Michigan Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) Practice Exam

Which of the following describes the requirements for doors protecting corridor openings in smoke compartments?

1. Must be 1-inch thick plastic

2. Must resist fire for a minimum of 10 minutes

3. Must be made of 1-3/4 inch thick solid-bonded core wood

4. Must be made of metal only

The correct answer is: Must be made of 1-3/4 inch thick solid-bonded core wood

The correct answer focuses on the requirement that doors protecting corridor openings in smoke compartments must be made from a specific material that can effectively prevent the spread of smoke and fire for a designated period. For smoke compartments, doors are typically required to be made of solid-bonded core wood that is at least 1-3/4 inches thick. This thickness and material choice provide the necessary resistance to fire and smoke infiltration, which is crucial for occupant safety and compliance with fire safety codes. Wood doors with a solid core are designed to have fire-resistant properties, thereby contributing to overall fire safety in facilities like nursing homes. Such specifications ensure that, in the event of a fire, the door can help contain smoke and fire within a designated area, providing crucial time for the evacuation of residents and for emergency responders to address the situation. The other options, while they may include certain features related to fire safety, do not meet the established requirements in terms of standard material specifications for smoke compartment doors. For instance, plastic doors would likely not meet the necessary fire resistance, and requirements surrounding resistance duration may not be adequate with some materials mentioned. In essence, the door's construction and material are pivotal for fire integrity and safety within the nursing home structure.