Construction Supervisor License Practice Exam

In a sprinkled 60' x 80' building without corridors, what is the minimum separation required between two exit doors?

1. 25 feet

2. 33-1/3 feet

3. 40 feet

4. 50 feet

The correct answer is: 33-1/3 feet

In a sprinkled building, which features an automatic fire suppression system, the minimum separation distance between two exit doors is determined to enhance safety by ensuring that both exits are sufficiently spaced apart. This reduces the likelihood that both exits could be compromised by fire or smoke simultaneously, which is critical for occupant safety. The requirement of a separation of 33-1/3 feet provides an effective balance between practicality and safety. It allows for a reasonable distance that ensures both exits can be accessed without the risk of obstruction or impingement from potential hazards on one side of the building. This rule is particularly important in buildings with larger occupant loads or unique configurations, such as the described 60' x 80' building. Larger separation distances, such as 40 feet or 50 feet, may be unnecessarily stringent for structures equipped with a sprinkler system, and could lead to challenges in building design or access. Conversely, a smaller separation such as 25 feet would not adequately account for the possible risks presented in the event of a fire or emergency, thereby compromising occupant safety. Thus, the specified separation of 33-1/3 feet is both a compliant and practical solution in this scenario.