What does Group H occupancy classification represent?

Group H occupancy classification represents facilities that involve the storage, treatment, or processing of hazardous materials. This classification is crucial for ensuring that buildings handling such materials meet specific safety and fire prevention standards. The presence of hazardous substances necessitates stringent regulations to mitigate risks associated with explosions, fire, and toxic exposures, which is why these facilities are categorized separately from other types of occupancies.

In contrast, institutional occupancies typically involve care and treatment for individuals who may not be able to care for themselves, mercantile occupancies focus on the retail offering of goods, and residential occupancies refer to dwellings where people reside. Each of these classifications has its own set of regulations tailored to the nature of the activities or purposes of the buildings, emphasizing the importance of categorizing buildings according to their use and associated risks.