Free Practice Questions for International Code Council Fire-Inspector-II Exam

Hazardous occupancies involved in organic coatings manufacturing are classified as Group H-2 or H-3 occupancies under the 2021 IFC. These facilities involve highly flammable materials, requiring both manual and automatic fire alarm systems for safety.

IFC 2021, Section 415.7 – Organic Coatings Manufacturing:

Requires that automatic fire alarm and manual fire alarm systems be installed due to the high risk of fire and explosion in these facilities.

IFC 907.2.4 – Fire Alarm Systems for Group H Occupancies:

Specifies that Group H (high-hazard) occupancies must have both manual and automatic fire alarm systems.

The automatic fire alarm system ensures immediate detection, while the manual system allows for human activation in case of emergencies.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

A. Do not require a fire alarm system.

Incorrect, as all high-hazard occupancies require fire alarm systems.

B. Require only a manual fire alarm system.

Incorrect, as automatic detection is also required due to high fire risk.

C. Require only an automatic fire alarm system.

Incorrect, as manual activation is necessary for early intervention.

✅ Correct Answer: D. Require both manual and automatic fire alarm systems.

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. ✅

IFC allows fire code officials to enforce odor control, requiring operations to stop if odors are offensive (D), aligning with public safety. Options A, B, and C are not standard requirements, with age limits (A) not specified, permits (B) not universally required for odors, and preheating time (C) not mandated. This fits the study guide's incineration regulations.

References: Fire Inspector II Study Guide, IFC.

Minimum Working Space Width for Electrical Equipment Panels

According to National Electrical Code (NEC) 110.26(A)(2) and International Fire Code (IFC) 2021, Section 604.3, the minimum working space width for electrical equipment must be at least the width of the equipment or 30 inches, whichever is greater.

Since the equipment panel in the question is 66 inches wide, the required working space width must be at least 66 inches.

2. Why 66 Inches is the Correct Answer

The minimum clearance width must be equal to the width of the electrical equipment if the panel itself is wider than 30 inches.

This ensures safe maintenance and emergency access to electrical components.

3. Verification of Other Options

Option A (30 inches) – Incorrect, because the equipment is wider than 30 inches, requiring a larger clearance.

Option B (36 inches) – Incorrect, as this is not the requirement for a 66-inch-wide panel.

Option D (78 inches) – Incorrect, as the clearance does not need to exceed the width of the panel.

Reference Sources:

National Electrical Code (NEC) 2023 – Section 110.26(A)(2) (Working Space Width Requirements)

International Fire Code (IFC) 2021 – Section 604.3 (Electrical Equipment Clearance Requirements)

ICC Fire Inspector II Study Guide (2021)

Aisle Width Requirements for Baled Fiber Storage

According to the International Fire Code (IFC) 2021, Section 3206.9, blocks or piles of baled fiber must be separated by aisles at least 5 feet wide to allow for proper fire department access and fire prevention measures.

This regulation applies to combustible fibers such as cotton, jute, and hemp, which are highly flammable and can quickly contribute to fire spread.

2. Why 5 Feet is the Correct Answer

Adequate aisle spacing prevents fire from spreading rapidly between storage piles.

The 5-foot minimum width allows for fire suppression efforts and emergency personnel access.

Insufficient aisle width can trap heat and flames, increasing the severity of a fire incident.

3. Verification of Other Options

Option A (3 feet) – Incorrect, as this does not meet the minimum IFC requirement of 5 feet.

Option C (8 feet) – Incorrect, as the IFC requires a minimum of 5 feet, although wider aisles may be used based on facility layout.

Option D (10 feet) – Incorrect, since 5 feet is the standard requirement, though wider aisles may be beneficial for larger storage facilities.

Reference Sources:

International Fire Code (IFC) 2021 – Section 3206.9 (Aisle Width for Baled Fiber Storage)

NFPA 1: Fire Code – Storage of Combustible Fibers Regulations

ICC Fire Inspector II Study Guide (2021)

IFC Section 3804.1 classifies aerosol storage as Group H (high-hazard) if flammable, fitting option A. Options B and C are subgroups (H-2, H-3), while D (Group S-1) is for moderate-hazard storage, not applicable. This is consistent with the study guide's occupancy classifications.

References: Fire Inspector II Study Guide, IFC Section 3804.1.

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)

To determine the occupant load of a 50,000 gross square foot airport terminal concourse, we use the occupant load factor from 2021 IBC Table 1004.5.

Step 1: Identify the Occupant Load Factor for an Airport Concourse

According to IBC Table 1004.5, the occupant load factor for an airport terminal concourse is 20 sq. ft. per person (gross).

Step 2: Calculate the Occupant Load

50,00020=2,500 occupants\frac{50,000}{20} = 2,500 \text{ occupants}2050,000​=2,500 occupants

Reference to Fire Inspector Documentation:

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

20 sq. ft. per person is assigned for airport concourses.

2. 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) – Section 1004.1.2 (Occupant Load Determination)

Gross area calculations must follow the correct occupant load factor per IBC Table 1004.5.

Detailed Explanation of Answer Choices:

Option A (Incorrect): 200 is too low based on proper calculations.

Option B (Incorrect): 500 is also too low.

Option C (Incorrect): 1,000 is below the required calculation.

Option D (Correct): 2,500 is the correct calculation based on IBC Table 1004.5.

Thus, the correct and verified answer is: D. 2,500.

 Reference to LP-Gas Tank Separation Requirements:

The International Fire Code (IFC 2021), Table 6104.3, provides minimum separation distances for above-ground LP-gas tanks based on capacity and proximity to each other or property lines.

According to Table 6104.3, for an LP-gas tank with a 501-gallon capacity located near a 250-gallon tank, the required minimum separation distance from adjoining property is 10 feet.

 Why Separation Distance is Important:

LP-gas is highly flammable, and inadequate separation distances increase the risk of fire spread and explosion hazards.

Proper spacing ensures safety for occupants, emergency responders, and nearby properties.

 Clarification of Incorrect Answer Choices:

A. 5 ft. → Incorrect

Too close per IFC 6104.3; does not meet safety requirements.

C. 20 ft. → Incorrect

20 feet is required for larger tanks, but not for the combined 501-gal. and 250-gal. tank setup.

D. 25 ft. → Incorrect

Greater than the required minimum; while more distance is safer, IFC mandates a minimum of 10 feet.

 Conclusion:

The correct and verified answer is B (10 feet) based on IFC 6104.3, ensuring safe LP-gas tank separation from adjoining properties.

The storage of flammable medical gas supply cylinders inside a building is regulated by 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) Section 5306 – Medical Gas Systems.

IFC Section 5306.2.1 – Storage of More Than 200 Cubic Feet of Medical Gases:

When the quantity of flammable medical gas exceeds 200 cubic feet, it must be stored in a separate room with a minimum 2-hour fire-resistance rating.

The room must also comply with ventilation and explosion control requirements per NFPA 99 (Healthcare Facilities Code).

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

A. 1/2-hour – Insufficient fire resistance for high-risk gas storage.

B. 1-hour – Does not meet the minimum 2-hour requirement set by the IFC.

D. 3-hour – Exceeds the minimum required by code; the correct requirement is 2-hour fire-resistive construction.