ICC Commercial Building Inspector Practice Test

What determines the placement of fire extinguishers in a building?

1. Size of the building

2. Type of occupancy

3. Availability of exits

4. Height of the ceilings

The correct answer is: Type of occupancy

The placement of fire extinguishers in a building is primarily determined by the type of occupancy. Different occupancies present varying risks and hazards, influencing the necessary fire protection measures. For instance, areas where flammable materials are present, such as kitchens or manufacturing spaces, have different requirements compared to office environments. Standards and codes, such as those from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), specify that the number, type, and placement of extinguishers should correspond to the specific hazards present in different types of occupancy. For example, a residential building will have different requirements compared to a commercial kitchen or an assembly area. Adhering to the guidelines associated with the type of occupancy ensures that the fire extinguishers are readily accessible in the event of a fire, maximizing safety for the occupants. The other factors, while they may influence fire safety planning, do not have as direct an impact on extinguisher placement as the occupancy type does. For instance, the size of the building and the availability of exits may affect how many extinguishers are needed, but they do not dictate their placement as precisely as the hazards related to occupancy type. Similarly, the height of ceilings is more relevant to visual access and reach than to the decision of