Fire Guard Duties & Responsibilities Flashcards

When a fire guard discovers a fire that cannot be immediately extinguished, what is the FIRST action to take?

Answer: Activate the building fire alarm

Activating the fire alarm is the first priority to alert all building occupants and trigger emergency response.

A fire guard must maintain a fire watch for how long after torch operations are completed in a standard FDNY requirement?

Answer: 1 hour

FDNY requires a fire watch of at least one hour after torch operations cease to detect any smoldering fires.

Which document must a fire guard keep on their person at all times during a torch operation assignment?

Answer: Their Certificate of Fitness

The Certificate of Fitness must be carried at all times and produced upon request by FDNY personnel.

A fire guard notices a worker using a torch without a hot work permit. What should the fire guard do?

Answer: Stop the work immediately

No torch operation may proceed without a valid hot work permit; the fire guard has authority and responsibility to halt unauthorized work.

What is the fire guard's responsibility regarding combustible materials within 35 feet of torch operations?

Answer: Ensure they are removed or protected before work begins

Combustibles within the 35-foot radius must be relocated or protected with fire-resistant coverings before torch work starts.

Which of the following best describes the fire guard's role during active torch operations?

Answer: Continuously patrol and monitor for fire hazards

The fire guard's primary role is continuous observation for ignition, smoke, or fire hazards throughout the operation.

If a fire guard must temporarily leave the work area during torch operations, what must happen first?

Answer: Suspend all torch operations until the fire guard returns

Torch operations must cease whenever a qualified fire guard is not present, as continuous oversight is mandatory.