F80 Smoke Control and HVAC Systems

Question 1

During a high-rise fire, what is the primary purpose of stairwell pressurization?

Accepted Answer

To prevent smoke from infiltrating evacuation stairwells

Answer

To supply fresh air to firefighters climbing the stairs

Answer

To increase the speed of occupant evacuation

Answer

To cool the stairwell temperature during a fire event

Question 2

When a fire is confirmed in a high-rise building, what is the correct action regarding the HVAC system serving the fire floor?

Accepted Answer

Shut down HVAC serving the fire floor to prevent smoke spread through ductwork

Answer

Increase airflow to dilute smoke concentration on the fire floor

Answer

Leave the HVAC running to maintain occupant comfort on other floors

Answer

Switch all units to recirculation mode to filter the air

Question 3

A smoke damper's primary function in a fire is to:

Accepted Answer

Close automatically to prevent smoke migration through duct openings in fire barriers

Answer

Direct exhaust smoke toward the roof vents

Answer

Increase negative pressure in smoke-filled corridors

Answer

Filter particulates before recirculating air to occupied floors

Question 4

In a high-rise building, which area is typically maintained at the HIGHEST air pressure during a smoke control event?

Accepted Answer

The protected stairwell enclosure

Answer

The fire floor corridor

Answer

The elevator lobby on the fire floor

Answer

The mechanical equipment room

Question 5

The Fire Safety Director receives an alarm indicating smoke detector activation in the return air plenum. What is the MOST likely concern?

Accepted Answer

Smoke is being drawn from a fire location and distributed through the HVAC return system

Answer

A false alarm caused by dust accumulation in the sensor

Answer

The plenum temperature exceeds the HVAC design rating

Answer

A sprinkler head has discharged water near the duct intake

Question 6

Under NYC regulations, after the HVAC system is shut down during a fire alarm, who has authority to restart it?

Accepted Answer

The FDNY incident commander on scene

Answer

The building engineer on duty, once the alarm is silenced

Answer

The Fire Safety Director, if no smoke is visible on any floor

Answer

Any trained building staff member after a 10-minute delay