FST Documentation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum retention period for fire suppression system inspection records under NFPA 25?
- 1 year
- 3 years (Correct answer)
- 5 years
- Until the next inspection only
Correct answer: 3 years
NFPA 25 requires that records of inspections, tests, and maintenance be retained for a minimum of 3 years.
Question 2: When an impairment to a fire protection system is identified, which document must be initiated immediately?
- Deficiency report
- Impairment tag and permit (Correct answer)
- Out-of-service notification to the AHJ
- Corrective action request
Correct answer: Impairment tag and permit
An impairment tag must be attached to the system control valve and an impairment permit must be issued whenever a fire protection system is taken out of service.
Question 3: Which section of a fire protection system inspection report documents the condition of control valves?
- Deficiency log
- System status section (Correct answer)
- Impairment record
- Acceptance test form
Correct answer: System status section
The system status section of an inspection report captures the open/closed/locked condition of all control valves.
Question 4: A fire pump test record must include which of the following data points?
- Color of pump housing
- Suction and discharge pressure at rated flow (Correct answer)
- Brand of packing material
- Age of the pump motor
Correct answer: Suction and discharge pressure at rated flow
NFPA 25 requires fire pump test records to document suction pressure, discharge pressure, and flow rate at churn, rated, and peak conditions.
Question 5: What does a 'certificate of occupancy' as it relates to fire safety documentation primarily confirm?
- The building has met all local fire and life-safety code requirements (Correct answer)
- The fire alarm system has been tested by the manufacturer
- The sprinkler contractor has been paid in full
- The fire marshal has inspected the suppression system only
Correct answer: The building has met all local fire and life-safety code requirements
A certificate of occupancy confirms that a building has met all applicable fire and life-safety codes and may be legally occupied.
Question 6: On an inspection form, the notation 'ITM' stands for what?
- Integrated Testing Module
- Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (Correct answer)
- Impairment Tagging Method
- Internal Trouble Monitor
Correct answer: Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance
ITM is the standard abbreviation for Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance, the core activities governed by NFPA 25.
Question 7: When documenting a fire alarm system trouble signal, which information is LEAST critical to record?
- Time and date the trouble was detected
- Device address or zone number
- Technician's certification number (Correct answer)
- Nature of the trouble condition
Correct answer: Technician's certification number
While technician credentials are important for the overall service record, the time, location, and nature of the trouble are the most critical entries in the trouble log itself.
FST Documentation 2
What is the minimum retention period for fire suppression system inspection records under NFPA 25?