Michigan Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) Practice Exam

What is the minimum fire resistance rating for stairway enclosures in exit components?

1. One-half hour

2. One hour

3. Two hours

4. No rating required

The correct answer is: One hour

Stairway enclosures in exit components are required to have a minimum fire resistance rating of one hour. This requirement is essential to provide adequate protection for occupants during an emergency, allowing them enough time to evacuate safely. A fire resistance rating indicates the duration for which the enclosed stairway can withstand fire exposure and prevent the spread of smoke and flames. By maintaining a one-hour rating, the design aims to ensure that occupants can use the stairway as a safe route out of the building during a fire or other emergency situations. Other options, such as a one-half hour rating, do not provide sufficient time in the case of a significant fire, while two hours might be more than necessary for typical stairway enclosures. The option suggesting no rating is not compliant with safety regulations that ensure the protection of life during emergencies. Therefore, the one-hour rating is established as the minimum standard for such critical exit components.