F02 Fire Watch Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What information must be entered in the fire watch log after each patrol?
- Only the names of occupants encountered
- The time of patrol, floors covered, and any hazards or unusual conditions observed (Correct answer)
- The building owner's contact information
- The guard's personal identification number only
Correct answer: The time of patrol, floors covered, and any hazards or unusual conditions observed
Each log entry must include the patrol time, areas covered, and a description of conditions or hazards found so there is a complete record.
Question 2: During a fire watch, a fire guard notices smoke coming from a utility closet. What is the correct sequence of actions?
- Open the closet to investigate, then call 911 if there is fire
- Activate the fire alarm, call 911, and do not open the closet door (Correct answer)
- Call the building super first, then the fire department
- Use a fire extinguisher on the closed door before calling anyone
Correct answer: Activate the fire alarm, call 911, and do not open the closet door
The guard must activate the alarm and call 911 immediately; opening the door could feed oxygen to the fire and accelerate spread.
Question 3: How long must a fire watch be maintained after a suppression system is restored to service?
- Until the fire guard's shift ends
- Until the system is tested and certified as operational by a licensed contractor (Correct answer)
- For an additional 24 hours as a precaution
- Until the building owner signs a waiver
Correct answer: Until the system is tested and certified as operational by a licensed contractor
The fire watch continues until the impaired system is restored and verified operational by a qualified contractor, not just when repairs appear complete.
Question 4: Which of the following is an acceptable reason to discontinue a fire watch before the system is restored?
- The building is unoccupied overnight
- There is no acceptable reason; the watch must be continuous (Correct answer)
- The owner provides a signed waiver
- Another fire guard takes a break
Correct answer: There is no acceptable reason; the watch must be continuous
NYC Fire Code does not allow the fire watch to be discontinued until the impaired system is fully restored; no waiver or unoccupied status exempts this requirement.
Question 5: A fire guard must maintain a fire watch log on-site for a minimum of how long after the watch ends?
- 30 days
- 1 year (Correct answer)
- 3 years
- The log may be discarded once the system is restored
Correct answer: 1 year
Fire watch logs must be kept on-site and available for FDNY inspection for at least one year after the watch concludes.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes the route a fire guard should take during a patrol?
- A random route to avoid predictability
- A systematic route covering all floors, stairwells, and common areas (Correct answer)
- Only the floors above the impaired system
- The lobby and exits only
Correct answer: A systematic route covering all floors, stairwells, and common areas
The patrol must be systematic and thorough, covering all floors, stairwells, mechanical areas, and common areas to ensure no hazard is missed.
Question 7: What does the term 'impairment' mean in the context of a fire watch requirement?
- A fire protection system is temporarily or permanently out of service (Correct answer)
- The building occupancy has changed
- A fire guard is unavailable for duty
- The sprinkler system pressure is slightly low but still functional
Correct answer: A fire protection system is temporarily or permanently out of service
An impairment means a required fire protection system is out of service, either temporarily (for repairs) or permanently, triggering the fire watch requirement.
F02 Fire Watch Procedures 2
What information must be entered in the fire watch log after each patrol?