Which of the following requires that an area of refuge must have specific safety features?

The requirement for an area of refuge to have smoke-resisting partitions is rooted in the importance of providing a safe location for individuals who may not be able to evacuate during an emergency. Smoke-resisting partitions are crucial because they help prevent the spread of smoke from fire areas into the refuge area, thereby ensuring that occupants can remain safe until rescue personnel can assist them.

In a fire situation, smoke inhalation often poses a greater risk than the fire itself, which makes the design and features of an area of refuge critically important. Smoke-resisting partitions not only contribute to safety by keeping smoke out but also help maintain air quality and visibility within the refuge area, enabling occupants to remain calm and oriented.

Fire-resistant walls, while important in a fire safety context, serve a different purpose by containing the fire itself rather than protecting occupants from smoke. Fire alarms are essential for alerting occupants to the presence of fire, and sprinkler systems are effective for reducing fire spread, but neither of these options directly address the specific safety features required within an area of refuge as smoke-resisting partitions do.