Fire-Inspector-II Exam Dumps - International Code Council Fire Inspector Questions and Answers

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

The maximum travel distance to an exit from within a tent is regulated under the 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), Section 3103.12.2 – Means of Egress (Tents and Membrane Structures).

IFC Section 3103.12.2 – Travel Distance:

"The maximum travel distance to an exit shall not exceed 150 feet (45,720 mm)."

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

A. 75 ft. – This limit does not apply to tents; the correct limit is 150 ft.

B. 100 ft. – Too restrictive; the IFC allows up to 150 ft.

D. Any distance approved by the chief. – The fire code does not allow unlimited travel distances; 150 feet is the maximum permitted by code.

✅ Correct Answer: C. 150 ft.

 Reference to Elevator Safety and Firefighter Use:

ASME A17.1 (Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators) establishes the safety requirements for elevators, including those designated for firefighter and emergency personnel use.

The International Fire Code (IFC) and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) both reference ASME A17.1 when addressing elevator safety and firefighter access.

 Firefighter Access and Operation Requirements:

ASME A17.1, Section 2.27 covers Firefighter Emergency Operations (FEO), which includes:

Phase I Operation (Automatic recall of elevators to a designated floor upon activation of fire alarms).

Phase II Operation (Manual override by firefighters for rescue and suppression operations).

IFC 607.1 (2021 Edition) mandates that fire service access elevators comply with ASME A17.1 for firefighter use in high-rise and multi-story buildings.

 Clarification of Incorrect Answer Choices:

A. UL 803 → Incorrect

UL 803 is not related to elevator fire safety; it pertains to electrical control panels for industrial applications.

B. NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code) → Incorrect

While NFPA 70 covers electrical wiring and circuits, it does not specifically regulate elevator emergency operations.

D. ASME A17.3 → Incorrect

ASME A17.3 is the Safety Code for Existing Elevators and Escalators, which applies to retrofits and upgrades, but ASME A17.1 is the primary code for operational and emergency use elevators.

 Conclusion:

The correct and verified answer is C (ASME A17.1) because it specifically outlines the requirements for firefighter and emergency personnel elevator use, ensuring compliance with the IFC and NFPA codes.

 Reference to LP-Gas Tank Separation Requirements:

The International Fire Code (IFC 2021), Table 6104.3, provides minimum separation distances for above-ground LP-gas tanks based on capacity and proximity to each other or property lines.

According to Table 6104.3, for an LP-gas tank with a 501-gallon capacity located near a 250-gallon tank, the required minimum separation distance from adjoining property is 10 feet.

 Why Separation Distance is Important:

LP-gas is highly flammable, and inadequate separation distances increase the risk of fire spread and explosion hazards.

Proper spacing ensures safety for occupants, emergency responders, and nearby properties.

 Clarification of Incorrect Answer Choices:

A. 5 ft. → Incorrect

Too close per IFC 6104.3; does not meet safety requirements.

C. 20 ft. → Incorrect

20 feet is required for larger tanks, but not for the combined 501-gal. and 250-gal. tank setup.

D. 25 ft. → Incorrect

Greater than the required minimum; while more distance is safer, IFC mandates a minimum of 10 feet.

 Conclusion:

The correct and verified answer is B (10 feet) based on IFC 6104.3, ensuring safe LP-gas tank separation from adjoining properties.

Flammable Liquid Storage Limits in Control Areas

According to the International Fire Code (IFC) 2021, Section 5003.1.1 and Table 5003.1.1(1), the allowable quantity of flammable liquids stored in a control area can be doubled if the building is equipped with an automatic sprinkler system that complies with NFPA 13.

2. Why Automatic Sprinklers Allow Increased Storage

A sprinkler system significantly reduces fire risk by suppressing flames early, thus allowing greater quantities of hazardous materials to be safely stored.

IFC and NFPA 30 (Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code) specify that sprinkler-protected buildings can have up to twice the standard storage limits.

3. Verification of Other Options

Option A (permission is granted by the chief) – Incorrect, as storage limits are regulated by the fire code, not discretionary approval from the fire chief.

Option B (the control area exceeds 50,000 sq. ft.) – Incorrect, as floor area does not automatically allow for increased storage unless fire protection systems are in place.

Option D (the control area is provided with exhaust ventilation) – Incorrect, because ventilation is required for hazardous material control but does not impact storage limits like sprinklers do.

Reference Sources:

International Fire Code (IFC) 2021 – Section 5003.1.1 & Table 5003.1.1(1) (Control Area Storage Limits for Flammable Liquids)

NFPA 30: Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code (Sprinkler-Adjusted Storage Quantities)

ICC Fire Inspector II Study Guide (2021)

Thus, the correct and verified answer is: C. the building is protected with automatic sprinklers. ✅

The fire-resistance rating requirements for different building elements in Type IV (Heavy Timber) construction are specified in the 2021 International Building Code (IBC), Table 601 – Fire-Resistance Rating Requirements for Building Elements (Hours).

IBC Table 601 – Fire Resistance for Type IV Construction:

Interior nonbearing walls and partitions in Type IV construction require 0 hours of fire resistance.

This is because Type IV construction primarily relies on large, heavy timber elements that provide inherent fire resistance.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

B. 1 hour – Incorrect, as nonbearing interior walls in Type IV construction are not required to have a fire-resistance rating.

C. 1-1/2 hours – Not required by code.

D. 2 hours – Only structural elements like exterior walls in some cases may require fire resistance, but nonbearing interior partitions do not.

✅ Correct Answer: A. 0 hours

The occupant load for an R-2 building's common patio area must be calculated using an occupant load factor. The correct factor is 15 gross sq. ft. per person.

Reference to Fire Inspector Documentation:

1. 2021 International Building Code (IBC) – Table 1004.5 (Occupant Load Factor)

For outdoor areas (such as patios and terraces), the applicable factor is 15 gross sq. ft. per person.

2. 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) – Section 1004.5 (Outdoor Occupant Loads)

The 15 gross per person requirement is applied to common outdoor gathering areas in residential occupancies (R-2).

Detailed Explanation of Answer Choices:

Option A (Incorrect): 50 net per person applies to storage areas, not patios.

Option B (Incorrect): 11 gross per person is used for business occupancies (B), not residential patios.

Option C (Correct): 15 gross per person is the correct calculation factor for common outdoor spaces in R-2 buildings.

Option D (Incorrect): The code official does not assign occupant load values arbitrarily—they follow IBC Table 1004.5.

Thus, the correct and verified answer is: C. 15 gross per person.

According to the International Fire Code (IFC) 2021, when specific fire safety requirements are not explicitly provided for in the code, the responsibility to determine the applicable requirements falls upon the Fire Code Official.

Reference from the IFC (2021):

IFC Section 104.1 – General Authority and Responsibilities:

This section explicitly grants the Fire Code Official the authority to interpret the code and determine the necessary safety measures in cases where the code does not provide specific guidance.

It states: "The fire code official is hereby authorized to enforce the provisions of this code and shall have the authority to render interpretations of the code and to adopt policies and procedures in order to clarify the application of its provisions."

IFC Section 104.9 – Alternative Materials and Methods:

This section further supports the authority of the Fire Code Official by allowing them to approve alternative fire safety measures when strict compliance with the code is not feasible.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

A. City Manager:

The city manager is responsible for administrative and operational management but does not have the authority to interpret or enforce fire code requirements.

B. Legal Counsel:

Legal counsel provides legal advice but does not have jurisdiction over fire safety code enforcement.

C. Board of Appeals:

The board of appeals reviews disputes and interpretations made by the Fire Code Official, but they do not have primary responsibility for determining applicable fire safety requirements.

Final Conclusion:

The Fire Code Official is the designated authority responsible for interpreting and applying fire safety requirements in situations where the International Fire Code (IFC) does not explicitly provide specific provisions.

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.

Retention of Fire Code-Related Records

According to the International Fire Code (IFC) 2021, Section 104.6, records related to code enforcement decisions, including modifications or substitutions (such as a sprinkler system replacing a second exit), must be retained for as long as the building and the condition exist.

This ensures that future inspections, property owners, and authorities can verify past decisions and compliance history.

2. Why the Records Must Be Retained Permanently

Modifications that impact life safety (such as exit requirements) must remain on record for the lifetime of the building to ensure ongoing compliance and safety.

If the condition (sprinkler substitution for an exit) still exists, any future inspector or building official must be able to verify the original approval and rationale.

3. Verification of Other Options

Option A (Five years) – Incorrect, as fire code modifications must remain on record permanently if they affect egress or fire protection systems.

Option B (Three years) – Incorrect, as this timeframe applies to temporary inspection reports, not major code modifications.

Option C (Until the building is sold) – Incorrect, as ownership changes do not affect the need for record retention on fire safety decisions.

Reference Sources:

International Fire Code (IFC) 2021 – Section 104.6 (Fire Code Record Retention Requirements)

NFPA 1: Fire Code (Retention of Code-Related Decisions)

ICC Fire Inspector II Study Guide (2021)

Thus, the correct and verified answer is: D. For as long as the building and the condition exist. ✅