F-01 Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: An F-01 fireguard is assigned to a 15-story building during a floor-wide sprinkler impairment on floors 8–10. Which floors require patrol?

The entire building from floor 1 to 15
Only the highest affected floor (10) since heat rises
Floors 8, 9, and 10 plus the floors immediately above (11) and below (7) (Correct answer)
Only floors 8, 9, and 10 where the impairment exists

Correct answer: Floors 8, 9, and 10 plus the floors immediately above (11) and below (7)

The impaired floors (8–10) must be patrolled, plus the floors immediately adjacent (7 and 11) to detect any fire spread through the floor-ceiling assembly.

Question 2: Besides looking for fire, what is another key responsibility of a Fire Guard on patrol?

Providing security against theft
Signing for packages and deliveries
Identifying and reporting fire hazards and blocked egress paths (Correct answer)
Performing minor repairs to the fire alarm system

Correct answer: Identifying and reporting fire hazards and blocked egress paths

A Fire Guard's role is comprehensive fire safety. In addition to looking for active fires, they must identify and report any fire hazards, such as blocked exits, obstructed corridors, or improper storage of flammable materials.

Question 3: Which of the following scenarios would correctly trigger the placement of an out-of-service tag on a fire alarm device?

When a building tenant requests a temporary alarm silence during business hours
When a new smoke detector is being installed at a previously unprotected location
When a smoke detector is removed for cleaning or replacement during an impairment window (Correct answer)
During annual testing when the device is tested one at a time in sequence

Correct answer: When a smoke detector is removed for cleaning or replacement during an impairment window

Removing a smoke detector for cleaning or replacement takes that device out of service. An out-of-service tag on the device location alerts personnel that detection in that area is temporarily compromised.

Question 4: What is the maximum travel distance to a fire extinguisher from any point in a hot work area, per NFPA 51B?

30 feet (Correct answer)
10 feet
75 feet
50 feet

Correct answer: 30 feet

NFPA 51B requires that a fire extinguisher be located within 30 feet of the hot work operation so the fireguard can reach it immediately in an emergency.

Question 5: What is the most common cause of fires during torch roofing operations according to FDNY fire investigation data?

Electrical shorts from power tools used by other trades
Defective propane cylinders exploding
Worker smoking near propane tanks
Sparks or flame contacting combustible materials in concealed spaces (walls, roof decks, insulation) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Sparks or flame contacting combustible materials in concealed spaces (walls, roof decks, insulation)

Most torch roofing fires are caused by sparks or flame reaching concealed combustible materials — such as wood roof decks, insulation, or wall cavities — that smolder undetected before flashing over.

Question 6: What test must be performed on a dry pipe sprinkler system before declaring it restored after an impairment?

A hydrostatic pressure test at 200 PSI
A trip test or air pressure test confirming the dry pipe valve holds air pressure correctly and the trip mechanism functions (Correct answer)
A 24-hour soak test at full water pressure
Testing each head individually with a heat gun to confirm fusible elements are intact

Correct answer: A trip test or air pressure test confirming the dry pipe valve holds air pressure correctly and the trip mechanism functions

A dry pipe system restoration requires confirming the dry pipe valve holds air pressure correctly and the system's air/nitrogen pressure has been restored to operating levels. A trip test confirms the valve mechanism functions.

Question 7: How can a Fireguard visually determine that an OS&Y valve is in the fully open position?

The stem is lowered and not visible
A green light is illuminated on the valve
The handwheel is easy to turn
The stem is raised and visible (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The stem is raised and visible

An OS&Y (Outside Stem and Yoke) valve clearly indicates its position by its stem. When the valve is open, the threaded stem rises and is visible above the handwheel; when the valve is closed, the stem is not visible.

Question 8: Which of the following is the most effective method of preventing a fire in an office environment?

Blocking sprinkler heads with materials
Ensuring electrical wiring is up to code (Correct answer)
Storing flammable materials near exit routes
Allowing unrestricted access to electrical panels

Correct answer: Ensuring electrical wiring is up to code

Faulty or outdated electrical wiring is a leading cause of fires in office environments, often due to overheating, short circuits, or arcing. Ensuring that all electrical wiring and installations comply with current safety codes and standards prevents these electrical malfunctions. This proactive measure significantly reduces the risk of electrical fires, making it the most effective method for fire prevention in an office setting.

Question 9: A CO2 (carbon dioxide) fire extinguisher is most effective on which types of fires?

Class D (combustible metals) only
Class B and C fires (liquids and electrical) (Correct answer)
Class A (ordinary combustibles) only
Class K (cooking oils) only

Correct answer: Class B and C fires (liquids and electrical)

CO2 extinguishers work by displacing oxygen and are rated for Class B (flammable liquids) and Class C (electrical) fires without leaving residue.

Question 10: Which of the following is true regarding the maintenance of fire protection systems under the NYC Fire Code?

Fire protection systems must be tested annually by a licensed professional (Correct answer)
Fire protection systems must be inspected every 5 years
Fire protection systems do not need to be maintained unless they malfunction
The building owner is not responsible for fire protection system maintenance

Correct answer: Fire protection systems must be tested annually by a licensed professional

The NYC Fire Code requires rigorous maintenance and inspection of fire protection systems to ensure their reliability and effectiveness. Specifically, these systems, including fire alarms, sprinklers, and standpipes, must be tested annually by a licensed professional to verify they are in proper working order and comply with all safety standards. This regular testing is crucial for public safety and code compliance.

Question 11: What documentation must the impairment coordinator provide to the F-01 fireguard at the start of a fire watch assignment?

A verbal briefing is sufficient — no written documentation is required
Only the hot work permit number
A copy of the contractor's insurance certificate
Written details of the impairment including: system affected, areas involved, estimated duration, notification confirmation, and emergency contact information (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Written details of the impairment including: system affected, areas involved, estimated duration, notification confirmation, and emergency contact information

The impairment coordinator must provide the fireguard with written documentation covering the impairment scope, affected areas, duration, confirmation of required notifications, and emergency contacts.

Question 12: What documentation should the impairment coordinator maintain during a sprinkler system impairment?

A photo of the closed valve is sufficient
A written impairment log recording notification times, fire watch assignments, system status updates, restoration time, and test results (Correct answer)
The contractor's work order serves as the complete documentation
Verbal records are acceptable for impairments under 4 hours

Correct answer: A written impairment log recording notification times, fire watch assignments, system status updates, restoration time, and test results

The impairment coordinator must maintain a written impairment log documenting all notification times and recipients, fire watch assignments, system status updates, and final restoration and testing information.

Question 13: What must be recorded in the fire watch logbook at the completion of each patrol?

The estimated repair cost for the impaired system
The names of all building occupants encountered during the patrol
The time of patrol, areas covered, name of the fire guard, and any unusual conditions observed (Correct answer)
Only the time the patrol began and ended

Correct answer: The time of patrol, areas covered, name of the fire guard, and any unusual conditions observed

Each logbook entry must document the patrol time, areas inspected, the fire guard's name, and any conditions noted to create a verifiable audit trail.

Question 14: What should be documented in the post-work fire watch section of the logbook?

Only findings that indicate a potential fire hazard
Start and end times of the fire watch, patrol routes and frequencies, any areas showing heat or smoke, and confirmation that the area was clear (Correct answer)
The contractor's confirmation that their work is complete
Only the ending time of the fire watch

Correct answer: Start and end times of the fire watch, patrol routes and frequencies, any areas showing heat or smoke, and confirmation that the area was clear

The post-work fire watch log section must include start and end times, patrol routes and frequencies, any observations (including 'all clear' entries), and final confirmation that the area was safe before the fireguard departed.

Question 15: NYC Fire Code requires that during torch operations in occupied buildings, the building occupants be notified. Who is responsible for this notification?

FDNY must notify occupants directly before work begins
The building owner or management is responsible for occupant notification (Correct answer)
The F-01 fireguard must personally notify every occupant on each floor
Occupant notification is not required by NYC Fire Code

Correct answer: The building owner or management is responsible for occupant notification

The building owner or management team is responsible for notifying building occupants of hot work activities, including potential smoke or odors and evacuation procedures, before work begins.

Question 16: If a fire alarm system is placed in 'test mode,' which of the following is true?

The system is fully operational and will alert FDNY
The system cannot detect any fire
All sprinklers are automatically disabled
Alarms activated during testing will not transmit to the monitoring station (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Alarms activated during testing will not transmit to the monitoring station

When in test mode, alarm activations are suppressed at the central monitoring station to prevent false emergency dispatches during testing.

Question 17: An F-01 fireguard notices that a propane hose connecting the cylinder to the torch has a visible crack. What must be done?

Patch the crack with duct tape and continue work
Report the hose condition to the contractor and allow them to decide
Continue work at reduced flame pressure to minimize gas leakage
Immediately shut down the torch, replace the hose before work resumes, and document the defect in the logbook (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Immediately shut down the torch, replace the hose before work resumes, and document the defect in the logbook

A cracked propane hose is a serious fire and explosion hazard. The torch must be shut down immediately, the hose replaced with a sound one, and the defect logged. Operations cannot resume with a defective hose.

Question 18: In the event of a fire in a building, what is the first step you should take as a Fireguard?

Evacuate the building immediately
Use a fire extinguisher to control the fire
Attempt to extinguish the fire immediately
Activate the fire alarm and notify emergency services (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Activate the fire alarm and notify emergency services

As a Fireguard, your primary responsibility is life safety. The immediate first step upon discovering a fire is to activate the building's fire alarm system to alert all occupants and then promptly notify emergency services (e.g., 911 or the Fire Department). This ensures that evacuation begins and professional help is en route, prioritizing the safety of everyone in the building over attempting to extinguish the fire yourself.

Question 19: Which of the following situations does NOT typically require a fire watch?

A scheduled 2-hour sprinkler valve closure for a routine pipe repair completed within the 4-hour threshold (Correct answer)
A sprinkler system that has been drained for repairs lasting 6 hours
A standpipe system with a closed control valve for more than 4 hours
A fire alarm control panel that has been fully disabled for 5 hours

Correct answer: A scheduled 2-hour sprinkler valve closure for a routine pipe repair completed within the 4-hour threshold

A system outage under 4 hours in a 24-hour period does not trigger the mandatory fire watch requirement under NYC Fire Code.

Question 20: What must a fire guard record in the logbook when a fire alarm activates?

Time, zone, cause of activation, and all actions taken (Correct answer)
Only the time of the alarm
The alarm is only recorded if it was a confirmed fire
Only the names of the responding firefighters

Correct answer: Time, zone, cause of activation, and all actions taken

NYC regulations require fire guards to log the time, alarm zone, identified cause, and all actions taken for every alarm activation.

F-01 Exam

The FDNY F-01 Certificate of Fitness exam certifies Citywide Fire Guards for Impairment in New York City. It covers fire guard duties during fire protection system impairments, patrol requirements, fire alarm systems, emergency procedures, and NYC Fire Code regulations.

Questions

30 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

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