockee hdeoiegsh nt ootf
where: 86 ft. Mechanical systems capable of extracting smoke at the
ρ = density of heated smoke (lb/ft3) rate of approximately 480,000 ft3/min are then designed. The
310 Chapter 8 ● Features of Fire Protection Patm = uatsme ostsapnhdearricd partemsosuspreh (elbri/ci np.r2e) s(fsourr eth: i1s4 e.7x albm/ipnl.e2), sjuurbissdAtaiccncttieoiapntti aofonnrc eapp atpecrksotaivgnaegl. iosf stuhbem siytstteedm t oth tehne inavuothlvoersit yv ehriafvyiinngg
R = gas constant (53.34) the function of the system components in the intended sequence
Exhibit 8.1 bIByC t hase TBy/pNeB ICIA a.s Type 2B, by the SBC as Type IV 1 hour, and by the SubsTtitu=tin gte gmivpeesrature of smoke (°F) feovra vluaaryteindg b iyn imtiaetaiosunr sincegn tahreio fso.l Ilno wadindgit:ion, the system should be
V(000) tchoensseWid bherue niuld suiinnsiggn gCc oothdmeem sL,i eftenh tSeaa rfayeu tTytah Cboolredi te8y . i1nh atcovo innesgjut anjbuclrtiiissohdn ic cwotiriotrhne s opmnoiegn hdot-f ρ=[53.[3144(49(31 4+.7 4)]60)] 123... TAAoiirrtffallool vwwo vdlueirmleocecttiitroiiecn sflow rate
ing construction classifications via the provision for equivalency = 0.0717 lb/ft3 4. Door-opening forces (forces permitted by the Code must
2fir-eh rbarrier in Section 1.4. The smoke production rate can be converted to a volumet- not be exceeded when the smoke management system is
8.2.2 General. ric flow rate using equation 5.7a of NFPA 92 as follows: 5. oPrpeesrsautrine gd)ifferences
III(200) II(111) 8sh.2a.l2l .b1e dWivhiedreed rienqtou icroemd bpyar otmtheenrt sc htoa plitmerist othfe t hspisr eCaodd oef, feirvee rayn db ureilsdtriincgt V= 60 mρ 67.. AWminbdi esnpte iendd aonodr adnirde cotuiotdnoor temperatures
the movement of smoke.
(a)
8.2.2.2Fire compartments shall be formed with fire barriers that comply 2018 Life Safety Code Handbook
with Section 8.3
V(000) 8.2.2.3 Smoke compartments shall be formed with smoke barriers that
comply with Section 8.5
Npaorntirtaiotends ∆8b.e2 .s2m.4o kWe hleearkea dgoeo–rr aatsesde minb laicecso arrdea rnecqeu wireitdh e8ls.2e.w2.h4e,r ed oino rt haisss Cemodbeli etos
shall comply with all of the following:
III(200) II(111) (1) They shall be tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 1784, Standard
for Air Leakage Tests for Door Assemblies.
(2) The maximum air leakage rate of the door assembly shall be 3.0 ft3/
(b) min/ft2 (0.9 m3/min/m2) of door opening at 0.10 in. water column
Building composed of sections with varying construction types. (25 N/m2) for both the ambient and elevated temperature tests.
(3) Door assemblies shall be installed and maintained in accordance
with NFPA 105.
Commentary Table 8.1 matches the various NFPA 220 and
NFPA 5000construction types with their approximate equivalent Minimum criteria for air leakage rates of door assemblies are
construction types, as contained in the following model building specified by 8.2.2.4 to provide a smoketight assembly. However,
codes that either have been previously used or are currently in the criteria in 8.2.2.4 are mandatory only when referenced by
use throughout the United States: another section of the Code — such as in Chapters 12 through
42. New fire doors serving areas of refuge are required to meet
1. Uniform Building Code (UBC)12 the 8.2.2.4 air-leakage rate criteria (see 7.2.12.3.4.1).
2. BOCA National Building Code (B/NBC)13
3. Standard Building Code (SBC)14 N 8.2.2.5*Wall Marking and Identification.For other than existing
4. International Building Code (IBC)15 assemblies, where there is an accessible concealed floor, floor/ceiling,
or attic space, fire barriers, smoke barriers, and smoke partitions shall
For example, a building that is classified by NFPA 220 and be permanently identified with signs or stenciling in the concealed space
NFPA 5000 as Type II(111) is classified by the UBC as Type II 1 hour, and shall comply with all of the following:
Commentary Table 8.1Cross-Reference of Building Construction Types
NFPA 220/NFPA 5000 I(442) I(332) II(222) II(111) II(000) III(211) III(200) IV(2HH) V(111) V(000)
Commentary tables are set in blue
UBC — I FR II FR II 1 hr II N III 1 hr III N IV HT V 1 hr V N
B/NBC 1A 1B 2A 2B 2C 3A 3B 4 5A 5B type to distinguish them from the
SBC I II — IV 1 hr IV UNP V 1 hr V UNP III VI 1 hr VI UNP Code tables.
IBC — IA IB IIA IIB IIIA IIIB IV HT VA VB
UBC — Uniform Building Code. UNP —Unprotected.
B/NBC — National Building Code. IBC — International Building Code.
SBC —Standard Building Code.
2018 Life Safety Code Handbook
A Guide to Using the Life Safety Code®
Handbook
This fourteenth edition of the Life Safety Code® Handbook contains the complete manda-
tory text of the 2018 edition of NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code®, and the nonmandatory annex
material. Commentary is provided in this handbook to explain the reasoning behind the
Code’s requirements.
182 Chapter 7 ● Means of Egress
Paragraph 7.2.2.2.1.2(C) provides guidance on determining tive occupant load assigned to each of the two stairs is calcu-
the total cumulative occupant load. Paragraph 7.2.2.2.1.2(D) pro- lated as follows: Examples help illustrate how
vuthipdapete sp rto hsrtatoito rtinhe eso fww tihhdeetrh se ti nathicrrese iatsos letea silss cntuhomat nrue tlqahtueivi r2ee0 do0 tc0oc-p ubepera sanoptn pl oltiheardde stuohs otinhldge. 13 fploeor rfslo ×or 1 p5e0r pstearisrons = 1950 persons per stair the Code is applied in real-
The examples that follow illustrate these provisions. Thus, the 2000-person threshold of Table 7.2.2.2.1.2(B) is not world situations.
reached. No part of either stair is required to be increased to a
Example 1: Determining Stair Width, 14-Story Building minimum width of 56 in. (1420 mm). The stairs must be at least
44 in. (1120 mm) wide [per Table 7.2.2.2.1.2(B)], and wider if
Exhibit 7.69 depicts a 14-story building with a 300-person occu- needed from a capacity consideration. In this case, the stairs
pant load per floor. Floors 2 through 14 use the two exit stairs for must be 45 in. (1140 mm) wide, based on the following capacity
egress. The occupants of the first floor use door assemblies calculation, which does not accumulate the occupant load from
directly to the outside (not shown) for egress. The means of floor to floor in accordance with 7.3.1.4:
egress system is designed for half of the occupant load of floors 2
through 14 to use the stair at the left of the exhibit, and for the 150 persons × 0.3 in. per person = 45 in.
other half to use the stair at the right of the exhibit. The sum of (150 persons × 7.6 mm per person = 1140 mm)
the 150 persons from each of floors 2 through 14 is considered
the total cumulative occupant load assigned to each of the two Example 2: Determining Stair Width, 28-Story Building
stairs for purposes of applying 7.2.2.2.1.2(B). The total cumula- Exhibit 7.70 depicts a 28-story building (i.e., the 14-story build-
ing from Exhibit 7.69 with 14 more stories added). See Example 1
for a description of the means of egress and occupant load for
Exhibit 7.69 each floor. The sum of the 150 persons per stair from each of
floors 2 through 28 is considered the total cumulative occupant
load assigned to each of the two stairs for purposes of applying
150 14 150 7.2.2.2.1.2(B). The total cumulative occupant load assigned to
each of the two stairs is calculated as follows:
1123 27 fploeor rfslo ×or 1 p5e0r pstearisrons = 4050 persons per stair
Thus, the 2000-person threshold of Table 7.2.2.2.1.2(B) is NFPA 101 Summary of
11 exceeded. Some part of each of the two stairs is required to be
increased to a minimum width of 56 in. (1420 mm).
10 Paragraph 7.2.2.2.1.2(D) exempts, from the increased mini- Technical Changes: 2015 to 2018
mum width, the upper portion of each of the two stairs for which
9 the total cumulative occupant load assigned is fewer than
2000 persons. In this case, the transition point between the 45 in.
8 (1140 mm) width required of the stair from a capacity consider-
ation and the 56 in. (1420 mm) minimum width that facilitates
7 counterflow occurs at the fifteenth story, calculated as follows:
6 150 2p0e0rs0o pnesr psoenr sfloor = 13.3 floors aTLbihfoiesu Stta atbhfleeet ypr erCaosovoiddnees®s .f aoPnru oervealecyrhv eicedhwiato norgfi eam,l avajinosdrit c fwoodrwmew ca.htntaifnnpggae .cosh rfgaro/n1mg0e 1tsh. eaT r2he0e n1 fo5irt t soitn trchelevu i2ds0eio1dn8. Fe(FdoiRrt im)o, nof irorefs tNi ncFfooPrrArme l1aa0ttii1no®gn,
5 28 stories − 13 upper stories = fifteenth story revision (FCR), second revision (SR), and second correlating revision (SCR) numbers are given in
4 mumT h56e isnt.a (i1rs4 2b0e lmowm )t hweid fitfhte reenqtuhir estdo bryy mTaubslet p7.r2o.v2i.d2e.1 .t2h(eB )m. Tihniis- tchoem tmhiirtdte ceos’l uamctnio onfs .this table for reference to the official documentation of the fourteen technical
3 iEsx shhiboiwt 7n. 7in0 .the shaded, lower portion of the stair enclosures in
2 Example 3: Determining Stair Width, Three-Story Mall FR/FCR/SR/SCR
1 Structure Section Number Comments Reference
Exhibit 7.71 depicts the third story of a new three-story mall Chapter 1 Administration
structure that utilizes horizontal exits for half of the required 1.1.5 Hazardous materials Scope expanded to include hazardous materials emergencies FR 3007
Building where total cumulative occupant load does not require a egress capacity, as permitted by 7.2.4.1.2 and 36.2.2.5. The occu- emergencies
56 in. (1420 mm) minimum stair width. pant load of the third story is 6000 persons, of which the 20 exit 1.1.6 Injuries from falls Scope expanded to include injuries from falls FR 3022
1.1.7 Emergency communications Scope expanded to include emergency communications FR 3034
2018 Life Safety Code Handbook 1.1.9(4) Areas not addressed “Areas not addressed” item added to make clear that, with FR 3008
withdrawal of NFPA 1126, the retail sale and associated storage of
consumer fireworks are not addressed anywhere in the Code
Chapter 2 Referenced Publications
2.2 NFPA Publications NFPA publications added to Chapter 2 because documents are FR 3009
NFPA 4 newly referenced mandatorily somewhere in Chapters 3 through 43
NFPA 20
NFPA 55
NFPA 150
NFPA 495
NFPA 1221
NFPA 1126 NFPA 1126 deleted from Chapter 2 because it has been withdrawn FR 3009
and, therefore, is no longer referenced mandatorily
2.3.2 ANSI Publications BHMA publications added to Chapter 2 because documents are FR 3011
A table of Technical Changes ANSI/BHMA A.156.10 newly referenced in Chapter 7
identifies changes between the ANSI/BHMA A.156.19
ANSI/BHMA A156.27
2015 and 2018 Code editions. ANSI/BHMA A156.38
2.3.6 ASTM Publications ASTM publications added to Chapter 2 because documents are FR 3019
ASTM D3201 newly referenced mandatorily somewhere in Chapters 3 through 43 SR 3012
ASTM D5516
ASTM D5664
NFPA 101®-2018
LIFE SAFETY CODE®
Correlation Between Paragraph Numbering of
Occupancy Chapters and Core Chapters
Occupancy Chapters Subject / Title Core Chapters
__.1 General
__.1.1 Application
__.1.2 Classification of Occupancy 6.1
__.1.3 Multiple Occupancies 6.1.14
__.1.4 Special Definitions Chapter 3
__.1.5 Classification of Hazard of Contents 6.2
__.1.6 Minimum Construction Requirements 8.2
__.1.7 Occupant Load 7.3.1
__.2 Means Of Egress
__.2.1 General
__.2.2 Components 7.2
__.2.3 Capacity 7.3
__.2.4 Number 7.4
__.2.5 Arrangement 7.5
__.2.6 Travel Distance 7.6
__.2.7 Discharge from Exits 7.7
__.2.8 Illumination 7.8
__.2.9 Emergency Lighting 7.9
__.2.10 Marking 7.10
__.2.11 Special Means of Egress Features
__.3 Protection
__.3.1 Vertical Openings 8.6
__.3.2 Hazards 8.7
__.3.3 Interior Finish 10.2
__.3.4 Detection/Alarm Systems 9.6
__.3.5 Extinguishment 9.7
__.3.6 Corridors 7.1.3.1
__.3.7 Smoke Barriers 8.5
__.3.8 Special Protection Features
__.4 Special Provisions Chapter 11
__.5 Building Services 9.1-9.5
__.6 Special Occupancy Provisions
__.7 Operating Features
iPir oduct Man ●agement: Debra Rose Cover Design: Twist Creative Group
Development and Production: Irene Herlihy Interior Design: Cheryl Langway
Copyediting: Nancy Wirtes Composition: Shepherd, Inc.
Permissions: Josiane Domenici Printing/Binding: LSC Communications, Inc.
Art Direction: Cheryl Langway
Copyright © 2017
National Fire Protection Association®
One Batterymarch Park
Quincy, Massachusetts 02169-7471
All rights reserved.
Important Notices and Disclaimers: Publication of this handbook is for the purpose of circulating information and
opinion among those concerned for fire and electrical safety and related subjects. While every effort has been made
to achieve a work of high quality, neither the NFPA® nor the contributors to this handbook guarantee or warrantee
the accuracy or completeness of or assume any liability in connection with the information and opinions contained
in this handbook. The NFPA and the contributors shall in no event be liable for any personal injury, property, or
other damages of any nature whatsoever, whether special, indirect, consequential, or compensatory, directly or
indirectly resulting from the publication, use of, or reliance upon this handbook.
This handbook is published with the understanding that the NFPA and the contributors to this handbook are
supplying information and opinion but are not attempting to render engineering or other professional services. If
such services are required, the assistance of an appropriate professional should be sought.
NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code® (“NFPA 101”), is, like all NFPA codes, standards, recommended practices,
and guides (“NFPA Standards”), made available for use subject to Important Notices and Legal Disclaimers, which
appear at the end of this handbook and can also be viewed at www.nfpa.org/disclaimers.
Notice Concerning Code Interpretations: This fourteenth edition of the Life Safety Code®Handbook is based on
the 2018 edition of NFPA 101. All NFPA codes, standards, recommended practices, and guides (“NFPA Standards”)
are developed in accordance with the published procedures of the NFPA by technical committees comprised of
volunteers drawn from a broad array of relevant interests. The handbook contains the complete text of NFPA 101
and any applicable Formal Interpretations issued by the NFPA at the time of publication. This NFPA Standard is
accompanied by explanatory commentary and other supplementary materials.
The commentary and supplementary materials in this handbook are not a part of the NFPA Standard and do
not constitute Formal Interpretations of the NFPA (which can be obtained only through requests processed by the
responsible technical committees in accordance with the published procedures of the NFPA). The commentary and
supplementary materials, therefore, solely reflect the personal opinions of the editor or other contributors and do not
necessarily represent the official position of the NFPA or its technical committees.
REMINDER: UPDATING OF NFPA STANDARDS
NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, like all NFPA codes, standards, recommended practices, and guides (“NFPA
Standards”), may be amended from time to time through the issuance of Tentative Interim Amendments or corrected
by Errata. An official NFPA Standard at any point in time consists of the current edition of the document together
with any Tentative Interim Amendment and any Errata then in effect. In order to determine whether an NFPA
Standard has been amended through the issuance of Tentative Interim Amendments or corrected by Errata, visit
the “Codes & Standards” section on NFPA’s website. There, the document information pages located at the “List
of NFPA Codes & Standards” provide up-to-date, document-specific information, including any issued Tentative
Interim Amendments and Errata. To view the document information page for a specific NFPA Standard, go to http://
www.nfpa.org/docinfo to choose from the list of NFPA Standards, or use the search feature to select the NFPA
Standard number (e.g., NFPA 101). The document information page includes postings of all existing Tentative
Interim Amendments and Errata. It also includes the option to register for an “Alert” feature to receive an automatic
email notification when new updates and other information are posted regarding the document.
The following are registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association:
National Fire Protection Association®
NFPA®
Life Safety Code® and 101®
Building Construction and Safety Code® and NFPA 5000®
National Electrical Code®, NFPA 70®, and NEC®
National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code® and NFPA 72®
NFPA No.: 101HB18
ISBN (book): 978-1-4559-1492-0
ISBN (PDF): 978-1-4559-1491-3
ISBN (e-book): 978-1-4559-1490-6
Library of Congress Control No.: 89642947
Printed in the United States of America
17 18 19 20 21 5 4 3 2 1
PDF Navigation Tips
Find
To find a word or term in the PDF:
1. Select Find under the Edit menu or use the keyboard shortcut: CTRL + F for PC; COMMAND + F for Mac.
2. Type a word or term in the Find box. To specify Whole words only or Case-sensitive, use the drop-down arrow
to the right of the Find box and toggle these criteria on or off.
The found term will be highlighted in the text. To go to other occurrences of the term, use the previous and next
buttons that appear beside the Find box.
Advanced Search
Use the drop-down arrow to the right of the Find box and select Open Full Search. Additional search options are
available by selecting Show More Options at the bottom of the pane. Options in the advanced search window
include matching the exact word or phrase, matching only some of the words, and stemming (see below).
Stemming finds words that contain part (the stem) of a specified search word. For example, a search for
the word opening would find instances of open, opened, opens, and openly. Wildcard characters (* or ?)
are not permitted in stemming searches. Stemming isn’t available if either Whole words only or
Case-sensitive is selected.
Links
Links to other sections of the document are colored red. When you click on a link and are directed to another
page, use the following keyboard shortcut to return to the original page: ALT + <left arrow> for PC;
COMMAND + <left arrow> for Mac.
Contents
Preface vii 5.5 Design Fire Scenarios 88
5.6 Evaluation of Proposed Designs 94
About the Editors viii
5.7 Safety Factors 98
NFPA 101 Summary of Technical Changes: 2015 to 5.8 Documentation Requirements 99
2018 T1
6 Classification of Occupancy and Hazard
1 Administration 1 of Contents 101
1.1 Scope 1 6.1 Classification of Occupancy 101
1.2 Purpose 5 6.2 Hazard of Contents 119
1.3 Application 6
1.4 Equivalency 7 7 Means of Egress 121
1.5 Units and Formulas 9
7.1 General 122
1.6 Enforcement 9
7.2 Means of Egress Components 140
7.3 Capacity of Means of Egress 244
2 Referenced Publications 11
7.4 Number of Means of Egress 257
2.1 General 11 7.5 Arrangement of Means of Egress 260
2.2 NFPA Publications 12 7.6 Measurement of Travel Distance
2.3 Other Publications 13 to Exits 272
2.4 References for Extracts in Mandatory 7.7 Discharge from Exits 277
Sections 15 7.8 Illumination of Means of Egress 280
7.9 Emergency Lighting 282
3 Definitions 17 7.10 Marking of Means of Egress 285
7.11 Special Provisions for Occupancies with
3.1 General 17 High Hazard Contents 294
3.2 NFPA Official Definitions 17 7.12 Special Provisions for Hazardous
3.3 General Definitions 18 Materials 295
7.13 Mechanical Equipment Rooms, Boiler
4 General 51 Rooms, and Furnace Rooms 295
7.14 Normally Unoccupied Building Service
4.1 Goals 51
Equipment Support Areas 296
4.2 Objectives 52
7.15 Occupant Evacuation Elevators 297
4.3 Assumptions 53
4.4 Life Safety Compliance Options 54
8 Features of Fire Protection 307
4.5 Fundamental Requirements 55
4.6 General Requirements 56 8.1 General 307
4.7 Fire Drills 66 8.2 Construction and
4.8 Emergency Action Plan 67 Compartmentation 307
8.3 Fire Barriers 314
5 Performance-Based Option 71 8.4 Smoke Partitions 327
8.5 Smoke Barriers 328
5.1 General Requirements 72
8.6 Vertical Openings 332
5.2 Performance Criteria 75
8.7 Special Hazard Protection 353
5.3 Retained Prescriptive
8.8 Inspection and Testing of Door
Requirements 77
Assemblies 356
5.4 Design Specifications and Other
Conditions 77
iii
iv Contents
9 Building Service and Fire Protection 12.3/13.3 Protection 499
12.4/13.4 Special Provisions 511
Equipment 359
12.5/13.5 Building Services 543
9.1 Utilities 359 12.6/13.6 Reserved 543
9.2 Heating, Ventilating, and 12.7/13.7 Operating Features 543
Air-Conditioning 360
9.3 Smoke Control 361 14/15 New and Existing Educational
9.4 Elevators, Escalators, and
Occupancies 561
Conveyors 362
9.5 Waste Chutes, Incinerators, and Laundry 14.1/15.1 General Requirements 561
Chutes 366 14.2/15.2 Means of Egress Requirements 566
9.6 Fire Detection, Alarm, 14.3/15.3 Protection 582
and Communications Systems 367 14.4/15.4 Special Provisions 595
9.7 Automatic Sprinklers 383 14.5/15.5 Building Services 597
9.8 Other Automatic Extinguishing 14.6/15.6 Reserved 598
Equipment 385 14.7/15.7 Operating Features 598
9.9 Portable Fire Extinguishers 386
9.10 Standpipe Systems 386 16/17 New and Existing Day-Care
9.11 Fire Protection System Operating Occupancies 603
Features 386
16.1/17.1 General Requirements 603
9.12 Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection
16.2/17.2 Means of Egress Requirements 614
and Warning Equipment 388
16.3/17.3 Protection 625
9.13 Special Inspections and Tests 389
16.4/17.4 Special Provisions 631
9.14 Risk Analysis for Mass Notification
16.5/17.5 Building Services 633
Systems 389
16.6/17.6 Day-Care Homes 634
10 Interior Finish, Contents, 16.7/17.7 Operating Features 640
and Furnishings 393 18/19 New and Existing Health Care
10.1 General 393 Occupancies 647
10.2 Interior Finish 395
18.1/19.1 General Requirements 648
10.3 Contents and Furnishings 410
18.2/19.2 Means of Egress Requirements 666
11 Special Structures and High-Rise 18.3/19.3 Protection 711
18.4/19.4 Special Provisions 756
Buildings 417
18.5/19.5 Building Services 763
11.1 General Requirements 418 18.6/19.6 Reserved 767
11.2 Open Structures 418 18.7/19.7 Operating Features 767
11.3 Towers 419
11.4 Water-Surrounded Structures 424 20/21 New and Existing Ambulatory Health
11.5 Piers 424 Care Occupancies 779
11.6 Vehicles and Vessels 425
20.1/21.1 General Requirements 780
11.7 Underground Structures and Limited
20.2/21.2 Means of Egress Requirements 789
Access Structures 425
20.3/21.3 Protection 799
11.8 High-Rise Buildings 428
20.4/21.4 Special Provisions 808
11.9 Permanent Membrane Structures 432
20.5/21.5 Building Services 811
11.10 Temporary Membrane Structures 433
20.6/21.6 Reserved 813
11.11 Tents 435
20.7/21.7 Operating Features 813
11.12 Animal Housing Facilities 436
12/13 New and Existing Assembly 22/23 New and Existing Detention and
Correctional Occupancies 821
Occupancies 437
22.1/23.1 General Requirements 821
12.1/13.1 General Requirements 440
22.2/23.2 Means of Egress Requirements 834
12.2/13.2 Means of Egress Requirements 454
2018 Life Safety Code Handbook
Contents v
22.3/23.3 Protection 846 32.3/33.3 Large Facilities 1005
22.4/23.4 Special Provisions 864 32.4/33.4 Suitability of an Apartment Building
22.5/23.5 Building Services 874 to House a Board
22.6/23.6 Reserved 875 and Care Occupancy 1030
22.7/23.7 Operating Features 875 32.5/33.5 Reserved 1033
32.6/33.6 Reserved 1033
24 One- and Two-Family Dwellings 879 32.7/33.7 Operating Features 1033
24.1 General Requirements 879 34 Reserved 1037
24.2 Means of Escape Requirements 881
24.3 Protection 889
35 Reserved 1037
24.4 Reserved 892
24.5 Building Services 892
36/37 New and Existing Mercantile
25 Reserved 895 Occupancies 1039
36.1/37.1 General Requirements 1040
26 Lodging or Rooming Houses 897 36.2/37.2 Means of Egress
Requirements 1050
26.1 General Requirements 897
36.3/37.3 Protection 1063
26.2 Means of Escape Requirements 899
36.4/37.4 Special Provisions 1067
26.3 Protection 902
36.5/37.5 Building Services 1083
26.4 Reserved 905
36.6/37.6 Reserved 1083
26.5 Building Services 905
36.7/37.7 Operating Features 1083
26.6 Reserved 905
26.7 Operating Features 905
38/39 New and Existing Business
27 Reserved 907 Occupancies 1085
38.1/39.1 General Requirements 1085
28/29 New and Existing Hotels 38.2/39.2 Means of Egress
and Dormitories 909 Requirements 1091
38.3/39.3 Protection 1106
28.1/29.1 General Requirements 909
38.4/39.4 Special Provisions 1111
28.2/29.2 Means of Egress Requirements 912
38.5/39.5 Building Services 1112
28.3/29.3 Protection 922
38.6/39.6 Reserved 1113
28.4/29.4 Special Provisions 933
38.7/39.7 Operating Features 1113
28.5/29.5 Building Services 934
28.6/29.6 Reserved 935
40 Industrial Occupancies 1115
28.7/29.7 Operating Features 935
40.1 General Requirements 1117
30/31 New and Existing Apartment 40.2 Means of Egress Requirements 1120
Buildings 939 40.3 Protection 1128
40.4 Special Provisions 1130
30.1/31.1 General Requirements 939
40.5 Building Services 1130
30.2/31.2 Means of Egress Requirements 943
40.6 Special Provisions for Aircraft Servicing
30.3/31.3 Protection 955
Hangars 1131
30.4/31.4 Special Provisions 969
40.7 Operating Features 1131
30.5/31.5 Building Services 969
30.6/31.6 Reserved 970 41 Reserved 1133
30.7/31.7 Operating Features 970
32/33 New and Existing Residential Board 42 Storage Occupancies 1135
and Care Occupancies 973 42.1 General Requirements 1135
42.2 Means of Egress Requirements 1136
32.1/33.1 General Requirements 974
42.3 Protection 1142
32.2/33.2 Small Facilities 979
Life Safety Code Handbook 2018