CFPS Sample Questions Answers

OSHA requires fire fighter training in hazardous materials, respiratory protection, and communicable diseases. According to OSHA standards, fire fighters must receive annual training in hazardous materials and infectious diseases, and initial and periodic training in respiratory protection. These topics are essential for fire fighters to protect themselves and others from exposure to harmful substances and pathogens.

References:OSHA training requirements for volunteer fire company personnel;What are the Current OSHA/PESH Training Requirement for Firefighters: A Review;Training requirements for firefighters;Training Requirements in OSHA Standards

NFPA 70, National Electrical Code (NEC), is the NFPA standard that governs wiring of a fire alarm system. NFPA 70 covers the general requirements for the design, installation, and inspection of electrical wiring and equipment, including fire alarm circuits anddevices. NFPA 70 does not cover the performance of a fire alarm system, which is addressed by NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. NFPA 72 covers the application, installation, location, performance, inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm systems and their components. NFPA 73, NFPA 75, and NFPA 76 are other NFPA standards that are related to fire alarm systems, but they do not specifically govern wiring. NFPA 73 covers the electrical inspection of existing dwellings. NFPA 75 covers the protection of information technology equipment. NFPA 76 covers the fire protection of telecommunications facilities.References:

• NFPA 72 FAQs1
• National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code® - NFPA2
• TECHNICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT BULLETIN - NEMA3

Probabilistic fire models are categorized into network, statistical, simulation, and behavioral models. Network models use graph theory to represent the fire spread and the fire protection system in a building. Statistical models use historical data and probability distributions to estimate the likelihood and consequences of fire scenarios. Simulation models use mathematical equations and numerical methods to describe the physical and chemical processes of fire and its effects on the environment and the occupants. Behavioral models use psychological and sociological theories to predict the human response and evacuation behavior in case of fire. Network models are not a common category of probabilistic fire models, and they are not mentioned in the sources provided by the user. Therefore, network models are the correct answer.

References:Probabilistic Fire Simulation Assessment Using Simplified Model and Zone Modelling of a Kitchen Fire Scenario;Computer Fire Models for Fire Investigation and Reconstruction;Fire Behavior

According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), the most common type of fabric used on upholstered furniture is cellulosic. Cellulosic fabrics are made from natural fibers derived from plants, such as cotton, linen, rayon, and hemp. Cellulosic fabrics account for about 51% of the total fabric weight used on upholstered furniture in the United States1. Cellulosic fabrics are popular because they are soft, comfortable, breathable, and versatile. However, they are also highly flammable and can contribute to the spread of fire if ignited2. Therefore, the CPSC has established a flammability standard for upholstered furniture that requires cellulosic fabrics to pass a smolder resistance test3. References:

• Upholstered Furniture Business Education | CPSC.gov
• Fire Fighting Foams - Chemguard
• Standard for the Flammability of Residential Upholstered Furniture

The removal of flammable vapors by displacement for cleaning a storage tank can be accomplished by displacement with air, inert gas, and water. Water is a common method of displacing flammable vapors from tanks, as it is readily available, inexpensive, and non-reactive with most fuels. Water can be sprayed into the tank to create a water seal that prevents the vapors from escaping and reduces the oxygen concentration in the tank. Water can also be used to rinse the tank walls and remove any residual fuel. However, water displacement may not be suitable for some tanks that contain water-sensitive or water-soluble fuels, or for tanks that have limited drainage or disposal facilities.

References:ust permanent closure requirements - Nevada;A Guide to Safety in Confined Spaces - CDC Stacks;Fire Explosion Prevention – Visual Encyclopedia of Chemical Engineering …

An as built plan review is a type of plan review that may provide information about a modification such as the removal of an abandoned underground flammable liquid tank. An as built plan review is conducted after the construction or alteration of a building or system is completed and before the final approval or acceptance by the AHJ. An as built plan review verifies that the building or system conforms to the approved plans and specifications and complies with the applicable codes and standards. An as built plan review may also identify any changes or deviations from the original plans that occurred during the construction or alteration process, such as the removal of an underground tank.References:

• NFPA 1: Fire Code, 2018 Edition, Section 1.12.8.1.11
• Fire Protection Handbook, 20th Edition, Volume 1, Chapter 5, Section 5.2.3.42

OSHA regulation 1910.110 addresses storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). This regulation covers the general requirements for the design, construction, installation, operation, inspection, and maintenance of LPG systems, including containers, piping, valves, fittings, regulators, burners, and appliances. The regulation also specifies the safety precautions and procedures for the prevention of fire and explosion hazards involving LPG. The regulation applies to all employers who store, handle, or use LPG in their workplaces.References:

• OSHA: 1910.110 - Storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gases1
• Nebula Safety: Storage & Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases (LPGs)2

Hazardous waste

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The correct answer is C. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards require solid waste be treated as hazardous if it is a listed waste and/or meets the characteristics prescribed by the standard for toxicity, reactivity, corrosivity, andignitability.A listed waste is a waste that appears on one of the four lists of hazardous wastes in the Code ofFederal Regulations (CFR) part 261 subpart D1.A characteristic waste is a waste that exhibits one or more of the following traits: toxicity, reactivity, corrosivity, or ignitability2. Toxicity is the ability of a waste to leach harmful chemicals into the environment. Reactivity is the tendency of a waste to undergo violent chemical reactions or generate toxic gases. Corrosivity is the property of a waste to corrode metals or damage living tissues.Ignitability is the capacity of a waste to catch fire under certain conditions2.These characteristics are defined by specific tests and criteria in the CFR part 261 subpart C3.The EPA standards for hazardous waste are based on the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which is the federal law that regulates the management of solid and hazardous waste in the United States4.

When using water mist as an extinguishing mechanism, the effectiveness of a fine mist depends on the momentum and direction of the spray relative to the fire. The momentum and direction of the spray determine how well the mist can penetrate the fire plume and reach the flame zone, where the mist droplets can evaporate and cool the fire, displace oxygen, and dilute the fuel vapors. The mist spray should have sufficient momentum to overcome the buoyancy and entrainment of the fire plume, and the direction of the spray should be aligned with the fire plume to avoid deflection and dispersion. The ability of the mist to directly spray on the fire, how much mist diverts to the compartment boundaries, and how much conductive heat the mist system will absorb are not the main factors affecting the extinguishing effectiveness of a fine mist.

References:Water Mist Systems Overview | NFPA;Engineering Relations for Water Mist Fire Suppression Systems;Effectiveness of Swirl Water Mist Nozzles for Fire Suppression

The correct answer is B. After an emergency incident has occurred, a post-incident critique of the emergency preparedness procedure should be conducted covering the detection of the incident, implementation of incident command, andnotification, alerting and warning procedures. These are some of the key elements of an effective emergency response that need to be evaluated and improved after an incident.A post-incident critique is a systematic review of the actions and decisions taken during an emergency incident, with the aim of identifying lessons learned, best practices, gaps, and corrective actions1.A post-incident critique should involve all the relevant stakeholders, such as emergency responders, emergency managers, facility managers, and affected community members2.A post-incident critique should also follow a structured format, such as the one suggested by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)3:

• Introduction: The facilitator introduces the purpose, objectives, ground rules, and agenda of the critique session.
• Incident Overview: The facilitator provides a brief summary of the incident, including the date, time, location, type, size, and impact of the incident.
• Timeline Review: The facilitator leads a chronological review of the major events and actions that occurred during the incident, using a timeline or a log as a reference.
• Strengths and Areas for Improvement: The facilitator solicits feedback from the participants on what went well and what needs to be improved, focusing on the following topics:
• Action Plan: The facilitator summarizes the main findings and recommendations from the critique session, and assigns responsibilities and deadlines for implementing the corrective actions.
• Conclusion: The facilitator thanks the participants for their contributions, and provides information on how the results of the critique will be documented and shared.

Fire extinguisher

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smothering.

The primary mechanism by which carbon dioxide extinguishes fire is smothering, or displacing the oxygen that the fire needs to sustain combustion. Carbon dioxide is a gas that is heavier than air, so when it is released from the extinguisher, it forms a blanket over the fire and pushes away the oxygen.Without oxygen, the fire cannot continue to burn and is extinguished1234

Cooling is a secondary mechanism by which carbon dioxide extinguishes fire. Carbon dioxide is stored as a liquid under high pressure in the extinguisher, and when it is released, it expands rapidly and cools down. The cold gas absorbs heat from the fire and lowers the temperature of the fuel below its ignition point.However, cooling is not the main effect of carbon dioxide, as it is less effective than water in reducing the heat of the fire1234

Saponification and chemical inhibition are not mechanisms by which carbon dioxide extinguishes fire. Saponification is a process by which wet chemical agents react with fats and oils to form a soapy foam that seals the surface of the fire and prevents re-ignition. Chemical inhibition is a process by which dry chemical agents interfere with the chemical chain reaction of the fire and stop the production of free radicals that propagate the combustion.These mechanisms are used by other types of fire extinguishers, such as Class K and Class D extinguishers, respectively1234

References:

• Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers - University of South Carolina4
• How Does A Co2 Fire Extinguisher Work2
• Why is Carbon Dioxide Used to Extinguish Oil Fires3
• What is a Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher?- Safeopedia1

In the plastics industry, the four broad areas of processing arepolymerization,conversion,finishing, andrecycling1.Polymerization is the process of creating plastic resins from monomers or pre-polymers, using chemical reactions such as addition, condensation, or ring-opening2.Conversion is the process of transforming plastic resins into plastic products, using various methods such as injection molding, blow molding, extrusion, rotational molding, and thermoforming3.Finishing is the process of adding value to plastic products, such as coating, printing, welding, or assembling4.Recycling is the process of recovering plastic waste and converting it into new plastic products or raw materials, using mechanical, chemical, or biological methods5. Therefore,manufacturingis not one of the four broad areas of processing in the plastics industry, as it is a general term that encompasses all the stages of producing plastic products from raw materials.References:

• Plastics Manufacturing: Types of Plastic and Processes - Deskera
• Plastics industry - Wikipedia
• Methods of Processing Plastic - Plastics Industry
• Plastic recycling - Wikipedia
• Polymerization - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

79% of fire departments surveyed participate in the delivery of emergency medical services (EMS).This is based on the NFPA report “US Fire Department Profile 2020”1, which states that nationwide, 37% of fire departments provided no EMS, 46% provided basic life support (BLS), and 17% provided advanced life support (ALS). Therefore, the percentage of fire departments that provided either BLS or ALS is 46% + 17% = 63%. However, this does not include fire departments that provided EMS through a third-party contract or agreement.According to the NFPA fire service survey from 2018–20202, 16% of fire departments reported having such an arrangement. Therefore, the percentage of fire departments that participated in the delivery of EMS in some form is 63% + 16% = 79%.References:

• NFPA report - U.S.fire department profile3
• US Fire Department Profile 2020 Supporting Tables2

The measurement of a fluid’s resistance to flow is calledviscosity.Viscosity is the property of a fluid that describes how easily it can deform or move when subjected to a shear stress, such as the force exerted by a pipe wall or a pump1. A fluid with high viscosity, such as honey, resists flow and requires more pressure to overcome the friction between its layers.A fluid with low viscosity, such as water, flows easily and has less frictional resistance2.Viscosity affects the hydraulic properties of water for fire protection systems, such as the flow rate, pressure loss, and pump power3. Viscosity is usually expressed in units of pascal-second (Pa s) or centipoise (cP) for liquids, and is dependent on the temperature and composition of the fluid.References:

• Viscosity | Definition, Facts, Formula, Units, & Examples
• Viscosity – The Physics Hypertextbook
• Fire Pump Types | NFPA
• [12.4: Viscosity and Laminar Flow; Poiseuille’s Law]

A rate-of-rise heat detector is a type of heat detector that automatically resets after operation, when the ambient temperature drops below the operating temperature. This is because a rate-of-rise heat detector operates on a rapid rise in element temperature of 6.7° to 8.3°C (12° to 15°F) increase per minute, irrespective of the starting temperature1 If the temperature rise stops or reverses, the detector will reset itself and stop sending an alarm signal to the control panel2 A rate-of-rise heat detector can also have a fixed temperature element that will trigger an alarm at a specified temperature, but this element is not self-resetting and requires replacement after activation2

References:

• Heat Detectors Selection Guide: Types, Features, Applications - GlobalSpec2
• Heat detector - Wikipedia1

Fire alarm visible appliance source intensity is measured in candela, which is the unit of luminous intensity in a given direction. Candela is defined as the amount of light emitted by a single candle in a specific direction. The intensity of a strobe light depends on the candela rating, the flash rate, and the flash duration. The higher the candela rating, the brighter the light. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) have established minimum and maximum candela ratings for fire alarm visible appliances in different locations and applications.References:Strobe Light Requirements: Proper location of visible notification …;Handbook of Visual Notification Appliances for Fire Alarm Applications;Audible Visible Appliance Reference Guide - Fire - studylib.net

Scenario groupings is a data analysis approach that provides the broadest perspective of a fire problem by identifying and comparing different types of fire incidents based on their characteristics, such as ignition source, fuel, location, time, and outcome. This approach can help reveal patterns, trends, and relationships among fire scenarios and support fire prevention and protection strategies.References:Fire Data Analysis Handbook, Chapter 5: Scenario Groupings; [Fire Protection Handbook], Section 2, Chapter 3: Fire Data Collection and Analysis.

0.62

The discharge coefficient of a solid stream nozzle for a standard orifice with sharp edges is a dimensionless number that indicates the ratio of the actual flow rate to the theoretical flow rate of the nozzle. The discharge coefficient depends on the geometry and the flow conditions of the nozzle.the typical discharge coefficient of a solid stream nozzle for a standard orifice with sharp edges is about 0.62, which means that the actual flow rate is about 62% of the theoretical flow rate.This value is based on the experiments conducted by the National Bureau of Standards (now NIST) and reported in the paper “Discharge Coefficients of Fire Nozzles”1.The paper also provides a formula to calculate the discharge coefficient for different nozzle diameters and pressures123

Fuel oil is a liquid fuel derived from petroleum that can be used in grain dryers as an alternative to natural gas or propane. Fuel oil is typically classified into six grades, from No. 1 to No. 6, based on their viscosity, sulfur content, and boiling point. No. 2 fuel oil is the most common grade used for heating purposes, including grain drying. Fuel oil has a higher energy density and lower cost than natural gas or propane, but it also produces more emissions and requires more storage and handling12

References:

• Best Fuel for Grain Drying Equipment - Crown Oil1
• Preventing Grain Dryer Fires: Tips For Startup, Cleaning, Shutdown2

20 years.

According to NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, 2020 edition, fast response sprinklers are those that have a response time index (RTI) of 50 (m·s)^(1/2) or less.These sprinklers are designed toactivate faster than standard response sprinklers in the event of a fire, and they are typically used in light hazard, ordinary hazard, and residential occupancies1

NFPA 25 requires initial testing of representative samples of fast response sprinklers after 20 years from the date of manufacture, and subsequent testing every 10 years thereafter. The testing involves removing a minimum of four sprinklers or 1% of the total number of sprinklers per individual sprinkler sample, whichever is greater, and sending them to a recognized testing laboratory. The laboratory will perform a plunge test, which measures the time it takes for the sprinkler to operate when exposed to a specified air temperature.The test results will indicate whether the sprinklers meet the acceptance criteria or need to be replaced123

References:

• NFPA 25: Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems1
• Sprinkler System Inspections, Testing, and Maintenance Frequencies Explained | NFPA4
• Sprinkler Testing on Quick Response Sprinklers: What You Need to Know2
• NFPA 25 ITM Quick Reference Guide - hillgrp.com3

Class A roof coverings are the most effective in preventing the spread of fires from flying brands. Flying brands are burning embers or pieces of combustible material that are carried by the wind and can ignite other combustible materials or structures. Class A roof coverings are tested to withstand severe fire exposure from simulated fire sources, such as large burning brands, and do not produce flying brands themselves. Class A roof coverings include materials such as asphalt shingles, metal sheets, clay or concrete tiles, slate, and some types of synthetic membranes12. References:

• Class A, B, and C Roof Ratings - UL
• Fire-Resistant Roofs - Fire Safe Marin

The coefficient of discharge of a fire hydrant when the outlet is smooth and well-rounded is 0.90. This is the highest coefficient given by NFPA 291 for fire hydrant outlets, and it means that the stream is almost as large as the outlet diameter. The coefficient of discharge is a factor that accounts for the difference between the actual flow and the theoretical flow from an orifice, based on the shape and condition of the outlet1. A lower coefficient means that the stream is more restricted and has a smaller cross-sectional area than the outlet. NFPA 291 provides three coefficients for fire hydrant outlets, depending on how the outlet projects into the barrel: 0.90 for smooth and well-rounded outlets, 0.80 for outlets with a hexagonal or square projection, and 0.70 for outlets with a long projection or adamaged edge2. The coefficient of discharge is used to calculate the flow rate from the pitot pressure measured at the centerline of the stream3. References:

• Fire Fighting Foams - Chemguard
• Guide to Hydrant Flow Testing | WSRB
• New Fire Hydrant Flow Test Charts (PDF) - MeyerFire

Computers and other information technology equipment are particularly susceptible to heat, steam, and combustion products, which can damage their sensitive components, cause data loss or corruption, and impair their functionality.Therefore, fire protection for IT equipment should consider the potential sources of heat, steam, and combustion products, such as electrical faults, flammable liquids, dust accumulation, water-based sprinklers, or smoke from adjacent areas, and implement appropriate measures to prevent, detect, and suppress fires, as well as to minimize the exposure of IT equipment to these hazards1234.References:Standard for the Fire Protection of Information Technology Equipment;Fire Protection of Computer Rooms—Legal Obligations and Best Practices - ISACA;Exploring Requirements for Information Technology Equipment;Demystifying IT room protection requirements - Consulting.

25%

Explosions or fires from flammable gas or oil fuel vapor-air mixtures may be prevented by ventilation and controls that keep the flammable vapor content below 25% of the lower flammable limit (LFL) of the vapor-air mixture, according to the web search results. The LFL is the lowest concentration of a gas or vapor in air that can produce a flash of fire in the presence of an ignition source. Below the LFL, the mixture is too leanto burn. The LFL varies for different gases and vapors, and it is usually expressed as a percentage by volume of air at 25°C and atmospheric pressure. For example, the LFL of methane is 4.4%, which means that a mixture of methane and air with less than 4.4% methane cannot ignite. To prevent explosions or fires, the concentration of flammable gases or vapors should be kept below 25% of their LFL, which is equivalent to 1.1% methane in this case. Ventilation, natural or mechanical, is one of the methods to achieve this by diluting the flammable gases or vapors with fresh air.Controls, such as gas detectors, alarms, valves, and interlocks, are another method to monitor and regulate the flammable gas or vapor levels and prevent them from reaching dangerous concentrations1234

The occupancy factor used by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) for computing required fire flow for C-3 (Combustible) is 0.85. This means that the combustible occupancy has a moderate fire load and requires 85% of the fire flow calculated for the same building withan ordinary occupancy. The occupancy factor reflects the influence of the contents and activities within the building on the potential fire severity. The ISO assigns different occupancy factors for different types of occupancies, ranging from 0.60 for low fire load to 1.75 for high fire load12

References:

• Guide For Determination Of Required Fire Flow 06-06-20141
• Guide For Determination Of Required Fire Flow 07-20052

According to NFPA 13, Table 17.4.2.1 (a), the maximum distance between hangers for an automatic fire sprinkler system for a threaded lightwall steel pipe of 2 in. diameter is 10 ft. This is done to ensure that there are not long stretches of unsecured piping that could sag, leak, or break. The distance between hangers may vary depending on the type of pipe, the type of hanger, and the seismic design category of the building.References:NFPA 13, Table 17.4.2.1 (a);Hangers and Support of Sprinkler System Piping | NFPA | NFPA.

The background color used from the source to the outlets of a nitrous oxide medical gas system is blue. This is the standard color coding for nitrous oxide cylinders and pipelines in medical gas pipeline systems12. The color coding helps to identify the gas type and prevent accidental misconnections or cross-contamination3. The color coding also indicates the pressure and flow characteristics of the gas system4. References:

• Colour coding of copper pipes in Medical gas pipeline system according …
• Doc 177 20 Medical Gas Cylinders Colour Coding - EIGA
• Medical Gas Coding Color Chart & Explanation - Bay Corporation
• Medical gases Health Technical Memorandum 02-01: Medical gas pipeline …