Massachusetts Unrestricted Construction Supervisor License Practice Test

What is the primary purpose of installing standpipes during building construction?

1. To improve air quality

2. For fire suppression

3. As a structural support

4. To meet insulation needs

The correct answer is: For fire suppression

The primary purpose of installing standpipes during building construction is fire suppression. Standpipes are vertical pipes installed in stairwells or other accessible areas of a building, designed to deliver water to firefighters for extinguishing fires. They facilitate a rapid response to a fire emergency by providing a direct water source, enhancing the overall fire safety of the structure. By having a standpipe system in place, firefighters can quickly connect hoses and access water at various levels of the building without having to rely solely on external fire hydrants, which might be far away or not easily accessible. This system is especially critical in high-rise buildings where the potential for fire risk is higher, and immediate access to water is necessary. Other options, like improving air quality, offering structural support, or meeting insulation needs, while important considerations in building construction, do not relate to the fundamental role of standpipes in ensuring safety and combating fires effectively.