F-01 - F-01 Fireguard Test F-01 Fireguard Portable Fire Extinguisher Use 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When using a portable fire extinguisher, where should you aim the discharge nozzle?
- At the top of the flames to knock them down
- At the base of the fire where the fuel is (Correct answer)
- At the smoke rising above the fire
- At the ceiling above the fire to cool the area
Correct answer: At the base of the fire where the fuel is
Aiming at the base of the fire targets the fuel source. Hitting only the flames does not extinguish the fire because the burning material continues to produce combustible vapors.
Question 2: Which class of fire involves ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, and cloth?
- Class B
- Class C
- Class A (Correct answer)
- Class D
Correct answer: Class A
Class A fires involve ordinary solid combustibles like wood, paper, cloth, and plastics. These are the most common type of fire and can be extinguished with water or a multi-purpose dry chemical extinguisher.
Question 3: Under which circumstance should you NOT attempt to fight a fire with a portable extinguisher and instead evacuate immediately?
- The fire involves ordinary paper or cardboard
- The fire has grown larger than a small wastebasket (Correct answer)
- You are using a CO2 extinguisher
- The fire is near a window
Correct answer: The fire has grown larger than a small wastebasket
Portable extinguishers are designed for incipient (early) stage fires. Once a fire exceeds the size of a small wastebasket, it is beyond the effective capacity of a portable unit and evacuation is the correct action.
Question 4: Approximately how long does the discharge of a typical portable fire extinguisher last?
- 30 to 60 seconds
- 2 to 3 minutes
- 8 to 15 seconds (Correct answer)
- 5 minutes
Correct answer: 8 to 15 seconds
Most portable fire extinguishers discharge in only 8 to 15 seconds. This short window makes it essential to aim accurately at the base of the fire and use the PASS technique efficiently without hesitation.
Question 5: What must be done with a portable fire extinguisher immediately after it has been partially or fully used?
- Return it to its bracket and wait for the next inspection
- Tag it as empty and leave it for the next shift
- Have it recharged or replaced before returning it to service (Correct answer)
- Shake it to redistribute the remaining agent
Correct answer: Have it recharged or replaced before returning it to service
Even a partially discharged extinguisher may fail to operate when needed next time. It must be recharged or replaced immediately so it is fully ready for the next emergency.
Question 6: Which type of portable fire extinguisher is rated for use on Class A, B, and C fires, making it the most versatile choice for a general building environment?
- Water (stored pressure) extinguisher
- Class K wet chemical extinguisher
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguisher
- Multi-purpose dry chemical (ABC) extinguisher (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Multi-purpose dry chemical (ABC) extinguisher
The multi-purpose dry chemical extinguisher carries an ABC rating, meaning it is effective on ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and energized electrical equipment. This broad coverage makes it the standard choice for most buildings.
F-01 - F-01 Fireguard Test F-01 Fireguard Portable Fire Extinguisher Use 1
When using a portable fire extinguisher, where should you aim the discharge nozzle?