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OBC Small Buildings practice questions

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Question 1General Provisions, Definitions and Administrative Requirements

Under the general provisions of the small building code, which body typically has the authority to interpret code requirements and grant alternative compliance methods?

  1. The property insurer
  2. The material supplier
  3. The general contractor
  4. The building official Correct answer.

Explanation

The building official is the administrative authority charged with interpreting the code, approving alternate materials and methods, and issuing permits and inspections. Other parties may propose designs or products, but only the building official can formally accept them as code compliant.

Question 2General Provisions, Definitions and Administrative Requirements

A designer wants to use a construction method not specifically described in the code. What is the most appropriate first step?

  1. Submit a request for approval as an alternative method to the building official Correct answer.
  2. Ask the material manufacturer to certify it as equivalent
  3. Install it and let the inspector decide at final inspection
  4. Apply for a variance from the zoning board

Explanation

The code provides a formal route for alternate materials and methods: the applicant submits evidence and technical data to the building official, who decides whether the proposed method meets the intent of the code. Approval must come before construction, not after.

Question 3General Provisions, Definitions and Administrative Requirements

In the definitions chapter, what does the term 'occupancy' describe?

  1. The period during which a permit remains valid
  2. The maximum number of people permitted in a room
  3. The purpose or use to which a building or portion of it is put Correct answer.
  4. The legal ownership status of the property

Explanation

Occupancy refers to the use or purpose for which a building or space is designed and occupied, and it drives classification into occupancy groups. Occupant load, permit duration, and ownership are separate concepts addressed elsewhere in the code.

Question 4General Provisions, Definitions and Administrative Requirements

A building contains a small office area and a large warehouse area that are separated by a fire barrier. How is the occupancy classification of the building best described?

  1. An accessory occupancy with no separation requirements
  2. A single occupancy based on the largest area only
  3. A mixed occupancy requiring evaluation of each portion Correct answer.
  4. An unlimited-area occupancy of the most restrictive group

Explanation

When a building contains two or more occupancy classifications, each portion is evaluated under its own group, and the code's mixed-occupancy provisions govern whether fire separation or other safeguards are needed. The largest area does not simply override the rest of the building.

Question 5General Provisions, Definitions and Administrative Requirements

Which term is defined as the floor area within the inside perimeter of the exterior walls, excluding certain features such as vent shafts and courts?

  1. Net usable area
  2. Building area Correct answer.
  3. Occupant load area
  4. Gross floor area

Explanation

Building area is measured to the inside face of the exterior walls and excludes open courts, vent shafts, and similar features open to the sky. Gross floor area is a related but distinct term used for other calculations.

Question 6General Provisions, Definitions and Administrative Requirements

What is the primary purpose of the permit application review before a permit is issued?

  1. To assign the contractor a schedule of inspections
  2. To guarantee the project will be completed on time
  3. To establish the final construction cost for tax purposes
  4. To confirm the proposed work will comply with applicable code requirements Correct answer.

Explanation

Plan review exists so the building official can verify that the proposed construction will conform to the code before work starts. It is a compliance check, not a cost, scheduling, or tax determination.

Question 7General Provisions, Definitions and Administrative Requirements

A permit has been issued for a project, but the owner changes the design to add a mezzanine after approval. What action is required?

  1. Wait until the final inspection and disclose the change then
  2. Notify the contractor only and document the change in the log
  3. Proceed, because the original permit covers all work on the site
  4. Obtain a revised or amended permit before constructing the change Correct answer.

Explanation

Work that differs from the approved plans requires a revised submission and approval, because the change may affect structural, egress, or fire provisions that were never reviewed. The original permit covers only the work shown in the approved documents.

Question 8General Provisions, Definitions and Administrative Requirements

When does a permit typically become invalid due to inactivity?

  1. When work has not commenced within the period set by the code or when work is suspended beyond the allowed time Correct answer.
  2. Whenever the contractor changes subcontractors
  3. Only when the property is sold to a new owner
  4. Automatically on the anniversary of issuance regardless of progress

Explanation

Permits include time limits: work must begin within a stated period after issuance and cannot be suspended for an extended period without progress. These provisions prevent stale permits from remaining open indefinitely.

Question 9General Provisions, Definitions and Administrative Requirements

At what point is a certificate of occupancy normally issued?

  1. When the utility company energizes the service
  2. When the contractor submits the final invoice
  3. Immediately upon issuance of the building permit
  4. After the building official verifies the completed work complies with the approved plans and code Correct answer.

Explanation

A certificate of occupancy documents that the completed structure has been inspected and found to conform to the approved plans and code, allowing the intended use to begin. It follows completion and inspection, not permit issuance.

Question 10General Provisions, Definitions and Administrative Requirements

A builder wants to begin site preparation and foundation work before the full permit is issued. Under typical administrative provisions, what is the correct approach?

  1. Apply for a separate limited permit for that phase if the code allows phased permits Correct answer.
  2. Assume foundation work is exempt from permitting
  3. Start the work and file the full application later
  4. Ask the inspector to issue the permit retroactively

Explanation

Some jurisdictions allow phased or partial permits for defined early stages such as site work or foundations, but only when applied for and approved in advance. Unpermitted work remains a violation even if later permitted.

Question 11General Provisions, Definitions and Administrative Requirements

Which of the following best describes the term 'accessory occupancy'?

  1. An occupancy that requires no fire separation under any circumstance
  2. A temporary use permitted only during construction
  3. A subordinate use that is incidental to and associated with the main occupancy Correct answer.
  4. A second principal occupancy of equal size

Explanation

An accessory occupancy is a subordinate use that supports the main occupancy, is limited in area, and is associated with the principal use. The code sets limits on its size and separation requirements.

Question 12General Provisions, Definitions and Administrative Requirements

A change of use is proposed for an existing small building, moving from storage to a small retail shop. What must the owner generally demonstrate?

  1. That the previous occupancy's permits remain on file
  2. That the building is at least a certain age
  3. That the building complies with the requirements applicable to the new occupancy, or that approved modifications will achieve compliance Correct answer.
  4. That the exterior appearance is unchanged

Explanation

A change of use triggers evaluation against the requirements for the new occupancy, because egress, fire protection, and other provisions may differ. Compliance may require alterations or approved upgrades before the new use may occupy.

Question 13General Provisions, Definitions and Administrative Requirements

Which of the following is a defined term describing a continuous vertical or horizontal assembly designed to restrict the spread of fire?

  1. Means of egress
  2. Floor area
  3. Occupant load
  4. Fire barrier Correct answer.

Explanation

A fire barrier is a fire-resistance-rated assembly that restricts fire spread and is typically required to be continuous. Floor area, means of egress, and occupant load describe measurement, exit, and capacity concepts rather than a rated assembly.

Question 14General Provisions, Definitions and Administrative Requirements

A building official finds work that was performed without a required permit. What is the most typical administrative response?

  1. Approve the work retroactively without inspection
  2. Refer the matter only to the utility provider
  3. Issue a stop-work order and require the owner to obtain a permit and expose work for inspection Correct answer.
  4. Take no action if the work appears sound

Explanation

Unpermitted work is a code violation; the building official may order work stopped and require that a permit be obtained and concealed work be exposed for inspection. Approval cannot be granted without verifying compliance.

Question 15General Provisions, Definitions and Administrative Requirements

What does the term 'occupant load' represent?

  1. The maximum number of employees allowed by the owner
  2. The actual number of people present at any one time
  3. The number of persons for which the means of egress must be designed Correct answer.
  4. The seating capacity of a restaurant only

Explanation

Occupant load is a calculated value based on floor area and use, representing the number of persons the egress system must accommodate. It is a design figure, not a count of who happens to be present.

Question 16General Provisions, Definitions and Administrative Requirements

A small assembly space is proposed inside a larger mercantile building and occupies a limited area associated with the main use. Which concept governs how it is treated?

  1. Accessory occupancy provisions, subject to area and separation limits Correct answer.
  2. Automatic classification as a separate principal occupancy
  3. Exemption from all egress requirements
  4. Treatment as an unlimited-area assembly

Explanation

A subordinate use that is limited in area and associated with the principal occupancy may qualify as an accessory occupancy, which carries specific limits and separation criteria. If those limits are exceeded, it must be treated as a separate occupancy.

Question 17General Provisions, Definitions and Administrative Requirements

Which statement best describes the role of approved plans and specifications retained by the building official?

  1. They are advisory only and may be changed freely in the field
  2. They become the record against which construction and inspections are checked Correct answer.
  3. They expire when the contractor's license lapses
  4. They are returned to the owner after the first inspection

Explanation

Approved plans are kept as the official record of what was authorized, and inspections compare the built work against them. Field changes require revised approval rather than informal deviation.

Question 18General Provisions, Definitions and Administrative Requirements

An owner asks whether a small detached structure used only for storing garden tools requires a building permit. What is the most accurate general guidance?

  1. Small accessory structures may be exempt only within the specific size and use limits stated in the code Correct answer.
  2. Permit requirements depend solely on the owner's preference
  3. Any structure over one square meter requires a full permit
  4. All detached structures are exempt from permitting

Explanation

Codes commonly exempt very small accessory structures from permits, but only within explicit limits on size, height, and use. Exceeding those limits or using the structure for habitation removes the exemption.

Question 19General Provisions, Definitions and Administrative Requirements

Which party is responsible for requesting required inspections at the appropriate stages of construction?

  1. The neighboring property owner
  2. The utility provider
  3. The permit holder or authorized agent Correct answer.
  4. The building official's inspection staff

Explanation

The permit holder is responsible for notifying the building official when work reaches stages requiring inspection, so that concealed work can be examined before it is covered. The official conducts inspections but does not schedule them on the permit holder's behalf.

Question 20General Provisions, Definitions and Administrative Requirements

A designer proposes using a product in a manner that differs from its listing. What must occur for the installation to be accepted?

  1. The building official must approve it as an alternate based on technical justification Correct answer.
  2. The fire department must issue a separate permit
  3. The supplier's catalog description is sufficient approval
  4. The contractor may install it if the product is nationally recognized

Explanation

Listed products must be installed in accordance with their listing; deviations require approval as an alternate material or method supported by technical data. National recognition alone does not authorize unlisted applications.

Question 21Building Classification, Occupancy and Construction Types

A building is used as a warehouse for storing furniture and has no occupants sleeping on the premises. Under the standard occupancy classification system, which group does this building most likely belong to?

  1. Group S, storage occupancy Correct answer.
  2. Group A, assembly occupancy
  3. Group R, residential occupancy
  4. Group B, business occupancy

Explanation

Storage of goods and materials is classified as Group S occupancy because the use involves keeping merchandise or products rather than housing people for work, sleep, or assembly. Furniture warehousing fits this group since no sleeping or public gathering occurs.

Question 22Building Classification, Occupancy and Construction Types

A small building is constructed with exterior walls of solid masonry and interior structural members of heavy timber that has been planed and finished. Which construction type does this best describe?

  1. Type III, ordinary construction
  2. Type V, wood-frame construction
  3. Type IV, heavy timber construction Correct answer.
  4. Type I, fire-resistive construction

Explanation

Type IV construction is defined by heavy timber structural members of substantial minimum dimensions, with noncombustible exterior walls and exposed interior wood of large cross section. The finished heavy timber interior framing is the defining feature of this type.

Question 23Building Classification, Occupancy and Construction Types

A structure houses a single family and also contains a small retail shop on the ground floor where the owners sell goods. How is this mixed use generally treated for occupancy classification?

  1. Classified as a mixed occupancy with each use evaluated separately Correct answer.
  2. Classified solely as Group R because a family lives there
  3. Classified solely as Group M because retail space exists
  4. Classified as Group U because the shop is incidental

Explanation

When a building contains more than one distinct use, each portion is evaluated under its own occupancy group and separated as required. A dwelling plus a retail shop is a mixed occupancy rather than a single group.

Question 24Building Classification, Occupancy and Construction Types

Which occupancy group is intended for buildings where people assemble for worship, recreation, or similar gatherings, such as a small community hall?

  1. Group M, mercantile
  2. Group I, institutional
  3. Group A, assembly Correct answer.
  4. Group E, educational

Explanation

Group A assembly occupancy covers spaces where groups of people congregate for civic, religious, recreational, or similar purposes. A small community hall used for gatherings fits this group.

Question 25Building Classification, Occupancy and Construction Types

A building has exterior walls and structural frame of noncombustible materials, but the interior floor and roof structural members are permitted to be combustible. Which construction type is this?

  1. Type II, noncombustible
  2. Type III, ordinary Correct answer.
  3. Type IV, heavy timber
  4. Type V, wood frame

Explanation

Type III construction combines noncombustible exterior walls with interior structural elements that may be combustible, typically light wood framing. This hybrid of noncombustible envelope and combustible interior defines ordinary construction.

Question 26Building Classification, Occupancy and Construction Types

Which term describes the maximum number of occupants a space is designed to hold safely, often posted on a sign in assembly rooms?

  1. Fire flow
  2. Occupant load Correct answer.
  3. Travel distance
  4. Floor area ratio

Explanation

Occupant load is the calculated number of people a space or building is designed to accommodate, derived from floor area and use. It is often posted in assembly rooms to limit crowding.

Question 27Building Classification, Occupancy and Construction Types

A small office building is three stories tall with a total floor area of about 2,000 square feet per floor. Using a typical occupant load factor of 100 square feet per person for business use, what is the approximate occupant load per floor?

  1. 200 occupants
  2. 40 occupants
  3. 20 occupants Correct answer.
  4. 10 occupants

Explanation

Occupant load is calculated by dividing the floor area by the occupant load factor for the use. Dividing 2,000 square feet by 100 square feet per person gives 20 occupants per floor.

Question 28Building Classification, Occupancy and Construction Types

Two adjacent tenant spaces in a single building are separated by a fire-resistance-rated wall that extends to the roof, allowing each to be treated as a separate building for code purposes. What is this wall called?

  1. A fire wall Correct answer.
  2. A smoke barrier
  3. A fire partition
  4. A party wall used as a property line marker only

Explanation

A fire wall is a fire-resistance-rated wall with sufficient structural stability to allow buildings on either side to be considered separate structures. This separation permits independent treatment of each side under the code.

Question 29Building Classification, Occupancy and Construction Types

A building contains a small day-care area for children and a separate office area. The designer wants to avoid treating the whole building as one higher-hazard occupancy. What approach does the code generally permit?

  1. Classifying the whole building as Group E automatically
  2. Separating the occupancies with rated construction and treating each as its own occupancy Correct answer.
  3. Applying the most restrictive occupancy to the entire building
  4. Ignoring the day-care use because it is small

Explanation

Mixed occupancies may be handled either by applying the most restrictive requirements to the whole building or by separating the uses with fire-resistance-rated construction. The separated approach lets each portion follow its own occupancy rules.

Question 30Building Classification, Occupancy and Construction Types

A small retail store occupies the first floor of a two-story building, and the second floor holds business offices. Which combination of occupancy groups applies?

  1. Group A on the first floor and Group R on the second floor
  2. Group S on the first floor and Group E on the second floor
  3. Group B on the first floor and Group M on the second floor
  4. Group M on the first floor and Group B on the second floor Correct answer.

Explanation

Retail sale of merchandise is Group M mercantile, while office space for professional or administrative work is Group B business. Each floor is classified according to its actual use.

Question 31Building Classification, Occupancy and Construction Types

A building is classified as Type I construction. What does this classification primarily indicate about the structure?

  1. Its structural members provide the highest level of fire resistance. Correct answer.
  2. It has no fire-resistance requirements for structural elements.
  3. It relies on heavy timber columns and beams for support.
  4. It has combustible exterior walls of light wood.

Explanation

Type I fire-resistive construction requires structural members to be protected to achieve the highest fire-resistance ratings among the construction types. This allows tall buildings to resist severe fires and remain stable.

Question 32Building Classification, Occupancy and Construction Types

A building of Type V construction is being planned for a small assembly hall. Why does construction type matter when determining allowable height and area?

  1. Construction type has no relationship to allowable building size.
  2. More combustible construction generally permits larger and taller buildings.
  3. Less fire-resistive construction generally reduces allowable height and area. Correct answer.
  4. Construction type only affects interior finish colors.

Explanation

Construction types with less fire resistance, such as Type V, generally allow smaller and shorter buildings because they present greater fire spread risk. Allowable height and area tables reduce limits as fire resistance decreases.

Question 33Building Classification, Occupancy and Construction Types

An occupant load of 250 people is calculated for a small assembly room. For egress purposes, this occupant load is most directly used to determine which of the following?

  1. The color of exit signage
  2. The required number and width of exits Correct answer.
  3. The required fire flow from hydrants
  4. The building's property line setback

Explanation

Occupant load drives the required number and width of means of egress so that occupants can leave safely. Larger occupant loads require more or wider exits.

Question 34Building Classification, Occupancy and Construction Types

A small building is used to store hay and grain on a farm. Which occupancy group most appropriately applies?

  1. Group S, storage Correct answer.
  2. Group H, high hazard
  3. Group F, factory
  4. Group U, utility

Explanation

Storage of agricultural products such as hay and grain is generally Group S storage occupancy because the primary use is keeping goods. Factory and high-hazard groups involve processing or unusually dangerous materials.

Question 35Building Classification, Occupancy and Construction Types

A designer is deciding whether a building can be treated as a single occupancy or must be divided. Which factor most strongly influences how mixed uses are separated?

  1. The relative hazard and fire risk of each occupancy group Correct answer.
  2. The height of the building's landscaping
  3. The number of parking spaces provided
  4. The color scheme of the interior finishes

Explanation

Separation requirements for mixed occupancies depend on the hazard levels of the groups involved and the fire resistance of the separating construction. Higher-hazard uses generally require greater separation from lower-hazard uses.

Question 36Building Classification, Occupancy and Construction Types

A small building has exterior walls of masonry and a roof structure of unprotected steel. Interior columns are also unprotected steel. Which construction type is most consistent with this description?

  1. Type IV, heavy timber
  2. Type V, wood frame
  3. Type II, noncombustible Correct answer.
  4. Type I, fire-resistive

Explanation

Type II construction uses noncombustible materials for structural elements but does not require the high fire-resistance protection of Type I. Unprotected steel walls and framing fit this noncombustible but less protected category.

Question 37Building Classification, Occupancy and Construction Types

A building contains a storage area holding flammable liquids in quantities that exceed thresholds for ordinary storage. Which occupancy group should be considered?

  1. Group M mercantile occupancy
  2. Group S-1 moderate-hazard storage
  3. Group H high-hazard occupancy Correct answer.
  4. Group B business occupancy

Explanation

Quantities of flammable liquids beyond ordinary storage thresholds create a high-hazard condition classified as Group H. High-hazard occupancies carry stricter requirements because of explosion and rapid fire growth risk.

Question 38Building Classification, Occupancy and Construction Types

A building of Type III construction has a noncombustible exterior wall, but the interior floor framing is combustible. Which statement best explains the fire concern this hybrid creates?

  1. The noncombustible exterior guarantees the interior cannot burn.
  2. The combustible interior eliminates any need for fire separation.
  3. The combustible interior can contribute fuel while the exterior resists fire spread between buildings. Correct answer.
  4. The exterior wall type has no effect on fire spread between buildings.

Explanation

Type III pairs a fire-resistant exterior that limits exposure to neighboring buildings with a combustible interior that can add fuel to an internal fire. Designers must account for both the internal fuel load and the protection of adjacent property.

Question 39Building Classification, Occupancy and Construction Types

A small mercantile building is being evaluated for a change of use to a restaurant with seating. Why must the occupancy classification be reconsidered during a change of use?

  1. Only the exterior paint color must be updated.
  2. The new use may fall into a different group with different egress and fire protection requirements. Correct answer.
  3. Occupancy classification never changes once a building is built.
  4. The building automatically becomes Group U after any change.

Explanation

A change of use can move a building into a different occupancy group, which may trigger new requirements for egress, fire protection, and construction. The code requires evaluation to ensure the new use is safe under the applicable rules.

Question 40Building Classification, Occupancy and Construction Types

Which occupancy group most appropriately covers a small building used as a private garage for parking passenger vehicles?

  1. Group S-2, low-hazard storage Correct answer.
  2. Group I, institutional
  3. Group E, educational
  4. Group A, assembly

Explanation

Parking garages for passenger vehicles are typically classified as Group S-2 low-hazard storage because vehicles are stored and the hazard is relatively low. This group also covers other low-hazard storage uses.

Question 41Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Life Safety Systems

Under the Ontario Building Code, a small building is generally classified as Group C when its occupancy is which of the following?

  1. A floor area used for the display of merchandise
  2. A suite of rooms used for sleeping accommodation
  3. A room used for the assembly of persons
  4. A dwelling unit used as a single housekeeping unit Correct answer.

Explanation

Group C covers residential occupancies, and a single housekeeping unit such as a dwelling unit is the classic Group C use. Retail display areas fall under Group E, while assembly rooms fall under Group A. Sleeping suites such as hotels or dormitories are treated as Group C only in specific limited cases, not as the general rule.

Question 42Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Life Safety Systems

What is the primary purpose of a fire separation in a small building?

  1. To extinguish a fire before the sprinkler activates
  2. To detect smoke and sound an alarm
  3. To provide a fresh air supply to exit stairs
  4. To delay the spread of fire between adjoining spaces Correct answer.

Explanation

A fire separation is a construction assembly that resists the passage of fire for a stated period, thereby limiting fire spread between spaces and buying time for evacuation. It does not extinguish fires, supply air, or detect smoke; those functions belong to suppression, ventilation, and detection systems.

Question 43Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Life Safety Systems

In a small building, the required number of exits from a floor area is determined primarily by which factor?

  1. The number of plumbing fixtures
  2. The occupant load and travel distance Correct answer.
  3. The building's construction type only
  4. The height of the ceiling

Explanation

Exit requirements are driven by occupant load, travel distance to an exit, and whether a single exit is permitted for the space. Construction type affects the overall fire protection level but does not by itself set the number of exits. Fixtures and ceiling height are unrelated to egress capacity.

Question 44Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Life Safety Systems

Which device is required to warn occupants of a fire in a small building equipped with a fire alarm system?

  1. A backflow preventer
  2. A fire alarm audible signal device Correct answer.
  3. A sprinkler flow switch
  4. A manual pull station

Explanation

The audible signal device is what actually alerts occupants, and the code requires it to be audible throughout the occupied space. A manual pull station lets a person initiate the alarm but does not itself warn occupants. A flow switch and a backflow preventer are part of sprinkler and water supply piping, not occupant notification.

Question 45Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Life Safety Systems

A portable fire extinguisher in a small building should be selected and located so that which condition is met?

  1. It is placed only in the basement
  2. It matches the class of fire expected and is within the required travel distance Correct answer.
  3. It is mounted above head height for visibility
  4. It is stored in a locked cabinet to prevent theft

Explanation

Extinguishers must suit the class of fire anticipated in the area and be located so that travel distance to reach one stays within the code limit. Locking them away, restricting them to one level, or mounting them too high would all hinder prompt use.

Question 46Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Life Safety Systems

What does a fire-resistance rating of a building assembly represent?

  1. The flame spread index of the finish
  2. The temperature at which the assembly ignites
  3. The smoke developed classification of the material
  4. The time in hours the assembly resists fire under a standard test Correct answer.

Explanation

A fire-resistance rating expresses, in hours or fractions of an hour, how long an assembly maintains its fire-integrity and insulation under the standard fire test. Flame spread and smoke developed are surface burning characteristics of finishes, not ratings of a complete assembly. Ignition temperature is a material property unrelated to the rating.

Question 47Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Life Safety Systems

In a small building, an exit sign is generally required to be installed at which location?

  1. Only inside the elevator cab
  2. Only at the main entrance
  3. At each exit door and along the path to it Correct answer.
  4. Only in the boiler room

Explanation

Exit signs must identify exit doors and be visible along the route of travel so occupants can find their way out. Signs limited to an elevator cab, a boiler room, or the main entrance would not guide occupants from remote areas of the building.

Question 48Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Life Safety Systems

Which condition must an exit stairway in a small building satisfy to be considered a protected exit?

  1. It is open to the adjacent corridor on all sides
  2. It is finished with combustible paneling
  3. It is enclosed with fire separations and has self-closing doors Correct answer.
  4. It is shared with a storage closet

Explanation

A protected exit stair must be separated from the rest of the building by fire separations and fitted with doors that close themselves to keep smoke out. Leaving the stair open to the corridor, lining it with combustible finishes, or using it for storage would compromise its protective function.

Question 49Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Life Safety Systems

A small two-storey building has a floor area with an occupant load of 60 on the second floor and only one exit stair. What does the code generally require regarding the number of exits?

  1. The occupant load can be reduced by posting a sign
  2. One exit remains acceptable because the building is small
  3. The exit may be replaced by a window
  4. A second means of egress is required because the occupant load exceeds the single-exit limit Correct answer.

Explanation

Single-exit allowances are capped by occupant load and building height, and a second-floor load of 60 typically exceeds the limit for one exit. Building size alone does not create an exemption, and a window or a posted sign cannot substitute for a required second means of egress.

Question 50Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Life Safety Systems

A corridor in a small building serves an occupant load of 40. What is the minimum required width of the corridor based on egress capacity?

  1. Any width is acceptable if the corridor is short
  2. The width is set only by the door width
  3. The width must accommodate the occupant load at the code capacity rate and not be less than the minimum clear width Correct answer.
  4. The width may be reduced if the floor is carpeted

Explanation

Corridor width must provide enough capacity for the occupant load served, calculated at the code's capacity rate per person, and must also meet the minimum clear width. Short length, carpeting, or door width alone does not justify a narrower corridor.