Fire Safety Chapter 7 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Which of the following contribute to large loss-of-life fires? (Select all that apply)

Adequate fire protection systems

Inaccessible exits (correct)

Improperly designed exits (correct)

Locked or blocked exit doors (correct)

What are the three basic elements of a means of egress system?

The exit access, the exit, the exit discharge

Define 'Means of Egress'.

Safe, continuous path of travel from any point in a structure to a public way.

What subsystems does a means of egress rely on?

Automatic sprinklers, fire-resistant construction, exit signs, door hardware, exit illumination, handrails Signup and view all the answers

What is a Public Way?

Parcel of land such as a street or sidewalk used by the public for movement. Signup and view all the answers

What structures may a means of egress system pass through according to NFPA 101?

Intervening room spaces, doorways, corridors, passageways, balconies, ramps, stairs, courts, yards, horizontal exits Signup and view all the answers

Define 'Area of Refuge'.

An area where persons unable to use stairways can remain temporarily during emergency evacuation. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Clear Width' refer to?

Actual unobstructed opening size of an exit. Signup and view all the answers

Where must the means of egress terminate?

In a public way or an area of refuge. Signup and view all the answers

What must a public way have in terms of clear width and height?

10 feet (3 m) Signup and view all the answers

What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?

Federal statute intended to remove barriers limiting access by individuals with disabilities. Signup and view all the answers

What do the design requirements for the area of refuge meet?

ICC/ANSI 117.1 Signup and view all the answers

What is an Exit?

Portion of a means of egress that provides a protected way of travel to the exit discharge. Signup and view all the answers

What does Exit Access refer to?

Portion of a means of egress that leads to the exit. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum width requirement for stairways in multistoried buildings?

44 inches (1 100 mm) Signup and view all the answers

What does NFPA® permit regarding wall finishes in exits?

Only Class A or B interior finishes Signup and view all the answers

How much force is required to release the latch on panic hardware?

15 pounds (7.5 N) Signup and view all the answers

What is required to operate access-controlled egress?

A sensor detects an approaching occupant and power loss unlocks the doors. Signup and view all the answers

What must delayed egress doors allow?

Must permit the door to open within 15 seconds after a force is applied. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Dead-End Corridor?

A corridor with no outlet to a means of egress that is more than 20 feet (6 m) in length. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'occupant load' refer to?

Total number of persons for which the means of egress of a building is designed. Signup and view all the answers

Define 'Gross' in relation to building space.

Entire square footage of a space measured wall to wall. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Net' square footage?

Gross square footage minus area taken up by non-occupancy items. Signup and view all the answers

What is the required fire resistance rating for areas of refuge?

At least 1-hour minimum fire-resistance rating when connecting three stories or fewer. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum slope for new exit ramps?

1 to 12 (1 foot rise for every 12 feet of horizontal distance). Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Means of Egress Overview

Refers to a safe, continuous path from any point in a structure to a public way.
Composed of three basic elements: exit access, exit, and exit discharge.

Common Factors in Loss-of-Life Fires

Locked or blocked exit doors, improperly designed or marked exits, and inaccessible exits contribute to fatalities.
Inadequate fire protection systems, combustible materials, and overcrowded spaces are significant risks.

Components of Means of Egress

Includes subsystems such as automatic sprinklers, fire-resistance-rated construction (doors and walls), exit signs, illumination, and handrails.
The means must terminate in a public way or an area of refuge.

Area of Refuge

Provides a temporary safe space for individuals unable to use stairways during an emergency.

Regulatory Codes and Standards

Governed by NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) and American with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, ensuring accessibility and safety in public spaces.
Exit design must meet ICC/ANSI 117.1 requirements for accessibility.

Exit Definitions

Exit: Separated portion of a means of egress providing a protected travel route to the exit discharge.
Exit Access: Path leading to the exit, including hallways and corridors.
Exit Discharge: Portion between the exit and public way.

Horizontal Exits

Provide egress between buildings or through fire barrier walls at the same level.
Must not account for more than 50% of total exit capacity.
Require fire walls or barriers with at least a 2-hour fire-resistance rating.

Smokeproof Enclosures

Stairways designed to minimize smoke penetration, ensuring safer egress during fires.
Can be made smokeproof through pressurization or mechanical ventilation.

Door Requirements

Exit doors must open in the direction of travel toward the primary exit based on occupancy and load.
Minimum clear width for exit doors in new buildings is 32 inches.

Panic Hardware

Must operate with no more than 15 pounds force to release the latch and 30 pounds to set in motion.
Alarms may activate when panic hardware is used, alerting staff.

Delayed Egress Systems

Allow doors to unlock upon loss of power or activation of fire systems, with a maximum opening delay of 15-30 seconds.
Must include clear labeling and audible alarms.

Securing Exits

Security bars can impede emergency personnel, posing risks during emergencies.
Doors must be designed to allow easy access for occupants while providing security from outside.

Fire Ratings and Wall Finishes

Fire walls and barriers' ratings depend on building type and occupancy, impacting interior finish materials.

Stairway Specifications

Minimum width for stairs in multistoried buildings is 44 inches, decreasing to 36 inches if the load is under 50 occupants.
Landings are required for stair flights exceeding 12 feet in height.
Handrails are necessary for stairways and may require intermediate railings for wide stairs.

Emergency Lighting and Signage

Emergency lights need battery or auxiliary power.
Markings should direct occupants to exits within 100 feet, with exit signs featuring specific size requirements for visibility.

Occupant Load Calculations

Total number of persons a building can safely accommodate is defined as occupant load, determined during plans review.
Gross area refers to total square footage; net area considers space occupied by furniture and non-useable areas.

Path Configurations

Dead-end corridors exist without egress for more than 20 feet in length.
Common paths of travel are the routes all occupants must take before diverging to separate exits.

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Description

Explore key concepts from Chapter 7 on means of egress in fire safety. These flashcards cover crucial factors that contribute to large loss-of-life fires and break down the essential elements of an egress system. Test your knowledge and understanding of fire safety protocols and design requirements.