CHAPTER
Definitions
Anyone who has ever participated in a code-development
process — whether it be NFPA’s or that of another organization —
knows of the many hours spent deliberating whether the lan-
guage is clear and easily understood and whether it expresses
the committee’s intent. Establishing the requirements for a code
is not an easy task. During committee meetings, the question is
usually asked regarding whether everyone will understand the
limits or application of a particular rule. Invariably, the same
questions are asked about select words or terms.
Words or terms used in the Code that fall outside generally
accepted meanings or dictionary definitions — or otherwise
require a clarification — are defined in Chapter 3. When a word
is not defined, the Code intends for the user to employ the
definition in Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary.1 See Sec-
tion 3.1.
For example, the word exit has numerous meanings in the
dictionary. Included is the definition “goes off the stage,” used as
a stage direction for a specified actor to leave the stage. Other
definitions include the following three meanings:
1. “The act of going out or going away”
2. “Death”
3. “A passage” or “a way out”
To the layperson, “a passage” or “a way out” is probably what
is understood when hearing the term exit used or seeing an exit
sign. The NFPA 101 definition, however, is somewhat more
detailed and is used to set limits on what actually constitutes an
exit. The NFPA 101 definition in 3.3.86 reads as follows:
Exit. That portion of a means of egress that is separated
from all other spaces of the building or structure by
construction, location, or equipment as required to
provide a protected way of travel to the exit discharge.
Exit is but one of the more than 300 terms defined in Chap-
ter 3 of the Code. The definitions for occupancy classifications
(e.g., assembly occupancy, mercantile occupancy, industrial
occupancy) appear in Chapter 3, are presented alphabetically
under the heading Occupancy (see 3.3.196), and are repeated in
their entirety in Chapter 6, where they are arranged in the order
in which the occupancy chapters are presented (see 6.1.2
through 6.1.13) to assist the user of the Code in properly classify-
ing an occupancy. The definitions for rehabilitation work catego-
ries (e.g., repair, renovation, modification, reconstruction) appear
in Chapter 3 — where they are interspersed alphabetically
among unrelated terms — and in Chapter 43, where they are
presented in order of increasing complexity of rehabilitation
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type (see 43.2.2.1) for coordination with the order in which the
requirements for the rehabilitation work categories are pre-
sented in the chapter.
Defined terms in NFPA documents should not contain
requirements. To the extent possible, defined terms provide only
the meaning of a term within the context of the Code require-
ments. Therefore, the terms noncombustible (material) and
limited-combustible (material), which formerly appeared in Chap-
ter 3 and included requirements, now appear in 4.6.13 and
4.6.14, respectively. The language addressing each term has
been expanded into numbered paragraphs that contain criteria
in excess of what should be contained within a defined term. For
that reason, rather than providing definitions, 3.3.177.4 and
3.3.177.6 cross-reference 4.6.14 and 4.6.13, respectively. The
cross-references were added to direct the user, who might have
become accustomed to finding the definitions for limited-
combustible (material) and noncombustible (material) in Chap-
ter 3 of earlier editions, to the detailed criteria in Chapter 4.
3.1 General
The definitions contained in this chapter shall apply to the terms used
in this Code. Where terms are not defined in this chapter or within
another chapter, they shall be defined using their ordinarily accepted
meanings within the context in which they are used. Merriam-Webster’s
Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition, shall be the source for the ordinarily
accepted meaning.
3.2 NFPA Official Definitions
Section 3.2, NFPA Official Definitions, contains NFPA definitions
that are not subject to change by the technical committees
responsible for the Code. The official definitions are provided for
terms that are common among the NFPA codes and standards
and for which multiple definitions would confuse users. See Sec-
tion 3.3, General Definitions, for terms that are specifically
defined for use with the provisions of this Code.
3.2.1* Approved. Acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.
A.3.2.1 Approved. The National Fire Protection Association does not
approve, inspect, or certify any installations, procedures, equipment, or
materials; nor does it approve or evaluate testing laboratories. In deter-
mining the acceptability of installations, procedures, equipment, or mate-
rials, the authority having jurisdiction may base acceptance on compliance
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