ERT Fire Safety & Suppression Flashcards

What does the acronym RACE stand for in hospital/workplace fire response protocols?

Answer: Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish/Evacuate

RACE (Rescue anyone in danger, Activate the alarm, Confine the fire by closing doors, Extinguish if safe or Evacuate) is the standard fire response sequence.

A Class C fire involves which type of hazard?

Answer: Energized electrical equipment

Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment; water-based extinguishers must never be used because they conduct electricity and can cause electrocution.

What hazard is associated with a 'backdraft' event during firefighting operations?

Answer: Explosive ignition when oxygen is suddenly introduced to a smoldering, oxygen-depleted fire

Backdraft occurs when a smoldering fire in an oxygen-depleted space suddenly receives fresh air, causing a rapid, explosive combustion of accumulated gases.

Which sprinkler head type activates individually when the heat from a nearby fire melts a fusible link?

Answer: Wet pipe closed-head sprinkler

Wet pipe closed-head sprinklers remain sealed by a heat-sensitive fusible link and open individually when directly exposed to fire heat, limiting water damage.

What is the minimum distance ERT members should maintain from a Class D (combustible metal) fire without specialized training and equipment?

Answer: Isolate the area and do not attempt to extinguish

Class D fires (burning metals like magnesium or sodium) require specialized dry powder agents and are extremely dangerous; untrained ERTs should isolate and evacuate.

In fire safety, what does 'compartmentalization' refer to?

Answer: Using fire-rated walls and doors to limit fire and smoke spread

Compartmentalization uses fire-rated construction elements like walls, floors, and fire doors to contain fire and smoke within a zone, giving occupants time to evacuate.