Codes
What are codes?
Every state has specific codes for the installation, testing, inspection, and maintenance of fire protection systems. These codes must be followed to avoid legal turmoil, costly renovations at inconvenient times and possible loss of life. There are different local, state, national and international codes. AFP understands that navigating the various and often conflicting codes can be very confusing. We are always available to answer any questions that you may have.
How do codes work?
The state of New Jersey has two primary code publications for construction: the "Blue Book" for the construction of new buildings; and the "Red Book" or the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code for existing structures. These publications list specific codes and reference where other codes may be found, for example a particular National Fire Protection Association code (NFPA code). It is important to note that state codes may not adopt the latest NFPA code. For example, the latest edition of NFPA is the 2008 edition, but the State of New Jersey has adopted the 1998 edition.
New York State and spefically New York City follow a different set of codes. You can find more information about these codes on the related links and related document sections of this page.
Who enforces the code?
Codes are enforced by the Authority Having Jurisdiction or "AHJ." Most of the time the AHJ is the town or city fire official, but in areas where a town is not large enough to support a local fire official the duties of the AHJ will be taken over by the state fire official. It is important to note that other entities like your insurance company and independent accrediting agencies like The Joint Commission, which accredits and certifies health care organizations, may require you to adhere to practices above and beyond what is required by code.
Use Groups:
Codes sometimes vary depending on the Use Group that occupies a structure. These Use Groups, taken from the 1994 edition of BOCA, are listed below for your convenience.
1) Assembly: Use Groups A-1 through A-5
2) Business: Use Group B
3) Educational: Use Group E
4) Factory/Industrial: Use Groups F-1, F-2
5) High Hazard: Use Groups H-1 through H-4
6) Institutional: Use Groups I-1 through I-3
7) Mercantile : Use Group M
8) Residential : Use Groups R-1 through R-4
9) Storage: Use Groups S-1, S-2
10) Utility/Miscellaneous: Use group U
A- Assembly
A-1, Theaters
All places with fixed seats and/or stage intended for viewing performances.
A-2
All structures without fixed seats, stages, or stage accessories that are designed for public assemblage.
Examples: dance halls, night clubs, lobbies.
A-3:
All structures without fixed seats or stages designed for recreation and public assemblage.
Examples: libraries, art galleries, museams, lecture halls.
A-4:
Structures designed as places of worship.
Examples: churches, temples, mosques, etc.
A-5:
All places used for outdoor assemblage.
Examples: bleachers, stadiums, amusement parks.
B- Business:
All structures used primarily for business or professional transactions and services. (Check specific occupancy guidelines in BOCA.)
Examples: Post offices, banks, dry-cleaning
E: Educational:
All places used for business or occupational training occupied by five or more people for educational purposes through the 12th grade.
Examples: schools, day care centers
F- Factory and Industrial:
F-1:
Low hazard industries. (check hazards in BOCA)
Examples: Brick and masonry, Ceramic products, Ice
F-2:
Factories that produce non-combustible materials or are regular hazard.
Examples: Bakeries, Boat buildings, Aircrafts.
H- High Hazard:
H-1:
All structures that contain "hazard" materials.
Examples: explosives, oxidizers, pyrophoric liquids, etc.
H-2:
All structures that contain "deflagration hazard" materials.
Examples: Combustible dust, cryogenic liquids, organic peroxides.
H-3:
All structures that contain materials that are "health hazards."
Examples: radioactive materials, corrosives, highly toxic materials.
I- Institutional
I-1:
All structures that house six or more people whom, due to disability or age, require supervision, but are still physically capable to respond to a fire alarm.
Examples: group homes, half-way homes, social rehabilitation facilities.
I-2:
All structures that contain six or more people who are not physically or mentally able to respond to a fire alarm.
Examples: hospitals, nursing homes, mental hospitals
I-3:
All structures that contain six or more people under restraint.
Examples: prisons, reformatories, correctional centers.
M- Mercantile:
All structures used for the display and sales of goods that are open to the public.
Examples: retail stores, shops, service stations
R- Residential
R-1:
All structures with more than five occupants designed for temporary sleeping arrangements.
Examples: hotels, motels, boarding hoses
R-2:
All multiple-family residences.
Examples: condominiums, boarding houses.
R-3:
All one or two family residences, containing not more than 5 people per family in which each unit is separated.
Examples: houses
R-4:
All one or two family residences under 3 stories high.
S- Storage:
S-1
Structures used for the storage of moderate-hazard materials that are not poisonous or explosive.
Examples: Baskets, boots, furniture, soap.
S-2
Structures used in the storage of low-hazard materials.
Examples: cement, chalk, electrical coils, fresh fruit
U- Utility and Miscellaneous:
Accessory structures to residential groups, and structures not included in any other group.
Examples: live stock shelters, detached private garages, greenhouses.