Michigan Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) Practice Exam

What type of staircase design limits the penetration of heat and smoke?

1. Open staircase design

2. Smoke tower design

3. Spiral staircase design

4. Compact staircase design

The correct answer is: Smoke tower design

The smoke tower design is specifically engineered to mitigate the effects of heat and smoke in a building during a fire incident. This design involves creating a vertical shaft that allows smoke to rise and be contained, preventing it from spreading to other areas of the building. By directing smoke upwards, the smoke tower can help maintain cleaner air in the lower levels and provide a safer environment for evacuation. The efficiency of this design becomes particularly evident in emergency situations, as it helps to improve visibility and reduces the likelihood of smoke inhalation. In contrast, an open staircase design allows for free movement of air, which can facilitate the spread of smoke and heat throughout the building. Spiral staircases are aesthetically appealing but do not offer the same level of protection against smoke penetration as a smoke tower. Compact staircases, while efficient in space utilization, also do not provide barriers that can limit smoke movement effectively. Therefore, selecting a smoke tower design is crucial for enhancing safety and compliance with fire safety regulations in large building structures.