You've learned how to classify buildings by use (Chapter 3), construction type (Chapter 6), and allowable height and area (Chapter 5). Now you're going to learn about the materials inside those buildings—and how the code controls them differently depending on who's in the space.
"What materials can I use to finish walls, ceilings, and floors? And does it matter who's in the building?"
On February 17, 2003, a fire started in The Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island. A pyrotechnic display ignited highly flammable polyurethane foam used as acoustic treatment on the walls and ceiling.
In less than 90 seconds, the fire had spread across the entire interior. The foam released dense black smoke and toxic fumes. 100 people died, and 230 were injured—mostly from smoke inhalation and panic.
If the foam had been replaced with compliant interior finish materials, that fire would have been containable. The occupants would have had time to evacuate safely.
Chapter 8 controls how fast fire spreads and how much smoke is produced by interior finishes—by placing restrictions on materials based on occupancy classification.
High-hazard occupancies (assembly, hospitals, schools) = stricter rules.
Lower-hazard occupancies (offices, retail) = more flexibility.