Flammable or combustible liquids are not permitted to be stored in ___ used by people for safe egress.

• A. exit areas
• B. stairways
• C. either a or b
• D. storage rooms

Answer: (C)

Keeping escape routes clear is essential for safe evacuation. Flammable or combustible liquids should not be stored in any space that people use to exit a building, because spills or vapors can ignite and block or hinder a rapid exit. Exit areas and stairways are both used for safe egress, so storing flammables there is prohibited. That’s why the correct idea is that either exit areas or stairways are not suitable for this type of storage. Storage rooms, on the other hand, are intended for storage (often in approved containers or cabinets and with proper fire protection), away from egress paths.