Life Safety Measures Flashcards

What is the minimum illumination level required for means of egress in NYC buildings?

Answer: 1 foot-candle at floor level

NYC Building Code requires a minimum of 1 foot-candle of illumination at the floor level along the entire means of egress path.

What is the purpose of compartmentalization in high-rise building fire safety?

Answer: To divide the building into fire-rated compartments that contain fire and smoke spread to the area of origin

Compartmentalization uses fire-rated barriers to contain fire and smoke within a limited area, protecting the rest of the building.

What are luminous exit path markings and where are they required in NYC?

Answer: Photoluminescent markings in exit stairwells that glow in low-light conditions, required in high-rise buildings

NYC requires photoluminescent exit path markings in stairwells of high-rise buildings to guide evacuees when lighting fails.

What is a fire watch and when must one be implemented?

Answer: A fire watch involves trained personnel continuously patrolling to monitor for fire hazards when fire protection systems are impaired

A fire watch is a compensating measure where trained personnel continuously patrol to monitor for fire when fire protection systems are impaired or during hot work.

What is the purpose of smoke control systems in high-rise buildings?

Answer: To manage smoke movement using pressurization, exhaust, and airflow to maintain tenable conditions in egress paths

Smoke control systems manage smoke migration through pressurization and exhaust to maintain tenable conditions in stairwells, corridors, and areas of refuge.

What is the maximum door opening force allowed for egress doors under NYC Building Code?

Answer: 30 pounds for interior doors and 50 pounds for exterior doors

NYC Building Code limits door opening force to 30 pounds for interior egress doors and 50 pounds for exterior egress doors.