Washington Code Flashcards
1
Q
What is the authority under which the International Mechanical Code is adopted?
A
Chapter 19.27 RCW
This chapter establishes the framework for the adoption of building codes in Washington State.
2
Q
What is the purpose of the Washington State Building Code Council?
A
To maintain the State Building Code consistent with the provisions of RCW 19.27.020
This includes regular reviews and amendments of the codes.
3
Q
Which version of the International Mechanical Code was adopted in Washington State?
A
2018 edition
This adoption includes exceptions noted in the Washington Administrative Code.
4
Q
What is the effective date of the International Mechanical Code in Washington State?
A
July 1, 2020
This date marks when the adopted code goes into effect across the state.
5
Q
What document supersedes Chapter 51-42 WAC?
A
Chapter 51-52 WAC
This indicates a change in the mechanical code regulations.
6
Q
What is the order of precedence among the documents adopted as parts of the State Building Code?
A
- International Building Code
- International Residential Code
- International Mechanical Code
- International Fire Code
- Uniform Plumbing Code
The order indicates which codes take precedence in case of conflicts.
7
Q
Where do local jurisdictions derive their authority to enforce the State Building Code?
A
From the State Building Code Act
Local jurisdictions can also contract with other agencies for enforcement.
8
Q
What fees are imposed on residential and commercial building permits in Washington State?
A
- $6.50 for each residential permit
- $25.00 for each commercial building permit
- $2.00 per unit for each additional dwelling unit
These fees support the activities of the State Building Code Council.
9
Q
True or False: Local amendments to the State Building Code can reduce minimum performance standards.
A
False
Local amendments must not reduce the established minimum performance standards.
10
Q
What types of amendments are prohibited for local jurisdictions?
A
- Residential provisions of the State Energy Code
- Provisions affecting accessibility in International Building Code
- Standards in Chapters 19.27 and 19.27A WAC
These prohibitions ensure consistency and safety standards across the state.
11
Q
What is the definition of a multi-family residential building according to the State Building Code?
A
Common wall residential buildings that consist of four or fewer units, do not exceed two stories in height, are less than 5,000 square feet, and have a one-hour fire-resistive occupancy separation
This definition is crucial for understanding building code applications related to residential construction.
12
Q
Fill in the blank: The provisions of the International Mechanical Code do not apply to _______.
A
temporary growing structures
Temporary growing structures are defined as not being buildings for the purposes of this code.
13
Q
What is the role of the State Building Code Council regarding local amendments?
A
Review and approval of amendments affecting residential construction
Local amendments must be reviewed and approved before enforcement.
14
Q
What is the significance of WAC 51-52-004?
A
It addresses conflicts between the International Mechanical Code and the State Energy Code
This section clarifies which provisions govern in case of conflict.
15
Q
What is required for a local jurisdiction to propose amendments to the State Building Code?
A
Proposals must be made on forms provided by the Building Code Council
This ensures standardized submission and review processes.
16
Q
What is indicated by a double line in the margin next to revised portions of the model code?
A
Amendments to the model code
This visual indicator helps users identify changes easily.
17
Q
What is a ‘temporary growing structure’?
A
A structure with sides and roof covered with flexible synthetic material used for frost protection or increased heat retention
Not considered a building for code purposes.
18
Q
When did the International Mechanical Code become effective in Washington State?
A
July 1, 2020.
19
Q
What does the code regulate in terms of mechanical systems?
A
Design, installation, maintenance, alteration, and inspection of permanently installed mechanical systems.
20
Q
What are the exceptions for detached one- and two-family dwellings regarding this code?
A
They shall comply with the International Residential Code.
21
Q
What edition of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code is referenced?
A
2014 Edition of NFPA 58.
22
Q
Define ‘balanced whole house ventilation’.
A
Any combination of concurrently operating mechanical exhaust and supply where total exhaust airflow rate is within 10 percent or 5 cfm of total supply airflow rate.
23
Q
What characterizes a ‘distributed whole house ventilation’ system?
A
Supplies outdoor air directly to each habitable space and exhausts air from all kitchens and bathrooms directly outside.
24
Q
What is ‘local exhaust’?
A
An exhaust system using fans to exhaust air from specific rooms within a residential dwelling.
25
What is considered 'permanent construction'?
Construction that, if removed, would disturb the structural integrity or fire-resistance rating of a building assembly.
26
What is 'relief air'?
Exhausted return air from a system providing ventilation for human usage.
27
What is 'replacement air'?
Outdoor air used to replace air removed from a building through an exhaust system.
28
What must be provided for equipment on roofs over 16 feet high?
An interior or exterior means of access.
29
What is the minimum dimension for clear and unobstructed bottom landing area for ladders?
30 inches by 30 inches.
30
What is required for appliances located above ceilings?
Ready access for inspection, service, and repair without removing permanent construction.
31
What must be installed for ductless mini-split systems that produce condensate?
An inline check valve located in the drain line, a trap, or other means of condensate drainage.
32
What ventilation is required for Group R occupancies?
Ventilation shall be provided continuously or intermittently.
33
What is the minimum distance for air intake openings from lot lines?
Not less than 10 feet.
34
What is the required airflow rate for outdoor air in ventilation systems?
Determined in accordance with Section 403.3.
35
Fill in the blank: A whole house ventilation system is a mechanical ventilation system that ______.
replaces air from habitable rooms with outdoor air.
36
True or False: Ventilation in all other occupancies can be provided by natural means.
True.
37
What is the minimum outdoor airflow rate determined in accordance with?
Section 403.3
## Footnote
This section specifies the criteria for calculating the required outdoor airflow rate.
38
What type of systems are permitted as exceptions for outdoor air requirements?
Engineered ventilation system designs and systems designed in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 62.1 Section 6.2
## Footnote
These exceptions allow for variations in the minimum outdoor air rates based on specific designs.
39
Is recirculation of air allowed according to Section 403.2.1?
No, except for air in excess of that required by Section 403.3
## Footnote
Specific conditions apply to the recirculation of air from certain spaces.
40
What is the requirement for ventilation air in swimming pool areas?
Shall not be recirculated unless dehumidified to maintain relative humidity at 60% or less
## Footnote
This regulation ensures proper air quality in pool environments.
41
What is the outdoor airflow rate for Group R occupancies based on?
Section 403.4
## Footnote
This section outlines outdoor air and local exhaust requirements for residential occupancies.
42
What are the design requirements for ventilation systems regarding occupant load?
Shall not be less than the number determined from the estimated maximum occupant load rate indicated in Table 403.3.1.1
## Footnote
This ensures adequate ventilation based on expected occupancy.
43
What is the ventilation system design requirement for smoking lounges?
Ventilation rates must provide ventilation over and above that required by Table 403.3.1.1
## Footnote
This is necessary to account for the additional pollutants from smoking.
44
Fill in the blank: The design outdoor air intake flow (Vot) shall be determined in accordance with _______.
Equation 4-8
## Footnote
This equation calculates the necessary outdoor air intake based on system efficiency.
45
What is the minimum outdoor airflow rate for a dwelling unit according to Equation 4-10?
Qr = 0.01*Afloor + 7.5*(Nbr + 1)
## Footnote
This formula calculates airflow based on floor area and number of bedrooms.
46
What must be provided in buildings used for the repair of automobiles?
Each repair stall shall be equipped with an exhaust extension duct
## Footnote
This ensures proper ventilation and removal of exhaust gases.
47
What is the requirement for mechanical ventilation in healthcare facilities?
Shall be designed and installed in accordance with this code and Washington Administrative Code provisions
## Footnote
Specific codes apply to different types of healthcare facilities.
48
True or False: Recirculation of air is allowed from one dwelling to another.
False
## Footnote
This prevents contamination between different living spaces.
49
What is the maximum relative humidity allowed for recirculated air in swimming pool areas?
60 percent
## Footnote
Maintaining this level helps to control condensation and air quality.
50
What is the occupant diversity ratio (D) used for?
To account for variations in population within the ventilation zones served by the system
## Footnote
This ratio impacts the calculation of outdoor air intake.
51
What is the significance of the system ventilation efficiency (Ev)?
Determines how effectively the ventilation system delivers outdoor air
## Footnote
Important for ensuring adequate air quality and system performance.
52
Fill in the blank: The minimum primary airflow for each zone shall be determined in accordance with _______.
Equation 4-7
## Footnote
This equation establishes minimum airflow requirements based on outdoor air intake.
53
What does Table 403.4.2 outline?
Whole house mechanical ventilation airflow rates based on floor area and number of bedrooms
## Footnote
This table provides specific airflow requirements for residential units.
54
What is the minimum airflow (Qr) set for each dwelling unit?
Not less than 30 cfm
## Footnote
This ensures basic ventilation needs are met for residential units.
55
What is the minimum outdoor airflow rate for sports and amusement areas?
20 CFM/person
## Footnote
Applies to disco/dance floors
56
What is the occupant density for bowling alleys (seating areas)?
40 people/100 ft²
## Footnote
Refers to the number of people per 100 square feet of area
57
What is the outdoor airflow rate in the breathing zone for game arcades?
7.5 CFM/person
## Footnote
Indicates the amount of outdoor air supplied per person
58
What is the required exhaust airflow rate for swimming pools?
0.48 CFM/ft²
## Footnote
Applies to both pool and deck area
59
What is the minimum ventilation rate for a health club/aerobics room?
40 people/100 ft²
## Footnote
This rate is for the occupant density
60
What is the required exhaust airflow rate for repair garages?
0.75 CFM/ft²
## Footnote
Applies to enclosed parking garages
61
What is the minimum ventilation rate for bank vaults/safe deposit workrooms?
5 people/100 ft²
## Footnote
Specifies the occupant density
62
What is the outdoor airflow rate in the breathing zone for pharmacies (prep area)?
5 CFM/person
## Footnote
Indicates the amount of outdoor air supplied per person
63
True or False: Recirculation of air is allowed in spaces with mechanical exhaust.
False
## Footnote
Recirculation is prohibited except under specific conditions
64
Fill in the blank: The whole house ventilation system must operate continuously at the minimum ventilation rate determined in accordance with Section _______.
403.4.2
## Footnote
Refers to the specific section outlining ventilation rates
65
What are the controls required for whole house ventilation systems?
Manual switches, timers, or other automatic operation means
## Footnote
Must allow manual override during poor outdoor air quality
66
What is the system coefficient for a balanced whole house ventilation system?
1.0
## Footnote
Indicates the efficiency of the system
67
What is the maximum sound rating for whole house ventilation supply and exhaust fans?
1.0 sone
## Footnote
Refers to the sound level at design airflow and static pressure conditions
68
What type of ventilation is required for nail salons regarding manicure and pedicure stations?
Source capture system capable of exhausting not less than 50 cfm per station
## Footnote
Exhaust inlets must meet specific location requirements
69
What is the minimum ventilation airflow rate for residential dwelling units in Group R-2?
Balanced whole house ventilation system required
## Footnote
Must include supply and exhaust fans
70
What is the required outdoor air filter Minimum Efficiency Rating Value (MERV) for supply fans?
At least 8
## Footnote
Ensures adequate filtration of outdoor air
71
What is the factor for ventilation system run-time at 75% in each 4-hour segment?
1.3
## Footnote
Used to calculate intermittent off operation rates
72
What is the minimum required exhaust airflow rate for photocopy and printing rooms?
0.5 CFM/ft²
## Footnote
Indicates the ventilation needs for these specific workspaces
73
What is the airflow adjustment equation for quality-adjusted ventilation?
Qv = Qr * Csystem
## Footnote
Qv is the quality-adjusted rate, Qr is the base rate, Csystem is the system coefficient
74
What must be done if combustion equipment is used on the playing surface?
Additional dilution ventilation and/or source control must be provided
## Footnote
Ensures safety and air quality in these areas
75
What is the minimum required airflow testing for mechanical ventilation systems?
Testing shall be performed according to the manufacturer's instructions or using airflow measuring devices at ventilation fan terminals or ducts.
76
Who may conduct the testing of mechanical ventilation systems?
An approved third party as required by the building official.
77
What must be included in the written report of the mechanical ventilation test results?
The report must be signed by the testing party and provided to the building official, and posted in the residential unit.
78
Where should the permanent certificate for mechanical ventilation be posted?
On a wall in the space where the furnace is located, a utility room, or an approved location inside the building.
79
What information must the certificate for mechanical ventilation systems include?
The flow rate determined from the delivered airflow and the type of mechanical whole house ventilation system used.
80
What are the local exhaust requirements for bathrooms and kitchens?
They must include a local exhaust system with a capacity to exhaust the minimum airflow rate as per the relevant tables.
81
What types of controls are required for local exhaust fans?
Controls for manual override, automatic occupancy sensor, humidity sensor, or pollutant sensor controls.
82
What is the minimum intermittent exhaust rate for kitchens?
100 cfm.
83
What is the minimum continuous exhaust rate for bathrooms?
20 cfm.
84
What standards must local exhaust fans meet?
They must be tested and rated in accordance with HVI 915, HVI 916, and HVI 920.
85
What is an exception to the exhaust fan rating requirements?
Range hoods or down draft exhaust fans used for local exhaust in kitchens are not required to be rated per these standards.
86
What is the minimum exhaust airflow required by Table 403.4.4?
The airflow must meet the requirements as tested and verified to be not less than the minimum required.
87
What is the required distance for exhaust outlets discharging explosive vapors from property lines?
30 feet (9144 mm).
88
What is the required height for exhaust outlets above adjoining grade?
10 feet (3048 mm).
89
What type of air supply is required if mechanical exhaust exceeds mechanical ventilation in a room?
Adequate makeup air consisting of supply air, transfer air, or outdoor air.
90
What is the requirement for dryer exhaust ducts?
They must terminate outside the building and be equipped with a backdraft damper.
91
What is prohibited in common multistory duct systems for clothes dryers?
Dampers in the exhaust duct.
92
What materials are acceptable for domestic range hood exhaust ducts?
Galvanized steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or copper.
93
Fill in the blank: Clothes dryer exhaust ducts shall not be connected to a _______.
[vent connector, vent or chimney]
94
What is the maximum distance between cleanouts on horizontal grease ducts?
20 feet (6096 mm).
95
What is the minimum size for grease duct cleanout openings?
12 inches by 12 inches (305 mm by 305 mm).
96
What type of ductwork is required for common multistory duct systems?
Rigid metal ductwork constructed of sheet steel with a minimum thickness of 0.0187 inch.
97
What must be provided for the exhaust system when dryers are not operating?
Makeup air to maintain minimum flow for the exhaust fan.
98
What is the requirement for the exhaust fan motor in common multistory duct systems?
It must be located outside of the airstream.
99
What is the minimum size requirement for cleanout openings in grease ducts?
Not less than 1 1/2 inches (38 mm) from all outside edges of the duct or welded seams.
100
Where should grease duct vertical cleanouts be provided?
At each floor where ducts pass vertically through floors.
101
What is required for grease duct enclosures serving a Type I hood?
Enclosed from the point of penetration to the outlet terminal.
102
What is the fire-resistance rating requirement for duct enclosures?
Not less than 1 hour but need not exceed 2 hours.
103
True or False: Fire dampers and smoke dampers can be installed in grease ducts.
False.
104
What type of hood is required for domestic cooking appliances used for commercial purposes?
Type I, Type II, or residential hoods as required.
105
What type of cooking requires a Type I hood in a church setting?
Roasting, pan frying, and deep frying.
106
What is the required hood for boiling, steaming, and warming precooked food in a dormitory?
Type II hood.
107
Fill in the blank: Domestic cooking appliances utilized for domestic purposes shall comply with Section _______.
505.
108
What is the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) for particulate matter filters in ducted air handlers?
Not less than 6.
109
What is the exception for smoke detectors in return air systems?
Not required where all portions of the building are protected by area smoke detectors.
110
What type of air systems shall be limited to uninhabited crawl spaces and areas above a ceiling?
Supply, return, exhaust, relief, and ventilation air plenums.
111
What should be installed upstream from any heat exchanger or coil in heating and air-conditioning systems?
Approved air filters.
112
True or False: Gypsum boards can be used for air ducts in all occupancy types.
False.
113
What should be the minimum insulation under pavements for snow melt systems?
R-10 insulation for slab-on-grade or R-5 insulation at slab edges.
114
What is the minimum required emergency ventilation rate for ammonia systems?
30 air changes per hour.
115
What is the purpose of smoke detectors in return air systems with a design capacity greater than 2,000 cfm?
To enhance fire safety and ensure air quality.
116
Fill in the blank: Waste or linen chutes shall be _______ vented per NFPA 82.
gravity.
117
What is required for corridors serving Group R occupancies in high-rise buildings?
Equipped with smoke detectors and smoke/fire dampers.
118
What is the exception for corridors serving Group R occupancies in high-rise buildings regarding smoke detection?
Not required if air is returned to the supply fan from the corridor.
119
What is required for the installation of radiant piping in slab-on-grade applications?
Insulating materials installed beneath the piping as required by the Washington State Energy Code.
120
What must be installed at connections to expansion tanks?
Shutoff valves.
121
What must be provided for an expansion tank downstream of the shutoff valve?
A method of draining the expansion tank.
122
What construction requirements are specified for rooftop-mounted solar thermal collectors?
The roof must support the loads imposed by the collectors and attachments must be made of noncombustible materials or fire-retardant-treated wood.
123
Which ASHRAE standard is referenced for laboratory methods of testing fans?
ANSI/ASHRAE 51-07.
124
What is the title of ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2016?
Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality.
125
True or False: The 2015 International Fuel Gas Code applies to all types of residential buildings.
False.
126
What exceptions are noted for the application of the International Fuel Gas Code?
Detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings not more than three stories high.
127
Fill in the blank: The standards for liquefied petroleum gas installations shall be the 2017 Edition of _______.
[NFPA 58 (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code)].
128
What must be constructed to the extent required for the type of roof construction of the building regarding solar collectors?
The collector array, mounting systems, and their attachments.
129
What is the standard reference number for the procedure for loudness testing of residential fan products?
HVI 915-2015.
130
What is the effective date of the Washington State Amendments?
July 1, 2020.
131
What does WAC 51-52-21000 pertain to?
International Fuel Gas Code.
132
What is the title of ASHRAE Standard 170-2017?
Ventilation for Health Care Facilities.
133
What is required for the construction of the roof under which solar thermal collectors are mounted?
Support the loads imposed by roof-mounted solar collectors.
134
What is the title of ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2016?
Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings.
135
What does HVI stand for?
Home Ventilating Institute.
136
True or False: The 2018 Edition of ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54 is relevant for liquefied petroleum gas installations.
True.
137
