ICC Commercial Building Inspector Practice Test

A 400 square foot laundry chute discharge room with certain features must meet what requirement?

1. Must have a minimum 30 minute fire rating

2. Must pass inspection if it has a 45 minute rated door that is self-closing on smoke detection

3. Must have non-combustible walls

4. Must be unoccupied

The correct answer is: Must pass inspection if it has a 45 minute rated door that is self-closing on smoke detection

The requirement for a laundry chute discharge room measuring 400 square feet relates to fire safety and smoke control. A laundry chute that leads to a discharge room necessitates special attention because it may facilitate the movement of smoke and heat during a fire event. For option B, the presence of a 45-minute rated door that is self-closing on smoke detection is designed to contain smoke and fire, thereby limiting the spread into other areas of the building. The self-closing feature ensures that the door automatically closes when smoke is detected, creating a barrier against smoke when it's most critical, thus enhancing safety in the event of a fire. This system is crucial because a laundry chute's design can inadvertently provide a pathway for smoke to flow from the laundry area into other sections of the building. Consequently, providing a door that meets the criteria of having a 45-minute fire rating and a self-closing mechanism ensures adequate protection for occupants of the building during an emergency. The other options do not adequately reflect the specific requirements for this scenario. For example, while non-combustible walls and fire ratings are generally important in fire safety, they do not focus on the specific mitigating measures necessary for a discharge room linked with a laundry chute, unlike the self-closing door