To meet safety regulations, decorative materials in Group i-3 must not exceed what percentage of area?

In Group I-3 occupancy, which typically includes facilities such as correctional institutions, there are specific safety regulations in place regarding decorative materials to ensure fire safety and control hazards in environments where occupants may have limited mobility or are unable to evacuate unassisted.

The percentage limitation of decorative materials is set to mitigate the risk of fire spread, as these materials can contribute to the overall combustibility of a space. The regulation specifies that decorative materials should not exceed 10% of the area of walls, ceilings, and other surfaces in such occupancies. This figure is based on the assessment of how these materials can affect fire dynamics and the safety of occupants in the event of a fire.

Ensuring that decorative materials are kept to this percentage helps maintain safer environments in Group I-3 facilities, aligning with fire safety codes and protecting both the people inside and the building structure. Understanding these regulations is crucial for your role as a building inspector, as it allows you to enforce compliance with safety standards effectively.