Light Hazard Occupancy is defined by which characteristic?

• A. Low heat release and high combustibility.
• B. Low combustibility with high heat release.
• C. Moderate combustibility with moderate heat release.
• D. Low combustibility and low heat release expected.

Answer: (D)

Light Hazard Occupancy is defined by a low fire energy potential from the materials in the space. In NFPA 13R terms, these occupancies have a small fuel load and produce only a small amount of heat when burning. That’s why the best description is low combustibility with low heat release expected—the fire would develop slowly and contribute little energy, which is the hallmark of a light hazard.

If materials were highly combustible, or if a fire could release a lot of heat, the occupancy would not be considered light hazard; moderate or higher hazard levels would apply instead.