FDNY F-89 Fire and Life Safety Director Certificate of Fitness — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A floor warden reports that 3 occupants from her floor are unaccounted for after evacuation. What is the FSD's first action?

Immediately re-enter the building to search for the missing occupants
Wait 10 minutes to see if the occupants self-report
Announce the names over the PA system to locate them
Report the missing persons to the FDNY Incident Commander at the command post (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Report the missing persons to the FDNY Incident Commander at the command post

Missing occupant information must immediately be reported to the FDNY Incident Commander so firefighters can conduct a targeted search.

Question 2: A fire tower is a stairway that is entered from the floor by way of what feature?

A revolving door
An open-air balcony or vestibule open to the outside (Correct answer)
A pressurized elevator lobby only
A corridor with no doors

Correct answer: An open-air balcony or vestibule open to the outside

Fire towers are accessed through an outdoor balcony or vented vestibule that keeps smoke out of the stair.

Question 3: During a high-rise building evacuation, which floor is typically evacuated FIRST when a fire alarm is activated on the 18th floor?

All floors simultaneously
The top floor of the building
The floor of fire origin, plus two floors above and one floor below (Correct answer)
Only the floor of fire origin

Correct answer: The floor of fire origin, plus two floors above and one floor below

Standard high-rise EAP protocol evacuates the fire floor plus the two floors above and the floor immediately below as the immediate priority.

Question 4: What is panic hardware?

A magnetic lock that stays engaged on power loss
A keypad that locks the door during an alarm
A door-releasing device that opens when pressure is applied in the direction of egress (Correct answer)
A deadbolt requiring a key from the inside

Correct answer: A door-releasing device that opens when pressure is applied in the direction of egress

Panic bars unlatch the door when pushed, allowing quick exit without special knowledge or keys.

Question 5: During a drill, an employee refuses to participate and returns to their desk. What is the Fire Safety Director's most appropriate immediate action?

Ignore the behavior and continue the drill
Document the non-compliance and notify building management (Correct answer)
Cancel the drill until all occupants comply
Physically escort the employee out

Correct answer: Document the non-compliance and notify building management

The FSD should document non-compliance and escalate to management, as they cannot physically compel participation.

Question 6: What is the significance of a building's fire command center in emergency response planning?

It is a room reserved exclusively for FDNY use
It is an optional feature in modern buildings
It is the centralized command post equipped with communication, fire protection system controls, and building information for coordinating emergency response (Correct answer)
It is simply where the fire alarm panel is located

Correct answer: It is the centralized command post equipped with communication, fire protection system controls, and building information for coordinating emergency response

The fire command center is the nerve center of emergency response, equipped with all necessary systems and information for coordinating building-wide emergency operations.

Question 7: A building's emergency action plan must be reviewed and updated at minimum how often under NYC Fire Code requirements?

Every 3 years
Every 5 years
Only after a significant incident
Annually (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Annually

NYC Fire Code requires the Emergency Action Plan to be reviewed and updated at least annually to reflect any changes in building occupancy, personnel, or procedures.

Question 8: Which document should a Fire Safety Director consult to determine the designated assembly area for a specific building?

The NFPA 101 Life Safety Code
The approved Fire Safety Plan (Correct answer)
The building's Certificate of Occupancy
The local zoning ordinance

Correct answer: The approved Fire Safety Plan

The approved Fire Safety Plan specifies all emergency procedures including designated assembly areas for that building.

Question 9: Which type of building core layout places elevators, stairs, and shafts in the middle of the floor plate?

Split core
Open core
Side core
Center core (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Center core

In a center core building, the stairs, elevators, and utility shafts are grouped at the center of each floor.

Question 10: During a partial evacuation, which floors must be evacuated in addition to the fire floor?

All floors in the building
All floors above the fire floor
The floor above and the floor below the fire floor (Correct answer)
Only the fire floor

Correct answer: The floor above and the floor below the fire floor

Standard partial evacuation protocol requires evacuating the fire floor plus the floors immediately above and below to account for smoke migration.

Question 11: What is a tabletop exercise and how does it differ from a full-scale drill?

It is a discussion-based exercise where participants walk through scenarios verbally without physical movement (Correct answer)
It is the same as a fire drill but conducted on a table
It is a test of fire protection equipment only
It is an online training course for fire safety

Correct answer: It is a discussion-based exercise where participants walk through scenarios verbally without physical movement

A tabletop exercise is a facilitated discussion where participants talk through their responses to emergency scenarios without actually performing the physical actions.

Question 12: What is the maximum door opening force allowed for egress doors under NYC Building Code?

30 pounds for interior doors and 50 pounds for exterior doors (Correct answer)
No maximum is specified
15 pounds
50 pounds

Correct answer: 30 pounds for interior doors and 50 pounds for exterior doors

NYC Building Code limits door opening force to 30 pounds for interior egress doors and 50 pounds for exterior egress doors.

Question 13: The commercial kitchen in a high-rise building experiences an automatic wet chemical suppression system discharge over the cooking hood. After the system activates, what is the FLSD's most critical immediate responsibility regarding the kitchen operations?

Ensure that the fuel supply to the cooking equipment is shut off and that cooking operations do not resume until the system has been professionally inspected and recharged (Correct answer)
Reset the suppression system control panel and allow cooking to resume once the smoke clears
Notify the FACP monitoring station that the activation was accidental and no FDNY response is needed
Increase exhaust fan speed to ventilate the suppression agent from the kitchen

Correct answer: Ensure that the fuel supply to the cooking equipment is shut off and that cooking operations do not resume until the system has been professionally inspected and recharged

Upon activation of a kitchen hood suppression system, the automatic fuel shutoff must operate to cut gas or electric supply to the cooking equipment. Cooking must not resume until a qualified technician has inspected the equipment, recharged the suppression agent, and confirmed the system is ready for service. Resuming cooking with a discharged or damaged system is a serious life-safety violation and fire hazard.

Question 14: During a fire emergency, the FLSD is responsible for coordinating with responding firefighters. Where should the FLSD meet incident commanders upon their arrival?

At the building's main electrical panel room
At the floor of the fire origin
At the building's lobby command station (Correct answer)
At the nearest stairwell on the floor above the fire

Correct answer: At the building's lobby command station

The FLSD should be stationed at the lobby command station to brief and coordinate with the fire department incident commander upon arrival.

Question 15: What is a 'warden accountability' check during an evacuation drill?

Confirming that the FDNY received the fire alarm signal
Verifying that all floor wardens reported to their assigned posts (Correct answer)
Checking that stairwell doors closed properly behind evacuees
Ensuring the fire suppression system was not accidentally activated

Correct answer: Verifying that all floor wardens reported to their assigned posts

Warden accountability verifies that every assigned floor warden actually reported to their designated post during the drill.

Question 16: Which IBC construction type permits combustible wood-frame structural elements throughout?

Type V (Correct answer)
Type III
Type I
Type II

Correct answer: Type V

Type V construction allows structural elements of any material permitted by code, typically wood frame.

Question 17: Which entity has primary authority to approve a high-rise building's Fire Safety Plan in New York City?

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM)
The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) (Correct answer)
The building owner or property manager
The Department of Buildings (DOB)

Correct answer: The Fire Department of New York (FDNY)

The FDNY has primary authority to review and approve the Fire Safety Plan for high-rise buildings in New York City.

Question 18: When an actual fire emergency occurs in a high-rise building, what is the FLSD's primary duty with respect to the Fire Department upon their arrival?

Shut down all elevators and HVAC systems independently
Evacuate all occupants before FDNY arrives
Notify the building owner and await further instructions
Report to the lobby command post and brief the FDNY incident commander (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Report to the lobby command post and brief the FDNY incident commander

The FLSD must report to the lobby command post and provide the FDNY incident commander with critical information about the fire, building systems, and occupants. This role as a knowledgeable liaison is central to the FLSD's emergency duties.

Question 19: Which elevator status information should an FLSD be ready to provide arriving firefighters?

Manufacturer service schedules and the date of the most recent inspection certificate
Last passenger weight recorded and cab capacity of each elevator
Monthly maintenance costs and the contractor's emergency contact number
Which elevators have recalled, are available for Phase II use, or are malfunctioning (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Which elevators have recalled, are available for Phase II use, or are malfunctioning

Firefighters need immediate operational status of all elevators — which responded to recall, which are available for their use, and which have known malfunctions — to plan their attack and search operations.

Question 20: Under FDNY regulations, within how many hours must a Fire and Life Safety Director submit a written report following a fire incident in a high-rise building?

48 hours
7 days
72 hours
24 hours (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 24 hours

FDNY requires written incident reports to be submitted within 24 hours of a fire or emergency event in covered buildings.

Question 21: Which of the following EAP staff members is primarily responsible for searching a designated area, such as a floor or a tenant space, to ensure all occupants have been notified and are following emergency instructions?

The Critical Operations Staff member
The Deputy FLSD
The Building Evacuation Supervisor
The EAP Warden/Searcher (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The EAP Warden/Searcher

The EAP Warden, and designated Searchers, are assigned to specific floors or tenant areas. Their primary role during an incident is to systematically search their area, including restrooms and conference rooms, to ensure all occupants are aware of the situation and are complying with relocation or evacuation orders.

Question 22: After an 'all-clear' has been given by authorities following a major non-fire emergency, what is a critical post-incident responsibility of the Fire and Life Safety Director?

To oversee the safe and systematic restoration of building systems to normal operation. (Correct answer)
To dismiss all EAP staff until their next scheduled drill.
To immediately file a report with the building's insurance carrier.
To conduct a media briefing in the lobby.

Correct answer: To oversee the safe and systematic restoration of building systems to normal operation.

The FLSD's responsibilities extend beyond the immediate emergency. A crucial final step is to manage the safe return to normalcy, which includes ensuring that all life safety systems (fire alarm, sprinklers) and other essential building systems (HVAC, elevators) are properly and safely restored to their normal operational status before allowing full re-occupancy.

Question 23: In the EAP, what procedure should be established for a bomb threat?

Immediately evacuate the entire building without investigation
Follow established search and notification procedures without touching suspicious items (Correct answer)
Ignore the threat unless a device is visible
Have security staff search for and handle any suspicious packages

Correct answer: Follow established search and notification procedures without touching suspicious items

Bomb threat procedures should include documenting the threat, notifying authorities, conducting a visual search without touching suspicious items, and following guidance on evacuation.

Question 24: When the occupant load for any storey or portion thereof is more than 500 but not more than 100, the means of egress shall ______________.

None of the above
More than 3
Not be less than 3 (Correct answer)
Not be less than 4
Not be less than 2

Correct answer: Not be less than 3

Building codes, such as NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code), specify the minimum number of means of egress required based on the occupant load of a floor or area. For an occupant load between 501 and 1000, at least three means of egress are typically required to ensure safe and efficient evacuation in an emergency. This provision helps prevent bottlenecks and allows for multiple escape routes.

Question 25: During a morning walkthrough, the FLSD notices the caps are missing from the building's Fire Department Connection (Siamese connection) on the street level. Why does this condition require immediate corrective action?

Debris, vandalism, or obstructions may block the FDC inlet, preventing firefighters from supplementing water supply during an emergency (Correct answer)
Insurance regulations require caps at all times or coverage is voided
The building's sprinkler water pressure will drop significantly without the caps in place
Missing caps will cause a supervisory signal at the FACP within 24 hours

Correct answer: Debris, vandalism, or obstructions may block the FDC inlet, preventing firefighters from supplementing water supply during an emergency

The FDC allows FDNY to pump additional water into the sprinkler or standpipe system during a fire. Missing caps expose the inlets to debris, ice, vandalism, or foreign objects that can obstruct the connection at a critical moment. FDNY relies on a functional FDC to maintain system pressure during fire operations, so impaired FDC access is an immediate life-safety concern.

Question 26: Which scenario would most likely trigger a SHELTER-IN-PLACE directive rather than a full building evacuation under a building's EAP?

A hazardous material release detected in the street outside the building (Correct answer)
A fire alarm activation with visible smoke in a stairwell
A bomb threat with a specific device location inside the building
A confirmed structural fire on the 10th floor

Correct answer: A hazardous material release detected in the street outside the building

An outdoor hazardous material release makes exiting the building dangerous, making shelter-in-place the appropriate protective action.

Question 27: An FLSD discovers that a stairwell door is propped open by a resident. What is the correct immediate action?

Remove the obstruction and restore the door to its self-closing position (Correct answer)
Post a notice on the door and allow 24 hours for compliance
Notify the fire department and await instructions before acting
Document the violation and report it at the next quarterly meeting

Correct answer: Remove the obstruction and restore the door to its self-closing position

The FLSD must immediately remove the obstruction and ensure the door self-closes, as open stairwell doors compromise compartmentalization during a fire.

Question 28: How does the FLSD coordinate with building management on fire code compliance issues?

The FLSD works independently without building management involvement
The FLSD only addresses issues raised by the FDNY
Building management handles all compliance without FLSD input
The FLSD identifies deficiencies, reports them to management, recommends corrective actions, and follows up to ensure completion (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The FLSD identifies deficiencies, reports them to management, recommends corrective actions, and follows up to ensure completion

The FLSD works with building management by identifying fire safety deficiencies, recommending solutions, and tracking corrective actions to completion.

Question 29: A large refrigerant leak occurs in an enclosed mechanical room. What is the main life-safety hazard to occupants?

Radiation exposure
Immediate explosion of the refrigerant
Oxygen displacement causing asphyxiation (Correct answer)
Electrical shock

Correct answer: Oxygen displacement causing asphyxiation

Refrigerant vapors are heavier than air and can displace oxygen in enclosed spaces.

Question 30: Under what type of occupancy a classroom of 50 persons and over capacity?

Educational
Business
Place of Assembly (Correct answer)
None of the above
Restaurant

Correct answer: Place of Assembly

A classroom with a capacity of 50 persons or more is typically classified as a 'Place of Assembly' occupancy under building and fire codes. This classification applies to spaces where large groups of people gather for various purposes, including educational, recreational, or religious activities. Places of Assembly have stricter egress and fire safety requirements due to the higher occupant load and potential for rapid fire spread.

Question 31: The primary function of a fire door is to exit a building in case of fire.

TRUE
FALSE (Correct answer)

Correct answer: FALSE

The primary function of a fire door is not to exit a building, but rather to compartmentalize a building and prevent the spread of fire and smoke between different areas. Fire doors are designed to remain closed during a fire, acting as a barrier to contain the blaze and protect escape routes, allowing occupants more time to safely evacuate through designated exits.

Question 32: What is required when a building undergoes a change in occupancy type that affects the EAP?

The EAP must be revised immediately and resubmitted to the FDNY (Correct answer)
Only the floor plans need to be updated
No action needed until the annual review
The change only needs to be noted in the building log

Correct answer: The EAP must be revised immediately and resubmitted to the FDNY

Any significant change in building occupancy requires immediate revision of the EAP and resubmission to the FDNY for approval.

Question 33: Covers the Fire Safety Measure for Buildings, Structure and Facilities, Hazardous Materials and Wastes, Hazardous Operation and Processes and Miscellaneous. Hazardous Premises and/or conditions, that by its very nature or relation to life, property and environment poses threat or danger.

None of the above
RA 9514
IRR
Rule 10 of IRR of RA 9514 (Correct answer)
Rule 9

Correct answer: Rule 10 of IRR of RA 9514

RA 9514 is the Revised Fire Code of the Philippines, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) provide the detailed provisions for its enforcement. Rule 10 specifically covers the fire safety measures for various aspects, including buildings, hazardous materials, operations, and conditions, outlining the specific threats and dangers they pose to life, property, and the environment.

Question 34: A building is generally classified as a 'high-rise' under most modern fire codes when its highest occupied floor is above:

Ten stories above ground level regardless of floor-to-ceiling height
75 feet above the average grade level surrounding the building
100 feet above the building's main entrance elevation
55 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 55 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access

Both NFPA 1 and the International Building Code define a high-rise as a building with an occupied floor more than 55 feet above the lowest point accessible to fire department vehicles.

Question 35: What daily duties should an FLSD perform to maintain building fire safety?

Daily duties are limited to checking the fire alarm panel once
Daily duties are delegated entirely to security staff
Monitor fire alarm and sprinkler systems, verify fire safety staffing, inspect egress routes, and maintain the fire command station log (Correct answer)
Only respond to alarms; no daily duties are required

Correct answer: Monitor fire alarm and sprinkler systems, verify fire safety staffing, inspect egress routes, and maintain the fire command station log

The FLSD has daily responsibilities including system monitoring, staffing verification, egress inspections, and maintaining operational logs.

Question 36: A mailroom employee opens an envelope containing a suspicious white powder. What is the correct response?

Blow the powder off the desk
Leave it in place, isolate the room, shut off ventilation, wash hands, and call 911 (Correct answer)
Shake out the envelope to see what is inside
Carry the envelope outside to a trash bin

Correct answer: Leave it in place, isolate the room, shut off ventilation, wash hands, and call 911

Leaving the item in place and isolating the room limits spread and exposure until responders arrive.

Question 37: Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.38, how often must the Emergency Action Plan be reviewed with employees who are responsible for carrying out the plan?

Whenever the plan is changed or an employee's responsibilities change (Correct answer)
Every five years regardless of changes
Only after an actual emergency occurs
Only during initial hire orientation

Correct answer: Whenever the plan is changed or an employee's responsibilities change

OSHA requires the EAP to be reviewed with responsible employees whenever the plan changes or when an employee's duties under the plan change.

Question 38: On an NFPA 704 diamond, what does the blue quadrant indicate?

Instability/reactivity hazard
Health hazard (Correct answer)
Flammability hazard
Special hazard

Correct answer: Health hazard

The blue quadrant of the NFPA 704 diamond rates the health hazard from 0 to 4.

Question 39: What role does a building's emergency response team play before the fire department arrives?

They implement initial response procedures including alarm activation, evacuation initiation, and first aid (Correct answer)
They are not authorized to take any action
They should focus only on protecting building property
They should attempt to extinguish any fire regardless of size

Correct answer: They implement initial response procedures including alarm activation, evacuation initiation, and first aid

The building emergency response team initiates life safety procedures including alarm activation, evacuation, and basic first aid until professional responders arrive.

Question 40: How does the FLSD's role differ from that of a floor warden?

The FLSD only reports to the FDNY while floor wardens report to building management
The FLSD oversees building-wide fire safety operations while floor wardens manage emergency response on their assigned floor (Correct answer)
Floor wardens have authority over the FLSD during active emergencies
The FLSD and floor warden have identical responsibilities on different floors

Correct answer: The FLSD oversees building-wide fire safety operations while floor wardens manage emergency response on their assigned floor

The FLSD holds overall command of building-wide fire safety operations and coordinates with the fire department, while floor wardens execute emergency procedures on their specific assigned floors.

Question 41: In a non-fire emergency such as a power outage, what is the FLSD's primary concern?

Contacting the utility company
Restoring power as quickly as possible
Dismissing all building occupants for the day
Ensuring emergency lighting and egress paths remain functional (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Ensuring emergency lighting and egress paths remain functional

During a power outage, the FLSD must verify that emergency lighting, exit signs, and fire protection systems on emergency power are functioning properly.

Question 42: A credible bomb threat is received for a high-rise office building. After notifying 911, the FLSD must communicate with building occupants. Which of the following is a critical principle for the FLSD's public address announcements in this scenario?

Wait for the FDNY to arrive before making any announcements.
Immediately order a full building evacuation via the stairwells.
Use coded language to avoid widespread panic.
Provide calm, clear, and specific instructions based on the EAP, which may not involve a full evacuation. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Provide calm, clear, and specific instructions based on the EAP, which may not involve a full evacuation.

During a bomb threat, the primary goal is to manage the situation without causing panic, which could be more dangerous than the threat itself. The EAP provides specific language and procedures. The FLSD's role is to provide clear, calm instructions based on the plan, which might involve relocation or sheltering in place rather than a mass evacuation that could move people toward a potential hazard.

Question 43: A high-rise office building (Group B occupancy) has just received its initial Certificate of Occupancy. According to FDNY regulations, how frequently must fire and non-fire emergency drills be conducted for the first two years?

Annually
Semiannually (every 6 months)
Quarterly (every 3 months) (Correct answer)
Monthly

Correct answer: Quarterly (every 3 months)

For newly constructed high-rise office buildings, the FDNY requires an increased frequency of drills to ensure occupants and staff quickly become familiar with emergency procedures. Drills must be conducted quarterly for the first two years of occupancy. After this initial period, the frequency for Group B office buildings becomes semiannually.

Question 44: What is the FLSD's responsibility regarding hazardous materials stored by building tenants?

The FLSD must maintain an inventory of hazardous materials and ensure emergency responders are informed of their locations (Correct answer)
Only the fire department needs to know about hazardous materials
Hazardous materials are prohibited in all commercial buildings
Hazardous materials are solely the tenant's responsibility

Correct answer: The FLSD must maintain an inventory of hazardous materials and ensure emergency responders are informed of their locations

The FLSD must know what hazardous materials are present, where they are stored, and communicate this to emergency responders.

Question 45: Every Building or structure, new or old, designed for human occupancy shall be provided with _________?

Ramp
Door
Stair
None of the above
Exit (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Exit

Every building or structure designed for human occupancy must be provided with exits. Exits are critical components of a building's life safety system, ensuring that occupants have a safe and clear path to evacuate during emergencies like fires. Building codes mandate adequate and accessible exits to facilitate rapid and orderly evacuation.

Question 46: Under NYC Building Code, how many means of egress (exits) are generally required per floor in a high-rise office building?

Three exits are required for all floors above the 10th floor
The number of exits is at the building owner's discretion
One exit is sufficient if the floor area is under 5,000 square feet
A minimum of two remote exits to ensure occupants always have an alternate path if one is blocked (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A minimum of two remote exits to ensure occupants always have an alternate path if one is blocked

NYC Building Code requires a minimum of two exits per floor, positioned remotely from each other so that a fire or smoke condition blocking one exit still leaves occupants a viable egress path. This redundancy is a cornerstone of high-rise life safety.

Question 47: Which of the following is the main danger in any jail fire?

Smoke (Correct answer)
Flames
Visibility
Heat

Correct answer: Smoke

In any fire, especially in enclosed environments like jails, smoke is often the main danger and cause of fatalities. Smoke inhalation can lead to asphyxiation, respiratory damage, and disorientation, making evacuation difficult and dangerous. While heat and flames are destructive, the toxic gases and particulate matter in smoke pose an immediate and widespread threat to life.

Question 48: Which description fits chlorine gas?

Brown with a rotten-egg odor
Greenish-yellow with a bleach-like odor, and heavier than air (Correct answer)
White vapor with a sweet odor
Colorless, odorless, and lighter than air

Correct answer: Greenish-yellow with a bleach-like odor, and heavier than air

Chlorine is a greenish-yellow, pungent gas that is heavier than air and settles in low areas.

Question 49: What is the purpose of a fire pump in a high-rise building's fire protection system?

To pump water out of the building during flooding
To supply water to the building's domestic plumbing system
To boost water pressure to ensure adequate flow to sprinklers and standpipes at upper floors (Correct answer)
To drain water from the sprinkler system after activation

Correct answer: To boost water pressure to ensure adequate flow to sprinklers and standpipes at upper floors

Fire pumps boost water pressure to overcome the elevation head in tall buildings, ensuring adequate pressure and flow at upper floors.

Question 50: According to NFPA 25, which of the following is considered a 'testing' activity for a water-based fire protection system, as opposed to an 'inspection'?

Reading the pressure gauges on a dry-pipe system weekly.
Verifying that control valves are in the open and locked position.
Visually checking that sprinkler heads are free from obstruction or paint.
Conducting a full-flow test of a fire pump to ensure it meets pressure and GPM requirements. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Conducting a full-flow test of a fire pump to ensure it meets pressure and GPM requirements.

NFPA 25 distinguishes between inspection (visual checks), testing (physical operation to ensure functionality), and maintenance. Conducting a full-flow test of a fire pump involves operating the equipment to measure its performance against standards, which is a form of testing. The other options are visual inspections.

Question 51: In a drill post-mortem, the FSD discovers that Stairwell B was congested while Stairwell A was underutilized. What corrective action is most appropriate?

Install a turnstile at Stairwell B to regulate flow
Revise floor assignments in the Fire Safety Plan to distribute traffic more evenly between stairwells (Correct answer)
Permanently close Stairwell A to all non-emergency use
Reduce the number of occupants assigned to the affected floors

Correct answer: Revise floor assignments in the Fire Safety Plan to distribute traffic more evenly between stairwells

Revising floor-to-stairwell assignments in the Fire Safety Plan addresses the root cause of uneven stairwell load.

Question 52: A conscious adult has chest pain that may be a heart attack, 911 has been called, and the person is not allergic to aspirin. What first aid is commonly recommended?

Have the person chew an aspirin (Correct answer)
Give an antacid
Have the person climb the stairs to the exit
Give a caffeinated drink

Correct answer: Have the person chew an aspirin

Chewing aspirin can reduce clotting during a suspected heart attack if there are no contraindications.

Question 53: What equipment is a fire warden typically required to have available during an emergency?

A master key and first aid kit
A fire extinguisher and breathing apparatus
A flashlight, a floor warden badge or vest, and a list of mobility-impaired occupants (Correct answer)
A fire hose and radio

Correct answer: A flashlight, a floor warden badge or vest, and a list of mobility-impaired occupants

Fire wardens should have a flashlight, identifying vest or badge, and a list of mobility-impaired occupants requiring assistance during evacuation.

Question 54: Who is responsible for appointing, training, and maintaining a current roster of fire wardens and deputy wardens in a building that requires an F-89 Certificate of Fitness?

The building owner, with no involvement from the FLSD
The FDNY District Office, which assigns wardens directly
The FLSD, in coordination with floor tenants and building management (Correct answer)
Each tenant independently selects and trains their own wardens without FLSD oversight

Correct answer: The FLSD, in coordination with floor tenants and building management

The FLSD is directly responsible for selecting, training, and keeping an updated roster of fire wardens and deputy wardens for each floor. This ensures that trained personnel are always available to assist with evacuations.

Question 55: After a false alarm activation of the fire alarm system, what should the FLSD document?

Nothing, since no actual fire occurred
Only the names of wardens who responded
Only the time of the alarm
The cause, time, location, and corrective actions taken (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The cause, time, location, and corrective actions taken

False alarms must be documented with cause, time, location, and corrective actions to identify patterns and prevent recurrence.

Question 56: Which of the following is a key responsibility of the Fire and Life Safety Director regarding non-fire emergencies?

Authorizing structural repairs to the building after an earthquake.
Conducting criminal investigations within the building.
Performing complex medical procedures beyond basic first aid.
Implementing the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for threats like active shooters or severe weather. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Implementing the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for threats like active shooters or severe weather.

The F-89 certification encompasses both fire and non-fire emergencies. The FLSD is responsible for implementing the building's Emergency Action Plan (EAP), which covers all-hazard threats other than fires, such as active shooter events, medical emergencies, and weather-related issues.

FDNY F-89 Fire and Life Safety Director Certificate of Fitness

The FDNY F-89 Certificate of Fitness exam certifies Fire and Life Safety Directors responsible for implementing fire safety and emergency action plans in high-rise and other designated buildings in New York City. Candidates must pass two computer-based exams covering fire safety and non-fire emergency components.

Questions

83 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

Checking for saved progress...

Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds

These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

nyc.gov — Test delivery, fees, exam format, passing score, registration deadline, renewal, retake fee, retake policy, score release, test dates · verified Oct 2026