NFPA

(National Fire Protection Association)

Occupancy

Life Safety Code 101

Occupancy

Net/50 SF

1. Calculate gross SF (square footage)

2. Calculate permanent furniture SF

(Permanent = cabinets, tables, demo desk, etc.)

3. Subtract 2 from 1= Net

4. Divide net by 50 = occupancy

Exits

NFPA 45, 1991

Requires a minimum of 2 exits from each lab when a Class B (moderate fire hazard) or Class C (low fire hazard) lab exceeds 1,000 sf or a lab fume hood is located next to a primary exit.

(OSHA 1910.37, 1990 also has this requirement.)

Many experts recommend 2 exits when the lab is larger than 500 sf.

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