FLSD Hazardous Materials Awareness and Emergency Response — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A Fire Life Safety Director is notified that a cleaning crew has stored an unmarked 55-gallon drum in the basement mechanical room. What is the FLSD's FIRST action?
- Contact the building owner to identify the substance and obtain the Safety Data Sheet before taking further action (Correct answer)
- Immediately move the drum to an outdoor area to reduce indoor exposure risk
- Open the drum to smell or visually inspect the contents to determine hazard level
- Notify occupants on all floors to evacuate while the substance is investigated
Correct answer: Contact the building owner to identify the substance and obtain the Safety Data Sheet before taking further action
The FLSD must first identify the substance by obtaining its Safety Data Sheet (SDS) through the building owner or supplier. Moving, opening, or triggering a full evacuation before identification could worsen the hazard or create an unnecessary panic.
Question 2: Under FDNY regulations, a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for a hazardous material stored in a building must be kept:
- Only in the FLSD's personal records off-site
- On-site and readily accessible to emergency responders (Correct answer)
- Sealed inside the container the material is stored in
- Filed exclusively with the NYC Department of Buildings
Correct answer: On-site and readily accessible to emergency responders
SDS documents must be maintained on-site and made immediately available to emergency responders (FDNY, EMS) so they can quickly determine appropriate treatment and suppression methods during an incident.
Question 3: A spill of a flammable liquid is discovered in a building's storage room. Which action should the FLSD take FIRST?
- Apply dry chemical extinguisher powder directly to the spill to absorb the liquid
- Eliminate all ignition sources and ventilate the area while keeping personnel clear (Correct answer)
- Pour water over the spill to dilute the flammable liquid
- Allow the liquid to evaporate naturally with doors closed to contain vapors
Correct answer: Eliminate all ignition sources and ventilate the area while keeping personnel clear
The immediate priority is preventing ignition. Eliminating ignition sources (turning off electrical equipment, no open flames) and ventilating reduces vapor concentration. Water can spread flammable liquids; closing doors traps explosive vapors.
Question 4: Which symbol on a hazardous material label indicates an oxidizer?
- A skull and crossbones
- A flame over a circle (Correct answer)
- An exclamation mark
- A health hazard diamond
Correct answer: A flame over a circle
A flame over a circle (GHS03) indicates an oxidizer — a substance that can accelerate combustion by supplying oxygen. Oxidizers are especially dangerous near flammable materials and require specific storage separation in buildings.
Question 5: A tenant reports a strong, unusual chemical odor coming from a neighboring office suite. FDNY has not yet been called. What should the FLSD do IMMEDIATELY?
- Enter the neighboring suite to investigate the source before calling anyone
- Evacuate only the immediately affected floor and await further developments
- Notify FDNY, restrict access to the area, and prepare for possible larger evacuation (Correct answer)
- Turn off the building's HVAC system and wait 30 minutes to see if the odor dissipates
Correct answer: Notify FDNY, restrict access to the area, and prepare for possible larger evacuation
An unidentified chemical odor is a potential HAZMAT incident. The FLSD must notify FDNY immediately, restrict personnel from entering the affected area, and be ready to expand the evacuation. Entering the space or waiting delays professional response.
Question 6: In a high-rise office building, where should hazardous materials such as cleaning solvents be stored?
- In open office supply closets on each floor for quick staff access
- In designated, properly ventilated storage areas away from ignition sources and incompatible materials (Correct answer)
- In the elevator lobby so they can be quickly moved to any floor when needed
- Next to the fire alarm panel room for easy FDNY access during an emergency
Correct answer: In designated, properly ventilated storage areas away from ignition sources and incompatible materials
Hazardous materials must be stored in designated, ventilated areas separated from ignition sources and from materials they are chemically incompatible with (e.g., oxidizers away from flammables). Improper storage is a primary cause of chemical fires and toxic releases.
FLSD Hazardous Materials Awareness and Emergency Response
A Fire Life Safety Director is notified that a cleaning crew has stored an unmarked 55-gallon drum in the basement mechanical room.
What is the FLSD's FIRST action?