What term refers to how a building is used?

The term that refers to how a building is used is "occupancy." In fire protection and building safety contexts, occupancy classification is essential because it determines the level of risk associated with a building and informs the building codes that apply. Each type of occupancy has different requirements for safety measures, such as fire alarms, exits, and fire suppression systems, depending on the nature of the activities conducted within the structure and the number of people who may occupy it.

For instance, a residential building occupant differs significantly from a factory or a theater in terms of fire code compliance and safety protocols. Understanding occupancy helps firefighting personnel assess risks and respond effectively during emergencies. This classification can directly influence staffing requirements, equipment used, and emergency response plans.

Other terms like "structure" refer to the physical build of the building itself, while "usage" is more of a colloquial term and doesn’t have a specific definition in fire code. "Construction" usually pertains to the methods and materials used to build the building, rather than its intended function or how it is actually used.