FLSD Building Systems and Elevators 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A sprinkler head activates on the 15th floor. Which combination of actions should the FLSD take FIRST?
- Shut the main water supply valve and call a plumber
- Confirm the alarm, notify the fire department, and investigate the activated floor (Correct answer)
- Evacuate all floors below the 15th floor only
- Reset the fire alarm panel and monitor for re-activation
Correct answer: Confirm the alarm, notify the fire department, and investigate the activated floor
The FLSD must first confirm the alarm is real, ensure the fire department has been notified (which the monitoring company typically handles), and investigate the source floor.
Question 2: Which building system is specifically designed to keep stairwells free of smoke during a fire to allow safe evacuation?
- Return air exhaust system
- Stairwell pressurization system (Correct answer)
- Chilled water cooling system
- Domestic water booster pump
Correct answer: Stairwell pressurization system
Stairwell pressurization systems inject outside air into stairwells, creating positive pressure that prevents smoke from entering and keeps egress paths clear.
Question 3: What is the role of the 'fire command center' (FCC) in a high-rise building during an emergency?
- It automatically suppresses fires using pre-action sprinklers
- It is the central location for monitoring and controlling fire and life-safety systems (Correct answer)
- It serves as the secure storage for building construction documents only
- It is the designated area for tenant fire wardens to congregate
Correct answer: It is the central location for monitoring and controlling fire and life-safety systems
The fire command center is the hub where the FLSD and firefighters can monitor alarms, control HVAC smoke modes, communicate with occupants, and coordinate emergency response.
Question 4: If an elevator is 'recalled' to the lobby during a fire alarm and the doors open but then immediately close, what is the MOST likely cause?
- The elevator is operating normally in Phase I recall
- An obstruction in the door path triggered the safety reversal (Correct answer)
- The fire alarm panel has reset automatically
- The elevator motor has overheated and shut down
Correct answer: An obstruction in the door path triggered the safety reversal
Elevator doors have safety sensors; if something blocks the door path during the open cycle, the safety reversal closes the doors, which is normal protective behavior.
Question 5: In a high-rise building, the FLSD notices that a floor's smoke detector has been in 'alarm bypass' status for two weeks due to renovation work. What is the correct course of action?
- Allow the bypass to continue until renovation is fully complete
- Ensure an approved fire watch is in place and document the impairment per code (Correct answer)
- Disconnect the detector permanently and install it after renovation
- Notify only the building owner and take no further action
Correct answer: Ensure an approved fire watch is in place and document the impairment per code
When a fire protection system or component is impaired, NYC fire code requires an approved fire watch and formal impairment documentation until the system is restored.
Question 6: What type of elevator recall is initiated when a firefighter inserts a key at the lobby call station during a fire emergency?
- Phase II recall
- Phase I recall (Correct answer)
- Emergency power transfer
- Seismic recall
Correct answer: Phase I recall
Phase I recall is activated by a key switch at the main lobby (or an automatic smoke detector signal), causing all elevators to return to and remain at the designated recall floor.
Question 7: Which building system monitors carbon monoxide levels and is required in NYC buildings with fuel-burning equipment or attached parking garages?
- Photoelectric smoke detection system
- Carbon monoxide detection system (Correct answer)
- Flame ionization detection system
- Air quality particulate monitoring system
Correct answer: Carbon monoxide detection system
NYC requires carbon monoxide detectors in buildings with fuel-burning appliances or parking garages because CO is an odorless, colorless gas produced by incomplete combustion that can be lethal.
FLSD Building Systems and Elevators 5
A sprinkler head activates on the 15th floor.
Which combination of actions should the FLSD take FIRST?