OIC Emergency Response & Crisis Management 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of fire extinguisher is appropriate for use on an electrical fire discovered during a building inspection?
- Class A (water-based)
- Class B (foam)
- Class C (CO2 or dry chemical) (Correct answer)
- Class D (dry powder)
Correct answer: Class C (CO2 or dry chemical)
Class C extinguishers use non-conductive agents suitable for electrical fires; water-based extinguishers conduct electricity and are dangerous.
Question 2: During a crawlspace inspection, an inspector notices signs of carbon monoxide-producing equipment operating in an enclosed area. What is the appropriate action?
- Record the observation and continue the inspection
- Exit the crawlspace immediately and ventilate the area before re-entry (Correct answer)
- Turn off the equipment and document the finding
- Measure CO levels before deciding whether to exit
Correct answer: Exit the crawlspace immediately and ventilate the area before re-entry
Carbon monoxide is odorless and can incapacitate quickly; immediate exit and ventilation are required before any continued inspection.
Question 3: What does the term 'triage' mean in the context of post-disaster building inspections?
- Estimating repair costs for damaged structures
- Prioritizing inspections based on life-safety risk levels (Correct answer)
- Documenting all damage for insurance purposes
- Coordinating with contractors for emergency repairs
Correct answer: Prioritizing inspections based on life-safety risk levels
Triage in post-disaster inspection means prioritizing which structures need immediate attention based on the level of risk they pose.
Question 4: An inspector finds asbestos-containing materials that appear disturbed in a building built before 1980. What is the correct procedure?
- Sample and test the material personally to confirm asbestos content
- Recommend immediate evacuation and professional abatement assessment (Correct answer)
- Note it in the report only if visible damage exceeds 10 square feet
- Seal the area with tape and continue the inspection
Correct answer: Recommend immediate evacuation and professional abatement assessment
Disturbed asbestos-containing materials release airborne fibers; inspectors should recommend evacuation and professional assessment rather than sampling themselves.
Question 5: During a crisis inspection following a windstorm, which roof condition represents the MOST immediate life-safety risk?
- Missing shingles exposing underlayment
- Partially detached section of roof still connected at one end (Correct answer)
- Clogged gutters filled with storm debris
- Flashing lifted at chimney base
Correct answer: Partially detached section of roof still connected at one end
A partially detached roof section is unstable and can fall without warning, posing an immediate collapse risk to anyone below.
Question 6: When an inspector must report a crisis finding that contradicts a seller's disclosure, the inspector should:
- Omit the finding to avoid a conflict with the seller
- Report all findings accurately regardless of what the disclosure states (Correct answer)
- Ask the client whether they want the finding included
- Report the finding only if it exceeds a certain cost threshold
Correct answer: Report all findings accurately regardless of what the disclosure states
Inspectors must report all findings accurately and completely; the seller's disclosure does not override the inspector's professional duty.
Question 7: Which scenario most warrants an inspector placing a 'Do Not Enter' advisory on a structure?
- A cracked driveway with potential trip hazard
- Visible settlement cracks in non-load-bearing interior walls
- Significant foundation movement compromising primary structural support (Correct answer)
- A leaking roof causing minor interior water staining
Correct answer: Significant foundation movement compromising primary structural support
Significant foundation movement threatening primary structural support indicates potential imminent collapse, warranting a Do Not Enter advisory.
OIC Emergency Response & Crisis Management 3
Which type of fire extinguisher is appropriate for use on an electrical fire discovered during a building inspection?