ICC Certified Fire inspector One Practice Test

What height or fewer stories must new buildings have to require a stairway to the roof?

1. 1 story

2. 2 stories

3. 3 stories

4. 4 stories or more

The correct answer is: 4 stories or more

New buildings that are four stories or more typically require a stairway to the roof for several important safety reasons. One key consideration is that as buildings increase in height, the risk of needing to access the roof for emergencies or maintenance also increases. A stairway provides necessary accessibility for fire fighters and first responders during emergencies, ensuring they can reach the upper levels and roof of the building without delay. Additionally, building codes and safety standards are designed to protect life safety in taller structures where occupants may have limited escape routes in case of fire or other emergencies. The inclusion of a stairway to the roof also facilitates rescues and provides an evacuation route in situations where lower escape routes may be compromised. In contrast, buildings that are fewer than four stories generally do not face the same level of risk regarding height-related emergencies, often allowing for simpler escape routes from lower levels, which is why they may not be required to have a stairway to the roof according to most building codes.