FE Fire Safety Regulations & Standards 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: NFPA 10 requires hydrostatic testing of a stored-pressure dry chemical extinguisher with a stainless steel shell every:
- 5 years
- 6 years
- 10 years
- 12 years (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 12 years
Stainless steel shell stored-pressure dry chemical extinguishers require hydrostatic testing every 12 years per NFPA 10.
Question 2: Per NFPA 10, the maximum floor area protected by a single 2-A rated extinguisher in a light hazard occupancy is:
- 3,000 sq ft
- 6,000 sq ft
- 11,250 sq ft (Correct answer)
- 22,500 sq ft
Correct answer: 11,250 sq ft
In light hazard occupancies, a 2-A rated extinguisher can protect a maximum area of 11,250 square feet per NFPA 10.
Question 3: Under NFPA 10, which condition would require an extinguisher to be removed from service immediately during a monthly inspection?
- Missing or broken tamper seal (Correct answer)
- Extinguisher weight within 5% of rated weight
- Pressure gauge needle in green zone
- Label fully legible with no damage
Correct answer: Missing or broken tamper seal
A missing or broken tamper seal indicates the extinguisher may have been used or tampered with and must be removed for maintenance.
Question 4: According to NFPA 10, CO2 extinguishers require hydrostatic testing every:
- 5 years (Correct answer)
- 6 years
- 10 years
- 12 years
Correct answer: 5 years
Carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers must be hydrostatically tested every 5 years per NFPA 10.
Question 5: NFPA 10 defines 'maintenance' of a fire extinguisher as:
- A thorough examination and repair of the extinguisher (Correct answer)
- A quick visual check of the extinguisher's condition
- The recharging of the extinguishing agent
- The hydrostatic pressure testing of the cylinder
Correct answer: A thorough examination and repair of the extinguisher
Maintenance per NFPA 10 is a thorough examination to ensure the extinguisher is fully charged, operable, and in good condition.
Question 6: Per NFPA 10, what is the maximum mounting height for the handle of a portable fire extinguisher weighing more than 40 lbs?
- 3.5 feet (42 inches) (Correct answer)
- 4 feet (48 inches)
- 5 feet (60 inches)
- 3 feet (36 inches)
Correct answer: 3.5 feet (42 inches)
Extinguishers with a gross weight exceeding 40 lbs must have their handle mounted no higher than 3.5 feet (42 inches) from the floor.
Question 7: Which NFPA 10 requirement applies when a portable fire extinguisher is located where it may be subject to physical damage?
- It must be protected by a suitable bracket, cabinet, or enclosure (Correct answer)
- It must be replaced with a larger unit
- It must be upgraded to a wheeled extinguisher
- It must be inspected weekly instead of monthly
Correct answer: It must be protected by a suitable bracket, cabinet, or enclosure
NFPA 10 requires that extinguishers subject to physical damage be protected by a bracket, cabinet, or other suitable enclosure.
FE Fire Safety Regulations & Standards 3
NFPA 10 requires hydrostatic testing of a stored-pressure dry chemical extinguisher with a stainless steel shell every: