JIBC Fire Prevention and Safety 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a fire inspection, what does checking 'means of egress' primarily verify?
- That security cameras cover all exits
- That occupants can safely evacuate during an emergency (Correct answer)
- That emergency lighting runs on solar power
- That exit doors are locked from the outside
Correct answer: That occupants can safely evacuate during an emergency
Means of egress inspections verify that exit paths are unobstructed, properly illuminated, and accessible so all occupants can evacuate safely.
Question 2: Which sprinkler system maintains pressurized water in the pipes at all times?
- Dry pipe system
- Pre-action system
- Wet pipe system (Correct answer)
- Deluge system
Correct answer: Wet pipe system
A wet pipe system keeps water pressurized in the piping at all times and discharges immediately when heat activates an individual sprinkler head.
Question 3: Which occupancy group typically requires the most stringent fire safety measures due to limited occupant mobility?
- Group A – Assembly
- Group B – Care/Detention (Correct answer)
- Group C – Residential
- Group E – Business and Personal Services
Correct answer: Group B – Care/Detention
Group B occupancies (hospitals, care facilities, jails) require the most stringent measures because occupants may be unable to self-evacuate.
Question 4: What does 'occupant load' mean in fire safety?
- The structural load capacity of the floor under occupant weight
- The maximum number of persons for which a building area is designed (Correct answer)
- The total weight of fire suppression equipment required
- The number of fire wardens assigned per floor
Correct answer: The maximum number of persons for which a building area is designed
Occupant load is the maximum number of persons intended to occupy a space, which drives requirements for the number and width of exits.
Question 5: How often must fire extinguishers in commercial buildings receive a visual inspection at minimum?
- Weekly
- Monthly (Correct answer)
- Quarterly
- Annually
Correct answer: Monthly
Commercial fire extinguishers require a monthly visual inspection to confirm they are charged and unobstructed, in addition to an annual maintenance inspection.
Question 6: What is the primary function of a fire barrier in a building?
- To direct firefighter hose lines toward the fire
- To compartmentalize the building and limit the spread of fire and smoke (Correct answer)
- To absorb heat and protect structural steel members
- To separate occupied areas from utility rooms only
Correct answer: To compartmentalize the building and limit the spread of fire and smoke
Fire barriers divide a building into compartments to slow or prevent the spread of fire and smoke to other areas, buying time for evacuation.
Question 7: Under the BC Fire Code, which of the following is required at each storey of an exit stairwell?
- A fire hose cabinet with 30-metre hose
- Emergency lighting that activates upon power failure (Correct answer)
- A Class K fire extinguisher mounted at each landing
- A direct telephone line to the fire department
Correct answer: Emergency lighting that activates upon power failure
Emergency lighting must be installed in exit stairwells and must activate automatically upon power failure to ensure safe evacuation in darkness.
JIBC Fire Prevention and Safety 2
During a fire inspection, what does checking 'means of egress' primarily verify?