Fire Inspector

1. The majority of local building codes are based on

model codes

review plans

local standards

federal requirements developed by third-party organizations.

2. There are several basic building elements that are found in every structure including a structural frame and:

wall coverings.

load-bearing walls.

heavy-timber walls.

precast concrete floors.

3. Type I structures are composed of only materials.

wood

natural

combustible

noncombustible

4. What makes wood trusses appealing in Type V structures?

They are noncombustible.

They reduce structural redundancy.

They are extremely heavy and provide more stability.

They can support large loads over relatively large spans.

5. Why is it important for an inspector to monitor the amount of wood trim or wall coverings in a Type I structure?

Owners/occupants perceive these items as fireproof.

These items do not impact the fire-resistance rating.

Type I structures are not allowed to have these types of materials present.

Owners may install greater amounts of these materials than is allowed by local code exceptions.

6. What are some of the elements an inspector should look out for in a structure that has been converted from a warehouse to apartments?

New owners and occupants

Amended insurance ratings

The storage capacity of the new building

Fire protection systems, exit signage, emergency lighting

7. Why do educational occupancies present significant challenges for inspectors?

Risk of fire is very high

Architectural design of the building

Facilities are used for a wide variety of activities

Cannot perform inspections during school hours

8. Wood I-joists are efficient and light, but they are:

difficult to find.

very expensive.

susceptible to fire damage.

very complicated to install.

9. Interior building elements in Type IV construction:

There are no voids under the floors.

Interior building elements are noncombustible.

The structural elements used in construction are stronger than in the other construction types.

The structural elements form an insulating effect that reduce heat penetration to the inside of the beam.

y are Type IV structures more resistant to collapse than other construction types?

10. Why is it important for inspectors to keep specific, official records about apartment buildings?

Because the occupants change so often

Inspectors do not inspect apartment buildings

To ensure consistency between building owners

Each apartment building presents a unique set of problems

11. Which construction type is the strictest in terms of the amount of combustible materials allowed?

Type I

Type II

Type IV

Type V

12. The National Building Code of Canada (NBC) defines three types of building construction:

Type A, Type B, and Type C.

Type I, Type II, and Type HI.

Combustible, noncombustible, and heavy-timber.

Combustible, noncombustible, and prefabricated.

13. What is a typical Type V structure?

Schools

Churches

Single-family dwelling

Apai talent complexes

14. An inspector should evaluate factory/industrial structures based upon those requirements that pertain to the

ructure's:

primary use.

construction.

occupant limit.

fire protection systems.

15. A is an example of a common Type III structure.

barn

mercantile structure

government building

single-family residence

16. Model code organizations have developed classifications that separate each occupancy into risk categories based upon:

the fuel load.

the cost to rebuild after a fire.

the use of the structure or space.

response time of the closest fire department.

17. What conditions contribute to the high fire load of mercantile occupancies?

The number of available points of egress

No specific conditions contribute to the fire load

The arrangement of merchandise on display and in storage

The fire protection and suppression system installed in the building

18. Why were occupancy loads established?

To determine the cost of new construction

To determine the amount of materials needed in construction

To provide an accurate limit to the number of people who can legally occupy a structure

To provide building officials with a reasonable expectation of the hazard level of a structure

19. What determines the occupancy classification of a one- or two-family dwelling?

Degree of fire safety in place

Number of people in residence

Degree of fire separation of units

Number of available points of egress

Chapter 4

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