Day 1: Introduction & Core Concepts

Objective: Understand the purpose, structure, and scope of NFPA 101 and foundational life safety concepts.

Session 1: Overview of NFPA 101

History and purpose of the Life Safety Code

Relationship to other codes (e.g., NFPA 1, IBC, IFC)

Code layout and navigation

Session 2: General Requirements

Occupancy classification and definitions

Means of egress basics

Building rehabilitation and existing vs. new construction

Session 3: Performance-Based vs. Prescriptive Approaches

Risk assessment and equivalency

Performance-based design methodologies

Day 2: Means of Egress Requirements

Objective: Explore the detailed requirements for exits, paths, and occupant movement.

Session 1: Components of the Means of Egress

Exit access, exits, exit discharge

Travel distance, common paths of travel

Session 2: Doors and Egress Components

Door swing, locking arrangements, panic hardware

Stairs, ramps, and corridors

Session 3: Occupant Load & Egress Capacity

Calculating occupant loads

Sizing and number of exits

Life safety evaluations

Day 3: Occupancy-Specific Requirements (Part I)

Objective: Apply NFPA 101 to specific occupancies based on use and risk profiles.

Session 1: Assembly, Educational, and Day-Care Occupancies

Assembly seating, aisles, and exits

Schools: lockdown drills, classroom egress

Day-care centers: sleeping and exit access

Session 2: Residential Occupancies

Hotels, apartments, dormitories

Smoke alarms, sprinklers, and egress windows

Session 3: Health Care and Ambulatory Health Care

Defend-in-place strategy

Suite arrangement and corridor requirements

Fire protection systems and patient movement

Day 4: Occupancy-Specific Requirements (Part II)

Objective: Deepen understanding of complex or high-risk occupancies and their unique challenges.

Session 1: Business, Mercantile, and Industrial Occupancies

Access control, storage of hazardous materials

Fire alarm and sprinkler integration

Session 2: Detention and Correctional Facilities

Controlled egress and staff training

Smoke compartmentation

Session 3: High-Rise Buildings and Special Structures

Emergency communication systems

Occupant evacuation elevators

Smokeproof enclosures and fire barriers

Day 5: Fire Protection Features & Code Application

Objective: Understand fire protection systems and apply code requirements in real-world scenarios.

Session 1: Fire Alarm and Detection Systems

System design and placement

Notification appliances and occupant alerting

Session 2: Fire Sprinkler and Suppression Systems

Sprinkler coverage and system monitoring

Alternative suppression systems

Session 3: Inspection, Testing, Maintenance & Enforcement

Code compliance and documentation

Common violations and corrective actions

Role of AHJs and facility managers