Fire-Inspector-II Exam Dumps - 67 - Fire Inspector II Exam

The interior finish requirements for walls and ceilings in an atrium are regulated under the 2021 International Building Code (IBC), Section 404 – Atriums, and Table 803.11 – Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish Requirements.

IBC Section 404.8 – Interior Finish in Atriums:

"The interior finish of walls and ceilings in an atrium shall be not less than Class A."

Class A interior finishes have the highest level of fire resistance and low flame spread to minimize fire hazards in large open spaces like atriums.

Class A Interior Finish Ratings (Per ASTM E84 and NFPA 286):

Flame Spread Index: 0 – 25

Smoke Developed Index: 0 – 450

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

B. Class B – Less fire-resistant than Class A, not permitted for atriums.

C. Class C – Provides even lower fire protection, making it unsuitable.

D. Class D – Not recognized as an acceptable interior finish classification for atriums.

Flammable Liquid Storage Limits in Control Areas

According to the International Fire Code (IFC) 2021, Section 5003.1.1 and Table 5003.1.1(1), the allowable quantity of flammable liquids stored in a control area can be doubled if the building is equipped with an automatic sprinkler system that complies with NFPA 13.

2. Why Automatic Sprinklers Allow Increased Storage

A sprinkler system significantly reduces fire risk by suppressing flames early, thus allowing greater quantities of hazardous materials to be safely stored.

IFC and NFPA 30 (Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code) specify that sprinkler-protected buildings can have up to twice the standard storage limits.

3. Verification of Other Options

Option A (permission is granted by the chief) – Incorrect, as storage limits are regulated by the fire code, not discretionary approval from the fire chief.

Option B (the control area exceeds 50,000 sq. ft.) – Incorrect, as floor area does not automatically allow for increased storage unless fire protection systems are in place.

Option D (the control area is provided with exhaust ventilation) – Incorrect, because ventilation is required for hazardous material control but does not impact storage limits like sprinklers do.

Reference Sources:

International Fire Code (IFC) 2021 – Section 5003.1.1 & Table 5003.1.1(1) (Control Area Storage Limits for Flammable Liquids)

NFPA 30: Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code (Sprinkler-Adjusted Storage Quantities)

ICC Fire Inspector II Study Guide (2021)

Thus, the correct and verified answer is: C. the building is protected with automatic sprinklers. ✅

ï‚· Reference to Automatic Sprinkler Requirements:

The International Fire Code (IFC 2021), Section 903.2.11.1 and NFPA 13 (Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems) regulate when sprinkler systems are required based on ventilation and fire spread potential.

A building with only one exterior wall providing openings creates a fire trap, increasing the need for automatic sprinklers.

ï‚· Determining the Required Distance:

IFC 903.2.11.1 states that when the wall opposite the provided openings is more than 100 feet away, an automatic sprinkler system must be installed to ensure proper fire suppression.

ï‚· Clarification of Incorrect Answer Choices:

A. 50 ft. → Incorrect

Sprinklers are not necessarily required at this distance because natural ventilation is still effective.

B. 75 ft. → Incorrect

This distance still allows some natural ventilation, making sprinklers optional rather than mandatory.

D. 150 ft. → Incorrect

Sprinklers are required once the distance exceeds 100 feet, so waiting until 150 feet would not meet code requirements.

ï‚· Conclusion:

The correct and verified answer is C (100 feet) based on IFC 903.2.11.1 and NFPA 13, ensuring fire safety in office buildings with limited exterior openings.

Smoke alarm requirements for individual guest rooms in hotels are specified in the 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) Section 907.2.11.3 and NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code).

IFC 907.2.11.3 – Smoke Alarms in Group R-1 Occupancies (Hotels and Motels):

Requires smoke alarms in sleeping areas to be interconnected so that when one alarm is activated, it will trigger all alarms within the guest room or suite.

This ensures that occupants in different areas of the same guest room are alerted simultaneously to fire hazards.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

A. Their batteries must be checked every six months.

The IFC and NFPA 72 require smoke alarm batteries to be checked, but they do not mandate a six-month inspection schedule.

B. They must automatically sound a fire alarm throughout the hotel.

Smoke alarms within an individual guest room do not have to activate the entire hotel’s fire alarm system.

C. They must initiate an automatic fire suppression or sprinkler system.

Smoke alarms are designed for early detection and warning, not for activating fire suppression systems.

✅ Correct Answer: D. They must be interconnected so that one alarm will activate all alarms within the guest rooms.

ï‚· Reference to ICC Fire Code Regulations:

According to the International Fire Code (IFC) Section 308.1.5 (2021 Edition), the use of open-flame devices, including candles, is prohibited in dormitories, sleeping rooms, and similar occupancies unless specifically approved by the fire code official.

The regulation exists to prevent fire hazards in areas with high occupant density and potentially limited egress routes.

ï‚· Fire Safety Concerns in Dormitories:

Dormitories typically contain highly combustible materials such as bedding, curtains, and furniture, making them susceptible to rapid fire spread.

The presence of multiple residents in a shared living space increases the risk of fire-related casualties.

Even in sprinklered buildings, candles pose an unnecessary ignition risk that could endanger occupants before the activation of fire suppression systems.

ï‚· Clarification of Incorrect Answer Choices:

B. may be used in a sprinklered dormitory → Incorrect

While fire sprinklers help control fires, they do not prevent ignition, and the prohibition still applies regardless of sprinkler systems.

C. must be kept a minimum of 12 inches from combustibles → Incorrect

This rule applies to general open-flame devices in some circumstances but does not override the outright ban on candles in dormitories.

D. must be kept a minimum of 36 inches from combustibles → Incorrect

Similar to option C, maintaining a distance from combustibles does not exempt candles from being prohibited in dormitory settings.

ï‚· Conclusion:

The correct and verified answer is A (Candles may not be used) based on the International Fire Code (IFC) Section 308.1.5, ensuring fire safety compliance in dormitory settings.