BOMA Property Operations & Life Safety Flashcards

What is a 'fire suppression system' activation protocol that building managers must know under BOMA emergency standards?

Answer: Immediately evacuate occupants, activate fire alarm, and contact 911 — never delay emergency services notification

BOMA life safety protocols require immediate evacuation, fire alarm activation, and 911 notification — delaying emergency services to assess the situation or control damage can cost lives.

What does a 'fire safety plan' (FSP) for a commercial building typically include?

Answer: Building layout, evacuation routes, assembly points, emergency contacts, and roles of fire safety directors and wardens

A comprehensive fire safety plan includes building diagrams, evacuation procedures, designated assembly areas, emergency contact lists, and clearly defined responsibilities for fire safety personnel.

In high-rise commercial buildings, what is 'floor warden' training designed to accomplish?

Answer: Prepare designated employees to direct occupants during evacuations and serve as communication links with building management

Floor warden programs train designated tenant employees to coordinate floor-level evacuations, assist mobility-impaired occupants, confirm floor clearance, and communicate with building management and fire safety directors.

What is the purpose of an 'area of rescue assistance' (ARA) in commercial buildings?

Answer: A designated area where mobility-impaired occupants can safely wait for evacuation assistance during emergencies

An area of rescue assistance is a location within a building where people who cannot use stairs independently can safely wait for emergency responders, typically located in stairwell vestibules with two-way communication systems.

What maintenance interval is typically required for annual testing of commercial fire sprinkler systems under NFPA 25?

Answer: Monthly inspection, quarterly flow test, and annual full system test

NFPA 25 requires a tiered inspection and testing schedule for fire sprinkler systems, including monthly visual inspections, quarterly tests of certain components, and annual comprehensive testing.

What does 'code compliance' mean for building operations managers overseeing existing commercial buildings?

Answer: Continuously ensuring the building meets applicable life safety, accessibility, and property maintenance codes, including retroactive requirements

Building operations managers must maintain ongoing code compliance, including life safety systems, accessibility requirements, and property maintenance codes, some of which apply retroactively to existing buildings.