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Property & Building Inspection

Life safety practice questions

10 original sample questions on life safety. Pick an answer, then open the explanation. Review the life safety study notes first if you like.

1. A CO alarm sounding during inspection should prompt:

  1. Ignoring it as a false alarm
  2. Silencing the alarm and continuing
  3. Evacuation and notifying the appropriate parties
  4. Removing its battery
Show answer & explanation

Answer: C. Evacuation and notifying the appropriate parties

Treat as an emergency. (General reference: IRC R315 (carbon monoxide alarms); local adoption varies.)

2. A 4-inch step-down between a hallway and a sunken den is unmarked and poorly lit. This is a:

  1. Cosmetic issue
  2. Safety concern
  3. Ventilation issue
  4. Energy issue
Show answer & explanation

Answer: B. Safety concern

Unexpected level changes cause falls.

3. A balcony door opens onto a balcony with a 30-inch guard on the third floor. The inspector should:

  1. Report guard as typical for balconies
  2. Recommend removing the guard
  3. Report low guard height as a fall hazard
  4. Say that guards are optional above two stories
Show answer & explanation

Answer: C. Report low guard height as a fall hazard

Guards are typically at least 36 inches. (General reference: IRC R312 (guards); local adoption varies.)

4. A CO alarm that is past its end-of-life date should be:

  1. Kept
  2. Kept as a backup
  3. Replaced
  4. Moved to the garage
Show answer & explanation

Answer: C. Replaced

Sensors expire.

5. A CO alarm located directly above a gas range may:

  1. Last longer than any other placement
  2. Replace the need for smoke alarms
  3. Give nuisance alarms or poor coverage
  4. Provide ideal coverage for bedrooms
Show answer & explanation

Answer: C. Give nuisance alarms or poor coverage

Follow manufacturer placement guidance. (General reference: IRC R315 (carbon monoxide alarms); local adoption varies.)

6. A buyer asks whether the house needs a fire extinguisher for the inspection to pass. Home extinguishers are generally:

  1. Required by code in every bedroom of the home
  2. Recommended near the kitchen
  3. Required to be in the attic
  4. Prohibited near the range
Show answer & explanation

Answer: B. Recommended near the kitchen

Extinguishers are recommended. Many SOPs don't require inspecting them.

7. A backyard hot tub has a soft cover with broken strap locks, and the buyers have toddlers. Secure locking covers help:

  1. Reduce electrical demand
  2. Improve water chemistry
  3. Prevent child drowning
  4. Heat the water faster
Show answer & explanation

Answer: C. Prevent child drowning

Locking covers are a key safety measure.

8. A basement bedroom with only a small hopper window high on the wall likely:

  1. Meets egress with a smaller opening
  2. Lacks a compliant emergency escape opening
  3. Needs no escape opening at all
  4. Meets egress if a smoke alarm is present
Show answer & explanation

Answer: B. Lacks a compliant emergency escape opening

Sleeping rooms need egress. (General reference: IRC R310 (emergency escape and rescue openings); local adoption varies.)

9. A fire escape ladder in a second-story bedroom is:

  1. Required by all codes in every state
  2. An optional safety device
  3. A plumbing fixture
  4. A structural element
Show answer & explanation

Answer: B. An optional safety device

Report presence if relevant.

10. A fire-rated door between garage and house should:

  1. Be self-closing where required
  2. Be propped open for airflow
  3. Have a pet door for convenience
  4. Have a large glass panel insert
Show answer & explanation

Answer: A. Be self-closing where required

Self-closers maintain separation.

Original practice items for study only, not actual exam questions. Content may contain errors.