Occupancy & fire hazard analysis

Occupancy and fire hazard analysis is a process that evaluates the fire risk based on the functionality and occupants in a building. Moreover, the occupancy classification helps industrial fire safety design consultants decide the fire hazard. Also, the occupancy helps decode the usage of space and the occupants and thus fix the fire risk for the area.

Fire hazard analysis helps understand potential fuel sources, fire spread and fire protection systems. This analysis helps ensure occupant & property safety and compliance with codes and standards. Fire hazard analysis helps in understanding the fire risks and taking steps to mitigate them.

Classification of Occupancy:

In India, as per the National Building Code, buildings are classified into 9 groups:

1. Residential
2. Educational
3. Institutional
4. Assembly
5. Business
6. Mercantile
7. Industrial
8. Storage
9. Hazardous.  

This classification helps ensure the design has safety measures to mitigate fire risks.  The classification can also depend on the fire risk: light, ordinary, and extra hazards. This classification is based on the contents of the area and its combustibility.

Key Factors in understanding the hazards

1. Occupancy: The occupancy study helps understand the building’s functionality and the occupant’s characteristics. Additionally, different occupancies have varying types of fire risks. The hazards depend on:
   1. Number of occupants
   2. Occupants’ familiarity with the building
   3. Activities within the space
2. Fire Hazard Analysis: This analysis helps evaluate the fire risks and the possible consequences. Moreover, the analysis includes
   1. Finding out a potential fire source
   2. Identifying fuel source
   3. Fire spread potential
   4. Evaluating the existing fire protection
   5. Understanding the evacuation system for proper and safe evacuation of occupants.

Why is Occupancy & fire hazard analysis essential in industries?

A study of occupancy and fire hazard analysis is critical for industries. Some of the reasons that show the importance of occupancy and fire hazard analysis in industrial fire safety design are:

1. Safety of occupants: the analysis provides a indication of the safety of the occupants
2. Protection of property: It helps mitigate risk of damage to property
3. Compliance with the National Building Code and local regulations
4. Risk Management

Conclusion

Occupancy and fire hazard analysis helps to create a safe workspace. Furthermore, this analysis helps industrial fire safety design consultants understand the potential risks and design a combination of active and passive fire protection systems accordingly.