Means of Egress and Exit Maintenance Flashcards

A venue has 4 exits but one is temporarily out of service for repairs. Can the event proceed?

Answer: Only if the remaining exits can handle the full occupant load and FDNY is notified

The event may proceed only if the remaining exits provide adequate capacity for the full occupant load AND the FDNY/building management has been notified. The occupant load may need to be reduced.

What does 'occupant load' mean in the context of egress?

Answer: The maximum number of people a space can safely hold based on egress capacity

Occupant load is the maximum number of persons that can safely occupy a space based on the available egress (exit) capacity, floor area, and type of use.

Self-closing fire doors in exit stairways should never be propped open because:

Answer: They allow smoke and fire to spread between floors

Fire doors in stairways are designed to contain smoke and fire within a floor. Propping them open defeats their purpose and allows deadly smoke to fill the stairway used for evacuation.

An exit sign with the word 'EXIT' must use letters of what minimum height?

Answer: 6 inches

Exit signs must have letters at least 6 inches high with strokes at least 3/4 inch wide. This ensures visibility from a reasonable distance, even in smoky conditions.

How many exits are generally required for a place of assembly with an occupant load over 500?

Answer: 4 exits

Places of assembly with occupant loads over 500 generally require a minimum of 4 exits. The exact number may vary based on local code, layout, and specific conditions.

A fire guard notices that emergency exit lighting has failed in a corridor. The event is in 30 minutes. What should they do?

Answer: Report to building management for immediate repair; if not fixed, the area may need to be closed

Failed emergency lighting must be reported for immediate repair. If it cannot be repaired before the event, the affected area may need to be closed or alternative safety measures implemented.