Fire Inspection and Code Enforcement 8th ed.
A HOT WORK program requires a written plan approved by the AHJ. The plan establishes procedures to prevent fires resulting from temporary operations that involve an open flame or produces heat, sparks, or hot slag. There operations include:
-Welding -Brazing -Cutting -Grinding -Soldering -Thawing Pipes -Applying roofing with a torch
Examples of solid-fuel cooking equipment:
-Wood Brick Ovens -Meat Grilling -BBQ Smokers
There are five types of centrifugal pumps, used with stationary fire pumps:
-horizontal split case -Vertical split case -vertical in-line -Vertical turbine -End suction
Specifically, the NFPA 704 system uses a rating system of numbers from ____ to ____. the rating is assigned to three categories: -Health -Flammability -Instability
0 to 4. 0 indicates minimal hazard, whereas the number 4 indicates severe hazard.
When determining the required width of the means of egress, the most common numerical factors that are expressed in the codes are _____ per person for ramps or level exit components, such as doors and corridors.
0.2 inches (pg. 268)
When determining the required width of the means of egress, the most common numerical factors that are expressed in the codes are _____ per person for stairways.
0.3 inches
Immersion coating dip tanks and reservoirs should be contained in:
1 hour rated construction.
in order for a dust explosion to occur ALL FIVE conditions must be present:
1) Combustible dust must be suspended in air. 2) Particle concentration must be within its explosive range. 3) Ignition source must be present. 4) Dust must be in confined space. 5) Oxygen concentration must be capable of supporting combustion.
When considering a means of egress, a public way must have a clear width and height of:
10 feet (3meters)
In an ordinary household lamp ___% of the electricity, or current, is converted into light. Over _____% of the energy is converted into heat.
10%, 90%
Illuminated exit signs must be positioned so that no point in the exit access is more than ______ feet from the nearest visible sign.
100 feet (30 m)
A "pyrophoric" material describes a material that spontaneously ignites in air at or below:
130 degrees F.
Panic hardware should be able to be released by applying a force of no more than _______ pounds.
15 pounds (pg. 254)
Most nationally developed fire codes state that fire lanes and fire apparatus access roads must extend to within _____ feet of all portions of a building.
150 feet of all portions of a building. (pg 286)
Tents must be made of flame-resistant materials that are approved and tagged. Materials that go inside the tent must be treated with or made of flame-retardant.
180 days within a 12-month period is a typical time for a tent to be considered to be temporary, however local policy may differ.
When working with TORCH-APPLIED roofing materials, how long must fire-watch inspections be conducted after the work has been completed and the last torch turned off?
2 Hours. (page 372)
Air consists of about ___% oxygen.
21%
The mechanical ventilation system must be designed to maintain the atmosphere inside the spray booth or spray room at an atmosphere less than _____________ for the most volatile flammable liquid that is applied.
25% of the lower flammable limit
Static electricity charge buildup increases when the weather is dry and relative humidity is less than ___%.
30% (pg. 317)
where combustible materials such as paper clippings, wood shavings, or textile fibers on the floor, an area with a radius of at least how much must be cleared?
35 Feet (pg. 354)
Stairways must be at least _______ inches wide unless the occupant load of all floors serves by the stairway is less than ____ people.
44 inches, 50 people Other Requirements: -Stair treads must be solid and slip resistant. -Landings must be provided so that no flights of stairs are greater than 12 ft high. -Handrails may be required for both sides of stairs. -Treads and risers must be in good condition.
On loading stations, the loading hose furnished by the receiver must be properly maintained and replaced every ____ years.
5 years (pg. 316)
Horizontal exits may be substituted for other exits if they do not compose more than _______% of the total exit capacity of the building.
50% (pg 248) Example of Horizontal Exits: A means of egress from one building to an area of refuge in another building on approximately the same level. A means of egress though a fire barrier or fire wall to an area of refuge in another building.
LC50: Refers to the concentration in the air of a given substance that killed ____________ of the test population when they inhaled or absorbed the vapors, fumes, or mists of the substance.
50% or more
LD50: Refers to the ingested dose of a given substance that was lethal to _________ of the test population when they swallowed or ate the substance.
50% or more
For a fire lane or fire apparatus access road, generally an angle not exceeding ____ degrees is necessary to allow the apparatus to drive onto the lane without the tailboard or front bumper striking the ground.
8 degrees (pg 286)
Threshold Limit Value (TLV) - Concentration of a given material that may be tolerated for an ___ - hour exposure during a regular workweek without ill effects.
8 hour.
When required, the emergency lighting system must provide the proper amount of illumination for ________ minutes.
90 minutes (pg 263)
Active dust controls are usually mechanical dust-collection systems capable of collecting ____ of the dust. (368)
99.5%
Generally speaking, a conventional spray booth designed for a passenger automobile is designed to exhaust at a rate of 8-11,000 cubic feet per min.
A fire inspector will want to confirm this air exhaust rate.
Which of the following BEST describes a "standard"?
A set of principles, protocols, or procedures that is developed by committees through a consensus process
Which of the following defines an educational occupancy?
Any building or portion of a building that is used for the purpose of education of six or more persons from preschool through 12th grade
Which roof covering is fundamentally combustible and produces a characteristically heavy black smoke?
Asphalt Shingles
If an inspector encounters a situation that appears to be unsafe related to electrical equipment, who should be notified?
Authority's electrical inspector. (pg. 312)
What is the typical life cycle of a model code edition?
B. 3-5 years
If any structure or compartment (room) is used for the gathering of ___ or more persons, it is classified as an assembly occupancy.
B. 50 pg. 132
What is the primary hazard created by electrical overcurrent or overload?
B. A conductor may overheat and present an ignition hazard
The temperature at which a liquid releases sufficient vapors to ignite but not sustain combustion
B. A liquid with a flash point below 100F
What should the inspector ask the owner to do during the inspection?
B. Accompany the inspector
When multiple codes are applied to areas such as long-term care, which of the following statements is MOST accurate?
B. Both codes are used in conjunction to ensure that all requirements are met.
Which type of inspection is required when a structure's occupancy classification changes and code compliance must be ascertained?
B. Change in occupancy
A fire involving flammable and combustible liquids and gases such as gasoline, oil, lacquer, paint, mineral spirits, and alcohol is a ____ fire.
B. Class B
When inspecting an occupancy that includes office space, manufacturing space, and storage space, how should the inspection be conducted?
B. Each area should be inspected using the applicable section based on it primary use.
Which type of inspection occurs when it becomes obvious that an occupancy or process poses a hazard to life and property?
B. Eminent hazard
In the flaming mode of combustion, what type of fuel is required?
B. Gaseous
In which state must fuel be for flaming combustion to occur?
B. Gaseous
In jurisdictions that have a separate code enforcement department, their duties typically include which of the following?
B. Inspection of vacant structures
Which type of inspection involved the owner/occupant obtaining a permit for a special even or use of the occupancy such as the limited-term use of a circus-type tent?
B. Issuance of a permit
What size does lumber need to be in order to meet the criteria of large-dimension?
B. Larger than 4 inches
Beyond the official fire code inspection processes, how may an inspector keep current with building changes within their jurisdiction?
B. Monitoring business license applications, occupancy permits, and occupancy inventories
All structural members of Type I construction are made up of what type of materials?
B. Noncombustible materials that possess a high fire-resistance rating Pg. 118
What type of ignition occurs when a mixture of fuel and oxygen encounters an external heat source with sufficient heat energy to start the combustion reaction?
B. Piloted ignition
Which of the following is NOT likely to perform inspections in unincorporated areas?
B. Private investigators
When fully tempered glass is broken, it breaks into what kind of pieces?
B. Small granules
Which of the following statements regarding the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) is MOST accurate?
B. The SCC has the mandate to promote efficient and effective standardization.
How can massive steel beams and girders be expected to behave under severe fire conditions?
B. The frequently stay in place.
What will happen to a vapor given off by a flammable liquid with a vapor density of 2.3?
B. The vapor will sink
Which of the following is one of the two primary roles for private sector inspectors?
B. To function as a risk assessor by evaluating processes and facilities
What type of construction describes a building constructed of concrete block with unprotected open-web steel joists and metal deck roof?
B. Type II
Which of the following statements about Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) is MOST accurate?
B. UL is not-for-profit product-safety testing and certification organization.
Under which of the following conditions would Type II construction normally be used?
B. When fire risk is expected to be low and fire suppression and detection systems are designed to meet the hazard load
Chemical reactions that absorb energy as they occur are called:
B. endothermic
Type IV construction is commonly referred to as ____ construction.
B. heavy timber
Building codes typically allow a reduction in the hourly rating of the fire walls when the building:
B. is equipped with sprinkler systems
An occupancy that is used to store goods, merchandise, products, vehicles, or animals is generally referred to as a:
B. storage occupancy
materials classified as toxic or highly toxic include substances capable of producing serious illness or death once they enter the ____________.
Bloodstream.
Any materials used in heavy timber construction that are not made of wood must have a fire-resistance rating of how long?
A. 1 hour
What latitude does a jurisdiction have when adopting a model code?
A. A jurisdiction may modify a model code to meet local needs during the adoption process.
What type of inspection occurs on a set basis and usually involves occupancy classification such as places of assembly, education, and health care?
A. Annual
How does a consensus standard become enforceable in a local community?
A. Application to the local jurisdiction is only enforceable after the local community adopts the standard.
Which of the following items is prohibited by codes?
A. Breaching the party wall for any reason
A fire involving ordinary, solid, combustible materials such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber, and many plastics is a _____ fire.
A. Class A
What is a chemical reaction that releases energy in form of heat and light?
A. Fire
Who enforces codes and standards once they are adopted?
A. Fire or codes department
The NFPA classifies manufacturing and processing facilities within three subdivisions of an industrial occupancy. What are those three classifications?
A. General Purpose, Special Purpose, High Hazard
A facility where clothing is dropped off and returned would be classified as a __________ occupancy. (Dry Cleaners)
Business (pg. 361) Dry cleaning process involves the use of numerous chemical, fire, and environmental hazards.
When an inspector is preparing to review a set of plans for the construction of a new structure, which of the following questions is important to answer?
A. How and from what materials will the building be constructed?
With which of the following tasks should an inspector assist when changing to a new edition of a code?
A. Identifying how amendments made to previous editions of the code
What is the first step in any code or amendment development process?
A. Identifying the problem
Who has the responsibility for understanding the laws and ordinances thatgrant inspectors authority to conduct inspections?
A. Inspector
Which of the following statements regarding the beginning of an inspection is MOST accurate?
A. Inspectors must be easily identifiable with current official credentials prominently displayed or immediately available for review.
What is the most appropriate action to take if extremely hazardous conditions are found during an inspection?
A. Issue a stop work or cease-and-desist order, even if entry has been denied.
The architect or design professional of record typically determines the type of construction used in building or remodeling based on the following factors:
A. Occupancy type, building size, and the presence or lack of automatic fire-suppression systems (Pg. 116-117)
Which type of code provides for the most cost-effective protection based on the contents of a retail store?
A. Performance-based codes
What defines the authority of a private inspector?
A. The employer
As the surface-to-mass ratio of a material increases, what affect does it have on ignition of that material?
A. The fuel is more easily ignited
What is the primary risk associated with educational occupancies during a fire?
A. The high occupancy load
Who is responsible for fire prevention inspections at the state/provincial Ievel?
A. The state/provincial fire marshal's office
In order for an inspector to conduct a professional and credible inspection, he or she must:
A. be trained in the applicable laws, codes, standards, and ordinances adopted by the AHJ.
Chemical reaction that give off energy as they occur are called:
A. exothermic
The chemical decomposition of a substance through the action of heat is called:
A. pyrolysis - For solids. (for liquids its vaporization) pg. 79
Occupancy classification is the:
A. use of all or a portion of a building or structure.
Which of the following statements about the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is MOST accurate?
C. ANSI does not develop consensus standards; it accredits member organizations that do.
How can inspectors ensure automatic notification when business and commercial changes occur in their community?
C. By ensuring a close professional relationship with the permit office staff
Which of the following identifies a condition that inspectors should be aware of in regards to building occupancy classifications?
C. Changes in ownership, processes, renovations, and economics can result in buildings being used in ways that were not originally intended.
A fire involving energized electrical equipment is a ______ fire.
C. Class C
Which of the following statements about fire-retardant treatment of wood is MOST accurate?
C. Codes allow certain applications within fire-resistive and noncombustible type construction.
When multiple inspections are needed in a single occupancy due to annual inspections or other circumstances, which the following actions are correct?
C. If possible, schedule all the inspections at once.
Which of the following is a responsibility of the building department?
C. Issuing permits related to buildings and their use
What is the primary benefit of grading of lumber?
C. It permits higher grades to be used only when needed for specific applications.
Which of the following is considered a drawback of masonry construction?
C. Mortar joints degrade quickly.
What special treatments are required when a combustible structural member penetrates through a fire wall?
C. No combustible structural members may penetrate a fire wall.
Which type of inspection involved the owner/occupant requesting an inspection as a request of another government agency or of an insurance company?
C. Owner/occupant request
What is the term used to define a chemical reaction involving the combination of oxygen with other materials?
C. Oxidation
Which type of inspection occurs when a complaint has been filed against a business or occupancy, such as overcrowding or blocked exits?
C. Response to a complaint
It is important for a fire inspector to understand the applications of which of the following?
C. Statutes and./or ordinances that set the limits of an inspector's authority
What does the term protected steel refer to?
C. Steel beams covered with spray-on fireproofing or fully encased in a designed system
What document establishes the construction types and occupancy classifications for a given city or community?
C. The code adopted by the authority having jurisdiction
Upon what is the construction type of a building based?
C. The fire resistance of the materials and design of the structure
Which of the following statements regarding cease-and-desist orders is MOST accurate?
C. They should be based on conditions defined by established, written guidelines.
What type of construction requires exterior walls to be constructed of noncombustible materials and allows interior elements such as floors, roofs, and interior non-bearing framing to be constructed of small-dimension wood or metal stud systems?
C. Type III
Which type of construction is commonly used when building churches and schools?
C. Type III
United States Department of Defense (DoD) facilities are inspected under which of the following codes?
C. Unified Facility Criteria
The private-sector inspector must know the proper ____ for handling fire and life safety hazards.
C. chain of command
Which organizations offer model codes for adoption in the U.S. and Canada?
Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes; International Code Council; National Fire Protection Association.
NFPA permits only the use of ___________ Or ___________ interior finishes in exits or exit access corridors.
Class A (0-25 flame-spread rating) or Class B (26-75 flame-spread rating) Pg. 256
NFPA 86 Standard for Ovens and Furnaces, gives information on all types of industrial furnaces, ovens, thermal oxidizers, and dryers. Model codes and Standards classify industrial ovens and furnaces into one of the following FOUR classes:
Class A - Operates at approx. atmospheric pressure and has potential for explosion or fire hazard when flammable volatiles or combustible materials are processed or heated. Class B - Operates at approx. atmospheric pressure where no flammable volatiles or combustibles are being heated. Class C - Has a potential hazard due to a flammable material being used or a special atmosphere is present; can use any type of heating system and includes a special atmosphere supply system; includes integral quench furnaces and molten salt bath furnaces. Class D - Operates at temperatures from above ambient to over 5,000F; also operates at pressures normally below atmospheric using any type of heating system; can include the use of special processing atmospheres.
Flammable solids that are metals require the placement of a ___________ close to the hazard.
Class D fire extinguisher
Which type of floor finish is generally required for exits, exit passageways, and corridors?
Class I (pg. 222)
Spray booths illuminated with electric lamps are required to be listed for use in ________________________ atmosphere.
Class I, Division 1 atmosphere.
Proper hazard __________ is the first step in regulating Hazardous materials.
Classification. (pg. 385) Improper classification leads to the incorrect storage and use of materials.
Which of the following was a primary factor in forming organizations to write consensus or model codes?
Codes were left to interpretation and caused confusions among manufacturers and contractors.
What basic properties do all building materials share?
Combustibility, thermal conductivity, rate of thermal expansion, and variation of strength with temperature
Which of the following statements about oxygen concentrations and combustion is MOST accurate?
Combustion may occur at oxygen concentrations as low as 14% or lower given the right circumstances
Which of the following statements about the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is MOST accurate?
ASTM develops testing processes that other organizations use.
The ASTM E-119 test evaluates the: (222)
Ability of structural assemblies to carry a structural load and act as a fire barrier
What is a consideration for firefighters when dealing with rooftop photovoltaic systems?
Access and Egress pathways to and on a roof. (pg. 221)
Generally, ______ is used because it exhibits one of the highest evaporation rates of all the industrial solvents used in flammable finishing.
Acetone.
Which fuel gas is MOST commonly used for welding and thermal cutting operations in which Oxygen and a Fuel gas are used to produce a flame?
Acetylene.
When a material presents multiple hazards, fire codes require ____ of the hazards be addressed. (385)
All.
Which of the following turnarounds on a dead-end fire lane consists of a configuration that allows a vehicle to back into a space and turn around?
Alley dock
What happens during a dust explosion?
Dust explosions occur in series. -The first explosion usually is not as severe as subsequent explosions and stirs dust that has settled on ledges, walls, equipment, or in areas of low travel. -The second introduction of particles to the air generally results in larger and stronger explosions.
Most powered industrial trucks are fueled by:
Electric battery or LPG. (pg. 349)
_________ are placed around vertical openings like stairwells, elevator shafts, and pipe chases.
Enclosure Walls (pg. 196)
Best example of an exit discharge:
Exterior walkway along the side of a structure (pg. 250)
What type of wall or barrier is used for stairwells, shafts, and areas of refuge in healthcare facilities?
Fire Barriers (pg. 196)
The range of concentrations of fuel vapor and air within which combustion can occur is the:
Flammable Range
__________ and _________liquids are the most common class of hazardous material that inspectors will encounter.
Flammable and combustible A liquid is classified as either flammable or combustible when it contains carbon and hydrogen.
When conducting an inspection, inspectors should follow which of the following procedures?
Follow a written inspection procedure that is approved by the fire chief, fire marshal, or code official.
Which of the following best describes the self-sustained chemical reaction in the flaming combustion process?
Fuel molecules and oxygen break apart to form free radicals, then combine with available fuel and oxygen to form intermediate combustion products. Pg. 95
If an inspector is reviewing plans for a renovation to an existing structure, issuing a new occupancy permit, or making a field inspection, which of the following questions must be answered?
Have either the purpose or construction materials of the building changed since the last inspection?
The primary way that NFPA 70 National Electric Code classifies electrical hazards is according to the:
Hazardous Materials in the surrounding area. (pg. 313) Class I Locations - Flammable vapors may be present Class II Locations - Combustible dust may be found Class III Locations - Ignitable fibers may pose a hazard
The NFPA 704 system provides a widely recognized method for indicating the presence of __________ ______________ at commercial, manufacturing, institutional, and other fixed-storage facilities.
Hazardous Materials.
The two main hazards that are associated with recycling plants: Bulk Storage of combustibles and _________.
Hazardous processes conducted on the premises. (pg. 331)
Model codes recognize _______ hazard materials as those where a single brief exposure to the hazard material can result in death, injury, or incapacitation.
Health
What are the components of the fire tetrahedron?
Heat, Fuel, Oxygen, Uninhibited Chemical Chain Reaction
The keys to preventing fires in materials-handling facilities are controlling the dust and ___________.
Ignition Sources.
Which type of flammable finishing method does the constant vapor production as the liquid evaporates increase the risk of fire?
Immersion coating. (pg. 356)
In addition to roof covering composition, what other issues are important for inspectors?
Insulation of the roof structure.
When inspecting fire suppression equipment for commercial cooking equipment, which in an item that should be checked?
Cooking appliances protected by the system have not been changed or switched out.
What is an example of an exit ACCESS?
Corridor leading to the exit OPENING. (pg. 246) Remember the elements of an exit: The Exit Access, The Exit, The Exit Discharge.
Timbers have a nominal thickness of:
D. 5 inches (125 mm) or more.
Which of the following statements regarding inspections is MOST accurate?
D. An inspector must be familiar with the applicable code and any codes and standards referenced in the adopted code.
Who adopts codes and standards for enforcement in prescribed cities,counties, states, and provinces?
D. Authority having jurisdiction (AHJ)
A fire involving combustible metals such as aluminum, magnesium, potassium, sodium, titanium, and zirconium is a ____ fire.
D. Class D
A fire involving oils and greases normally found in commercial kitchens and food preparation facilities using deep fryers is a ____ fire.
D. Class K
A fire inspector must have thorough knowledge and understanding of which of the following?
D. Enabling legislation that designates and authorizes fire and life safety
Which of the following is defined as the range of vapor concentration that will support combustion?
D. Flammable range - Range being the key word in the question.
Institutional occupancies generally include which of the following types of occupancies?
D. Health care, detention/correctional, residential board and care, day care
How must steel that has been incorporated into a fire wall be protected in steel-frame buildings?
D. It must provide the same degree of fire resistance as the fire wall.
Which of the following statements about the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is MOST accurate?
D. NFPA develops the majority of the consensus standards used in the U.S. and Canada.
Which type of inspection is required when a new structure is built, an addition is made to an existing structure, or an existing structure is altered in such a way that code compliance must be ascertained?
D. New construction
Which of the following statements about the term noncombustible is related to the building construction is MOST accurate?
D. Noncombustible does not always reflect the true nature of the structure
Which two key factors influence the combustion process as it relates to fuel?
D. Physical state and distribution/orientation
Which of the following is one of the two primary roles for private sector inspectors?
D. To ensure appropriate fire and life safety is maintained within the company's facilities
What is the purpose of classifying structures using occupancy classifications?
D. To gain a reasonable expectation of the level of hazard a building presents
Barns, livestock, shelter, carports, towers, and sheds are all included in what occupancy classification?
D. Utility/miscellaneous occupancy
In the public arena, fire and life safety inspection programs are generally located in the - departments.
D. fire, building, or code enforcement
For _________ _______ locking hardware, the doors unlock upon operation of automatic sprinkler or fire detection systems and when power controlling the locking mechanism is lost.
Delayed Egress (pg 255)
A stabilizing chemical used with unstable (reactive) materials is called a _______.
Diluent
What device is intended for use with sliding fire doors and has a fusible link that disconnects the door from the operating device and allows it to close under fire conditions?
Door Operating Device (pg. 209)
__________ is the process of removing dirt, grease, and stains from clothing or other textiles by using solvents.
Dry Cleaning. (pg 361)
For which dust producing facility is it MOST important that employees wear flame-resistant personal protective clothing?
Metal dust processing or handling areas.
What is a flash point?
Minimum temperature at which a liquid gives of sufficient vapor to ignite, but not sustain combustion
Determining the occupant load requires the following: Minimum ________ of each _______ _______ _______. Capacity of each individual _______ _______ _______. Total capacity of each _______ _______ _______. Number of _______ _______. Maximum travel distance to an _______.
Minimum width of each means of egress. Capacity of each individual means of egress. Total capacity of all means of egress. Number of exits required. Maximum travel distance to an exit.
What should an inspector do in order to prevent conflicts between fire codes and other codes adopted by the jurisdiction?
Monitor code provisions enacted at all levels of government
Where two or more exits are required, how many exits can be equipped with security grilles?
No more than one-half (pg 256)
Gasses are categorized into three groups depending on their physical state in containers under certain temperatures and pressures and their range of boiling points:
Nonliquified compressed gases Liquefied compressed gases Dissolved gases
Certificate of _____________- Issued by a building official after all required electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing, and fire protection systems have been inspected for compliance with the technical codes and other applicable laws and ordinances.
Occupancy. (pg. 385)
In areas containing compressed/liquefied gas cylinders, a safety precaution is to locate electrical switch devices:
Outside the storage room. (pg. 318)
In Grain Facilities, it is important that dust-collecting systems be located ______ the grain elevators.
Outside. (pg. 369)
__________ is a significant issue regarding tanks used for quenching operations.
Overflow. "Freeboard" or distance from the liquid surface to the top of the tank when the tank is full, should never be less than 6 inches. Any Tank over 500 gallons must have a bottom drain that opens automatically or manually in event of fire.
The ____________ is responsible for developing the hot-work program, establishing a written policy for hot work, and applying for the permit.
Owner/Operator
When fire inspectors encounter a chemical that ends in the letters ate or ite, or if the beginning of a chemical begins with the letters per, the hazardous material is probably an ________.
Oxidizer
How does oxygen contribute to the burning process?
Oxygen is the primary oxidizing agent in most fires.
All cryogenic liquids except __________ are either asphyxiants or toxic.
Oxygen.
Refrigerants may ne not very flammable, but very TOXIC.
Page 344
What is the primary safety concern for ventilation systems?
Potential transmission of fire, smoke, and products of combustion through the air distribution system. (pg. 344)
Which flammable finishing method involves the suspension of electrically charged combustible powders like polyester resin? (356)
Powder Coating (pg 356) The hazard in this process is flash fire or dust explosion.
Which of the following is least likely to be a functional role of a ceiling? -Act as sound barrier -Control Diffusion of Light -Provide Structural Support -Control Distribution of Air in a Room
Provide Structural Support pg. 203 when referring to ceilings, think acoustical tiles (membrane ceilings)
Inspectors should be familiar with the following two primary types of spontaneously combustible materials:
Pyrophoric Materials Self-heating materials (dangerous-when-wet chemicals get an honerable mention) these are materials that become spontaneously flammable or produve flammable or toxic gas when they come in contact with water.
NFPA 25 mandates that mean dreams for standpipes should be tested how often?
Quarterly
Mineral Oils are commonly used as a _________ medium.
Quench (pg. 359)
Which storage method represents the most challenging fire protection problem because it exposes more surface area to a fire?
Rack Storage. This uses a structural framework (rack) on which pallets or other materials are placed. Rack storage also provides pathways for the spread of fire such as flue spaces.
Signs indicating a fire lane are usually a :
Reflective WHITE background with RED lettering (pg. 289)
What can an inspector do about an observed unsafe behavior?
Require that the conditions be eliminated.
What must inspectors verify has been done with vertical shaft enclosures?
Required Firestopping (pg. 235)
A hotel is typically classified as what type of occupancy?
Residential occupancy
Before conducting an inspection at a STORAGE facility or retail outlet, inspectors should :
Review storage documentation. (pg. 327)
What are the normal duties of a building department?
Reviewing and approving all new construction and alterations to existing buildings
What type of window includes a large number of narrow overlapping glass sections swinging outward?
Jalousie (pg. 215)
What is the best reason why buildings under construction or demolition are subject to rapid fire spread?
Large quantities of unprotected materials on site. (pg. 291)
What is enabling legislation?
Legislation that gives appropriate officials the authority to implement or enforce the law
Which of the following is a residential board and care occupancy according to the NFPA?
Locations where lodging, boarding, and personal care are provided to four or more residents who are unrelated to the owner
The _________ _________ ________ is the minimum concentration of fuel vapor and air that supports combustion. The _________ _________ ________ is the concentration above which combustion cannot take place.
Lower flammable limit, Upper flammable limit
Which provision must be implemented for open-yard lumberyard storage?
Lumber stacks must be located on solid ground. (pg 329)
What issue is especially important to inspectors when inspecting storage facilities?
Maintaining the required clearances between automatic sprinklers and the stored materials. (pg. 326)
What do you use to turn off power to the entire building?
Master Control Switch
Which of the following turnarounds on a dead-end fire lane consists of a short section of roadway that lies perpendicular to the end of a dead-end street with equal sections on each side of the dead end?
T or Hammerhead
The two primary hazards HVAC systems pose are:
The spread of fire and the products of combustion and fire hazards from heating appliances. Of the two, fire hazards from heating appliances are the greater concern.
An exit passageway must be wide enough to accommodate:
The total capacity of all exits that discharge through it. (pg. 248)
What is used to determine the total number of exits?
Total Exit Capacity
ASHRAE 34 (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers) uses an alphabet-numerical system for classification of refrigerants. The letters A or B are used to designate the _________ of a refrigerant, while the _______ rating is on a scale of 1 to 3.
Toxicity, Flammability (Pg 232) Type B is the greater health hazard and class 1 is non combustible. Class 3 is flammable.
Hazerdous Materials __________ is outside the scope of the IFC and NFPA 400.
Transportation. (pg. 383) The Department of Transportation and its Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration regulate hazardous material transportation in the U.S. Another exemption is the application of pesticides, fungicides, and rodenticides. This is regulated by the EPA.
Placing portable heating devices too close to combustible materials is an example of unsafe behavior related to:
Unintentional ignition sources. (pg. 309)
Model Codes require _________________ on most hoistways build today. (pg. 234)
Venting at the top
Which of the following would be a reason for caution as an inspector conducts an inspection on a Type III structure?
Voids exist inside the wooden channels created by roof and truss systems that will allow fire spread unless proper fire stopping is applied
At no point should ________ be used to extinguish asphalt and tar kettles.
Water. (page 373).,
Which of the following is a disadvantage of wood as a building material?
Weather changes its shape and size
In masonry walls, from where is the wall's strength and stability derived?
Weight of the masonry and horizontal bonding between adjacent wythes
What is the most common problem that an inspector faces during an inspection of a rooming house?
What is the most common problem that an inspector faces during an inspection of a rooming house?
NFPA 1 and the IFC give the inspector the authority to require a ________________prepared by an individual who is qualified to determine a chemical's hazard classification.
a technical report and opinion. (pg. 385)
One advantage of using cryogenic liquids is the _______________________.
ability to modify a material's liquid-to-gas volume ratio.
A mechanical inspector will commonly require an _____________ test to confirm the exhaust fan is properly sized and functioning correctly.
air balance test. (pg. 358)
Dry cleaning process involves the use of numerous chemical, fire, and environmental hazards. The primary fire hazard with dry cleaning is the presence of ________________________.
all the elements necessary for uncontrolled fires: Fuels, ignition sources, and oxygen. (pg 361)
Corrosives exist in _____________ physical states.
all three. (pg. 398) They are extensively used in water and wastewater treatment, metal finishing, and extraction and processing of minerals.
The occupant load for a building that has more than one use is determined by the use that:
allows for the largest number of persons to occupy the building. (pg. 268)
Floor finishes are classifies by:
amount of heat that can be applied to the material before it ignites and spreads. (pg. 222) There are 2 classes: I and II
When considering a means of egress, stairways must be able to accommodate the greatest number of people expected to occupy ___________?
any single floor above (pg. 270)
Occupant load is determined by taking the net floor area and dividing it by:
area per person. (number depends on Function of the Space)
Before a fire inspector can inspect hazardous materials, these materials must be _________________ using the criteria in the adopted fire code.
assigned the proper classification (pg. 385)
All spray booths, with few exceptions, require some form of an automatic fire extinguishing system. Acceptable methods of protection include ___________ and ________fire extinguishing systems.
automatic sprinkler protection and dry chemical. (pg 358)
The ultimate goal of any fire and life safety inspection program is to:
avoid the majority of uncontrolled fires.
A temporary or portable heater must be located __________?
away from the route of egress from the structure. (344)
Physical Hazardous Materials are those materials that ________________________.
burn, accelerate burning, detonation, or deflagration. (pg. 386)
Solid and liquid oxidizers and oxidizing gases do not _____: they accelerate the______________.
burn, rate of burning. (pg. 392)
The occupant load for a building that contains two or more distinct occupancies is determined by:
calculating the occupant load for each of the occupancies separately and then ADDING them. (pg. 268)
To reduce the possibility that someone might connect the wrong containers, all cylinders on loading stations must be:
clearly labeled with the name of the gas being used. (pg. 316) Color coding can be useful, but cannot be relied upon totally.
When codes require exit illumination, the illumination must be: (262)
continuous during periods of occupancy.
The process of converting gases into liquid form through refrigeration is known as _________.
cryogenics.
Which of the following turnarounds on a dead-end fire lane consists of a street closed at one end designed to the minimum dimensions as required by the municipality?
cul-de-sac
One of the MOST significant characteristics of concern to members of the fire service is steel's:
deterioration of strength at elevated temperatures
Those departments who do not have assigned authority for inspections and code enforcement should:
develop a strong relationship with the department having that authority.
To determine the capacity of an exit, the inspector must calculate the capacity for each of the three means of ________________.
egress elements: exit access, exit, and exit discharge. The element with the smallest capacity will determine the total capacity for the means of egress. (pg. 269)
The means of egress capacity must be at least _________ the occupant load.
equal to
A change in occupancy may also change the ________ ________.
exit requirements. (pg. 265)
Fire and life safety inspection programs and the authority of the inspectors who implement them are founded in:
federal laws, state/provincial laws, and local ordinances.
Newer solvents used in dry cleaning today have ______ environmental concerns but ________ flammability hazards.
fewer, greater. (pg. 361)
The ______ used to _______ and the information contained in ________________ enable emergency responders to act quickly and accurately.
markings, hazardous materials resource guides.
The ____________ allowable quantity per control area is the largest amount of a particular class of hazardous materials permitted inside a building without changing the occupancy to a High Hazard use.
maximum. (pg. 431) The MAQ in NFPA 400 and the IFC are determined based on: -Building Occupancy Classification -Material's Physical State -Material's Situation -Classification of the Hazardous Materials
Codes require that auxiliary power and emergency lighting systems undergo ________ and _______ tests.
monthly and annual tests. (pg 264)
In the context of fire codes, classification is an evaluation to determine the degree of hazard a material may present. Classification of hazmat can be challenging due to the numerous hazardous materials in the marketplace and in research. Inspectors should realize that the _______ is responsible for properly classifying the material.
permit applicant
Building and fire codes specify requirements for construction and use of stairs when?
regardless of the type of stair. pg. 204
When determining the capacity of an exit, the element with the ________ capacity will determine the total capacity for the means of egress. (pg 269)
smallest
Occupant load is the total number of persons for which ______________.
the total number of persons for which the means of egress of a building or portion thereof is designed.
Dry cleaning plants are classified by: (361)
the type of solvents used
In commercial cooking establishments, much of an inspector's attention will be focused on the _______________________________________?
ventilation hood, exhaust, and fire protection systems installed above the cooking area. (pg. 344)
Inspectors are responsible for monitoring construction/demolition sites to verify that the following practices are in place:
-A means to call the fire department is available, with emergency numbers posted near phones. -Site plans, access keys, and emergency contact information are located in security office. -All fire protection systems and hydrants are accessible and operational. -Extinguishers are accessible in accordance with adopted code. -Flammable and combustible liquids are stored in compliance with codes. -Asphalt and Tar kettles are equipped with lids and closed. -Regulations for portable heating devices are followed. -Trash is disposed daily.
The following are some general conditions that inspectors should look for on all cooking equipment, to include the ventilation hood system:
-Cleanliness and functionality -No grease accumulation -Proper provisions for grease removal, to include regular scheduled cleaning. (commercial kitchen every 3 mo.) -Inspection/maintenance of fire protection and exhaust system performed every 6 months. -Fusible link replaced at least every year -Clearance of at least 18 inches from any combustible material unless the equipment is specially designed for a lesser clearance. -Extinguishers should be accessible, and personnel should have been trained in their proper use.
Three types of filters are used in HVAC systems:
-Fibrous media filters (may become trapped w/ particulates.) -Renewable media filters (may become trapped w/ particulates) -Electronic air cleaners (can develop an electrical malfunction that ignites the filters or particulate matter inside HVAC)
Facilities most prone to dust collection explosions are:
-Grain Facilities -Woodworking and Processing Facilities -Machine Shops and Manufacturing Facilities
Several resources available to assist inspectors in determining Hazardous Materials classification are:
-Hazardous Materials Expert Assistant Software. -Appendix E in the IFC (Section E103) -Wireless Information System For Emergency Responders (WISER)
The major components within an HVAC include:
-Heaters -Air Conditioners -Fans -Ducts -Heat exchangers -Thermostatic controls
Common causes of fires related to heating appliances include:
-Improperly adjusted or worn fan drive belts. -Clogged filters -Combustible lint or debris near burners -poorly maintained motors
Hazards associated with cryogenic liquids can be reduced to three categories:
-Inherent hazard of the particular gas, which may be intensified when it is in liquid form. -High liquid-to-vapor ratio. -Extremely low temperatures.
NFPA 55 and the IFC classify a gas as flammable when it meets either of the following conditions:
-It is ignitable at atmospheric pressure when in a mixture of 13% or less by volume in air. -it has a flammable range of at least 12% in air at atmospheric pressure, regardless of its lower limit.
When the use of a temporary or portable heater is permitted in an occupancy, an inspector should verify the following inforamtion:
-Its well maintained -Its equipped with safety switches that turn the heating element off if the heater tips over. -If applicable, the appropriate fuel is used. -Heater should ONLY be plugged into an electrical receptable/circuit that is designed to carry the current required to operate the heater. -Its located away from the route of egress from the structure. -Heaters are placed a safe distance from any flammable or combustible materials. -Fuel for kerosene heaters is stored outside the structure and the heater is only refilled outside the structure.
Safety requirements for solid-fuel cooking equipment:
-Must be installed on non-combustible floors that extend 3 feet from the outside of the appliance in every direction. -Equipment requires grease removal devices. -Equipment requires ventilation hood system to exhaust smoke and gasses. (Spark arrestors must be located inside the hoods ahead of the filer system.) -Only a one-day supply of solid fuel is allowed in the same room as the appliance. -Ashes must be removed from the firebox regularly so that the buildup of ashes does not interfere with the draft.
Model fire codes regulate the storage and use of Compressed and Liquified Gases. Regulations address two major concerns:
-Physical and health hazards of the stored gas -Design, construction, and protection of the compressed gas container or cylinder.
Some inspection items inspectors are responsible for verifying include:
-Qualified personnel are properly inspecting and maintaining HVAC system -Unit clearances are maintained -Operating instructions are provided
All tents must meet requirements of the large-scale test contained in NFPA 701, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films. Tents must be located according to the requirements of the adopted fire and building codes. Other provisions include:
-Specified distances from property lines. -Means of Egress requirements per locally adopted code. -Storage and handling of flammable or combustible liquids in accordance with codes. -Electrical installments in accordance with codes -Pyrotechnics and open flames are prohibited -Access for Emergency Vehicles
Once a hazardous material hazard classification is assigned, its storage situation must be defined. Model fire codes consider three situations for hazardous materials:
-Storage -Use - Closed System -Use - Open System (pg. 430)
During the plans review process, the inspector should establish that the fire protection requirements of the locally adopted code are met. During the inspections, an inspector must verify the following:
-The quantity of Class I solvents is limited and properly stored. -The dry cleaning plant type and solvent used match. -Routine maintenance is performed to prevent accumulation of fluff, lint, or waste that could ignite or cause a fire to spread rapidly. -All containers with flammable or combustible petroleum-based solvents are properly stored, transported, and used. -No smoking policy in place, enforced, and signs on display. -Correct size and number of portable fire extinguishers are available and personnel are trained in their use. -Fire protection equipment is operational.
Hazardous Materials that are incompatible are considered separated if:
-They are separated by a distance of 20 feet or more. -One of the materials is stored in an approved storage cabinet, exhausted enclosure, or gas cabinet. -The materials are separated by a noncombustible line-of-sight barrier.
An inspector should confirm that all of the following criteria are met when inspecting facilities:
-Warning signs posted for areas containing inert fire protection systems as well as explosion protection systems. -Spark-producing portable power tools and propellant-actuated tools should not be used where combustible dust is present. -All equipment, floors, and walls carefully cleaned, and all dust accumulations in the area removed. -Machinery that causes vibrations that could dislodge dust in the area of work turned off until work is completed. -All work areas kept clean and uncluttered. -Packaging, such as sacks, boxes, uninstalled machinery or parts, or other supplies, are stored away from areas where the only other combustible material is the agricultural commodity being stored.
What is the major difference between a code and a standard?
A code must have administrative provisions to explain how and when the standards are to be applied.
Which of the following statements BEST describes a prescriptive-based code or standard?
A code that stipulates in detail the types of materials that can be used and how they must be assembled
Which of the following BEST describes a "code"?
A collection or compilation of rules and regulations enacted by a legislative body to become law in a particular jurisdiction
What does the term "consensus standard" mean?
A document that a committee of industry experts developed and agreed upon before adoption
Model fire codes classify a spray booth as an _________.
Appliance. (pg357)
What term refers to the movement of a current between two electrodes or conductors?
Arching
Most fires in electrical equipment are caused by _____ or overheating of surrounding materials to their ignition point.
Arching.
Fire-rated partitions or fire barriers are designed to have what effect on a fire?
Contain the fire to one area. Pg. 220
Although wood dust presents an explosion hazard, it also presents a significant _______ hazard. The most common place for fires to occur in wood working operations is at the ________ hogger, a machine that turns scrap into splinters or chips.
Fire, Dust (pg. 371) Small pieces of metal, called TRAMP, wear off the machine during the milling operation and accumulate in the hog trap.
The _______________ is based on the type of occupancy, building height, type of building construction, and whether the building has an automatic sprinkler system.
Fire-Resistance Rating (pg. 256)
Model codes require refrigeration machinery rooms to be equipped with __________ __________ systems.
Gas Detection (pg 232)
Which of the following statements about the use of glass block in construction as it relates to fire resistance is MOST accurate?
Glass block alone cannot be substituted for a fire-rated wall.
When do the exit requirements for a building take on a higher level of significance and must meet additional exiting system requirements?
If 50 or more people are in a room or occupancy. (pg 252)
When would flammable building materials be allowed in the construction of a building otherwise thought of as noncombustible?
In Type II construction, some roof systems, flooring, and display areas are allowed to be combustible
Which statement best describes the appropriate action an inspector should take when entering a building for the purpose of making an inspection required by ordinance/law?
Inspectors should state the reason for the inspection, and if entry is denied by the owner, they can obtain an administrative warrant for legal approval.
Which storage method generally has materials stacked 3 to 4 feet high and the storage method may have multiple storage items stacked on top of each other approaching 30 feet in height?
Pallet Storage. This method uses multiple stacked pallets making it more difficult for water from a sprinkler to reach, wet, and control fire. Pallets may be encapsulated in plastic wrap, creating additional issues.
Refrigerants are assigned to one of two toxicity classes (A or B) based on what would be a _______________ ___________.
Permissible Exposure (pg. 344) Inspectors must remember that they may be dealing with a refrigerant that is not very flammable but is very toxic.
Which documentation is CREATED AT THE TIME OF SYSTEM DESIGN OR CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY and can help inspectors determine the cause of electrical issues?
Permit or Electrical Plan (pg. 321)
Oxidizers should never have contact with any _________-based materials because the reaction will be immediate and violent.
Petroleum
Hazmat are broadly classified into two major categories:
Physical Hazardous Materials and Health Hazardous Materials.
A __________ __________ Analysis must be conducted for processes handling powders and bulk solids that present a fire or explosion hazard.
Process Hazard Analysis. In a PHA a qualified testing agency should test all combustible dusts to determine: -Particle size -Moisture content as received and dried - Minimum dust concentration to ignite -Available Oxygen in atmosphere -Minimum Energy Required for Ignition -Maximum rate of pressure rise at various concentrations -Minimum dust layer ignition temperature. -Maximum explosion pressure at optimum concentration
Which type of window swings outward at the top or bottom and slides upward or downward in grooves?
Projecting (pg. 215)
What detection device for fire doors permits the fire door to be closed quickly and permits easy testing of the fire door?
Smoke Detector (pg 207-208)
__________ piling is a method involving stacking materials directly on top of each other, which can be done manually or with a forklift.
Solid piling gives the least chance to develop because it limits the air space between fuel units. (pg. 325)
Organic Peroxides only exist as _______ or ____________.
Solids or Liquids. (pg. 391) These have a limited shelf life, usually one year or less. Model fire codes assign hazard classes for organic peroxides. The lower the Roman numeral classification, the greater the decomposition, reactivity, and burning rate hazards it presents.
What precaution is required when light fixtures and ventilation ducts penetrate a membrane ceiling that provides insulation for steel structural components?
Special provisions such as increased insulation or fire dampers may be required.
Which is the MOST common flammable finishing operation?
Spray Finishing (pg. 357)
Which flammable finishing method creates an aerosol that is easily ignited?
Spray finishing (pg. 356)
The test that is MOST commonly used to evaluate surface-burning characteristics is:
Steiner Tunnel Test
A material in a package that is static and not moving is defined as ________. When a hazardous material is moved from its original container, it is considered _______. A _____ ______ system does not allow for the release of the hazardous particulates or vapor. ______ ______ systems include liquids dispensed from a container or intermediate bulk containers and vapors or dust are released to the atmosphere.
Storage. Use. Use-Closed Use-Open
Inspectors should be aware of the restrictions placed on the installation of security bars and grilles as defined by:
The Locally Adopted Codes
Who typically calculates the proposed occupant load?
The design professional. (pg. 265)
How is the fire prevention function organized in many large departments?
They are within a bureau who reports to the Chief of the department through the Fire Marshal.
Which of the following is a mentioned hazard associated with mercantile occupancies?
They contain both large quantities of combustible materials and the potential for high life loss.
Which of the following is a primary hazard associated with mercantile occupancies?
They contain both large quantities of combustible materials and the potential for high life loss.
What is an important life safety function of doors?
They serve as components of a means of egress system. (pg. 251)
Current practice is to locate fire hose valves so that any part of a floor is within 130 feet of the stand pipe hose connection.
This distance allows any fire to be reached with 100 feet of hose, plus a 30 foot fire stream.
Under what conditions are ducts for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems required to be equipped with fire and smoke dampers?
When the duct penetrates a fire wall with a 2 hour or greater fire-resistance rating
To provide a protected path of travel and qualify as an exit, _______________ must separate interior stairs from other parts of the building.
fire resistant construction (pg 258)
The best way to prevent a distillery fire is to control _________ and _________.
flammable vapors and ignition sources. (pg. 373)
What is the most common type of powered industrial truck?
forklift (pg. 349)
NFPA 1 and 101 define a health care occupancy as an occupancy that provides health or medical services to:
four or more individuals who cannot evacuate themselves during an emergency without assistance.
Type I hoods are placed over ___________ producing equipment, while Type II hoods are placed over ___________ and ___________.
grease, dishwashers and ovens
In order to properly perform their assigned duties, the inspector must:
have a thorough understanding of the code and how sections of the codeinterrelate.
The cause of most fuel fired and electric-heat-utilization (industrial furnaces) equipment can be traced to:
inadequately trained operators, lack of proper maintenance, or improper application of equipment. (pg. 348)
When still in use on existing buildings, external fire escape stairs may constitute only ________ the required means of egress.
one-half (pg. 260)
The duty of making field inspections to verify that approved plans are followed in the construction and alteration process is usually performed by:
the building department.
