Pass the International Code Council Fire Inspector Fire-Inspector-II Questions and answers with CertsForce

A container in a clean-agent extinguishing system must be refilled or replaced if it experiences a loss of more than 5% of its original weight or a loss in original pressure of more than 3%. This requirement ensures the system maintains sufficient agent concentration for fire suppression.

Reference to Fire Inspector Documentation:

1. NFPA 2001 – Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems (2022 Edition)

NFPA 2001, Section 7.3.2.1 states that a container must be refilled or replaced if the weight loss exceeds 5% or the pressure loss exceeds 3% from the original fill pressure.

These limits are set to maintain system effectiveness and ensure that a clean-agent system can properly discharge in case of a fire.

2. 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) – Chapter 9 (Fire Protection Systems)

IFC 904.10 requires that clean-agent systems be maintained per NFPA 2001 to ensure reliability.

Detailed Explanation of Answer Choices:

Option A (Correct): 3% pressure loss is the correct threshold beyond which a container must be replaced or refilled.

Option B (Incorrect): While 5% is correct for weight loss, it is not the correct value for pressure loss.

Option C (Incorrect): A 10% pressure loss is too high and would compromise system performance before reaching the replacement threshold.

Option D (Incorrect): 12% is well beyond the acceptable loss limit and would pose a significant safety risk.

Thus, the correct and verified answer is: A. 3

Foamed plastics or materials containing foamed plastics used for stage scenery must meet strict fire performance requirements to prevent rapid flame spread and fire hazards in assembly occupancies.

The correct fire test standard for these materials is UL 1975 – Standard for Fire Tests for Foamed Plastics Used for Decorative Purposes.

Reference to Fire Inspector Documentation:

1. 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) – Section 807.4.2 (Foamed Plastics for Stage Scenery)

IFC 807.4.2 states that foamed plastics used in scenery must be tested and approved per UL 1975 to ensure fire safety.

2. UL 1975 – Standard for Fire Tests for Foamed Plastics Used for Decorative Purposes

This standard evaluates the flammability and smoke production of foamed plastics used in decorative applications, including stage scenery.

Detailed Explanation of Answer Choices:

Option A (Correct): UL 1975 is the required test standard for foamed plastics used in stage scenery, ensuring compliance with IFC 807.4.2.

Option B (Incorrect): NFPA 11A deals with foam-water fire suppression systems, not foamed plastics for decorative use.

Option C (Incorrect): CPSC 16CFR relates to consumer product safety regulations but does not address fire safety for foamed plastics on stage scenery.

Option D (Incorrect): ASTM D 1784 is a test for rigid PVC plastics and does not apply to foamed plastics used for stage scenery.

Thus, the correct and verified answer is: A. UL 1975.

The occupant load of a space is determined using the 2021 International Building Code (IBC), Table 1004.5 – Maximum Floor Area Per Occupant.

IBC Table 1004.5 – Occupant Load Factor for Exercise Rooms:

The occupant load factor for an exercise room is 1 person per 20 square feet.

Given that the exercise room is 1,000 sq. ft.:

1,000 sq. ft. ÷ 20 sq. ft. per person = 50 occupants

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

A. 10 – Would require a 100 sq. ft. per person load factor, which is not applicable for exercise rooms.

B. 20 – Incorrect calculation; using the correct load factor, the actual number is 50.

C. 30 – Also incorrect based on the proper load factor.

✅ Correct Answer: D. 50

Understanding Type III Construction

According to the International Building Code (IBC) 2021, Section 602.3, Type III construction is a mix of noncombustible and combustible materials.

Exterior walls must be noncombustible or fire-retardant-treated wood, while interior structural elements (such as floors, roofs, and partitions) can be wood.

2. Common Uses of Type III Construction

Churches, schools, apartment buildings, and mercantile (retail) structures are often built using Type III construction because it balances fire resistance with cost-effectiveness.

Many low-rise residential and commercial buildings use this type due to its ability to support multiple stories while maintaining some fire protection.

3. Verification of Other Options

Option A (Type I) – Incorrect, as Type I construction is entirely noncombustible (steel/concrete) and used for high-rises, not typical for churches, schools, or apartments.

Option B (Type II) – Incorrect, as Type II construction is fully noncombustible but has lower fire resistance than Type I, mainly used for commercial buildings, warehouses, and low-rise offices.

Option D (Type IV) – Incorrect, as Type IV (heavy timber) is rarely used for schools and apartments, though some older churches may use it.

Reference Sources:

International Building Code (IBC) 2021 – Section 602.3 (Type III Construction Definition)

NFPA 220: Standard on Types of Building Construction

ICC Fire Inspector II Study Guide (2021)

Thus, the correct and verified answer is: C. Type III. ✅

For open burning, fire codes typically require a minimum clearance from structures to prevent fire spread. However, when burning is conducted in an approved container, the required clearance distance may be reduced to 15 feet.

Reference to Fire Inspector Documentation:

1. 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) – Section 307.4 (Open Burning, Recreational Fires, and Portable Outdoor Fireplaces)

IFC 307.4 states that the minimum clearance for open burning is 50 feet but may be reduced to 15 feet when conducted in an approved container that prevents fire spread.

2. NFPA 1 – Fire Code (2021 Edition) – Section 10.11 (Open Burning and Recreational Fires)

NFPA 1, Section 10.11.5 aligns with the IFC and allows a minimum of 15 feet clearance for contained burning in approved receptacles.

Detailed Explanation of Answer Choices:

Option A (Incorrect): 10 ft. is too close and does not meet the IFC minimum requirement.

Option B (Correct): 15 ft. is the minimum required distance for burning in an approved container according to IFC 307.4.

Option C (Incorrect): 25 ft. is the standard for recreational fires but not for approved containers.

Option D (Incorrect): 50 ft. applies to open burning without a container, not when using an approved container.

Thus, the correct and verified answer is: B. 15 ft.

The storage of flammable liquids in control areas within an S Occupancy (Storage Occupancy) is governed by the 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), Section 5003 – Hazardous Materials, and Table 5003.1.1(1).

IFC Section 5003.1.1(1) – Maximum Allowable Quantity (MAQ) Adjustments:

The maximum allowable quantity (MAQ) of flammable liquids in a control area may be doubled if an approved automatic sprinkler system is installed throughout the building.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

A. Permission is granted by the chief.

Fire officials can enforce code requirements but do not have the authority to override MAQ limits unless explicitly allowed in the code.

B. The control area exceeds 50,000 sq. ft.

The code does not specify an increase based solely on size; the sprinkler system is the determining factor.

D. The control area is provided with exhaust ventilation in accordance with fire code requirements.

While ventilation is important for hazardous material safety, it does not allow for an increase in the maximum storage quantity.

✅ Correct Answer: C. The building is protected with automatic sprinklers.