scope:

Chapter 5 provides information on the classification of occupancy hazards previously found in Chapter 2 of the 1999 edition of NFPA 13 and the description of storage commodities formerly found in NFPA 231, NFPA 231C, and NFPA 231F. To a large degree, the occupancy hazard classifications form the basis of the design and installation criteria of NFPA 13. The occupancy hazards provide a convenient means of categorizing the fuel loads and fire severity associated with certain building operations. The classifications also present a relationship between the burning characteristics of these fuels and the ability of a sprinkler system in controlling the associated types of fires. The likelihood of ignition is not considered in the occupancy classifications.