California IDEX Practice Exam

Which statement is INCORRECT about corridors?

1. Corridors are part of the exit access

2. Corridor construction must be fire-rated

3. Corridors must be used exclusively for egress

4. Corridors are included in calculating travel distance

The correct answer is: Corridor construction must be fire-rated

The statement regarding corridor construction needing to be fire-rated is indeed significant in the context of building safety codes and regulations. Generally, many jurisdictions require that corridors in certain types of buildings, particularly those that accommodate large numbers of people, must have fire-rated construction. This requirement is in place to help contain smoke and fire during an emergency, providing safer egress routes. A fire-rated corridor typically has a specific time duration for which it can withstand fire. Regarding corridors being part of the exit access is correct, as they facilitate access to an exit or exits. It is also accurate that corridors are included in calculating travel distance to an exit, as the total distance a person must travel to reach safety often includes corridors. Although corridors are primarily for egress, it is not a strict rule that they can only be used for this purpose—sometimes they may house other building services or functions, as long as those uses adhere to safety regulations. Thus, the incorrect statement is that corridor construction must be fire-rated, as while it is often necessary, there are exceptions based on building type and usage according to local codes.