Pass the International Code Council Fire Inspector Fire-Inspector-II Questions and answers with ExamsMirror

Smoking Restrictions Near LP-Gas Transfer Points

According to the International Fire Code (IFC) 2021, Section 3807.2, smoking is not permitted within 25 feet of an LP-gas transfer point while filling operations are in progress.

This prevents ignition hazards, as LP-gas is highly flammable and can ignite from cigarettes, matches, or lighters.

2. Why 25 Feet is the Correct Answer

LP-gas vapors are heavier than air and can travel significant distances before igniting.

The 25-foot clearance requirement is set to prevent accidental ignition due to an undetected vapor leak.

3. Verification of Other Options

Option A (10 feet) – Incorrect, as this is the requirement for smaller propane cylinder storage areas, not transfer points.

Option B (15 feet) – Incorrect, as IFC mandates a 25-foot minimum clearance.

Option D (50 feet) – Incorrect, as the IFC requirement is specifically 25 feet, not 50.

Reference Sources:

International Fire Code (IFC) 2021 – Section 3807.2 (Smoking Prohibitions Near LP-Gas Transfer Points)

NFPA 58: Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code (Safe Handling and Transfer Requirements)

ICC Fire Inspector II Study Guide (2021)

Thus, the correct and verified answer is: C. 25 feet. ✅

Efficient scheduling minimizes travel time and maximizes inspection coverage, a practical aspect of fire inspection management (not explicitly detailed in the IFC but implied in Section 106.2, Inspections). Selecting occupancies in the same geographic area (C) reduces travel, allowing more time for thorough inspections. Option A undermines the comprehensive nature of inspections required by IFC Section 106.1. Option B could compromise inspection quality, not efficiency. Option D focuses on violation history, which doesn’t inherently improve scheduling efficiency and may skew priorities. Thus, C is the most logical and IFC-aligned choice.

Fire flow for residential buildings is determined based on IFC Appendix B, Table B105.1(1) – Required Fire Flow for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, Group R-3, and R-4 Buildings.

For a 3,700 sq. ft. two-family dwelling of Type VB construction:

Per Table B105.1(1), the baseline fire flow is 1,750 gpm.

If an NFPA 13D-compliant automatic sprinkler system is installed, the fire flow is reduced by 50%.

1,750 gpm × 0.50 = 875 gpm, but the minimum allowed for a sprinklered dwelling is 1,000 gpm.

✅ Correct Answer: B. 1,000 gpm

LP-Gas Storage Limits for Dealers in Non-Public Buildings

According to the International Fire Code (IFC) 2021, Section 6109.9, the maximum allowable quantity of LP-gas in containers stored by a dealer awaiting resale in a building that is not open to the public is 2,000 pounds of water capacity.

This limit is intended to reduce fire and explosion hazards in enclosed spaces while allowing reasonable storage for commercial purposes.

2. Understanding Water Capacity vs. Propane Weight

The water capacity of an LP-gas cylinder refers to the total weight of water the container can hold, not the actual propane content.

The propane content is typically about 42% of the water capacity (i.e., 2,000 lbs. of water capacity is approximately 840 lbs. of propane).

3. Verification of Other Options

Option A (735 lbs.) – Incorrect, as IFC allows a significantly higher storage limit for dealers in non-public buildings.

Option B (1,000 lbs.) – Incorrect, as the actual limit per IFC 6109.9 is 2,000 lbs.

Option D (2,500 lbs.) – Incorrect, as this exceeds the IFC's maximum allowable storage limit.

Reference Sources:

International Fire Code (IFC) 2021 – Section 6109.9 (LP-Gas Storage Limits in Buildings Not Open to the Public)

NFPA 58: Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code (LP-Gas Storage and Handling Guidelines)

ICC Fire Inspector II Study Guide (2021)

Battery-charging areas for industrial trucks (such as forklifts) present a fire hazard due to the potential for flammable hydrogen gas buildup and electrical malfunctions. To mitigate this risk, portable fire extinguishers with a minimum rating of 40-B:C are required.

Reference to Fire Inspector Documentation:

1. 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) – Section 309.5 (Fire Extinguishers for Battery-Charging Areas)

IFC 309.5 states that battery-charging areas must have a portable fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 40-B:C to handle potential electrical and flammable liquid fires.

The B rating covers flammable liquid fires (such as battery electrolyte leaks), while the C rating ensures it is safe for electrical fires.

2. NFPA 10 – Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers (2022 Edition)

NFPA 10, Table 6.3.1.1 outlines that industrial battery-charging areas must have at least one extinguisher rated 40-B:C.

This ensures adequate fire suppression capability for both electrical and flammable liquid hazards.

Detailed Explanation of Answer Choices:

Option A (Incorrect): 4-A:20-B:C includes a higher A-rating (for ordinary combustibles), but 20-B:C is below the required 40-B:C.

Option B (Incorrect): 3-A:40-B:C exceeds the B:C requirements but adds an unnecessary A-rating, which is not specified in the code.

Option C (Incorrect): 2-A:10-B:C is insufficient, as it does not meet the 40-B:C minimum requirement.

Option D (Correct): 40-B:C is the correct and minimum required rating per IFC 309.5 and NFPA 10.

Thus, the correct and verified answer is: D. 40-B:C.

Clearance Requirement for Sprinkler Systems Over Flammable Liquid Storage

According to International Fire Code (IFC) 2021, Section 5004.6 and NFPA 30: Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, Section 16.5.1, there must be a minimum of 18 inches of clearance between the top of flammable liquid storage and the deflector or discharge orifices of a sprinkler system.

This ensures unobstructed sprinkler discharge for effective fire suppression.

2. Why 18 Inches is the Correct Answer

The 18-inch clearance allows sprinklers to operate properly, ensuring water distribution is not blocked by stored materials.

NFPA 13 also mandates an 18-inch minimum clearance for standard storage applications with sprinklers.

3. Verification of Other Options

Option B (24 inches) – Incorrect, as the IFC and NFPA specify 18 inches as the minimum requirement.

Option C (30 inches) – Incorrect, as this exceeds the required minimum clearance.

Option D (36 inches) – Incorrect, as the IFC and NFPA do not require this much clearance.

Reference Sources:

International Fire Code (IFC) 2021 – Section 5004.6 (Sprinkler Clearance Over Flammable Liquid Storage)

NFPA 30: Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code – Section 16.5.1

NFPA 13: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems – Minimum Clearance Requirements

ICC Fire Inspector II Study Guide (2021)

Thus, the correct and verified answer is: A. 18 inches. ✅

In nonsprinklered occupancies, newly upholstered furniture in common areas must resist ignition by cigarettes primarily in Group I-2 occupancies (such as hospitals, nursing homes, and care facilities). This requirement reduces the risk of fire ignition in environments where occupants may have limited mobility and are unable to evacuate quickly.

Reference to Fire Inspector Documentation:

1. 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) – Section 805.2 (Ignition Resistance of Upholstered Furniture and Mattresses)

IFC 805.2 specifies that nonsprinklered Group I-2 occupancies must have upholstered furniture that resists ignition by cigarettes because these settings involve vulnerable populations who may need assistance in an emergency.

2. NFPA 101 – Life Safety Code (2021 Edition) – Section 10.3.2 (Fire-Retardant Upholstered Furniture)

NFPA 101, Section 10.3.2 aligns with the IFC in requiring that furniture in health care facilities (Group I-2) must meet fire resistance standards to prevent ignition from cigarettes and other sources.

Detailed Explanation of Answer Choices:

Option A (Correct): Group I-2 (hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities) is required to have cigarette-ignition-resistant upholstered furniture in nonsprinklered common areas.

Option B (Incorrect): Group A-1 (theaters and performing arts venues) does not have this requirement, as seating arrangements are different and typically involve fire-resistant materials.

Option C (Incorrect): Office spaces (Business Occupancies, Group B) do not require ignition-resistant furniture under fire code regulations.

Option D (Incorrect): Libraries in Group E (Educational Occupancies) are not required to have this furniture unless otherwise specified by local codes.

Thus, the correct and verified answer is: A. Group I-2

 Reference to Automatic Sprinkler Requirements:

The International Fire Code (IFC 2021), Section 903.2.11.1 and NFPA 13 (Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems) regulate when sprinkler systems are required based on ventilation and fire spread potential.

A building with only one exterior wall providing openings creates a fire trap, increasing the need for automatic sprinklers.

 Determining the Required Distance:

IFC 903.2.11.1 states that when the wall opposite the provided openings is more than 100 feet away, an automatic sprinkler system must be installed to ensure proper fire suppression.

 Clarification of Incorrect Answer Choices:

A. 50 ft. → Incorrect

Sprinklers are not necessarily required at this distance because natural ventilation is still effective.

B. 75 ft. → Incorrect

This distance still allows some natural ventilation, making sprinklers optional rather than mandatory.

D. 150 ft. → Incorrect

Sprinklers are required once the distance exceeds 100 feet, so waiting until 150 feet would not meet code requirements.

 Conclusion:

The correct and verified answer is C (100 feet) based on IFC 903.2.11.1 and NFPA 13, ensuring fire safety in office buildings with limited exterior openings.

A code official may allow the occupant load to exceed the building code requirements if additional exit facilities are provided, all egress requirements are met, and the maximum occupancy does not exceed one occupant per 10 sq. ft. of occupiable floor area.

Reference to Fire Inspector Documentation:

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

The minimum safe occupancy load factor is 10 sq. ft. per occupant, meaning no space can have more than 1 person per 10 sq. ft.

Fire code officials can approve increased occupancy only if extra exits are provided, ensuring compliance with egress and fire safety rules.

2. 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) – Section 1004.2 (Increased Occupant Load Allowance)

Allows for an increased occupant load only if additional exits and egress requirements are met but never beyond 1 person per 10 sq. ft.

Detailed Explanation of Answer Choices:

Option A (Incorrect): 1 occupant per 3 sq. ft. is too high and would violate egress safety regulations.

Option B (Incorrect): 1 occupant per 5 sq. ft. still exceeds safety limits.

Option C (Incorrect): 1 occupant per 7 sq. ft. is not the minimum required standard.

Option D (Correct): 1 occupant per 10 sq. ft. is the minimum limit for allowing an increased occupant load under IFC 1004.2 and IBC Table 1004.5.

Thus, the correct and verified answer is: D. 10.

Definition of Extra-High-Rack Combustible Storage

According to International Fire Code (IFC) 2021, Section 3206.6, extra-high-rack combustible storage is defined as:

Class I, II, III, or IV commodities stored on racks exceeding 40 feet in height.

High-hazard commodities stored on racks exceeding 30 feet in height.

2. Understanding Rack Storage Classifications

Class I-IV Commodities: These refer to general, moderate-risk combustible materials such as wood, paper, and plastics.

High-Hazard Commodities: These are materials that have a higher fire risk, such as highly combustible plastics, flammable solids, and products prone to rapid heat release.

3. Verification of Other Options

Option A (20; 30) – Incorrect, as 40 feet is the correct threshold for Class I-IV commodities.

Option B (30; 40) – Incorrect, as 30 feet applies to high-hazard commodities, not Class I-IV commodities.

Option D (50; 40) – Incorrect, as the correct heights are 40 feet and 30 feet, respectively.

Reference Sources:

International Fire Code (IFC) 2021 – Section 3206.6 (Definition of Extra-High-Rack Storage)

NFPA 13: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems (High-Rack Storage Requirements)

ICC Fire Inspector II Study Guide (2021)