F04 Fire Safety Management 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which condition would a Fireguard identify as a common fire hazard in a place of assembly?
- Non-combustible seat cushions
- Extension cords run under carpets in the lobby (Correct answer)
- Clearly marked exit signs with battery backup
- A fire suppression system with a current inspection tag
Correct answer: Extension cords run under carpets in the lobby
Extension cords under carpets can overheat, create a tripping hazard, and are a recognized fire code violation in occupancy settings.
Question 2: Drapes, curtains, and decorative fabrics used in a place of assembly must be:
- Replaced every two years regardless of condition
- Flame-retardant treated and certified per NYC Fire Code (Correct answer)
- Made from natural materials only
- Inspected only during annual fire marshal visits
Correct answer: Flame-retardant treated and certified per NYC Fire Code
NYC Fire Code requires that all decorative materials in places of assembly be flame-retardant treated with documentation available for inspection.
Question 3: During a pre-event inspection, a Fireguard finds a fire extinguisher with an inspection tag dated 18 months ago. The correct action is to:
- The extinguisher is still usable since it hasn't been more than 2 years
- Tag the extinguisher as out of service and notify the supervisor immediately (Correct answer)
- Recharge the extinguisher on-site before the event
- Record it in the log but allow the event to proceed
Correct answer: Tag the extinguisher as out of service and notify the supervisor immediately
Fire extinguishers must be inspected annually; an overdue inspection makes the unit non-compliant and it must be taken out of service until serviced.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of a Fire Safety Plan in a place of assembly?
- To list the names of all employees and their schedules
- To provide procedures for fire prevention, emergency response, and evacuation (Correct answer)
- To document the building's construction materials
- To satisfy insurance requirements only
Correct answer: To provide procedures for fire prevention, emergency response, and evacuation
The Fire Safety Plan outlines the specific procedures for preventing fires and responding to emergencies, and must be followed by all Fireguards.
Question 5: A Fireguard observes a candle being used as a prop on stage without a permit. The appropriate response is to:
- Allow it since it is a small flame used briefly
- Stop the use immediately until a valid FDNY permit is obtained (Correct answer)
- Reduce the number of candles to two or fewer
- Notify the stage manager to keep water nearby
Correct answer: Stop the use immediately until a valid FDNY permit is obtained
Open flames on stage in a place of assembly require an FDNY Special Use Permit; unauthorized open flames must be stopped immediately.
Question 6: Pyrotechnic effects used during a performance in a place of assembly require:
- Approval from the venue manager alone
- A licensed pyrotechnician and an FDNY permit issued in advance (Correct answer)
- Only a general liability insurance certificate
- At least 24-hour notice given to patrons
Correct answer: A licensed pyrotechnician and an FDNY permit issued in advance
NYC law requires both a licensed pyrotechnician and an advance FDNY permit before any pyrotechnic special effects may be used indoors.
Question 7: When a smoke machine is used during a performance, the Fireguard should ensure that:
- The fire alarm system is fully disabled to prevent false activations
- The venue has notified the FDNY and obtained any required permit, and smoke detectors are not covered (Correct answer)
- Patrons with respiratory conditions are seated near exits
- The machine is operated only during the final act
Correct answer: The venue has notified the FDNY and obtained any required permit, and smoke detectors are not covered
Theatrical smoke may require FDNY notification or a permit, and fire detection systems must remain operational — never disabled or covered.
F04 Fire Safety Management 3
Which condition would a Fireguard identify as a common fire hazard in a place of assembly?