113 Questions
What are the basic components of stairs?
Tread, riser, handrails
What is the purpose of a landing in a set of stairs?
To provide a horizontal platform at the beginning or end of a flight of stairs
In stair design, what is a 'run' referring to?
The horizontal measurement of a stair tread or the distance of the entire stair length
What is the function of means of egress in a building?
To serve as a continuous and unobstructed path of exit travel
What distinguishes corridor stairs according to the text?
They provide egress into different corridors based on odd or even-numbered floors
What is the primary purpose of smokeproof stair enclosures?
To prevent the spread of smoke and fire into the stair enclosure
Why are fire escapes not permitted in new construction?
They pose safety risks and may fail unexpectedly
What distinguishes active fire protection from passive fire protection?
Active protection uses moving parts and requires power, while passive uses fixed components
Why are incomplete door or shutter closures at conveyor penetrations considered a safety hazard during a fire?
They may lead to smoke leakage and fire spread
What is the standard speed for escalators as per the provided text?
$100$ feet per minute ($fpm$) or $30$ meters per minute ($m/min$)
What is a special requirement for circular stairs?
The small radius of the full circle must be greater than or equal to twice the widest part of the stair tread.
What is a safety consideration regarding folding stairs during a fire?
Springs in folding stairs lose tension gradually when exposed to heat.
Why are steel spiral stairs sometimes used in industrial applications?
To provide access to very small spaces.
What is a common recommendation regarding using fixed ladders for firefighting purposes?
Many departments advise against using fixed ladders for firefighting due to weight limitations.
What is the purpose of gas springs (struts) in folding stairs?
To replace traditional coil springs for cheaper and more efficient functioning.
What type of elevator was historically limited to about six stories?
Hydraulic elevator with a deep well
Which type of elevator uses flat polyethylene-coated steel belts for energy efficiency?
Traction elevators
Where is the drive equipment typically housed for traction elevators?
In the machine room
What is the function of buffer springs in elevators?
Act as shock absorbers at the bottom of the pit
What are dumbwaiters used for historically?
Moving items between floors in small weight and size
What type of elevators do not have brakes and are controlled through the flow of hydraulic fluid?
Hydraulic elevators
Which type of elevator uses a hoisting cable or belt and a drum to raise and lower elevator cars?
Traction elevators
What is the purpose of a rolling shutter at the top of an escalator?
To provide vertical opening protection
In what scenarios may elevators be viewed as uniquely useful according to the text?
During medical emergencies on upper floors
What should firefighters do before using an elevator during an emergency response, according to safety precautions outlined in the text?
Open the door from a floor level above the recalled elevator to check the shaft for smoke infiltration
What type of material is required for the construction of refuse and laundry chutes?
Noncombustible material with rated doors
Why are grease ducts required to be enclosed in fire-resistive construction?
To avoid dips or horizontal runs where grease may become trapped
What is the primary purpose of HVAC systems in a building?
To create and maintain a comfortable environment for occupants
What is the role of outside air intakes in an HVAC system?
To draw air from external sources into the system
Why do return-air plenums play a significant role in HVAC systems?
To provide a pathway for heated or cooled air without ducted systems
How do exhaust systems differ from HVAC systems?
Exhaust systems are designed to remove contaminants, while HVAC systems provide heating and cooling.
In which scenario would the use of interstitial spaces as return-air plenums be regulated by building codes?
When improper implementation could lead to hazardous egress conditions during a fire
Why are fire dampers and fusible links used in HVAC systems?
To restrict airflow in case of fire and maintain the integrity of fire-rated assemblies
What do control dampers do within an HVAC system?
Vary the airflow within the ductwork as needed
What is one major disadvantage of forced-air systems highlighted in the text?
They create pathways for communication of heat and smoke through buildings
What is the purpose of the elevator lobby as described in the text?
To act as an area of refuge if properly hardened
What is the main function of hoistway doors in express elevators according to the text?
To secure the shaft for express elevators serving upper floors
Why are sky lobbies implemented in high-rise buildings with multiple elevator systems?
To serve as a common discharge floor and transfer point for two elevator systems
What is the key safety feature associated with passenger elevator car doors?
Use of electronic interlocks to prevent movement with open doors
In blind hoistways, what is the purpose of side exits in elevator cars?
To allow passengers to move laterally from a stalled car to a functioning one
What is the purpose of handrails in a set of stairs?
To act as a safety feature for individuals using the stairs
In stair design, what is the 'rise' referring to?
The vertical distance between the treads of a stairway
Which type of stairs consists of two separate sets of stairs constructed in a common shaft?
Scissor stairs
What is the purpose of a landing in a set of stairs?
To start or end a flight of stairs
Why are guards added to stairs according to safety regulations?
To protect individuals from falling off the sides
What is the primary purpose of counterweights in elevator systems?
To reduce the energy needed to raise the elevator
Which type of elevator is known for having height limitations?
Hydraulic elevators
What is a key safety feature of traction elevators during power failures?
Electromagnets that release in malfunctions
Which component is unique to Machine Room-Less (MRL) elevators compared to traditional elevators?
Mounting all components within the hoistway
What is the role of dumbwaiters historically?
Moving food between floors in buildings like schools
What is a common safety concern regarding folding stairs for firefighters?
Springs losing tension rapidly when exposed to heat
Why are gas springs (struts) increasingly used with the hinge in folding stairs?
To replace traditional coil springs due to their cost-efficiency
What is a key requirement for protected stairs to ensure safety during building evacuation?
Resisting the effects of the products of combustion
Why are spiral stairs used in industrial applications?
To fit in a very small space like permit-required confined spaces
What separates circular stairs from spiral stairs based on their design?
Tapered treads connecting to a single column
What is the purpose of an emergency stop switch for escalators?
Activate the emergency brake and stop the escalator
Why are vertical penetrations for escalators serving more than two floors protected?
To prevent smoke and fire from spreading through the vertical opening
What is a common method of protection for the vertical opening around escalators?
Closely spaced sprinklers and draft stops
How do hydraulic elevators control the movement of elevator cars?
By adjusting fluid pressure in a cylinder containing a piston
What distinguishes electric elevators from hydraulic elevators in terms of power source?
Electric elevators employ hoisting cables or belts, while hydraulic elevators use fluid under pressure
What are the key measures to protect stair enclosures as mentioned in the text?
Limited penetrations for light, fire protection, and environmental control, self- or automatic-closing fire-rated doors, separation from the rest of the building, and stairway vestibules
In what situation would open exterior stairs be subject to the same regulations as enclosed interior stairs?
When they have unprotected openings in the building's outside wall near the stairs
What is the primary purpose of having smokeproof stair enclosures in buildings?
To protect against the spread of smoke before it enters the stair enclosure
Why are fire escapes not permitted in new construction according to the text?
Because they are not safe or reliable for use in emergencies
What distinguishes active smokeproof enclosures from passive smokeproof enclosures as described in the text?
Active enclosures pressurize during fire alarms while passive ones automatically close off ventilation systems
What is the purpose of a hoistway enclosure in an elevator installation?
To maintain fire resistance and integrity with a rated assembly
Why must all necessary penetrations through elevator hoistway walls be protected?
To prevent heat, smoke, and combustion products from spreading during a fire
In a tall building with express elevators, why are sky lobbies created?
To act as a common discharge floor for two separate elevator systems
What safety feature is associated with passenger elevator car doors?
Automatic opening and closing when the car stops at a floor
Why are side exits provided in elevator cars in blind hoistways?
To allow passengers to exit in case of mechanical failures
Why is it crucial for refuse and laundry chutes to be constructed of noncombustible material with rated doors and a fire-rated shaft enclosure?
To avoid fire hazards and contain potential fires in the chutes
What is the primary purpose of sprinklers at the top of refuse and laundry chutes according to the text?
To suppress fires that may occur in the chutes
Why are pipe chases required to be constructed of noncombustible materials and fire-resistance rated?
To limit the vertical spread of smoke and fire within the building
What role do HVAC systems play in buildings according to the text?
Delivering environmental control for occupants
What is a common requirement for air intakes in an HVAC system to minimize hazards?
Positioned to allow unrestricted air flow without drawing in hazards
Why must HVAC ducts frequently penetrate fire-rated assemblies according to the text?
As part of safety requirements to maintain fire-rated integrity
What is a key function of control dampers within HVAC systems?
Regulating airflow within the ducts
What is a limitation of the single-injection system for smoke control?
Direct loss of air pressure if stairwell doors are opened near the air supply
Why are multiple-injection systems preferred over single-injection systems for smoke control?
They provide a more uniform airflow into the stairwell
How do factors like the rate of heat release of the fuel affect the effectiveness of smoke control systems?
They can influence how well the systems work
In what way can proper installation, maintenance, and activation of smoke control systems improve building safety?
By enhancing the safety of building occupants during a fire
Which feature distinguishes multiple-injection systems from single-injection systems when it comes to air discharge in stairwells?
Having parallel air supply shafts to the stairwell
Why is it important for smoke control systems to consider the depth of curtain boards?
To ensure uniform flow of air into the stairwell
What aspect makes multiple-injection systems more effective than single-injection systems for smoke control?
Provision of several discharge points along the stairwell
'Proper installation, maintenance, and activation' refer to enhancing safety in buildings by:
Greatly improving building occupants' safety during fires
How does a multiple-injection system differ from a single-injection system?
It provides uniform airflow into stairwells.
What can affect the effectiveness of smoke control systems according to the text?
The rate of heat release of the fuel.
What distinguishes a Multiple-Injection System from a Single-Injection System in stairwell pressurization systems?
It uses multiple points of supply air compared to one point in a Single-Injection System.
What is a key consideration when calibrating stairwell pressurization systems?
Achieving a balance between high pressure and occupant access.
What is the primary function of transformers in buildings?
Converting high-voltage electricity to appropriate building systems voltage.
Which hazard is specifically associated with oil-cooled transformers?
Risk of hazardous Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB) in the oil.
What is a common requirement for the location of transformers within a building?
Should be placed in rooms with 2-hour fire-rated construction.
What is a key consideration for emergency backup power supplies in buildings dependent on electric power?
Considering a mix of generators, batteries, or both for backup power.
What is the primary purpose of smoke control systems in modern buildings?
To prevent the recirculation of smoke and aid in smoke removal
What aspect of HVAC systems in smoke control mode creates a 'pressure sandwich' within buildings?
Supply of air to non-fire floors
What initiates the transfer of an HVAC system to smoke control mode automatically?
Sprinkler waterflow switches
What is a primary disadvantage of automatic smoke control systems?
Complex coordination of multiple elements
What must designers anticipate when planning a smoke control system regarding equipment like fans and ducts?
Anticipated fire size
Which feature of smoke control systems helps in redirecting airflow depending on the location of a fire?
Use of dampers
In what capacity are HVAC systems used during a fire within modern buildings?
To prevent recirculation and aid smoke removal
Which type of detectors can signal HVAC controls to switch to smoke control mode in case of a fire?
Heat detectors
What role do dampers play in the operation of HVAC systems during a fire?
Redirect airflow based on fire location
What is a key function of system detectors in a smoke control system?
Eliminate the possibility of a detector outside the fire area being activated first
What is the primary function of a Firefighter's Smoke Control Station (FSCS)?
To vent smoke and heat from the building
What is the purpose of draft curtains in smoke control systems?
To minimize the mushrooming effect of heat and smoke
How do oversensitive smoke detectors impact the operation of smoke vents during a fire?
They cause vents to open under nonfire conditions
What is the main drawback mentioned regarding the use of thermoplastic dome vents in smoke control systems?
They tend to soften and fall out from fire heat
In what way do smoke towers contribute to building safety during a fire?
By exhausting smoke from the building corridor
How do pressurized stairwells differ from conventional stairwells in terms of design?
Pressurized stairwells use blowers to create higher pressure inside them than in the corridor
What is a key feature of a single-injection pressurization system for stairwells?
It supplies air to a stairwell at a single point using a fan
How do single-leaf metal lids in smoke and heat vents typically operate?
Automatically through spring-operated mechanisms triggered manually or by devices
What is a significant challenge associated with implementing smoke towers in buildings?
Requiring dedicated floor space in buildings
What distinguishes draft curtains from smoke vents in terms of functionality?
Draft curtains minimize mushrooming effect of heat and smoke
Test your knowledge of the basic components of stairs such as treads, risers, and handrails. Learn about the importance of consistent measurements and the role of stairs in building egress.
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