FLSD Building Systems and Elevators 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under NYC fire code, what action must an FLSD take when the fire alarm system goes into a 'supervisory' signal state?
- Immediately evacuate the building
- Investigate the cause and notify the fire alarm monitoring company (Correct answer)
- Silence the panel and resume normal operations
- Activate the building's emergency lighting system
Correct answer: Investigate the cause and notify the fire alarm monitoring company
A supervisory signal indicates a monitored system (e.g., sprinkler valve) may be impaired and requires investigation and notification of the monitoring company.
Question 2: Which elevator mode allows firefighters to manually operate the elevator with the doors open?
- Phase I recall
- Phase II firefighter service (Correct answer)
- Standby power mode
- Independent service mode
Correct answer: Phase II firefighter service
Phase II firefighter service gives firefighters in-car control of the elevator, including manual door operation, for rescue and fire suppression activities.
Question 3: What is the primary function of a building's standpipe system in a high-rise fire emergency?
- Automatically suppresses fires in corridors
- Provides water supply outlets on each floor for hose lines (Correct answer)
- Pressurizes stairwells to prevent smoke infiltration
- Monitors water pressure throughout the sprinkler network
Correct answer: Provides water supply outlets on each floor for hose lines
Standpipe systems deliver water to hose connections on each floor so firefighters can connect hose lines close to the fire without running long hoses from outside.
Question 4: A building's HVAC system is equipped with smoke dampers. When should these dampers close during a fire event?
- Only after the fire department manually commands them
- When a smoke detector in the duct or associated zone activates (Correct answer)
- Whenever any fire alarm signal is received, including supervisory signals
- Only when sprinkler flow switches activate
Correct answer: When a smoke detector in the duct or associated zone activates
Smoke dampers are designed to close automatically upon activation of a smoke detector sensing smoke in the duct or the served zone, preventing smoke from spreading through the HVAC system.
Question 5: During a fire emergency, the FLSD is told that the building's emergency generator failed to start. Which building system is MOST immediately at risk?
- Domestic hot water heater
- Exit signs and emergency lighting (Correct answer)
- Standard passenger elevator service
- Tenant HVAC units
Correct answer: Exit signs and emergency lighting
Exit signs and emergency lighting are life-safety systems required to remain illuminated during a power failure; a generator failure means these may go dark, endangering evacuation.
Question 6: What does it mean when an elevator is placed on 'independent service'?
- The elevator is recalled to the lobby and taken out of service
- The elevator is under manual control of an operator and does not respond to hall calls (Correct answer)
- The elevator runs only on emergency generator power
- The elevator doors are held open for loading of equipment
Correct answer: The elevator is under manual control of an operator and does not respond to hall calls
Independent service removes the elevator from normal dispatching so it responds only to the in-car controls, typically used by building staff to move equipment or assist occupants.
Question 7: According to NYC fire code, how often must the FLSD conduct a fire drill for building occupants in a high-rise office building?
- Monthly
- Quarterly
- Twice per year (Correct answer)
- Annually
Correct answer: Twice per year
NYC fire code requires high-rise office buildings to conduct fire drills at least twice per year to ensure occupants are familiar with evacuation procedures.
FLSD Building Systems and Elevators 4
Under NYC fire code, what action must an FLSD take when the fire alarm system goes into a 'supervisory' signal state?