Fire Inspection & Code Enforcement Chap. 10 Quiz

The most serious problem with carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems is personnel safety. Carbon dioxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can displace oxygen in an enclosed space, leading to asphyxiation. If personnel are not evacuated in time, they could suffer from oxygen deprivation, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, ensuring the safety of individuals present in the area is of utmost importance when using carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems.

A wet chemical fire extinguisher is the correct answer because it is specifically designed for use in commercial kitchens that have deep fat fryers using vegetable or animal fats. Wet chemical extinguishers are effective at suppressing fires caused by cooking oils and fats. They work by creating a chemical reaction that cools and emulsifies the burning oil, forming a soapy layer that prevents re-ignition. This type of extinguisher is essential in kitchen environments where there is a high risk of fires involving cooking oils and fats.

Clean-agent fire extinguishing systems are designed to suppress fires without leaving any residue behind. This is important in environments where sensitive equipment or materials are present, as a residue could cause damage or contamination. These systems use agents that evaporate quickly and do not leave any residue, ensuring a clean and safe environment after the fire is extinguished.

Dry-chemical agents are known for leaving a residue that can create a cleanup problem. This means that after using a dry-chemical agent, there will be a residue left behind that may need to be cleaned up. This residue can be difficult to remove and may require additional time and effort. Therefore, the characteristic of dry-chemical agents is that they leave a residue that creates a cleanup problem.

The correct answer is Class B. Class B fires involve flammable and combustible liquids such as gasoline, oil, lacquer, paint, mineral spirits, and alcohol. These fires can be extinguished using foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide extinguishers.

A fixed system with local application is a method of applying dry-chemical extinguishing systems that discharges the agent onto a specific surface, such as the cooking area in a restaurant kitchen. This system is designed to target and extinguish fires in a specific area, rather than flooding the entire space.

Clean-agent fire-extinguishing systems are commonly used in sensitive areas such as telecommunications facilities. These systems are designed to quickly and effectively suppress fires without leaving any residue or causing damage to delicate equipment. Telecommunications facilities typically house valuable and sensitive electronic equipment, making clean-agent systems an ideal choice for fire protection in these environments.

Portable fire extinguishers should be installed at a height where they are easily accessible in case of a fire emergency. The correct answer of 5 feet ensures that the extinguisher is not too low to be obstructed or damaged, but also not too high that it becomes difficult to reach. This height allows for quick and convenient access to the extinguisher while also keeping it out of the reach of children.

A wet-chemical fire extinguishing system is most likely to be used in commercial cooking hoods, plenums, ducts, and associated cooking appliances because these areas are prone to grease fires. Wet-chemical fire extinguishing systems are specifically designed to suppress and extinguish fires caused by flammable liquids, such as cooking oils and fats. They work by releasing a fine mist of water mixed with a special wet chemical agent that cools down the fire and creates a barrier on the surface of the burning material, preventing re-ignition. This makes them highly effective for controlling fires in commercial kitchens where the risk of grease fires is high.

In all occupancies, the maximum travel distance to an extinguisher for Class A hazards is 75 feet. This means that in any type of building or space, regardless of its use, the furthest distance a person should have to travel to reach a fire extinguisher for Class A hazards is 75 feet. This ensures that extinguishers are easily accessible and can be reached quickly in case of a fire emergency.

High expansion foam fire extinguishing systems are designed for total flooding in commercial and industrial applications. These systems generate large volumes of foam by mixing a foam concentrate with water and then aerating the mixture. The resulting foam expands greatly in volume, covering a large area and quickly suppressing the fire. This type of system is effective for extinguishing flammable liquid fires and is commonly used in areas with high fire hazards, such as warehouses, aircraft hangars, and fuel storage facilities.

A stored pressure extinguisher is a portable fire extinguisher that contains both the expellant gas and extinguishing agent in a single chamber. It usually requires special charging equipment for pressurization. This type of extinguisher is commonly used because it is convenient and easy to use in emergency situations.

For a special-agent fire-extinguishing system to be considered successful, it must completely extinguish the fire. This means that the system must effectively and fully put out the fire, eliminating any flames or sources of ignition. This is the primary objective of a fire-extinguishing system, as it aims to prevent further damage or spread of the fire.

The pressure gauges in a dry-chemical system should be checked monthly to ensure that they read within their operable ranges. This regular inspection helps to identify any potential issues or deviations in the pressure readings, allowing for timely maintenance or adjustments to be made. Checking the pressure gauges on a monthly basis ensures that the system remains in proper working condition and can effectively respond to any fire emergencies.

The correct answer is potassium bicarbonate. Dry-chemical extinguishing agents are commonly used in fire extinguishers and Purple K is a type of dry-chemical agent. Purple K is specifically composed of potassium bicarbonate, which is a highly effective fire suppressant. It works by interrupting the chemical reaction that fuels the fire, and is particularly effective for suppressing fires involving flammable liquids and electrical equipment. Sodium bicarbonate and potassium phosphate are not the correct answers as they are not commonly used as dry-chemical extinguishing agents.

An automotive repair shop involves working with flammable substances such as gasoline, oil, and solvents, as well as potentially hazardous equipment like welding tools and hydraulic lifts. These factors increase the risk of fire and other accidents, making it a higher hazard occupancy. Therefore, an automotive repair shop would most likely be classified as an extra hazard occupancy.

Storage containers must meet the requirements of both the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and Transport Canada (TC) and undergo hydrostatic testing. This testing is done to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the containers. According to the given answer, these containers need to be hydrostatically tested every five years. This periodic testing helps to identify any potential weaknesses or damages in the containers, ensuring that they remain safe for use in storing various materials.

Dry-chemical extinguishing systems are designed to quickly and effectively suppress fires. To ensure their effectiveness, it is important to locate the containers of dry-chemical extinguishing agents as close to the discharge point as possible. This allows for a rapid response in case of a fire, reducing the time it takes for the extinguishing agent to reach the fire and suppress it. By locating the containers close to the discharge point, the system can minimize any delays or obstructions that could potentially hinder the firefighting process.

Light hazard occupancy refers to a situation where the amount of ordinary combustible material or flammable liquids present is minimal, making it unlikely for a fire to grow beyond a small size. This type of occupancy poses a lower risk of fire compared to ordinary or extra hazard occupancies, which involve higher amounts of combustible materials or flammable liquids. Therefore, light hazard occupancy is the correct answer in this case.

Carbon dioxide is the correct answer because it is commonly used in portable fire extinguishers to smother fires. When carbon dioxide is released from the extinguisher, it displaces the oxygen around the fire, creating a blanket of gas that suffocates the flames. This method of extinguishing is effective for Class B and C fires, which involve flammable liquids and electrical equipment, respectively. Carbon dioxide is non-conductive and does not leave residue, making it a suitable choice for these types of fires. Foam and dry chemical extinguishers work differently, so they are not the correct answer.

The method of foam extinguishment prevents air and flammable vapors from combining by smothering the fire. Foam creates a barrier between the fire and the surrounding air, effectively cutting off the oxygen supply and preventing the fire from spreading. This suffocates the fire and prevents it from getting the necessary oxygen to sustain combustion. Additionally, foam can also separate the fuel from the flames, further preventing the fire from spreading. Therefore, the correct answer is smothering.

Dry powders are the correct answer because they are specifically designed to extinguish Class D fires involving combustible metals such as aluminum, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. Dry powders work by smothering the fire and preventing the metal from reacting with oxygen, thus extinguishing the fire. Halon agents are typically used for Class B and C fires, while dry chemicals may not be as effective in extinguishing Class D fires involving combustible metals. Therefore, dry powders are the most suitable extinguishing agents for this specific type of fire.

A cartridge operated extinguisher is the correct answer because it is specifically designed for industrial operations like paint spraying or solvent manufacturing facilities. These types of fire extinguishers are equipped with a cartridge filled with extinguishing agent and a separate cartridge filled with propellant gas. When the lever is activated, the propellant gas is released, pressurizing the extinguishing agent and allowing it to be discharged onto the fire. This design is suitable for situations where a high volume of extinguishing agent is needed, making it ideal for industrial settings.

The means of actuation for a carbon dioxide fire extinguishing system that causes the system to discharge immediately and without any advance warning to individuals in the area is emergency manual operation. This means that in case of an emergency, individuals can manually activate the system to quickly extinguish the fire without any delay or warning.

A dry-chemical fire extinguishing system is not likely to be used in flammable liquid storage rooms because these systems use dry chemicals that can cause damage to the stored flammable liquids and potentially create a more hazardous situation. Instead, specialized fire suppression systems, such as foam or carbon dioxide, are typically used in these areas to minimize the risk of fire and protect the stored liquids.