F Decorations and Combustible Materials 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In a place of assembly, what is the FDNY's requirement for decorative materials on walls?
- All decorations are prohibited
- Decorations must be flame-resistant or flame-retardant (Correct answer)
- Only paper decorations are allowed
- Decorations are only restricted near exits
Correct answer: Decorations must be flame-resistant or flame-retardant
The FDNY requires that all decorative materials used in places of assembly must be flame-resistant or flame-retardant to reduce fire hazards.
Question 2: What percentage of wall area can be covered with combustible decorations in a place of assembly?
- No more than 10% (Correct answer)
- No more than 20%
- No more than 50%
- 100% if flame-retardant
Correct answer: No more than 10%
NYC Fire Code limits combustible decorations to no more than 10% of the aggregate wall area in places of assembly to reduce fire load.
Question 3: Natural cut trees used as decorations in a place of assembly must meet which requirement?
- They must be kept watered in a stand (Correct answer)
- They are completely prohibited
- They must be coated in flame-retardant spray
- They must be removed within 24 hours
Correct answer: They must be kept watered in a stand
If natural cut trees are permitted, they must be kept in water-filled stands to maintain moisture and reduce flammability. However, many venues opt for artificial flame-retardant trees.
Question 4: Hay, straw, and dry vegetation used as decorations in a place of assembly require what?
- No special treatment
- Flame-retardant treatment (Correct answer)
- Storage in metal containers only
- A special FDNY permit for each use
Correct answer: Flame-retardant treatment
Natural materials like hay, straw, and dry vegetation must be treated with flame-retardant chemicals before being used as decorations in places of assembly.
Question 5: A fire guard notices unapproved combustible decorations at a venue. What should they do first?
- Ignore it if the event has already started
- Notify the event manager and request immediate removal or replacement (Correct answer)
- Call 911 immediately
- Close the venue to the public
Correct answer: Notify the event manager and request immediate removal or replacement
The fire guard should first notify the event manager and request that the unapproved materials be removed or replaced with compliant alternatives. If the situation isn't corrected, further action may be needed.
Question 6: Compressed flammable gases used to inflate decorative balloons require what at a place of assembly?
- Nothing, balloon gas is not regulated
- Storage in approved areas away from exits and heat sources (Correct answer)
- A separate FDNY inspection for each event
- Balloons must only be filled outdoors
Correct answer: Storage in approved areas away from exits and heat sources
Compressed flammable gases (like hydrogen) must be stored properly in approved areas, away from exits and ignition sources. Helium is preferred as it is non-flammable.
F Decorations and Combustible Materials 2
In a place of assembly, what is the FDNY's requirement for decorative materials on walls?