F-01 - F-01 Fireguard Fire Watch Patrols Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a required fire protection system is out of service, what is the mandatory minimum frequency for a Fire Guard to patrol all affected areas?
- Every two hours
- At least once every hour (Correct answer)
- Only at the start and end of their shift
- Twice per shift, approximately four hours apart
Correct answer: At least once every hour
FDNY regulations require that when a fire protection system is out of service, a fire watch must be maintained. The fire guard must patrol all areas affected by the impairment at least once every hour to ensure early detection of any fire hazards.
Question 2: An F-01 Fire Guard is concluding an 8-hour shift during a multi-day sprinkler system impairment. What is the MOST critical procedural step they must take before leaving the premises?
- Notify the building owner that their shift is over.
- Conduct one final patrol of the non-affected areas.
- Make a final, detailed entry in the logbook and verbally brief the incoming Fire Guard. (Correct answer)
- Secure all non-essential equipment in a locked room.
Correct answer: Make a final, detailed entry in the logbook and verbally brief the incoming Fire Guard.
Maintaining continuity and ensuring the incoming guard is fully aware of the situation is paramount for an effective fire watch. A final logbook entry provides a legal record of the patrol, and a verbal briefing ensures the seamless transfer of critical information about any observed hazards or changes in conditions.
Question 3: Which of the following must a Fire Guard always have in their possession while conducting patrols in a building with an impaired fire alarm system?
- Building floor plans
- A copy of their Certificate of Fitness (Correct answer)
- A set of keys for all residential units
- A portable fire extinguisher
Correct answer: A copy of their Certificate of Fitness
While knowledge of extinguisher locations is required, and carrying one might be a site-specific rule, the one thing a Fire Guard must always have is their Certificate of Fitness. It must be available for inspection by the FDNY at all times during their tour of duty.
Question 4: A fire alarm system is out of service on floors 10 through 15 of a 30-story office building. Which areas, at a minimum, must the F-01 Fire Guard patrol?
- The entire building from the sub-basement to the roof.
- Only the main lobby and the 10th floor.
- All areas where the system is out of service, specifically floors 10 through 15. (Correct answer)
- The roof, the boiler room, and all exit stairwells.
Correct answer: All areas where the system is out of service, specifically floors 10 through 15.
The fire watch must cover all areas that are no longer protected by the out-of-service system. The patrols must be focused on the specific floors or zones where the impairment exists to compensate for the lack of automatic detection.
Question 5: While patrolling, a Fire Guard discovers a small, contained fire in a metal wastebasket. After calling 911 and notifying building occupants, what is the next appropriate action if they are trained and the fire is small enough?
- Immediately evacuate the building themselves.
- Attempt to extinguish the fire using a portable fire extinguisher. (Correct answer)
- Close the door to the room and wait for the FDNY to arrive.
- Take a photo for the logbook and continue the patrol.
Correct answer: Attempt to extinguish the fire using a portable fire extinguisher.
A primary duty of a Fire Guard is to extinguish incipient-stage fires if it is safe to do so. After notifying the FDNY and occupants, using a readily accessible portable fire extinguisher on a small, contained fire is a key responsibility.
Question 6: Which of the following actions is considered outside the scope of duties for an F-01 Fire Guard on patrol?
- Identifying and reporting a blocked exit door.
- Maintaining a detailed logbook of patrol activities.
- Attempting to reset a tripped circuit breaker in the main electrical panel. (Correct answer)
- Notifying the FDNY of a fire condition.
Correct answer: Attempting to reset a tripped circuit breaker in the main electrical panel.
A Fire Guard's role is fire watch and safety, not electrical or system maintenance. Attempting to work on electrical panels is dangerous, requires a different qualification, and is not a part of their prescribed duties. Their role is to observe, report, and notify.
When a required fire protection system is out of service, what is the mandatory minimum frequency for a Fire Guard to patrol all affected areas?