Massachusetts Unrestricted Construction Supervisor License Practice Test

What is the minimum distance apart that two exit doors in a 1 story building measuring 200 ft. x 300 ft. may be?

1. A. 125 feet

2. B. 175 feet

3. C. 180 feet

4. D. 50 feet

The correct answer is: C. 180 feet

In a one-story building, the placement of exit doors is governed by safety regulations aimed at ensuring quick and efficient evacuation in case of an emergency. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines often stipulate that the minimum distance between exit doors should be a certain percentage of the maximum diagonal distance across the building. In this case, the maximum diagonal distance for a building that measures 200 ft. by 300 ft. can be calculated using the Pythagorean theorem. Calculating the diagonal, we have: \[ Diagonal = \sqrt{(200^2 + 300^2)} = \sqrt{(40000 + 90000)} = \sqrt{130000} \approx 360.55 \, \text{feet}. \] The general rule for exit separation is that they should be spaced at least one-third the diagonal distance apart, which means: \[ 360.55 \, \text{feet} \div 3 \approx 120.18 \, \text{feet}. \] When considering the choices provided, the minimum distance of 180 feet is more than sufficient to meet safety standards. Thus, selecting 180 feet ensures compliance with regulations and maximizes safety by providing ample separation