Fire Safety Rules 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to NFPA 72, a fire alarm system in a commercial building must be tested at minimum:
- Every month
- Every 6 months
- Annually (Correct answer)
- Every 3 years
Correct answer: Annually
NFPA 72 requires annual testing of fire alarm systems, though some components require more frequent testing.
Question 2: Under the International Fire Code (IFC), what is required to be posted near fire extinguishers in an occupancy?
- A list of flammable materials nearby
- Operating instructions with pictographs (Correct answer)
- The name of the last inspector
- An evacuation map for that floor
Correct answer: Operating instructions with pictographs
The IFC requires operating instructions with pictographs to be mounted on or near extinguishers so users can act quickly.
Question 3: NFPA 1 (Fire Code) requires that exit signs be illuminated at a minimum intensity of:
- 1 foot-candle (Correct answer)
- 5 foot-candles
- 10 foot-candles
- 50 foot-candles
Correct answer: 1 foot-candle
NFPA 1 requires exit signs to be illuminated at a minimum of 1 foot-candle at the illuminated surface.
Question 4: Which rule governs the maximum occupancy load in a room or building?
- Fire Prevention Code
- Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) (Correct answer)
- Electrical Code (NFPA 70)
- Mechanical Code
Correct answer: Life Safety Code (NFPA 101)
NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) establishes occupant load calculations and maximum occupancy requirements.
Question 5: Under OSHA rules, an employer must train employees on fire extinguisher use if employees are expected to:
- Work in any building with extinguishers
- Use extinguishers as part of their duties (Correct answer)
- Report fires to the fire department
- Evacuate during a fire emergency
Correct answer: Use extinguishers as part of their duties
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157(g) requires training only for employees who are designated to use fire extinguishers.
Question 6: A 'two-in, two-out' rule in firefighting operations applies to:
- Two firefighters enter, two remain outside to assist if needed (Correct answer)
- Two hose lines in, two ventilation fans out
- Two exits required, two stairwells required
- Two alarm pulls before suppression activates
Correct answer: Two firefighters enter, two remain outside to assist if needed
The two-in, two-out rule (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134) requires two firefighters to enter a hazardous atmosphere only when two are standing by outside for rescue.
Question 7: Under NFPA 10, a pressurized water fire extinguisher must undergo a hydrostatic test every:
- 3 years
- 5 years (Correct answer)
- 6 years
- 12 years
Correct answer: 5 years
NFPA 10 requires hydrostatic testing of stored-pressure water extinguishers every 5 years.
Fire Safety Rules 3
According to NFPA 72, a fire alarm system in a commercial building must be tested at minimum: