BOMA Emergency Preparedness & Risk Management

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of a commercial building's 'Emergency Action Plan' (EAP) under OSHA?

Accepted Answer

To define procedures for safely evacuating occupants during fire, natural disaster, or other emergencies

Answer

To outline financial contingency plans for unexpected building repair costs

Answer

To establish protocols for responding to tenant complaints about building conditions

Answer

To document insurance claim procedures following property damage events

Question 2

What does 'business continuity planning' (BCP) address in the context of commercial building management?

Accepted Answer

Strategies to maintain critical business functions during and after a disruptive event

Answer

Planning for tenant lease renewals to ensure continuous building occupancy

Answer

Capital improvement programs to maintain building competitiveness over time

Answer

Continuous monitoring of building systems to prevent unplanned outages

Question 3

In commercial real estate risk management, what is a 'Phase I Environmental Site Assessment'?

Accepted Answer

A historical records review and site reconnaissance to identify potential environmental contamination

Answer

Laboratory testing of soil and groundwater samples for hazardous substances

Answer

An asbestos and lead paint survey required before building renovation

Answer

A regulatory compliance audit of the building's environmental permits

Question 4

What type of fire suppression system is most commonly required in commercial office buildings under current US building codes?

Accepted Answer

Wet-pipe automatic sprinkler system

Answer

Dry-pipe automatic sprinkler system

Answer

Gaseous suppression system

Answer

Foam deluge system

Question 5

What is the purpose of 'tabletop exercises' in emergency preparedness planning?

Accepted Answer

To simulate emergency scenarios in a discussion-based format to identify gaps in plans and procedures

Answer

To physically test evacuation procedures by moving furniture and equipment

Answer

To train floor wardens in hands-on fire extinguisher operation techniques

Answer

To review insurance policies and coverage limits for various emergency scenarios

Question 6

What does 'force majeure' mean in the context of commercial leases and building operations?

Accepted Answer

An 'act of God' clause excusing performance obligations due to unforeseeable extraordinary events

Answer

A landlord's right to forcibly terminate a defaulting tenant's lease

Answer

A legal requirement to perform building upgrades after a major disaster

Answer

A clause requiring tenants to maintain operations during a natural disaster