F60 Duties and Responsibilities 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A fire guard is performing watch after torch operations when they smell smoke but cannot locate a visible fire. What is the correct action?
- Dismiss the smell as residual torch odor and continue routine watch
- Investigate thoroughly and call 911 if the source cannot be quickly identified (Correct answer)
- Wait 15 minutes to see if the smell dissipates before taking action
- Notify only the building super and let them decide whether to call the fire department
Correct answer: Investigate thoroughly and call 911 if the source cannot be quickly identified
Unexplained smoke odor after torch work must be treated seriously — the fire guard must investigate and call 911 if the source cannot be quickly identified.
Question 2: What must a fire guard do if they need to leave the work area during active torch operations?
- Inform the torch operator verbally and return as quickly as possible
- Ensure another qualified fire guard takes over watch before leaving (Correct answer)
- Suspend all operations until they return
- Leave a fire extinguisher in a visible location as a substitute
Correct answer: Ensure another qualified fire guard takes over watch before leaving
Torch operations may not be left unwatched — the fire guard must ensure another qualified fire guard assumes the watch before leaving the area.
Question 3: Which of the following actions is a specific responsibility of the fire guard regarding combustible materials near the torch work area?
- Removing all combustible materials within 35 feet of the operation or ensuring they are properly shielded (Correct answer)
- Applying fireproofing spray to all nearby surfaces before work begins
- Documenting the location of all combustible materials in a written log
- Ordering the contractor to replace combustible materials with non-combustible alternatives
Correct answer: Removing all combustible materials within 35 feet of the operation or ensuring they are properly shielded
The fire guard must ensure combustible materials are removed from within 35 feet of the torch operation or adequately shielded with fire-resistant barriers.
Question 4: What is the fire guard's role when FDNY inspectors arrive at an active torch operation site?
- Direct inspectors to the building manager's office for access
- Present their Certificate of Fitness and cooperate fully with the inspection (Correct answer)
- Stop all operations immediately until the inspection is complete
- Contact the contractor's office for instructions before speaking with inspectors
Correct answer: Present their Certificate of Fitness and cooperate fully with the inspection
When FDNY inspectors arrive, the fire guard must present their Certificate of Fitness and cooperate fully with the inspection.
Question 5: For torch operations on a roof, which additional precaution is specifically required before work begins?
- Cutting ventilation holes to allow heat to escape during operations
- Wetting down the roof surface and ensuring access to the interior below the work area (Correct answer)
- Installing temporary sprinkler heads above the work zone
- Posting a second fire guard on the floor directly below the roof work area
Correct answer: Wetting down the roof surface and ensuring access to the interior below the work area
Before roof torch operations, the roof surface should be wetted and interior access below the work area must be available to detect and combat fires that penetrate the roof assembly.
Question 6: A fire guard observes that the torch operator is working closer than 35 feet to unprotected combustible materials. What should the fire guard do?
- Record the violation in the log and report it after the shift ends
- Immediately instruct the operator to stop until the hazard is corrected (Correct answer)
- Move the combustibles during the operation without stopping work
- Notify the contractor's insurance company about the unsafe condition
Correct answer: Immediately instruct the operator to stop until the hazard is corrected
The fire guard has the authority and responsibility to stop operations immediately when unsafe conditions are observed, including insufficient clearance from combustibles.
Question 7: Which log or record is the fire guard responsible for maintaining during torch operations?
- A detailed inventory of all flammable liquids on the premises
- A fire watch log documenting the start, duration, and end of watch periods along with any incidents (Correct answer)
- A material safety data sheet for the torch fuel being used
- A written inspection report of the building's fire alarm system
Correct answer: A fire watch log documenting the start, duration, and end of watch periods along with any incidents
The fire guard must maintain a fire watch log that records the start and end of watch periods, any observations, and any incidents during the operation.
F60 Duties and Responsibilities 3
A fire guard is performing watch after torch operations when they smell smoke but cannot locate a visible fire.
What is the correct action?