Building Fire Safety Flashcards

What is the minimum width required for a means of egress corridor in a place of assembly under the NYC Fire Code?

Answer: 44 inches

Egress corridors in places of assembly must be at least 44 inches wide to allow safe passage during an emergency.

A Fireguard notices a fire door in a stairwell is propped open with a wooden wedge. What is the correct action?

Answer: Remove the wedge and allow the door to self-close

Fire doors must never be propped open; the Fireguard must immediately remove the obstruction and allow the door to self-close.

Which type of extinguisher is recommended for a fire in electrical switchgear?

Answer: Class C CO2 extinguisher

Class C extinguishers use non-conductive agents like CO2 or dry chemical and are rated safe for energized electrical equipment.

Under FDNY regulations, how often must a Fireguard conduct tours of the premises during a fire watch?

Answer: At least once per hour

FDNY regulations require the Fireguard to conduct patrol tours of the entire premises at least once every hour during a fire watch.

What does the term 'rated assembly' mean in fire protection?

Answer: A combination of building components tested as a unit for fire resistance

A rated assembly is a combination of building components (walls, floors, doors) tested together and assigned a fire-resistance rating in hours.

What is the primary purpose of a smoke barrier in a high-rise building?

Answer: To prevent smoke from moving between compartments horizontally

Smoke barriers are horizontal separations designed to limit the movement of smoke between compartments, protecting refuge areas.

A building's sprinkler system activates. What is the Fireguard's first action?

Answer: Call 911 to notify the FDNY

Upon any automatic sprinkler activation, the Fireguard must immediately call 911 to notify the FDNY, as this indicates a potential fire.