FST Documentation 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A fire suppression system log shows a quarterly inspection was skipped. What is the FIRST corrective step a technician should take?
- Perform the overdue inspection immediately and document it with the actual date (Correct answer)
- Back-date the inspection to the original due date
- Void all previous inspection records
- Notify the insurance company before performing any inspection
Correct answer: Perform the overdue inspection immediately and document it with the actual date
The technician should perform the overdue inspection immediately, documenting the actual date and noting in the report that it was delayed.
Question 2: Which document type provides the step-by-step operating procedures for responding to a fire alarm signal in a building?
- Hydraulic calculation sheet
- Fire alarm system record of completion
- Emergency Response Plan (ERP) (Correct answer)
- As-built drawing
Correct answer: Emergency Response Plan (ERP)
The Emergency Response Plan documents the procedures building occupants and staff must follow when a fire alarm signal is received.
Question 3: What is the purpose of an 'inspection verification sticker' placed on a fire protection system panel or riser?
- To identify the system manufacturer
- To provide a quick visual confirmation that a current inspection has been completed (Correct answer)
- To indicate the system is out of service
- To show the system's hydraulic design pressure
Correct answer: To provide a quick visual confirmation that a current inspection has been completed
Inspection stickers provide an immediate visual indicator that the system has been recently inspected, showing the date and due date for the next inspection.
Question 4: When documenting a partially open sprinkler control valve during inspection, what priority classification should this deficiency typically receive?
- Low priority — monitor at next inspection
- Medium priority — correct within 30 days
- High priority — correct immediately or impair and notify responsible parties (Correct answer)
- No action required if flow tests are still passing
Correct answer: High priority — correct immediately or impair and notify responsible parties
A partially open control valve is a critical impairment that directly reduces system effectiveness and must be corrected immediately with proper impairment procedures initiated.
Question 5: In fire protection documentation, what does the acronym 'AHJ' stand for?
- Automatic Hazard Judgment
- Authority Having Jurisdiction (Correct answer)
- Annual Hazard Journal
- Approved Hydraulic Junction
Correct answer: Authority Having Jurisdiction
AHJ stands for Authority Having Jurisdiction, the organization or individual responsible for enforcing the applicable fire codes and standards.
Question 6: Which document must be submitted to the AHJ before beginning installation of a new fire sprinkler system?
- A completed acceptance test report
- Permit application with design drawings and hydraulic calculations (Correct answer)
- A certificate of occupancy
- The post-installation as-built drawings
Correct answer: Permit application with design drawings and hydraulic calculations
A permit application accompanied by the system design drawings and hydraulic calculations must be reviewed and approved by the AHJ prior to installation.
Question 7: What is the significance of a 'witness' signature on a fire protection system acceptance test report?
- It acknowledges the contractor has been paid
- It confirms that an authorized party observed and verified the test results firsthand (Correct answer)
- It transfers liability to the building owner
- It replaces the need for the AHJ to issue a permit
Correct answer: It confirms that an authorized party observed and verified the test results firsthand
A witness signature certifies that an authorized representative (typically the AHJ or owner's representative) was physically present and observed the testing.
FST Documentation 5
A fire suppression system log shows a quarterly inspection was skipped.
What is the FIRST corrective step a technician should take?