Michigan Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) Practice Exam

What is the requirement for a common wall shared with a nonconforming building?

1. It must have at least a 2-hour fire resistance rating

2. No specific requirements

3. It must have at least a 1-hour fire resistance rating

4. It must be made of brick

The correct answer is: It must have at least a 2-hour fire resistance rating

The requirement for a common wall shared with a nonconforming building necessitates that it must have at least a 2-hour fire resistance rating. This regulation is put in place to enhance the safety of structures and their occupants by minimizing the risk of fire spread between buildings. A 2-hour fire resistance rating indicates that the wall is constructed using materials and methods that can withstand fire for at least two hours, thereby providing a critical barrier in the event of a fire in the adjacent nonconforming building. This increased fire resistance is particularly important in settings where one building may not adhere to modern building codes or safety standards, thus necessitating a stronger precautionary measure to protect adjoining properties and their inhabitants. While there are no specific requirements for walls shared with conforming buildings, reliance on higher standards for fire resistance becomes crucial when dealing with structures that do not meet current conditions. The specifications for building materials, such as a brick wall, are also part of general construction guidelines but do not alone satisfy the necessary fire resistance criteria.