Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) Practice Exam

What fire-related concerns might arise in a hotel with an elevator system?

1. Insufficient fire extinguishing systems

2. Potential for oxygen supply through elevator shafts

3. Poor building design

4. Overcrowded fire exits

The correct answer is: Potential for oxygen supply through elevator shafts

In the context of a hotel with an elevator system, the potential for oxygen supply through elevator shafts presents a significant fire-related concern. Elevator shafts can act as conduits for smoke and flames, which may allow fire and heat to travel vertically throughout the building more quickly. In the event of a fire, if there are compromised conditions, such as failure of the elevator system or doors, it can lead to an influx of oxygen into these shafts, exacerbating the fire situation. When a fire occurs, the interaction of flames with the structure can create a natural draft that pulls oxygen up through the shaft, supporting combustion. This dynamic can further intensify the fire and make evacuation and firefighting efforts more challenging. Consequently, adequate fire safety measures and designs must carefully consider the management of these shafts to reduce the risk they pose during fire emergencies. In contrast, while insufficient fire extinguishing systems, poor building design, and overcrowded fire exits can all impact safety during a fire, the specific concern regarding the elevator shafts and their role in fire dynamics makes the presence of oxygen supply through them a particularly critical issue to understand in the context of hotel safety protocols.