International Code Council Fire-Inspector-II - 67 - Fire Inspector II Exam

IFC Section 2303.7 classifies ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastics as Group A (high-hazard) due to their flammability and smoke production, per NFPA 13. Options B and C are less hazardous, D is a commodity class, not a plastic group. Thus, A is correct.

Paint Spray Booth Clearance Requirements

According to the International Fire Code (IFC) 2021, Section 2404.3.2, paint spray booths must have a minimum clearance of 18 inches from unprotected combustible materials.

This clearance requirement helps prevent heat transfer, fire spread, and ignition of nearby combustible materials due to the operation of the spray booth.

2. Why 18 Inches is the Correct Answer

Spray booths generate overspray, vapors, and heat, making clearance essential for fire prevention.

The requirement applies to combustible walls, ceilings, and storage materials surrounding the spray booth.

If combustibles are within 18 inches, additional fire protection such as fire-rated barriers or sprinkler protection may be required.

3. Verification of Other Options

Option A (12 inches) – Incorrect, as the IFC mandates a minimum 18-inch clearance.

Option C (24 inches) – Exceeds the standard clearance requirement but is not the official minimum. Incorrect.

Option D (36 inches) – Some jurisdictions may require larger clearances, but IFC mandates 18 inches as the minimum. Incorrect.

Reference Sources:

International Fire Code (IFC) 2021 – Section 2404.3.2 (Paint Spray Booth Clearance Requirements)

NFPA 33: Standard for Spray Application Using Flammable or Combustible Materials (Clearance Guidelines)

ICC Fire Inspector II Study Guide (2021)

Thus, the correct and verified answer is: B. 18 inche

To determine the maximum number of students permitted in a classroom, we must follow the occupant load calculation based on the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC).

Step 1: Calculate the Room Area

The classroom measures 20 ft. x 30 ft., so the total area is:

20×30=600 sq. ft.20 \times 30 = 600 \text{ sq. ft.}20×30=600 sq. ft.

Step 2: Subtract the Area Occupied by Fixed Tables

Each table measures 4 ft. x 8 ft., so its area is:

4×8=32 sq. ft. per table4 \times 8 = 32 \text{ sq. ft. per table}4×8=32 sq. ft. per table

Since there are 4 tables:

32×4=128 sq. ft. occupied by tables32 \times 4 = 128 \text{ sq. ft. occupied by tables}32×4=128 sq. ft. occupied by tables

Step 3: Determine the Usable Space for Students

600−128=472 sq. ft. available600 - 128 = 472 \text{ sq. ft. available}600−128=472 sq. ft. available

Step 4: Apply the Occupant Load Factor

According to 2021 IBC Table 1004.5 (Occupant Load Factor), the factor for a classroom with tables and chairs is 20 sq. ft. per person.

472÷20=23.6472 \div 20 = 23.6472÷20=23.6

Since the occupant load must be rounded down, the maximum number of students is 24.

Reference to Fire Inspector Documentation:

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

A classroom with tables and chairs requires 20 sq. ft. per occupant.

This method ensures compliance with egress and fire safety requirements.

2. 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) – Section 1004.1 (Occupant Load Determination)

The IFC states that occupant load is based on net usable floor area and must follow IBC Table 1004.5.

Detailed Explanation of Answer Choices:

Option A (Incorrect): 12 students would be too low based on the calculations.

Option B (Correct): 24 students is the accurate calculation following IBC 1004.5.

Option C (Incorrect): 30 students would exceed the available space per code.

Option D (Incorrect): 40 students is far above the allowed maximum.

Thus, the correct and verified answer is: B. 24.

The requirement for panic hardware on exit doors is specified in 2021 IFC Section 1010.2.9 – Panic and Fire Exit Hardware.

IFC Section 1010.2.9.1 – Where Panic Hardware is Required:

Panic hardware is required for Group A (Assembly) occupancies when the occupant load is 50 or more.

It is also required in certain Group E (Educational) and Group R-1 (Hotels and Dormitories) occupancies under specific conditions.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

A. 10; A – The threshold for panic hardware in Group A occupancies is 50, not 10.

C. 50; M – Group M (Mercantile) does not require panic hardware unless specifically required by another section of the code.

D. 100; F – Panic hardware is not required in Group F (Factory) occupancies at 100 occupants; the threshold applies primarily to Group A.

The storage of flammable medical gas supply cylinders inside a building is regulated by 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) Section 5306 – Medical Gas Systems.

IFC Section 5306.2.1 – Storage of More Than 200 Cubic Feet of Medical Gases:

When the quantity of flammable medical gas exceeds 200 cubic feet, it must be stored in a separate room with a minimum 2-hour fire-resistance rating.

The room must also comply with ventilation and explosion control requirements per NFPA 99 (Healthcare Facilities Code).

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

A. 1/2-hour – Insufficient fire resistance for high-risk gas storage.

B. 1-hour – Does not meet the minimum 2-hour requirement set by the IFC.

D. 3-hour – Exceeds the minimum required by code; the correct requirement is 2-hour fire-resistive construction.

IFC Section 903.3.5 and Appendix B (Fire-Flow Requirements) allow a reduction in fire flow when sprinklers are installed. For a Type II-B building (noncombustible, unprotected), the base fire flow (7,000 gpm) reflects a large, unsprinklered structure (e.g., per Table B105.1(2)). With full sprinkler protection, IFC B105.2 permits a reduction to as low as 25% of the original flow or the sprinkler demand (whichever is greater), typically 1,500 gpm for commercial buildings per NFPA 13 standards, assuming adequate water supply. Options B, C, and D exceed this minimum without justification. Thus, A is correct.