What code governs safety to life from fire in buildings and structures?

The code that governs safety to life from fire in buildings and structures is NFPA 101, also known as the Life Safety Code. This code is specifically focused on the protection of life during emergencies, particularly in the context of fires. NFPA 101 outlines requirements that ensure occupants can safely evacuate or be protected in the event of a fire. It addresses various aspects of building design and construction, including means of egress, occupancy classification, and fire safety systems, all aimed at minimizing the risk to human life.

NFPA 70, on the other hand, relates to electrical safety and the National Electrical Code, which deals primarily with the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment. NFPA 72 is focused on the installation of fire alarm systems and does not cover life safety provisions in the same comprehensive manner as NFPA 101. NFPA 5000 pertains to building construction and safety codes, but it does not have the same singular focus on life safety from fire emergencies as NFPA 101 does. Thus, NFPA 101 is the correct reference for that specific aspect of building safety.