EMPCO Public Safety Standards 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which class of fire involves energized electrical equipment?
- Class A
- Class B
- Class C (Correct answer)
- Class D
Correct answer: Class C
Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment; water-based extinguishers must never be used because of electrocution risk.
Question 2: A confined space that contains a hazardous atmosphere or engulfment hazard is classified under OSHA as a:
- Restricted space
- Permit-required confined space (Correct answer)
- Limited-access zone
- Controlled egress area
Correct answer: Permit-required confined space
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 defines a permit-required confined space as one with serious safety or health hazards requiring a written entry permit.
Question 3: During a mass-casualty incident, the START triage system tags a non-breathing victim as which color after attempting to open the airway?
- Red
- Yellow
- Green
- Black (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Black
In START triage, a victim who does not breathe even after repositioning the airway is tagged black (expectant/deceased).
Question 4: What minimum personal protective equipment (PPE) level is required when the specific chemical hazard is unknown and the highest level of respiratory and skin protection is needed?
- Level D
- Level C
- Level B
- Level A (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Level A
Level A PPE—fully encapsulating suit with SCBA—is worn when the hazard is unknown or when vapors, gases, or particulates may damage skin or be absorbed.
Question 5: Under OSHA's Lockout/Tagout standard (29 CFR 1910.147), after applying lockout devices, what is the required verification step?
- Notify the supervisor
- Test the equipment to verify zero energy state (Correct answer)
- Document the procedure in the safety log
- Wait 10 minutes for residual energy to dissipate
Correct answer: Test the equipment to verify zero energy state
Workers must attempt to start or activate the equipment to verify that all energy sources are fully isolated before beginning work.
Question 6: Which NFPA standard specifically governs the installation of fire sprinkler systems in buildings?
- NFPA 10
- NFPA 13 (Correct answer)
- NFPA 72
- NFPA 101
Correct answer: NFPA 13
NFPA 13 is the Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems and is the primary reference for design and installation requirements.
Question 7: Which toxic exposure route is considered MOST rapid for systemic effects in occupational health settings?
- Dermal absorption
- Ingestion
- Inhalation (Correct answer)
- Injection
Correct answer: Inhalation
Inhalation delivers substances directly to the pulmonary circulation, producing the fastest systemic absorption in most occupational exposures.
EMPCO Public Safety Standards 3
Which class of fire involves energized electrical equipment?