FLSD Hazardous Materials Awareness and Emergency Response

Question 1

A Fire Life Safety Director is notified that a cleaning crew has stored an unmarked 55-gallon drum in the basement mechanical room. What is the FLSD's FIRST action?

Accepted Answer

Contact the building owner to identify the substance and obtain the Safety Data Sheet before taking further action

Answer

Immediately move the drum to an outdoor area to reduce indoor exposure risk

Answer

Open the drum to smell or visually inspect the contents to determine hazard level

Answer

Notify occupants on all floors to evacuate while the substance is investigated

Question 2

Under FDNY regulations, a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for a hazardous material stored in a building must be kept:

Accepted Answer

On-site and readily accessible to emergency responders

Answer

Only in the FLSD's personal records off-site

Answer

Sealed inside the container the material is stored in

Answer

Filed exclusively with the NYC Department of Buildings

Question 3

A spill of a flammable liquid is discovered in a building's storage room. Which action should the FLSD take FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Eliminate all ignition sources and ventilate the area while keeping personnel clear

Answer

Apply dry chemical extinguisher powder directly to the spill to absorb the liquid

Answer

Pour water over the spill to dilute the flammable liquid

Answer

Allow the liquid to evaporate naturally with doors closed to contain vapors

Question 4

Which symbol on a hazardous material label indicates an oxidizer?

Accepted Answer

A flame over a circle

Answer

A skull and crossbones

Answer

An exclamation mark

Answer

A health hazard diamond

Question 5

A tenant reports a strong, unusual chemical odor coming from a neighboring office suite. FDNY has not yet been called. What should the FLSD do IMMEDIATELY?

Accepted Answer

Notify FDNY, restrict access to the area, and prepare for possible larger evacuation

Answer

Enter the neighboring suite to investigate the source before calling anyone

Answer

Evacuate only the immediately affected floor and await further developments

Answer

Turn off the building's HVAC system and wait 30 minutes to see if the odor dissipates

Question 6

In a high-rise office building, where should hazardous materials such as cleaning solvents be stored?

Accepted Answer

In designated, properly ventilated storage areas away from ignition sources and incompatible materials

Answer

In open office supply closets on each floor for quick staff access

Answer

In the elevator lobby so they can be quickly moved to any floor when needed

Answer

Next to the fire alarm panel room for easy FDNY access during an emergency