F60 Fire Guard Responsibilities 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum clearance radius that must be maintained between a torch flame and combustible materials?
- 5 feet
- 10 feet (Correct answer)
- 15 feet
- 25 feet
Correct answer: 10 feet
A minimum 10-foot clearance radius must be maintained between the torch flame and all combustible materials.
Question 2: A fire guard is assigned to watch a roofing operation where tar is being applied with a torch. Which hazard requires special attention on a flat roof?
- Wind spreading sparks to adjacent roofs
- Roof drains carrying burning tar to lower floors
- Combustible roof insulation or membrane igniting (Correct answer)
- Overheating of rooftop HVAC equipment
Correct answer: Combustible roof insulation or membrane igniting
On flat roofs, combustible insulation boards and roofing membranes are a primary ignition hazard that the fire guard must monitor closely.
Question 3: Before torch operations start in a building, what must the fire guard verify about fire suppression equipment?
- That all sprinkler heads in the work area are turned off
- That at least one extinguisher and a charged hose line are available and operable (Correct answer)
- That the building's main fire suppression system is bypassed
- That fire suppression equipment is stored safely away from the heat zone
Correct answer: That at least one extinguisher and a charged hose line are available and operable
The fire guard must confirm that at least one appropriate fire extinguisher and a charged hose line are available and in working condition before operations begin.
Question 4: During a fire watch after torch operations, the fire guard smells smoke but cannot see any visible flame. The correct action is:
- Assume it is residual odor from the torch and continue watching
- Immediately investigate the source and activate the fire alarm if a fire is found (Correct answer)
- Open windows for ventilation and wait 30 minutes
- Call the torch operator back to inspect their equipment
Correct answer: Immediately investigate the source and activate the fire alarm if a fire is found
Any sign of smoke must be immediately investigated, and if a fire source is found, the alarm must be activated without delay.
Question 5: Which type of fire extinguisher is most appropriate for a fire guard to have on hand during torch operations involving flammable gases?
- Class A only (water-based)
- Class D (dry powder for metals)
- Class B:C rated extinguisher (Correct answer)
- Class K (wet chemical for cooking oils)
Correct answer: Class B:C rated extinguisher
A Class B:C rated extinguisher is appropriate for flammable gas and electrical hazards typically associated with torch operations.
Question 6: How must a fire guard document the completion of their fire watch duties?
- No documentation is required once the watch period ends
- By completing a fire watch log recording the work performed, times, and observations (Correct answer)
- By sending a text message to the building supervisor
- By posting a notice on the work area door
Correct answer: By completing a fire watch log recording the work performed, times, and observations
The fire guard must complete a fire watch log that records work performed, start and end times, and any observations or incidents during the watch.
Question 7: An FDNY inspector arrives and asks the fire guard whether a hot work permit was obtained for the current torch operation. If no permit was obtained, the fire guard must:
- Explain that the torch operator handles all permits
- Immediately stop all torch operations until a proper permit is obtained (Correct answer)
- Allow operations to continue while the permit is obtained remotely
- Advise the inspector the permit is in the supervisor's office
Correct answer: Immediately stop all torch operations until a proper permit is obtained
All torch operations must cease immediately if a required hot work permit has not been obtained; work cannot continue until proper authorization is in place.
F60 Fire Guard Responsibilities 3
What is the minimum clearance radius that must be maintained between a torch flame and combustible materials?