F60 Fire Guard Duties & Responsibilities 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A fire guard's hot work permit covers operations from 8 AM to 4 PM. Work runs late. What is required?
- The fire guard may extend coverage verbally with the supervisor
- A new or extended permit must be obtained before continuing (Correct answer)
- Work may continue for up to two additional hours
- The contractor may self-authorize the extension
Correct answer: A new or extended permit must be obtained before continuing
Hot work permits are time-specific; work beyond the permit window requires a new or amended permit before continuing.
Question 2: When inspecting a work area before torch operations begin, which condition would require the fire guard to delay the start of work?
- Metal conduit within 10 feet of the work area
- Cardboard boxes stored directly adjacent to the work zone (Correct answer)
- A concrete floor below the work area
- Finished drywall on the opposite side of the room
Correct answer: Cardboard boxes stored directly adjacent to the work zone
Combustible materials adjacent to the work zone must be removed or shielded before torch operations can begin safely.
Question 3: What information must be recorded in the fire watch log by the fire guard?
- Worker wages and hours
- Time, location, observations, and any incidents (Correct answer)
- Equipment serial numbers
- Insurance policy details
Correct answer: Time, location, observations, and any incidents
The fire watch log must document times, work locations, conditions observed, and any fire or hazard incidents.
Question 4: A fire guard smells smoke behind a wall near a recently completed torch area. What is the correct response?
- Wait 10 minutes to see if the smell intensifies
- Assume it is residual and continue monitoring
- Investigate immediately and treat it as a potential fire condition (Correct answer)
- Notify the torch operator and continue the fire watch
Correct answer: Investigate immediately and treat it as a potential fire condition
Smoke smell is a fire indicator; the fire guard must investigate immediately and initiate emergency procedures if fire is confirmed.
Question 5: Under FDNY rules, who is responsible for ensuring a fire guard is present before torch operations begin?
- The building owner exclusively
- The contractor performing the torch work (Correct answer)
- The local fire company
- The building's insurance carrier
Correct answer: The contractor performing the torch work
The contractor performing hot work is responsible for ensuring a certified fire guard is on-site before any torch operation begins.
Question 6: What type of fire extinguisher is most appropriate for a fire guard to have accessible during torch operations?
- Class K wet chemical extinguisher
- Class ABC dry chemical extinguisher (Correct answer)
- Class D metal fire extinguisher
- CO2 extinguisher only
Correct answer: Class ABC dry chemical extinguisher
A Class ABC dry chemical extinguisher is suitable for the ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical hazards common in torch operation environments.
Question 7: A fire guard is asked to sign off on a hot work permit even though the pre-work inspection has not been completed. What should they do?
- Sign and complete the inspection afterward
- Sign with a note that inspection is pending
- Refuse to sign until the inspection is done (Correct answer)
- Have the contractor complete the inspection instead
Correct answer: Refuse to sign until the inspection is done
The fire guard must complete the pre-work inspection before signing the permit; signing without inspection is a violation of fire safety protocols.
F60 Fire Guard Duties & Responsibilities 3
A fire guard's hot work permit covers operations from 8 AM to 4 PM.
Work runs late.
What is required?