What does the term “hazardous occupancy” refer to?

The term "hazardous occupancy" specifically refers to structures that pose significant health risks due to the presence of harmful substances. This includes facilities that handle, store, or use materials that are toxic, flammable, explosive, or otherwise dangerous to health and safety. Such spaces require stringent safety measures, fire protection systems, and proper ventilation to protect occupants and first responders.

The correct identification of hazardous occupancy is crucial for life safety and compliance with building codes. Understanding the implications of hazardous materials in a building context helps architects and code officials determine appropriate design strategies, occupancy load, and safety protocols.

The other options do not align with the definition of hazardous occupancy. Structures with high traffic volumes refer primarily to building usage and occupancy classification, rather than the presence of health risks. Buildings designed for structural integrity focus more on resilience and load-bearing capacity, which is unrelated to hazardous materials. Finally, facilities with limited access points may pertain to security or control rather than hazards, making them distinct from the core concept of hazardous occupancy.