CFPS - Certified Fire Protection Specialist Special Hazard Suppression Questions and Answers

Question 1

A new electronic data processing center, which is normally occupied, requires a fire suppression system that will extinguish a fire quickly without damaging sensitive electronic equipment or posing a significant life safety risk from the agent at its design concentration.
Which of the following systems is MOST suitable?

Accepted Answer

A clean agent total flooding system using an agent such as HFC-227ea or FK-5-1-12.

Answer

A low-pressure total flooding carbon dioxide system.

Answer

A pre-action sprinkler system with a double interlock.

Answer

A dry chemical extinguishing system.

Question 2

The primary extinguishing mechanism of a wet chemical fire suppression system, commonly used to protect commercial cooking appliances, is a process where the alkaline agent reacts with hot cooking oil. What is this process called?

Accepted Answer

Saponification

Answer

Oxidation

Answer

Neutralization

Answer

Pyrolysis

Question 3

A total flooding carbon dioxide (CO2) system is being designed for an unoccupied below-grade vault. Due to the significant life safety hazard from oxygen displacement, what is a mandatory requirement according to NFPA 12 before the system can discharge into the space?

Accepted Answer

A time delay mechanism and a pre-discharge alarm.

Answer

An oxygen level sensor interlocked with the access door.

Answer

A dedicated post-discharge ventilation system rated for two air changes per hour.

Answer

A manual-only activation switch located outside the protected space.

Question 4

A petroleum tank farm stores large quantities of gasoline in open-top floating roof tanks. Which type of special hazard suppression system is specifically designed and most commonly used to extinguish fires in these large-scale flammable liquid applications?

Accepted Answer

Low-expansion foam-water system.

Answer

High-expansion foam system.

Answer

Water mist system.

Answer

Dry chemical system.

Question 5

Water mist systems, governed by NFPA 750, are recognized for their ability to suppress fires using significantly less water than traditional sprinklers. Which of the following is NOT considered a primary fire extinguishment mechanism of a water mist system?

Accepted Answer

Chemical chain reaction interruption.

Answer

Radiant heat blocking.

Answer

Oxygen displacement through steam expansion.

Answer

Cooling of the fire plume and adjacent surfaces.

Question 6

A dry chemical extinguishing system is installed to protect a paint spray booth. Because dry chemical agents have minimal cooling effect, there is a significant risk of reignition from hot surfaces after the initial flame knockdown. Which system design feature is often used to mitigate this specific risk?

Accepted Answer

An extended agent discharge.

Answer

An interlock that shuts down ventilation systems.

Answer

The use of a BC-rated agent instead of an ABC-rated agent.

Answer

Integration with a water sprinkler pre-action system.