F60 Fire Extinguisher Requirements 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How often must fire extinguishers at a torch operation site be inspected?
- Once a year only
- At the start of each workday (Correct answer)
- Every two weeks
- Only after each use
Correct answer: At the start of each workday
Extinguishers must be visually inspected at the start of each workday to confirm they are charged, accessible, and in working condition.
Question 2: A fire guard notices the safety pin on the fire extinguisher is missing. What should be done before torch work begins?
- Proceed carefully and watch for fires
- Replace the extinguisher with one that has an intact pin (Correct answer)
- Tape the handle closed as a substitute
- Notify the foreman but continue work
Correct answer: Replace the extinguisher with one that has an intact pin
A missing safety pin means the extinguisher could accidentally discharge or may have already been used, so it must be replaced before work starts.
Question 3: What is the minimum number of fire extinguishers required when torch operations are conducted on a rooftop?
- One at the base of the building only
- At least one at the point of operation (Correct answer)
- Two — one at the work area and one at building entry
- Three minimum on any rooftop
Correct answer: At least one at the point of operation
At minimum, one properly rated extinguisher must be at the point of operation during torch work.
Question 4: Which PASS step in fire extinguisher use involves squeezing the handle to discharge the agent?
- Pull
- Aim
- Squeeze (Correct answer)
- Sweep
Correct answer: Squeeze
The 'S' in PASS stands for Squeeze — pressing the handle releases the extinguishing agent.
Question 5: A torch operation fire guard finds that the extinguisher's last annual service tag is from 18 months ago. What is required?
- Continue using it since it looks fine
- Have it inspected and serviced before use (Correct answer)
- Write the current date on the tag
- Replace the tag with a new blank one
Correct answer: Have it inspected and serviced before use
Fire extinguishers require annual professional servicing, and one that is overdue must be serviced before it can be used on a job site.
Question 6: What hazard does a dry chemical fire extinguisher pose to torch operation equipment and the work surface?
- It can cause rust on metal surfaces only
- It leaves a corrosive residue that can damage surfaces and equipment (Correct answer)
- It creates toxic fumes when heated
- It has no significant aftereffects
Correct answer: It leaves a corrosive residue that can damage surfaces and equipment
Dry chemical agents leave a residue that is corrosive and can damage roofing membranes, equipment, and surfaces if not cleaned up promptly.
Question 7: Under FDNY rules, who is responsible for ensuring a properly rated fire extinguisher is present during torch operations?
- The building owner alone
- The Certificate of Fitness (F-60) holder on site (Correct answer)
- The torch equipment manufacturer
- The roofing materials supplier
Correct answer: The Certificate of Fitness (F-60) holder on site
The F-60 Certificate of Fitness holder is responsible for ensuring all fire safety equipment, including extinguishers, is present and ready during torch operations.
How often must fire extinguishers at a torch operation site be inspected?