Michigan Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) Practice Exam

What is the maximum square footage allowed for a smoke compartment?

1. 20,000 sq ft

2. 22,500 sq ft

3. 25,000 sq ft

4. 30,000 sq ft

The correct answer is: 22,500 sq ft

The correct answer is based on the regulations regarding smoke compartments in healthcare facilities, including nursing homes. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, specifically NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, the maximum size for a smoke compartment is generally set at 22,500 square feet. This standard helps ensure that in the event of a fire, smoke and fire can be contained within a limited area, facilitating safer evacuation and access for emergency responders. Smoke compartments play a crucial role in maintaining safety by limiting the potential spread of smoke and fire, preventing it from engulfing larger areas of the facility. The 22,500 square feet maximum is a carefully determined figure that balances safety and practicality in design, allowing facilities to operate efficiently while still adhering to fire safety regulations. Options exceeding this limit are not aligned with the established standards for smoke compartments, making them invalid in the context of this question. Understanding this standard helps ensure that effective safety measures are implemented in nursing homes, ultimately protecting the residents and staff.