Emergency Response and Fire Protection Flashcards

In the context of hazardous materials emergency response, what does BLEVE stand for?

Answer: Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion

A BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion) occurs when a vessel containing pressurized liquid fails, rapidly releasing and igniting expanding vapor.

Under OSHA's HAZWOPER standard (29 CFR 1910.120), how many hours of initial training are required for employees who respond to hazardous substance releases (operations level)?

Answer: 24 hours

HAZWOPER operations level responders who take defensive action at the perimeter require a minimum of 8 hours, while first responders at the operations level need 8 hours; general site workers need 40 hours.

What is the primary function of a fire watch?

Answer: To monitor for fires during and after hot work operations

A fire watch involves a designated person who monitors the hot work area during operations and for at least 30 minutes after completion to detect and extinguish any fires.

What is the flash point of a flammable liquid as defined by OSHA?

Answer: The minimum temperature at which it gives off sufficient vapor to form an ignitable mixture near the surface

Flash point is the minimum temperature at which a liquid produces enough vapor to ignite momentarily when an ignition source is applied near the surface.

According to NFPA 72, audible fire alarm notification appliances in occupied spaces must produce a sound level of at least how many dB above ambient noise?

Answer: 15 dB

NFPA 72 requires audible alarms to produce at least 15 dB above the average ambient sound level, or 5 dB above the maximum sound level, whichever is greater.

Which agency administers the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA)?

Answer: EPA

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administers EPCRA (SARA Title III), which requires facilities to report hazardous chemical inventories to local emergency planners.