CDS Building Codes & Standards 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to OSHA 29 CFR 1926.850(a), what must be completed before any demolition work begins?
- Site grading plan submitted to the local authority
- Engineering survey of the structure by a competent person (Correct answer)
- Asbestos abatement of all materials
- Installation of perimeter fencing
Correct answer: Engineering survey of the structure by a competent person
OSHA 1926.850(a) requires an engineering survey by a competent person to assess structural integrity and identify hazardous conditions before demolition starts.
Question 2: Which NFPA standard regulates the safe handling and storage of flammable cutting gases used during demolition of steel structures?
- NFPA 51 (Correct answer)
- NFPA 10
- NFPA 30
- NFPA 58
Correct answer: NFPA 51
NFPA 51 governs the design and installation of oxygen-fuel gas systems, including acetylene and propane used for cutting steel during demolition.
Question 3: The International Existing Building Code (IEBC) classifies a demolition project as a 'Level 3 alteration' when what percentage of aggregate area is affected?
- More than 25%
- More than 33%
- More than 50% (Correct answer)
- More than 75%
Correct answer: More than 50%
IEBC designates Level 3 alteration when work affects more than 50% of the building's aggregate area, triggering more stringent code compliance.
Question 4: Under IBC Section 3303.5, when a demolition project creates an open excavation adjacent to a public way, the minimum fencing height required is:
- 4 feet
- 6 feet (Correct answer)
- 8 feet
- 10 feet
Correct answer: 6 feet
IBC 3303.5 requires excavations adjacent to public ways to be enclosed with fencing at least 6 feet in height to protect the public.
Question 5: Which OSHA standard requires that stairwells used for egress during demolition remain free of debris and adequately lit at all times?
- 29 CFR 1926.34 (Correct answer)
- 29 CFR 1926.850
- 29 CFR 1926.502
- 29 CFR 1926.150
Correct answer: 29 CFR 1926.34
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.34 addresses means of egress and requires clear, illuminated exit routes including stairwells throughout demolition operations.
Question 6: According to EPA NESHAP standards, regulated asbestos-containing material (RACM) found during demolition must be reported to the appropriate authority at least how many days before work begins?
- 5 working days
- 10 working days (Correct answer)
- 14 calendar days
- 30 calendar days
Correct answer: 10 working days
EPA NESHAP 40 CFR Part 61 Subpart M requires written notification to the appropriate authority at least 10 working days before demolition of facilities containing RACM.
Question 7: Under the model IPMC (International Property Maintenance Code), which party is legally responsible for obtaining a demolition permit when a private property is declared unsafe?
- The municipality's building department
- The property owner of record (Correct answer)
- The demolition contractor
- The adjacent property owners
Correct answer: The property owner of record
IPMC places the obligation to obtain permits and abate unsafe conditions on the property owner of record, not the contractor or municipality.
CDS Building Codes & Standards 3
According to OSHA 29 CFR 1926.850(a), what must be completed before any demolition work begins?