F Procedures and Guidelines — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the first action a fire guard should take if they discover a small fire that appears manageable?
- Try to extinguish it using the nearest fire extinguisher while alerting others (Correct answer)
- Run out of the building immediately
- Finish their patrol before addressing it
- Call the venue manager for permission to act
Correct answer: Try to extinguish it using the nearest fire extinguisher while alerting others
If a fire appears small and manageable, the fire guard may attempt to extinguish it using the nearest appropriate fire extinguisher while simultaneously alerting other staff. However, personal safety is always the priority.
Question 2: An F-03 fire guard is assigned to multiple floors. How should they divide their patrol time?
- Spend all time on the busiest floor
- Patrol all assigned areas at regular intervals, prioritizing high-risk areas (Correct answer)
- Only patrol when called to a specific floor
- Stay at the fire command station and monitor cameras
Correct answer: Patrol all assigned areas at regular intervals, prioritizing high-risk areas
The fire guard should patrol all assigned areas regularly, allocating more frequent attention to high-risk areas such as stages, kitchens, and areas with combustible materials.
Question 3: A patron asks the fire guard to help move tables to create more seating. What should the fire guard do?
- Help move the tables to be cooperative
- Decline and explain they must maintain their fire safety duties (Correct answer)
- Move the tables only if they don't block exits
- Ask another staff member to cover while they help
Correct answer: Decline and explain they must maintain their fire safety duties
Fire guards must not be diverted from their fire safety duties. Moving furniture is not their responsibility and could distract from monitoring for hazards.
Question 4: What is the correct procedure when a fire guard identifies a potential gas leak?
- Use the fire extinguisher on the gas source
- Do not use any electrical switches, evacuate the area, and call 911 from outside (Correct answer)
- Open windows and continue monitoring
- Light a match to check if gas is actually present
Correct answer: Do not use any electrical switches, evacuate the area, and call 911 from outside
Gas leaks are explosive hazards. The fire guard must avoid creating any sparks (including light switches), evacuate the area, and call 911 from a safe location outside.
Question 5: How should a fire guard communicate with hearing-impaired occupants during an emergency?
- Shout louder
- Use visual signals, gestures, written notes, and physical guidance toward exits (Correct answer)
- Ignore them and focus on others
- Wait for a sign language interpreter
Correct answer: Use visual signals, gestures, written notes, and physical guidance toward exits
Fire guards should use visual communication methods: hand gestures, written signs, flashing lights, and physical guidance to direct hearing-impaired individuals toward exits.
Question 6: After using a fire extinguisher on a small fire, what must the fire guard do with the extinguisher?
- Put it back and continue patrol
- Report it as used and ensure it is recharged or replaced immediately (Correct answer)
- Throw it away since it's empty
- Refill it from the nearest water source
Correct answer: Report it as used and ensure it is recharged or replaced immediately
Any used fire extinguisher must be reported and taken out of service for recharging or replacement. A partially discharged extinguisher may not be effective for future use.
Question 7: A fire guard is stationed at a venue where pyrotechnic special effects are being used on stage. What special precautions are required?
- No special precautions if the pyro technician is experienced
- A specific FDNY permit, additional fire extinguishers, and fire guard proximity to the pyrotechnics (Correct answer)
- Only a signed waiver from the audience
- Pyrotechnics are always prohibited indoors
Correct answer: A specific FDNY permit, additional fire extinguishers, and fire guard proximity to the pyrotechnics
Indoor pyrotechnics require a specific FDNY permit, additional fire suppression equipment, trained pyrotechnicians, and close fire guard monitoring. The fire guard should be positioned near the stage.
Question 8: What should a fire guard do if they witness an assault or crime during an event?
- Intervene physically to stop the crime
- Contact venue security and/or police while maintaining their fire safety post (Correct answer)
- Ignore it since crime prevention isn't their responsibility
- Leave their post to chase the suspect
Correct answer: Contact venue security and/or police while maintaining their fire safety post
The fire guard should alert security or police but must not abandon their fire safety duties. Their primary responsibility remains fire and life safety.
Question 9: What procedure should a fire guard follow when severe weather threatens the venue?
- Continue the event without changes
- Monitor weather alerts, prepare for potential power outages, and be ready to implement evacuation or shelter-in-place procedures (Correct answer)
- Close the venue at the first weather warning
- Only take action if lightning strikes the building
Correct answer: Monitor weather alerts, prepare for potential power outages, and be ready to implement evacuation or shelter-in-place procedures
The fire guard should monitor weather conditions, ensure emergency systems are ready for potential power loss, and be prepared to implement evacuation or shelter-in-place plans as appropriate.
Question 10: A fire guard notices that the venue's emergency generator failed its automatic start test. What should they report?
- Nothing — generators are the electrician's responsibility
- Report it to building management as the generator powers emergency lighting, fire alarms, and other life safety systems (Correct answer)
- Only report it if the main power also fails
- Log it for the monthly maintenance report
Correct answer: Report it to building management as the generator powers emergency lighting, fire alarms, and other life safety systems
The emergency generator powers critical life safety systems. Its failure to start is an immediate concern that must be reported to building management for urgent repair.
Question 11: How should a fire guard handle a medical emergency (heart attack, seizure) during an event?
- Perform surgery
- Call 911, provide basic first aid if trained, ensure EMS has clear access, and maintain fire safety duties (Correct answer)
- Wait for venue management to decide
- Evacuate the entire venue
Correct answer: Call 911, provide basic first aid if trained, ensure EMS has clear access, and maintain fire safety duties
Call 911 immediately, provide basic assistance if trained (CPR, AED use), ensure EMS can access the patient, but also maintain awareness of fire safety duties — another staff member may need to cover patrols.
Question 12: At what point should a fire guard abandon firefighting efforts with an extinguisher and evacuate?
- When the extinguisher is half empty
- When the fire grows beyond the initial stage or the room fills with smoke (Correct answer)
- Only when explicitly told to by FDNY
- Fire guards should never attempt to fight fires
Correct answer: When the fire grows beyond the initial stage or the room fills with smoke
If the fire grows beyond what a single extinguisher can handle, or if smoke makes conditions dangerous, the fire guard must evacuate immediately. Personal safety always comes first.
