Fire Safety Procedures Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of a fire watch?

Answer: To monitor an area when fire protection systems are impaired

A fire watch is required when automatic fire suppression or detection systems are out of service, providing continuous human monitoring.

Which fuel scenario represents a Class K fire hazard?

Answer: Hot cooking oil in a commercial fryer

Class K fires involve cooking oils and fats in commercial cooking equipment and require wet chemical suppression agents.

How often must fire drills be conducted in most US office buildings under NFPA 101?

Answer: Once per year minimum

NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) generally requires at least one fire drill per year for business occupancies.

What does a flashing red light on a smoke detector most commonly indicate?

Answer: Normal standby operation

Most modern smoke detectors flash a red LED every 30–60 seconds during normal standby to show they are functioning.

In a healthcare facility, which fire response strategy is used instead of full evacuation?

Answer: Defend-in-place (shelter-in-place)

Healthcare facilities use defend-in-place because moving bedridden patients during a fire may cause greater harm than staying in protected areas.

Which extinguisher agent is safe to use on a Class A fire involving ordinary combustibles?

Answer: Water

Water is effective on Class A fires (wood, paper, cloth) because it cools burning material below its ignition temperature.

What is the correct response if a fire alarm sounds but no smoke or fire is visible?

Answer: Evacuate the building as if the emergency is real

Every fire alarm must be treated as a real emergency; evacuation should begin immediately while emergency services are notified.