CPR Fire, Soot & Odor Remediation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of soot is typically produced by a fast-burning, high-oxygen fire involving synthetic materials?
- Wet soot
- Dry soot (Correct answer)
- Protein residue
- Fuel oil soot
Correct answer: Dry soot
Dry soot results from fast-burning, high-oxygen fires and is powdery, making it easier to vacuum than wet soot.
Question 2: When deodorizing a structure after fire damage, thermal fogging works best because it:
- Removes soot particles from surfaces
- Mimics smoke penetration to neutralize odor molecules (Correct answer)
- Raises humidity to absorb odor compounds
- Applies chemical sealant to all surfaces
Correct answer: Mimics smoke penetration to neutralize odor molecules
Thermal fogging generates a deodorizing fog that penetrates the same areas smoke did, neutralizing embedded odor molecules.
Question 3: Before applying an odor sealant to fire-damaged walls, the restorer should first:
- Apply thermal fog
- Complete dry and wet cleaning of all surfaces (Correct answer)
- Install air movers
- Run an ozone generator for 24 hours
Correct answer: Complete dry and wet cleaning of all surfaces
Sealants should only be applied after thorough cleaning, as sealing over residue traps contaminants and reduces adhesion.
Question 4: Which piece of equipment is most appropriate for removing loose, dry soot from a ceiling before wet cleaning?
- Pressure washer
- HEPA vacuum (Correct answer)
- Rotary scrubber
- Ultrasonic cleaner
Correct answer: HEPA vacuum
A HEPA vacuum captures fine soot particles without spreading them into the air, making it ideal for pre-cleaning ceilings.
Question 5: Protein fires (cooking fires) leave residue that is best described as:
- Thick, black, and greasy
- Virtually invisible with a strong pungent odor (Correct answer)
- White and powdery
- Wet and sticky on horizontal surfaces only
Correct answer: Virtually invisible with a strong pungent odor
Protein residue is nearly invisible but creates a powerful odor and a thin varnish-like film on surfaces.
Question 6: Which chemical agent class is most effective for breaking down protein fire residue on kitchen surfaces?
- Oxidizing bleach solutions
- Enzymatic or alkaline-based cleaners (Correct answer)
- Acidic rinse agents
- Silicone-based sealants
Correct answer: Enzymatic or alkaline-based cleaners
Enzymatic or strong alkaline cleaners effectively break down the protein bonds in cooking fire residue.
Question 7: When is hydroxyl generator technology preferred over ozone for fire odor treatment?
- When contents and occupants can remain in the space during treatment (Correct answer)
- When ozone concentration needs to be maximized
- When the structure has no HVAC system
- When protein residue is present
Correct answer: When contents and occupants can remain in the space during treatment
Hydroxyl generators are safe for occupied spaces and do not require evacuation, unlike ozone generators which require the space to be vacated.
CPR Fire, Soot & Odor Remediation 2
Which type of soot is typically produced by a fast-burning, high-oxygen fire involving synthetic materials?