F-02 Hazardous Materials Awareness Practice Test 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the proper storage method for flammable liquids in a shelter?
- In any available cabinet
- In an approved flammable storage cabinet, away from ignition sources, in limited quantities (Correct answer)
- Under the sink in the kitchen
- In the boiler room for warmth
Correct answer: In an approved flammable storage cabinet, away from ignition sources, in limited quantities
Flammable liquids must be stored in approved flammable storage cabinets (typically yellow, self-closing doors), away from ignition sources, heat, and direct sunlight. Only the quantities needed for immediate use should be kept outside the storage cabinet. Excess quantities require separate storage rooms.
Question 2: What is the danger of compressed gas cylinders in a fire?
- They are completely safe in fires
- They can explode or rocket when exposed to heat, and their contents may be toxic or flammable (Correct answer)
- They only leak slowly when heated
- They automatically shut off in a fire
Correct answer: They can explode or rocket when exposed to heat, and their contents may be toxic or flammable
Compressed gas cylinders exposed to fire heat can BLEVE (boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion), turning the cylinder into a projectile. Additionally, the released gas may be flammable (propane, acetylene), toxic (chlorine, ammonia), or an asphyxiant (nitrogen, carbon dioxide).
Question 3: What does the blue section of the NFPA 704 diamond indicate?
- Water reactivity
- Health hazard (Correct answer)
- Flammability
- Instability
Correct answer: Health hazard
The blue section (left side) of the NFPA 704 diamond indicates health hazard severity on a scale of 0-4. A rating of 4 means very short exposure could cause death or major residual injury, while 0 means no hazard beyond that of an ordinary combustible material.
Question 4: What is the Fireguard's responsibility regarding hazardous material storage in a shelter?
- No responsibility; hazmat is handled by specialists
- Ensure hazardous materials are properly stored, labeled, and not accumulating in unauthorized areas during patrols (Correct answer)
- Only check hazmat storage during annual inspections
- Remove all hazardous materials from the building
Correct answer: Ensure hazardous materials are properly stored, labeled, and not accumulating in unauthorized areas during patrols
During patrols, the Fireguard should verify that cleaning chemicals and other hazardous materials are properly stored in designated areas, containers are labeled, no incompatible materials are stored together, and quantities are within approved limits. Unauthorized accumulations must be reported.
Question 5: What should the Fireguard do if they encounter an unknown chemical spill or leak?
- Taste or smell it to identify it
- Treat it as dangerous, evacuate the area, prevent entry, and call 911 without attempting to identify or clean it (Correct answer)
- Wipe it up with paper towels
- Touch it to determine if it is a solid or liquid
Correct answer: Treat it as dangerous, evacuate the area, prevent entry, and call 911 without attempting to identify or clean it
An unknown chemical should always be treated as dangerous. The Fireguard should avoid contact, evacuate the area, prevent others from entering, call 911, and wait for trained hazmat responders. Attempting to identify unknown chemicals through touch, smell, or taste can result in serious injury or death.
Question 6: What is a flammable liquid's flash point?
- The temperature at which it spontaneously ignites
- The lowest temperature at which the liquid produces enough vapor to ignite when exposed to an ignition source (Correct answer)
- The temperature at which the liquid boils
- The temperature at which the container melts
Correct answer: The lowest temperature at which the liquid produces enough vapor to ignite when exposed to an ignition source
The flash point is the minimum temperature at which a flammable liquid produces sufficient vapor above its surface to form an ignitable mixture with air. A lower flash point means the liquid is more dangerous because it can ignite at lower temperatures. Gasoline has a flash point of about -45°F.
F-02 Hazardous Materials Awareness Practice Test 2
What is the proper storage method for flammable liquids in a shelter?