Fire Inspector I Study Guide IV

In some jurisdictions, if a building is equipped with sprinkler systems that are designed to sound an alarm when activated, manual pull stations may be omitted. This is because the sprinkler systems are already providing an effective means of alerting occupants to a fire. The purpose of manual pull stations is to allow individuals to manually activate the alarm in case of a fire, but if the sprinkler system is capable of doing this automatically, there may be no need for manual pull stations. Therefore, the statement is true.

A fire protection engineer would most likely conduct formal plans reviews for fire code enforcement. This is because fire protection engineers specialize in designing and implementing fire safety systems and measures. They have the expertise and knowledge to assess building plans and ensure that they comply with fire codes and regulations. Fire chiefs may be responsible for overall fire safety and enforcement, but they may not have the technical expertise to conduct detailed plans reviews. Building engineers focus on the design and construction of buildings, but they may not have the specific knowledge of fire codes and regulations required for formal plans reviews.

Fire inspectors should determine the occupant load first after verifying that a project will be built. This is because the occupant load refers to the maximum number of people that can safely occupy a building or space at any given time. By determining the occupant load, fire inspectors can ensure that the building's design and layout are suitable to accommodate the expected number of occupants. This information is crucial for assessing the adequacy of emergency exits, evacuation plans, and overall fire safety measures.

The largest water extinguisher that can be considered portable is a 5-gallon size. This size is large enough to hold a significant amount of water to extinguish fires, but still manageable to carry and transport. A 10-gallon size would be too heavy and cumbersome to be considered portable, while a 1 1/4 gallon size would not hold enough water to effectively put out fires.

Sodium bicarbonate is most effective on Class B and Class C fires. Class B fires involve flammable liquids and gases, while Class C fires involve electrical equipment. Sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, works by releasing carbon dioxide when heated, which helps to smother the fire and prevent it from spreading. Therefore, it is effective in extinguishing both flammable liquid and gas fires (Class B) as well as electrical fires (Class C).

An extinguisher should be removed from service if it is deficient by at least 10 percent of its minimum weight. This means that if the extinguisher weighs less than 90 percent of its required weight, it is considered deficient and should no longer be used. This threshold ensures that the extinguisher has enough extinguishing agent to effectively put out fires and maintain safety standards.

Arc welding can trigger false alarms in ultraviolet detectors. This is because arc welding produces intense ultraviolet radiation, which can be detected by ultraviolet flame detectors and mistakenly interpreted as a fire. As a result, these detectors may trigger false alarms in environments where arc welding is taking place.

An AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) portable extinguisher would be suitable for Class A and B fires but not for Class C fires. Class A fires involve ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, and cloth. Class B fires involve flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, and grease. AFFF extinguishers are effective in suppressing these types of fires by forming a foam blanket that separates the fuel from the oxygen. However, they are not suitable for Class C fires, which involve energized electrical equipment, as the foam can conduct electricity and pose a risk to the user.

A sectional view is the correct answer because it shows a cut-through view of an object or structure, allowing us to see its internal details. In the case of footings, a sectional view would show the width and thickness of the footings by cutting through the structure horizontally or vertically. This view provides a clear representation of the dimensions and proportions of the footings, making it the most suitable drawing for displaying width and thickness.

not-available-via-ai

not-available-via-ai

The given answer "6.2" refers to the UN number for Infectious Substances. UN number 6.2 is specifically assigned to substances that are known or suspected to contain pathogens or infectious agents. These substances pose a risk to human or animal health and require special handling and transportation precautions to prevent the spread of diseases.

The property owner or building occupant is responsible for inspecting portable extinguishers. This is because they are the ones who have control and ownership of the property or building and therefore have the responsibility to ensure the safety measures are in place. Fire inspectors may also inspect extinguishers, but the primary responsibility lies with the property owner or building occupant. The extinguisher manufacturer is not responsible for inspecting the extinguishers once they have been sold to the property owner or building occupant.

The coupled water motor pump is the correct answer because it uses two positive-displacement rotary gear pumps. This type of foam proportioner is commonly used in firefighting systems to accurately mix foam concentrate with water. The two gear pumps work together to ensure a precise ratio of foam concentrate to water, resulting in an effective firefighting foam solution.

The secondary system must be able to make the detection and signaling system fully operational within 30 seconds after the main power supply's failure. This suggests that there is a need for a backup system to quickly take over and ensure the continuous functioning of the detection and signaling system in case of a power outage.

The given answer "1.4" refers to the class and division type of explosives that present a minor explosion. In the United Nations classification system, explosives are categorized based on their hazard level, with 1.4 indicating a low hazard level. This class includes substances such as fireworks and ammunition that pose a minor explosion risk.

Valves and alarms attached to foam extinguishing systems should be inspected semiannually. This means that they should be checked every six months. Regular inspections ensure that these components are in proper working condition and can effectively respond in case of a fire emergency. By conducting inspections semiannually, any potential issues or malfunctions can be identified and addressed promptly, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the foam extinguishing system.

The statement suggests that a fire inspector does not need to consider the surrounding grades and the nature of intersections when reviewing drawings. However, this is incorrect. A fire inspector should take into account the surrounding grades (elevation of the ground) and the nature of intersections (such as roadways or pathways) as they can impact fire safety measures and evacuation routes. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

The correct answer is "site" because a site plan is a detailed drawing that shows the location and layout of a building or structure on a specific piece of land. It includes information such as property boundaries, access points, utilities, and landscaping features, which are all necessary for locating a building accurately. A topography plan, on the other hand, focuses on the elevation and contours of the land, while a survey plan is a measurement and mapping of a specific area.

A portable extinguisher marked with a red square would be suitable for Class B fires. Class B fires involve flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, or grease. The red square symbolizes that the extinguisher is specifically designed to combat fires caused by flammable liquids. This type of extinguisher is not suitable for Class A fires (ordinary combustibles) or Class C fires (electrical equipment) as indicated by the other options.

Monoammonium phosphate comes closest to being equally effective on all fires because it is a versatile dry-chemical agent that can effectively extinguish Class A, B, and C fires. Class A fires involve ordinary combustible materials, Class B fires involve flammable liquids and gases, and Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment. Monoammonium phosphate works by smothering the fire, interrupting the chemical reaction, and cooling the fuel source. Its effectiveness on different types of fires makes it a commonly used dry-chemical agent in fire extinguishers.

The correct answer is that the clearance between the bottom of the extinguisher and the floor should never be less than 4 inches. This is important because it allows for proper airflow and prevents the extinguisher from being blocked or obstructed. Having a minimum clearance ensures that the extinguisher is easily accessible and can be quickly grabbed and used in case of a fire emergency.

A semifixed Type A foam system uses a mobile foam solution apparatus. This means that the foam solution apparatus can be moved or transported to different locations as needed. The foam solution apparatus is not permanently fixed in one place, allowing for flexibility and mobility in its usage.

Monoammonium phosphate is the correct answer because it is a dry chemical agent that melts and forms a solid coating on Class A materials. This coating helps to smother the fire and prevent oxygen from reaching the fuel source, thereby extinguishing the fire. Sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate are also dry chemical agents commonly used for fire extinguishment, but they do not form a solid coating on Class A materials like monoammonium phosphate does.

The correct answer is "the fire inspector is responsible for reviewing all extinguisher maintenance records." This means that it is the responsibility of the fire inspector to review and ensure that all maintenance records for fire extinguishers are properly maintained and up to date. This is an important task as it helps to ensure that the fire extinguishers are in proper working condition and ready to be used in case of a fire emergency. It also helps to identify any maintenance issues or deficiencies that need to be addressed.

Dry chemical extinguishing agents should be inspected semiannually for obstructions, reduction of flow capabilities, and caking. This frequency allows for regular maintenance and ensures that the extinguishing agents are in proper working condition. Inspecting them less frequently could result in obstructions or caking going unnoticed, compromising their effectiveness in case of a fire. However, inspecting them more frequently, such as weekly or monthly, might be excessive and not necessary unless there are specific concerns or requirements in place.

According to extinguisher tests, a water-type portable extinguisher rated 1-A requires 1 1/4 gallons of water.

An in-line eductor on a pump-bypass line is used around the pump. This means that the foam proportioner is located in close proximity to the pump, allowing for efficient mixing of foam concentrate with water. By placing the eductor around the pump, the foam solution can be easily injected into the water flow, ensuring accurate and effective foam proportioning.

General construction plans do not necessarily have to include detailed information about fire alarm and communications systems. While it is important to have these systems in place for safety purposes, the level of detail required in the construction plans may vary depending on the specific project and local regulations. Therefore, it is not always true that general construction plans must include detailed information about fire alarm and communications systems.

Flame resistant wool is a suitable fiber for fire blankets because wool has natural fire-resistant properties. It has a high ignition temperature and does not melt or stick to the skin when exposed to flames. Wool fire blankets are effective in smothering small fires by cutting off the oxygen supply. They are commonly used in kitchens, laboratories, and other areas where small fires may occur.

Structures that must be removed from the area are typically shown on a site plan using a broken line. This type of line is commonly used to indicate elements that are to be demolished or removed. It helps to differentiate these structures from existing or new structures that are shown using solid lines. The broken line serves as a visual representation of the removal or demolition process, providing clarity and understanding to those interpreting the site plan.

The usual symbol for walls on a floor plan is parallel solid lines. These lines represent the physical walls in a building and are typically drawn parallel to each other to indicate the layout and placement of walls in a floor plan. Solid lines are used to depict walls that are permanent and fixed structures within the building. This symbol helps architects, designers, and builders visualize the spatial arrangement of rooms and partitions in a building design.

Electrical and mechanical plans will help an inspector determine if escalators are adequately protected. These plans provide detailed information about the electrical and mechanical components of the escalators, such as the location of safety switches, emergency stop buttons, and other protective measures. By reviewing these plans, the inspector can ensure that all necessary safety features are in place and functioning correctly, thus determining if the escalators are adequately protected.

The statement "travel distances to the nearest pull station may not exceed 100 feet" is true. This means that in a building, the distance from any point to the nearest fire alarm pull station should not be more than 100 feet. This is important because it ensures that in case of an emergency, occupants can quickly and easily access a pull station to activate the fire alarm system. By limiting the travel distance, it reduces the time it takes for individuals to initiate the alarm and helps to ensure a prompt response to a fire incident.

Building representatives should inspect pressure gauges and manual actuators on dry chemical extinguishing systems on a monthly basis. This regular inspection ensures that the gauges and actuators are functioning properly and are ready to be used in case of a fire emergency. By inspecting them monthly, any potential issues or malfunctions can be identified and addressed promptly, reducing the risk of equipment failure during an actual fire situation.

The architect should determine the occupancy classification for a proposed building because they are responsible for designing and planning the building. They have the expertise and knowledge to assess the intended use of the building and determine the appropriate occupancy classification based on building codes and regulations. The architect considers factors such as the size, layout, and intended purpose of the building to ensure it meets the necessary safety requirements and can accommodate the occupants effectively.

An elevation view is a drawing that shows the vertical surfaces of a building or object from a specific vantage point. It typically includes details such as windows, doors, and other architectural features. Therefore, an elevation view is the drawing that usually shows window sizes.

not-available-via-ai

A balanced pressure foam proportioner is able to discharge foam from some outlets and plain water from others at the same time. This is achieved by maintaining a balanced pressure within the system, allowing for the simultaneous discharge of foam and water. This type of foam proportioner is commonly used in firefighting applications, where it is necessary to have the flexibility to discharge foam or water as needed.

An automobile showroom would be considered an ordinary hazard occupancy because it typically involves the display and sale of vehicles, which do not pose significant risks or hazards. Unlike a restaurant with deep fat fryers, which involves the use of open flames and hot oil, or a church that may have candles and incense, an automobile showroom is generally a low-risk environment in terms of fire hazards.

Agent cylinders in CO2 systems should be inspected annually. This is because CO2 systems typically require regular maintenance and inspection to ensure their proper functioning. Inspecting the agent cylinders annually allows for any potential issues or concerns to be identified and addressed in a timely manner. Regular inspections also help to ensure that the CO2 system is ready to effectively suppress fires when needed.

Fire inspectors should use floor plans to verify the location and number of alarm-actuating and signaling devices. Floor plans provide a detailed and comprehensive overview of the building layout, including the placement of these devices. They show the arrangement of rooms, walls, doors, and other structural elements, making it easier for inspectors to identify the exact positions of the devices. Elevation views, sectional views, and detail views may provide additional information, but floor plans are specifically designed to provide a clear representation of the building's layout and are therefore the most suitable for this purpose.

A foam extinguishing system's foam concentrates, equipment, and proportioning systems should be checked annually. This ensures that the system is in proper working condition and ready to effectively extinguish fires. Regular checks help identify any potential issues or maintenance needs, allowing for timely repairs or replacements. Conducting these checks on an annual basis strikes a balance between ensuring system functionality and minimizing disruptions to normal operations.

A sectional view does not show slopes that might affect the placement of fire department ground ladders.

Fire inspectors should check the total capacity of the water supply. This is important because the capacity of the water supply needs to be sufficient to meet the demands of the automatic sprinkler system. If the water supply does not have enough capacity, it may not be able to provide adequate water flow and pressure to effectively control a fire. Inspecting the total capacity of the water supply ensures that it meets the requirements for the sprinkler system to function properly.

The revisions block is the part of a working drawing that shows when it was drawn. It contains information about any changes or revisions made to the drawing, including the date of each revision. This allows anyone viewing the drawing to easily track the history and timeline of revisions, ensuring that they are working with the most up-to-date version of the drawing.

The correct answer is 50-B because a flammable liquid fire hazard of 25 square feet with depth requires a higher extinguisher rating to effectively extinguish the fire. A 50-B rated extinguisher is suitable for flammable liquid fires involving a larger area and can provide enough extinguishing agent to suppress the fire. A lower rating, such as 20-B or 25-B, may not have enough capacity to extinguish the fire completely, leading to potential re-ignition or spread of the fire.

The statement is false because discharging the AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) through standard sprinklers does not undermine the spray and penetration. In fact, AFFF is designed to be discharged through standard sprinklers as it forms a foam blanket on the surface of flammable liquids, suppressing the fire by separating the fuel from the oxygen. The foam sprinklers, on the other hand, are specifically designed for high-expansion foam systems, which are used in areas with large open spaces.

Exits must be illuminated at all times. False. This statement is incorrect because exits are not required to be illuminated at all times. While it is important to have proper lighting in exit areas to ensure safety during emergencies, there may be instances where the lighting is temporarily turned off or unavailable. However, it is crucial to have emergency lighting systems in place to guide people towards exits in case of power outages or low visibility situations.

The secondary power supply must be able to supply a remote station system's maximum normal load for 60 hours. This means that in the event of a power outage or failure, the secondary power supply should have enough capacity to keep the system running at its peak load for a continuous period of 60 hours. This ensures that the remote station system remains operational and functional for an extended period of time without any interruption or downtime.