PE Problem #53

8/15/2018

A four-story low-rise senior retirement living facility is being designed without the need for health support services. Which of the following areas which each serve the entire floor level require a minimum of one-hour fire resistance rating?
a. A 300 sqft laundry room
b. A 50 sqft trash room
c. A 100 sqft storage room
d. All of the above

Solution | Posted 08/16/18

12 Comments

8/15/2018 09:15:35 am

Answer: D

Reference: NFPA 101 (Table 6.1.14.1(a))

8/15/2018 01:07:19 pm

How do you know a separated occupancy approach is used?

8/15/2018 11:01:10 am

A
NFPA 101, 16.3.2.1(2)(a)

8/15/2018 12:55:25 pm

C.
32.2.3.2

8/15/2018 01:14:26 pm

NFPA 101 Table 32.3.3.2.2

Laundry room larger than 100 sf = 1-hour

Trash collection room = 1 hour

Storage room larger than 50 but not exceeding 100 sf = smoke partition

On a test I would guess D, but it seems answer should be A&B

Colleen

8/15/2018 03:56:36 pm

Good point, I had the same thought!

I think the 1 hour smoke partition rating is a little confusing, but I definitely agree that per T.32.3.3.2.2 A and B should be included. I would make "D" my official guess in a test scenario.

David

8/15/2018 02:42:17 pm

b.
Occupancy classification Residential Board & Care per 3.3.190.12
Table 32.3.3.2.2:
All trash collection rooms are required to be 1-hour.

Pari

8/15/2018 05:55:34 pm

8/16/2018 09:08:44 am

Problem is written incorrectly. If the answer is C than it should be which does NOT require a 1-hour rating

David

8/16/2018 01:07:42 pm

I concur.

Nimal Tissa Wijetunga

8/18/2018 05:53:57 am

The answer is "D".

Paul

8/19/2018 05:00:07 pm

Based on the solution of using chapter 32, it appears the question is missing some wording, such that it should state which of the areas do not require a 1-hour fire separation. Table 32..3.3.2.2 requires 1-hour around all except storage rooms at 100 sq. ft.

Additionally, the question does not state that there is any assistance or care given to the senior occupants. There are plenty of senior living facilities where you must be over a certain age to rent from, however you do not receive care or assistance, so this should be residential. NFPA even makes this distinction on some of its website sources.

The question is misleading.

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