Fire Extinguisher & Emergency Response Flashcards

While monitoring a torch operation, the F-60 Fire Guard sees sparks ignite a container of flammable adhesive being used nearby. Which type of fire extinguisher is the most appropriate for this situation?

Answer: Class B (Carbon Dioxide or Dry Chemical)

The fire involves a flammable liquid (adhesive), which is a Class B fire. Class B extinguishers using agents like carbon dioxide or dry chemical are designed to handle flammable liquids and gases by smothering the fire or interrupting the chemical reaction.

When operating a portable fire extinguisher, the acronym P.A.S.S. is used to describe the proper technique. What does the 'A' in P.A.S.S. stand for?

Answer: Aim at the base of the fire

The P.A.S.S. method stands for Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep from side to side. Aiming at the base is crucial for extinguishing the source of the fuel, rather than just the flames.

According to FDNY regulations for torch operations, what is the minimum rating for the portable fire extinguisher that must be readily accessible within 30 feet of the work?

Answer: 2-A:20-B:C

FDNY Fire Code Section 2604.2.6 specifies that a minimum of one portable fire extinguisher with at least a 2-A:20-B:C rating must be available for hot work operations. This ensures it is effective against ordinary combustibles (Class A) and flammable liquids (Class B), and is safe for use on electrical equipment (Class C).

An F-60 Fire Guard encounters a fire that is rapidly spreading beyond the incipient stage and cannot be controlled with a portable extinguisher. After ensuring their own safety and alerting others in the immediate area to evacuate, what is the Fire Guard's most critical and immediate communication duty?

Answer: Contact the FDNY by calling 911.

When a fire cannot be immediately extinguished, the absolute priority is to contact the FDNY by calling 911. This ensures a professional emergency response is dispatched as quickly as possible, which is paramount for life safety and property protection. While other notifications are important, they are secondary to notifying the fire department.

Which of the following best describes a situation where it is appropriate for an F-60 Fire Guard to attempt to extinguish a fire?

Answer: The fire is small, contained to a single trash can, and an evacuation route is clear.

A Fire Guard should only attempt to extinguish a fire when it is in its incipient (beginning) stage, is contained, and does not pose an immediate threat to their safety, such as cutting off an escape route. A small fire in a trash can fits this description. The other scenarios describe fires that are too large, hazardous, or are impeding safe egress, and require immediate evacuation and a response from the FDNY.

During a pre-operational check, an F-60 Fire Guard inspects the required portable fire extinguisher. Which of the following observations would indicate the extinguisher is NOT ready for service and must be replaced immediately?

Answer: The pressure gauge needle is in the red 'recharge' or 'overcharged' section.

The pressure gauge is a critical indicator of an extinguisher's readiness. If the needle is in the red section, it means the unit is either under-pressurized (and won't discharge effectively) or over-pressurized (potentially hazardous). In either case, it is not fit for service and must be taken out of service.