S95 Regulatory and Legal Responsibilities 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under NFPA 72, how often must a Central Station fire alarm system undergo a full inspection and test?
- Every 6 months
- Annually (Correct answer)
- Every 2 years
- Every 3 years
Correct answer: Annually
NFPA 72 requires full inspection and testing of central station fire alarm systems on an annual basis.
Question 2: Which document must be completed and left on-site after every inspection of a fire alarm system?
- Certificate of occupancy
- Inspection record or log (Correct answer)
- Building permit
- Insurance declaration page
Correct answer: Inspection record or log
NFPA 72 requires that an inspection record or log be completed and left on the premises after each inspection.
Question 3: A monitoring company that supervises fire alarm signals without proper licensing is subject to which consequence?
- Mandatory retraining only
- Civil and criminal penalties (Correct answer)
- A warning letter only
- Loss of fire insurance discount
Correct answer: Civil and criminal penalties
Operating a central station or monitoring service without proper licensing can result in civil and criminal penalties under state law.
Question 4: Who holds primary legal responsibility for ensuring a fire alarm system is maintained in operable condition in a commercial building?
- The original installing contractor
- The building owner or their designated agent (Correct answer)
- The local fire department
- The alarm monitoring company
Correct answer: The building owner or their designated agent
The building owner or their authorized representative is legally responsible for maintaining the fire alarm system in operable condition.
Question 5: Under NFPA 72, which entity has authority to grant equivalencies or waivers from specific code requirements?
- The alarm manufacturer
- The National Fire Protection Association
- The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) (Correct answer)
- The insurance carrier
Correct answer: The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) has the authority to grant equivalencies or approve alternative methods under NFPA 72.
Question 6: Which federal law establishes the right of employees to be informed about fire safety plans in the workplace?
- The Life Safety Code
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.38 (Correct answer)
- The National Electrical Code
- NFPA 1
Correct answer: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.38
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.38 requires employers to have and communicate emergency action plans, including fire evacuation procedures.
Question 7: When a fire alarm system is taken out of service for repairs in an occupied building, what is generally required by code?
- Notify the AHJ and implement a fire watch (Correct answer)
- Post a sign at the main entrance
- Evacuate the building immediately
- Disable all exit signs
Correct answer: Notify the AHJ and implement a fire watch
When a system is impaired, NFPA 72 and fire codes typically require notification to the AHJ and establishment of a fire watch.
S95 Regulatory and Legal Responsibilities 2
Under NFPA 72, how often must a Central Station fire alarm system undergo a full inspection and test?