Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS)

Which occupancy type requires smoke barriers to separate floors with a 1-hour fire resistance rating?

1. Residential buildings

2. Office buildings

3. Health care facilities

4. Educational facilities

The correct answer is: Health care facilities

The correct answer highlights the specific fire protection requirements for health care facilities, which are subject to stringent safety regulations due to the vulnerable populations they serve. These facilities often accommodate individuals who may be unable to evacuate quickly during an emergency, such as patients with limited mobility. In health care settings, smoke barriers are essential in reducing the potential for smoke spread between floors, thereby providing critical time for evacuation and minimizing life-threatening smoke inhalation risk. The requirement for smoke barriers to have at least a 1-hour fire resistance rating ensures that these barriers can withstand the effects of a fire long enough to protect occupants and assist in their safe evacuation. The importance of smoke barriers is not as pronounced in residential buildings, office buildings, or educational facilities, which typically have different occupancy requirements and strategies for fire safety. While these other occupancy types also have their own fire protection guidelines, they do not specifically necessitate the same level of fire resistance and smoke control as mandated for health care facilities.