*Life Safety Elements, Codes, & Standards

Question 1

Define the common path

Answer 1

The part of the exit access path before two separate paths to two different exits becomes available — like a fork in the road. The common path of egress travel distance is based on the occupancy type.

*Most occupancies limit the common path of egress travel distance to 75 feet. Some occupancies increase that distance to 100 feet if the building is sprinklered.

Question 2

Define Travel Distance

Answer 2

it’s the distance an occupant must travel from the most remote point of the exit access to the nearest exit. Again, the distance is based on occupancy type and whether the building is sprinklered

Question 3

What determines the number and arrangement of exits?

Answer 3

1.) Occupancy type
2. ) occupancy load of the space itself
3.) limitations on travel distance

Question 4

When two exits are required in a space they must be located how far apart?

Answer 4

they must be located at a distance not less than 1/2 the length of the diagonal dimension of the room

EX. if the diagonal distance of the room is 100 feet, the exits must be at least 50 feet apart. if the building is sprinklered you can reduce the distance by 1/3.

Question 5

How do you figure the minimum exit width?

Answer 5

Figure the minimum exit width dimensions by multiplying the occupant load by:

• 0.3 per occupant in stairways
• 0.3 per occupant in other egress components like corridors

Question 6

What is ASTM 84

Answer 6

Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials

Question 7

What is ASTM E662

Answer 7

Standard Test Method for Specific Optical Density of Smoke Generated by Solid Materials.

This is different than testing for smoke toxicity; this tests for density.

Question 8

What is NFPA 253

Answer 8

Standard Method of Test for Critical Radiant Flux of Floor Covering Systems Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source

Question 9

What is ASTM D2859

Answer 9

Standard Test Method for Ignition Characteristics of Finished Textile Floor Covering Materials, also known as the Methenamine pill test

Question 10

What is the NFPA 701

Answer 10

Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films

Question 11

Glazing in fire rated partitions, doors or sidelights may not exceed how many sq in/cm²:

Answer 11

100 sq in

Question 12

What attributes does the BIFMA e3, Furniture Sustainability Standard consider when addressing sustainability?

Answer 12

material utilization, energy impacts, ecosystem health, social responsibility.

certification program called LEVEL.

Question 13

The Greenguard Environmental Institute follows ASTM Standards D5116 and D6670 primarily for what purpose?

Answer 13

to identify the required emissions levels of products before certification by the organization.

Question 14

Fire extinguishers must be no more than how many feet/meters from the furthest occupant?

Answer 14

75’

Question 15

Section 1203 of the 2018 IBC/International Building Codes deals with what important aspect of the Interior Environments?

Answer 15

It states that in all but Use Groups F, H S or U, interior spaces associated with human comfort must be provided with space heating.

Question 16

What is IECC and ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1

Answer 16

require lighting power density (LPD) calculations. This applies to:

Lighting powered by a building’s electrical service – can include interior, exterior and site lighting

Nonresidential buildings greater than three stories, includes multi-family residential buildings

Applies to new construction and major renovation, tenant fit-outs of existing buildings, additions to buildings, and retrofits of existing lighting systems

Question 17

What is ISO?

Answer 17

ISO (International Standards Organization) is an independent, non-governmental international organization with a membership of 164 national standards bodies.

Question 18

What is ASHRAE 62

Answer 18

is the specific standard for ventilation for ensuring acceptable indoor air quality (IAQ).

Question 19

What attributes does the BIFMA e3, Furniture Sustainability Standard consider when addressing sustainability?

Answer 19

material utilization, energy impacts, ecosystem health, social responsibility.

Question 20

Glazing in fire rated partitions, doors or sidelights may not exceed how many sq in/cm²:

Answer 20

100 sq in (610 cm²)

Question 21

What distinguishes BIFMA e3 Furniture Sustainability Standard from BIFMA’s LEVEL Certified program?

Answer 21

BIFMA e3, titled “Furniture Sustainability Standard,” is the standard developed in conjunction with NSF, a standards organization that focuses on food, water, indoor air, consumer products, and the environment; it is directly connected to BIFMA’s product certification program called LEVEL.

Question 22

Within what is the distance are GFCI receptacles is to be placed from a sink/water source?

Answer 22

All receptacles serving a countertop shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel, and all receptacles within 6ft, or 72″ (1.8 m) from the top inside edge of the bowl of a sink.