FDNY F-89 Fire and Life Safety Director Certificate of Fitness — Questions and Answers

Question 1: How should the emergency response plan address severe weather events such as hurricanes?

The plan must include procedures for shelter-in-place, window protection, utility shutdowns, and post-storm damage assessment (Correct answer)
Severe weather is outside the scope of building emergency planning
Only buildings near the coast need severe weather plans
The plan should simply direct occupants to go home

Correct answer: The plan must include procedures for shelter-in-place, window protection, utility shutdowns, and post-storm damage assessment

Emergency response plans must address severe weather with procedures for sheltering, protecting building systems, and assessing damage after the event.

Question 2: What is the purpose of the 'accountability' component in an Emergency Action Plan?

Documenting property damage caused by the emergency
Tracking the financial cost of each emergency response
Ensuring all occupants are accounted for at the assembly area to identify anyone who may still be in the building (Correct answer)
Recording which employees refused to participate in drills

Correct answer: Ensuring all occupants are accounted for at the assembly area to identify anyone who may still be in the building

Accountability procedures allow the FLSD and emergency responders to determine if anyone is unaccounted for and may need rescue.

Question 3: Which of the following best describes 'defend in place' as it relates to the FLSD's role?

A procedure for securing high-value assets when a fire emergency is declared
A strategy where certain occupants, such as those in healthcare facilities, remain in protected areas rather than evacuating (Correct answer)
A protocol for FLSD staff to remain at their posts when the building is evacuated
A tactic where the FLSD defends the command station from unauthorized personnel

Correct answer: A strategy where certain occupants, such as those in healthcare facilities, remain in protected areas rather than evacuating

'Defend in place' is a strategy used especially in healthcare or assisted-living settings where moving patients could cause greater harm, and the FLSD must know when it applies.

Question 4: Which of the following best describes the 'point of origin' in a fire investigation?

The floor where sprinklers first activated
The room where occupants first reported smoke
The area where the fire caused the most damage
The location where the fire first ignited (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The location where the fire first ignited

The point of origin is the specific location where combustion first began, which is the primary focus of fire cause determination.

Question 5: During an EAP drill debrief, the FLSD notes that several employees did not know their designated stairwell. What corrective action BEST addresses this gap?

Change all designated stairwells to reduce confusion
Post disciplinary warnings for employees who did not comply
Conduct targeted retraining for those employees and update floor warden briefings before the next drill (Correct answer)
Increase the number of annual drills to once per month

Correct answer: Conduct targeted retraining for those employees and update floor warden briefings before the next drill

Targeted retraining and updated floor warden communications directly address the knowledge gap identified in the drill debrief.

Question 6: What is a critical procedural requirement for the FLSD or other certified drill conductor when conducting a mandatory fire drill to ensure occupants are familiar with the alarm?

Play a pre-recorded video of the alarm system activating.
Distribute written materials describing the alarm tones.
Verbally describe the sound of the alarm over the PA system.
Activate the fire alarm system to sound the alarm tones. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Activate the fire alarm system to sound the alarm tones.

According to NYC Fire Code Section 401.7.5, the fire alarm system must be activated during each drill to initiate the exercise and familiarize occupants with the actual alarm tones. Hearing the actual alarm is a key part of the educational purpose of the drill. An exception may exist if not all occupants are required to participate, but activation is the standard rule.

Question 7: A firefighter using Phase II service notices the elevator doors are not closing after pressing the 'Door Close' button. What is the most likely cause?

An object or person is blocking the door safety beam (Correct answer)
Power failure in the elevator motor
The Phase II key switch is in the wrong position
The elevator is bypassing that floor due to a recall command

Correct answer: An object or person is blocking the door safety beam

Door safety beams detect obstructions and prevent door closure regardless of button commands to protect passengers.

Question 8: Which of the following must be included in a building's Emergency Action Plan?

Architectural blueprints of every floor
Procedures for reporting emergencies and evacuation routes (Correct answer)
Insurance policy information
A list of all building tenants' employees

Correct answer: Procedures for reporting emergencies and evacuation routes

An EAP must include emergency reporting procedures, evacuation routes, and roles and responsibilities of fire safety personnel.

Question 9: During a fire emergency, the FLSD is responsible for coordinating with responding firefighters. Where should the FLSD meet incident commanders upon their arrival?

At the building's main electrical panel room
At the nearest stairwell on the floor above the fire
At the building's lobby command station (Correct answer)
At the floor of the fire origin

Correct answer: At the building's lobby command station

The FLSD should be stationed at the lobby command station to brief and coordinate with the fire department incident commander upon arrival.

Question 10: A building's Certificate of Occupancy is issued by which authority in New York City?

NYC Office of Emergency Management
NYC Department of Buildings (Correct answer)
NYC Fire Department
NYC Department of City Planning

Correct answer: NYC Department of Buildings

The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) issues Certificates of Occupancy upon verifying a building meets applicable codes.

Question 11: Which of the following is among the suggested guidelines for ignition control in a jail?

Limit the use of electrical extension cords, and routinely check such cords for possible damages.
If possible, do not allow inmates to have matches in their possession.
A and C only.
All of the above. (Correct answer)
Do not allow inmates to have cigarette lighters in their possession.

Correct answer: All of the above.

In a jail setting, controlling potential ignition sources is critical for fire safety. Prohibiting lighters and matches prevents intentional fires, while limiting and inspecting electrical cords reduces the risk of electrical fires. Implementing all these guidelines collectively minimizes the chances of fire ignition and enhances the overall safety of the facility and its occupants.

Question 12: A building's EAP must designate a primary and alternate assembly area. What is the MAIN reason for designating an ALTERNATE assembly area?

To ensure an alternative location is available if the primary area is inaccessible or unsafe during an emergency (Correct answer)
To provide a shaded area during summer drills
To comply with ADA accessibility requirements
To separate evacuees by floor level for accountability

Correct answer: To ensure an alternative location is available if the primary area is inaccessible or unsafe during an emergency

The alternate assembly area ensures evacuees have a safe gathering point if the primary area is blocked, compromised, or too close to the hazard.

Question 13: How often must fire extinguishers be inspected according to NYC Fire Code?

Quarterly
Annually
Weekly
Monthly (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Monthly

Fire extinguishers must receive a visual inspection at least monthly to verify they are in place, charged, and accessible.

Question 14: How should the FLSD handle a situation where building management refuses to correct a fire code violation?

Document the violation, formally notify management in writing, and if unresolved, report to the FDNY (Correct answer)
Correct the violation personally regardless of cost
Accept the decision and move on
Resign immediately

Correct answer: Document the violation, formally notify management in writing, and if unresolved, report to the FDNY

The FLSD must document violations, escalate through written notification to management, and ultimately report unresolved life safety violations to the FDNY.

Question 15: Every building or structure, section, or area thereof such as size, occupancy, and arrangement, shall have at least ________ means of egress remote from each other.

One
Three
Two (Correct answer)
Four
None of the above

Correct answer: Two

Building codes, including the Life Safety Code (NFPA 101), generally require at least two means of egress for any building, structure, section, or area, especially if the occupant load exceeds a certain minimum or if the area is large. These exits must be remote from each other to provide alternative escape routes in case one path is blocked by fire or smoke, ensuring occupant safety.

Question 16: NFPA 101 is the

Life Safety Code (Correct answer)
National Electrical Code
National Fire Alarm Code
Elevator Code

Correct answer: Life Safety Code

NFPA 101 is widely known as the Life Safety Code. This code establishes minimum requirements for the design, operation, and maintenance of buildings and structures to protect occupants from fire and other emergencies. It focuses on egress, fire protection systems, and other safety features to ensure safe evacuation and minimize risks.

Question 17: An FLSD is reviewing a pattern of false alarms on the same floor each week. What is the best course of action?

Ignore it since no actual fires occurred
Remove the detector on that floor temporarily
Silence the alarm panel for that zone
Document the pattern and report it to FDNY and building management (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Document the pattern and report it to FDNY and building management

Recurring false alarms must be documented and reported to both FDNY and building management to identify and correct the underlying cause.

Question 18: A 'Class E' occupancy under New York City Fire Code refers to:

Educational facilities with children under age 12
Emergency medical facilities operating 24 hours a day
Entertainment venues with a capacity exceeding 300 persons
Commercial office buildings with a total gross floor area exceeding 6,000 square feet above grade (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Commercial office buildings with a total gross floor area exceeding 6,000 square feet above grade

Class E designation applies to commercial office buildings exceeding 6,000 sq ft above grade, triggering requirements for a fire safety plan and certificated FLSD.

Question 19: How does the FLSD manage shift coverage to ensure continuous fire safety oversight?

Coverage is only needed when more than 100 people are in the building
Coverage is only needed during business hours
Security guards can cover when the FLSD is absent
The FLSD must ensure a certified FLSD or deputy is on duty whenever the building is occupied, including scheduling, training alternates, and maintaining coverage records (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The FLSD must ensure a certified FLSD or deputy is on duty whenever the building is occupied, including scheduling, training alternates, and maintaining coverage records

A certified FLSD or qualified alternate must be on duty whenever the building is occupied, requiring careful scheduling and training of multiple certified personnel.

Question 20: A newly constructed high-rise building is equipped with a Class III standpipe system. An FLSD trainee asks what distinguishes a Class III system from Class I and Class II systems. What is the correct answer?

A Class III system provides both 2½-inch outlets for FDNY use and 1½-inch hose stations with hose for occupant use (Correct answer)
A Class III system provides only 2½-inch outlets for exclusive FDNY use on each floor
A Class III system provides only 1½-inch hose stations with pre-connected hose for occupant use
A Class III system is a dry standpipe charged only when the FDNY connects at the FDC

Correct answer: A Class III system provides both 2½-inch outlets for FDNY use and 1½-inch hose stations with hose for occupant use

A Class III standpipe combines the features of Class I (2½-inch outlets for trained fire brigade or FDNY use) and Class II (1½-inch hose stations with pre-connected hose for occupant first-aid use). This dual configuration ensures both professional firefighter capability and occupant self-rescue options are available on each floor.

Question 21: The FLSD's primary responsibility regarding elevators during a fire alarm is to:

Activate Phase II mode at the fire command station for firefighters
Direct all occupants to service elevators for faster evacuation
Coordinate with the elevator maintenance contractor to inspect all cabs
Ensure occupants use stairwells and do not attempt to use elevators (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Ensure occupants use stairwells and do not attempt to use elevators

The FLSD must direct all occupants to stairwells and prevent elevator use during any fire alarm, as elevators are not a means of egress and are reserved for fire department operations.

Question 22: A tenant on the 15th floor reports a strong smell of smoke, but no alarms have activated. Which of the following actions should the on-duty FLSD take first?

Advise the tenant to pull the nearest manual fire alarm pull station.
Immediately evacuate the entire building as a precaution.
Dispatch a trained staff member to the location to investigate the report while monitoring the fire alarm control panel. (Correct answer)
Wait for a fire alarm to activate before taking any action.

Correct answer: Dispatch a trained staff member to the location to investigate the report while monitoring the fire alarm control panel.

An FLSD must investigate all reports of potential fire. The proper procedure is to dispatch a reliable, trained individual to assess the situation while the FLSD remains at the Fire Command Center to monitor systems and coordinate the response. This allows for verification of the condition without causing an unnecessary full-scale evacuation.

Question 23: Which scenario would most likely trigger a SHELTER-IN-PLACE directive rather than a full building evacuation under a building's EAP?

A bomb threat with a specific device location inside the building
A hazardous material release detected in the street outside the building (Correct answer)
A fire alarm activation with visible smoke in a stairwell
A confirmed structural fire on the 10th floor

Correct answer: A hazardous material release detected in the street outside the building

An outdoor hazardous material release makes exiting the building dangerous, making shelter-in-place the appropriate protective action.

Question 24: What should be done if a person with a mobility impairment cannot use the stairs during an evacuation?

Leave them in their office with the door closed
Tell them to use the elevator
Direct them to an area of refuge and notify the fire department (Correct answer)
Have coworkers carry them down the stairs immediately

Correct answer: Direct them to an area of refuge and notify the fire department

Persons with mobility impairments should be directed to designated areas of refuge where they can safely wait for fire department assistance.

Question 25: The fire pump starts automatically when system pressure drops to what condition?

When the main drain valve is opened
Whenever the jockey pump activates
Only upon manual activation by the FLS Director
When a sprinkler head opens and pressure falls below the pump churn pressure (Correct answer)

Correct answer: When a sprinkler head opens and pressure falls below the pump churn pressure

The fire pump starts automatically when system pressure drops below its cut-in pressure, typically triggered by sprinkler head opening.

Question 26: Which of the following best describes the FLSD's role in tenant fire drills?

Conduct drills only when requested by the FDNY
Participate only as an observer and submit a post-drill report
Delegate drill coordination entirely to the building's security company
Plan, conduct, and document fire drills as required by the fire safety plan (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Plan, conduct, and document fire drills as required by the fire safety plan

The FLSD is responsible for planning, conducting, and documenting fire drills as specified in the building's approved fire safety plan.

Question 27: A Class I standpipe system is designed to be used by:

Both trained personnel and building occupants
Automatic sprinkler systems only
Building occupants without fire training
Trained fire department personnel only (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Trained fire department personnel only

Class I standpipes provide 2.5-inch hose connections for trained fire department use only.

Question 28: Which component in a wet-pipe sprinkler system prevents water from flowing backward into the public water supply?

Pressure reducing valve
Backflow preventer (Correct answer)
OS&Y gate valve
Check valve at the riser

Correct answer: Backflow preventer

A backflow preventer stops contaminated water from re-entering the potable water supply.

Question 29: What is the minimum illumination level required for means of egress in NYC buildings?

0.5 foot-candles
10 foot-candles
1 foot-candle at floor level (Correct answer)
5 foot-candles

Correct answer: 1 foot-candle at floor level

NYC Building Code requires a minimum of 1 foot-candle of illumination at the floor level along the entire means of egress path.

Question 30: During an emergency drill, an occupant refuses to participate and remains at their workstation. What is the fire warden's appropriate response?

Call the police immediately
Ignore the occupant and focus on others
Physically escort the occupant out of the building
Document the refusal, report to the FLSD, and continue assisting compliant occupants (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Document the refusal, report to the FLSD, and continue assisting compliant occupants

Fire wardens should document non-compliance and report to the FLSD for follow-up, while continuing their primary duty of assisting cooperative occupants during the drill.

Question 31: What are self-closing doors required on in a high-rise building?

On all fire-rated door assemblies including stairwell, corridor, and shaft doors (Correct answer)
Only on doors leading to mechanical rooms
Only on the main entrance
Only on stairwell doors at the roof level

Correct answer: On all fire-rated door assemblies including stairwell, corridor, and shaft doors

All fire-rated door assemblies in high-rise buildings must be self-closing to maintain the integrity of fire-rated separations.

Question 32: A tenant moves a heavy storage cabinet blocking the corridor path to the fire exit. What is the FSD's authority in this situation?

The FSD can immediately remove the cabinet without notifying anyone
The FSD should post a sign warning occupants of the obstruction
The FSD must direct the tenant to remove the obstruction and document it; notify building management and FDNY if not corrected (Correct answer)
The FSD has no authority and must wait for FDNY to act

Correct answer: The FSD must direct the tenant to remove the obstruction and document it; notify building management and FDNY if not corrected

The FSD must direct removal of exit obstructions, document the violation, and escalate to building management and FDNY if the tenant does not comply.

Question 33: During a building power outage, what is the Fire and Life Safety Director's FIRST priority regarding elevators?

Lock elevator lobbies to prevent access
Dispatch maintenance to manually operate elevators
Ensure all elevators are recalled to the ground floor and passengers are safely evacuated (Correct answer)
Restore power by contacting the utility company

Correct answer: Ensure all elevators are recalled to the ground floor and passengers are safely evacuated

During a power outage, the FLSD must immediately ensure elevator recall so any trapped occupants can be evacuated safely.

Question 34: Every Building or structure, new or old, designed for human occupancy shall be provided with _________?

None of the above
Exit (Correct answer)
Door
Stair
Ramp

Correct answer: Exit

Every building or structure designed for human occupancy must be provided with exits. Exits are critical components of a building's life safety system, ensuring that occupants have a safe and clear path to evacuate during emergencies like fires. Building codes mandate adequate and accessible exits to facilitate rapid and orderly evacuation.

Question 35: What are the requirements for elevator emergency recall in NYC high-rise buildings?

Elevators only recall when manually activated by the FLSD
Elevators must automatically recall to the ground floor upon fire alarm activation in the elevator lobby or machine room (Correct answer)
Elevator recall is activated by the fire department upon arrival
Elevators are not required to have emergency recall

Correct answer: Elevators must automatically recall to the ground floor upon fire alarm activation in the elevator lobby or machine room

Elevators must automatically recall to the designated floor when a fire alarm device activates in an elevator lobby, hoistway, or machine room.

Question 36: Which document should a Fire Safety Director consult to determine the designated assembly area for a specific building?

The local zoning ordinance
The NFPA 101 Life Safety Code
The building's Certificate of Occupancy
The approved Fire Safety Plan (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The approved Fire Safety Plan

The approved Fire Safety Plan specifies all emergency procedures including designated assembly areas for that building.

Question 37: Which of the following items should be included in fire warden training specific to high-rise buildings?

How to use a fire hose
Stairwell identification, floor sweeping procedures, and communication with the FLSD (Correct answer)
Sprinkler system maintenance
How to manually activate the fire pump

Correct answer: Stairwell identification, floor sweeping procedures, and communication with the FLSD

High-rise fire warden training must cover identifying usable stairwells, conducting a thorough floor sweep, and maintaining communication with the FLSD throughout the emergency.

Question 38: In a non-fire emergency such as a power outage, what is the FLSD's primary concern?

Contacting the utility company
Ensuring emergency lighting and egress paths remain functional (Correct answer)
Dismissing all building occupants for the day
Restoring power as quickly as possible

Correct answer: Ensuring emergency lighting and egress paths remain functional

During a power outage, the FLSD must verify that emergency lighting, exit signs, and fire protection systems on emergency power are functioning properly.

Question 39: When EMS personnel arrive to respond to a medical emergency in a high-rise building, what is the Fire and Life Safety Director's responsibility?

Meet EMS at the lobby, provide floor and location of the victim, and bring them to the scene using an elevator designated for emergency use (Correct answer)
Hold EMS in the lobby until the building owner authorizes access
Allow EMS to navigate the building independently without FLSD escort
Direct EMS to use the stairwells only, as elevators are reserved for building staff

Correct answer: Meet EMS at the lobby, provide floor and location of the victim, and bring them to the scene using an elevator designated for emergency use

The FLSD facilitates rapid EMS access by meeting responders at the lobby, providing precise location information, and escorting or directing them via elevator to minimize response time. Delaying or impeding EMS access is a serious breach of the FLSD's duty.

Question 40: During post-incident analysis, the FLSD discovers that two fire wardens abandoned their posts during a real fire event. What is the appropriate follow-up action?

Replace all fire wardens building-wide immediately
No action needed if the emergency was resolved successfully
Document the incident, retrain the wardens, and update the EAP to address warden accountability (Correct answer)
Report the wardens to law enforcement

Correct answer: Document the incident, retrain the wardens, and update the EAP to address warden accountability

Post-incident analysis should result in documentation, targeted retraining of non-compliant wardens, and EAP revisions to strengthen accountability protocols.

Question 41: During a high-rise fire emergency, the Fire and Life Safety Director receives conflicting reports: the fire alarm panel shows activation on floor 12, but a tenant calls reporting smoke on floor 14. What is the correct initial action?

Investigate floor 12 per the alarm panel and treat floor 14 as a secondary concern
Dispatch a fire warden to verify both floors while notifying FDNY of both reports (Correct answer)
Evacuate only floor 14 based on the tenant report
Wait for FDNY arrival before taking any action

Correct answer: Dispatch a fire warden to verify both floors while notifying FDNY of both reports

The FLSD must treat all reports seriously, dispatching wardens to verify conditions on both floors while immediately notifying FDNY of the conflicting information.

Question 42: A tenant on the 22nd floor calls to report they smell gas but there is no fire alarm activation. What is the FLSD's first action?

Tell the tenant to open windows and wait for the smell to dissipate
Only evacuate if a second tenant on the same floor confirms the odor
Contact the gas utility, notify FDNY, and begin precautionary evacuation of affected floors (Correct answer)
Wait for the alarm system to activate before responding

Correct answer: Contact the gas utility, notify FDNY, and begin precautionary evacuation of affected floors

A reported gas odor is a life-safety emergency requiring immediate notification of the utility and FDNY, plus precautionary evacuation of the area, regardless of alarm activation.

Question 43: A deluge sprinkler system differs from a pre-action system because:

Deluge requires two detection events while pre-action requires one
Deluge uses open sprinkler heads and discharges water from all heads simultaneously upon detection (Correct answer)
Deluge systems are only used in residential occupancies
Deluge uses closed sprinkler heads while pre-action uses open heads

Correct answer: Deluge uses open sprinkler heads and discharges water from all heads simultaneously upon detection

Deluge systems have open (unplugged) heads and flood the entire protected area when the deluge valve opens upon detector activation.

Question 44: What information should the FLSD relay to the 911 dispatcher when reporting a building fire?

Only the building address
The building owner's name and insurance information
Building address, floor of origin, nature of the fire, and whether injuries are reported (Correct answer)
Building address and contact number only

Correct answer: Building address, floor of origin, nature of the fire, and whether injuries are reported

A complete 911 report includes the building address, specific floor, nature of the fire, and any known injuries to ensure the correct FDNY response is dispatched.

Question 45: Under what circumstance may an FLSD authorize the use of an elevator for evacuation in a high-rise building?

Any time the FLSD determines stairs are too crowded
When the fire is confirmed to be below the lobby level only
Only when the fire department has authorized elevator use and verified it is safe for evacuation (Correct answer)
Whenever occupants prefer elevators over stairs

Correct answer: Only when the fire department has authorized elevator use and verified it is safe for evacuation

Elevators may only be used for evacuation when the fire department has specifically authorized their use and confirmed it is safe to do so during an emergency.

Question 46: If an elevator fails to respond to Phase I automatic recall, what is the FLSD's immediate required action under NYC fire safety protocols?

Post a building employee at every elevator lobby on all floors
Attempt to manually recall the elevator using the Phase II key switch
Disconnect the elevator's power supply from the building control room
Notify the fire department immediately and log the malfunction (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Notify the fire department immediately and log the malfunction

A failure of Phase I recall must be immediately reported to the fire department and documented, as it constitutes a life-safety system malfunction requiring fire department awareness.

Question 47: The commercial kitchen in a high-rise building experiences an automatic wet chemical suppression system discharge over the cooking hood. After the system activates, what is the FLSD's most critical immediate responsibility regarding the kitchen operations?

Ensure that the fuel supply to the cooking equipment is shut off and that cooking operations do not resume until the system has been professionally inspected and recharged (Correct answer)
Increase exhaust fan speed to ventilate the suppression agent from the kitchen
Reset the suppression system control panel and allow cooking to resume once the smoke clears
Notify the FACP monitoring station that the activation was accidental and no FDNY response is needed

Correct answer: Ensure that the fuel supply to the cooking equipment is shut off and that cooking operations do not resume until the system has been professionally inspected and recharged

Upon activation of a kitchen hood suppression system, the automatic fuel shutoff must operate to cut gas or electric supply to the cooking equipment. Cooking must not resume until a qualified technician has inspected the equipment, recharged the suppression agent, and confirmed the system is ready for service. Resuming cooking with a discharged or damaged system is a serious life-safety violation and fire hazard.

Question 48: What is the primary reason elevator doors are kept from fully closing when firefighters are using Phase II service and exit the cab?

To prevent the elevator from being recalled or dispatched away from that floor (Correct answer)
To reduce the risk of the elevator moving with the door open
To allow smoke to vent from the hoistway
To allow the FLSD to monitor the elevator position from the lobby

Correct answer: To prevent the elevator from being recalled or dispatched away from that floor

Holding the door open prevents the elevator from responding to other calls or being recalled, keeping it available at the firefighters' staging floor.

Question 49: Which of the following best describes the 'defend in place' strategy sometimes used in healthcare occupancies?

Only the floor with the fire evacuates while all other floors shelter in place
Patients unable to move are relocated horizontally to a safe compartment on the same floor rather than vertically evacuated (Correct answer)
Staff lock all doors and shelter until the fire is extinguished
All occupants evacuate the entire building simultaneously

Correct answer: Patients unable to move are relocated horizontally to a safe compartment on the same floor rather than vertically evacuated

Defend in place involves moving non-ambulatory patients horizontally behind fire-rated barriers on the same floor rather than a full vertical evacuation.

Question 50: A building occupant reports that a coworker is experiencing chest pain and difficulty breathing on the 22nd floor. Before EMS arrives, what should the FLSD instruct floor staff to do?

Have the victim walk to the elevator lobby to reduce EMS response time
Keep the victim calm, seated, and still; retrieve the AED; and have someone stay on the line with 911 for instructions (Correct answer)
Lock down the 22nd floor and prevent other occupants from calling 911 to avoid panic
Administer water and have the victim lie flat on their stomach

Correct answer: Keep the victim calm, seated, and still; retrieve the AED; and have someone stay on the line with 911 for instructions

For suspected cardiac events, the victim should remain still and calm to reduce cardiac demand. Retrieving the AED is critical in case the situation deteriorates. Maintaining a 911 connection allows dispatchers to provide real-time guidance. Movement can worsen cardiac symptoms.

Question 51: Under New York City Fire Code, how many fire drills must be conducted in a high-rise office building annually?

Two drills per year, one of which must occur between specific months (Correct answer)
One drill per month
Four drills per year, one per quarter
One drill per year

Correct answer: Two drills per year, one of which must occur between specific months

NYC Fire Code requires high-rise office buildings to conduct two fire drills per year, with scheduling requirements specified by the code.

Question 52: If an FLSD is temporarily absent from the building during normal operating hours, what must be arranged to maintain compliance with FDNY requirements?

Building management may post a notice deferring all fire safety duties until the FLSD returns
The building may operate without FLSD coverage for up to 24 hours before a violation is issued
The building superintendent automatically assumes FLSD duties
A qualified acting FLSD holding an appropriate Certificate of Fitness must be designated to cover the absence (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A qualified acting FLSD holding an appropriate Certificate of Fitness must be designated to cover the absence

FDNY regulations require that a qualified individual holding an appropriate Certificate of Fitness be designated as acting FLSD whenever the primary FLSD is absent. Fire safety coverage cannot lapse during operating hours.

Question 53: What is the FLSD's role in new tenant orientation regarding fire safety?

The FLSD must ensure new tenants receive fire safety orientation including evacuation procedures, fire warden assignments, and building-specific emergency information (Correct answer)
New tenants learn fire safety procedures only during fire drills
Fire safety orientation is optional for small tenants
New tenant orientation is the property manager's exclusive responsibility

Correct answer: The FLSD must ensure new tenants receive fire safety orientation including evacuation procedures, fire warden assignments, and building-specific emergency information

The FLSD is responsible for ensuring every new tenant receives comprehensive fire safety orientation covering building-specific emergency procedures.

Question 54: A tenant informs the FLSD that they have added 15 new employees to a floor. What EAP-related action should the FLSD take?

Update the floor warden list, occupant count, and brief new employees on EAP procedures (Correct answer)
Require the tenant to hire a private safety consultant
Notify the fire department of the occupancy change only
Wait until the annual review to update the EAP

Correct answer: Update the floor warden list, occupant count, and brief new employees on EAP procedures

Changes in occupancy must be reflected in the EAP immediately — updated headcounts, floor warden assignments, and new employee briefings are required.

Question 55: What is the minimum frequency for conducting fire drills in commercial high-rise buildings in New York City?

Quarterly
Monthly
Annually
Semi-annually (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Semi-annually

NYC fire code requires semi-annual fire drills in commercial high-rise buildings to ensure occupants are familiar with evacuation procedures.

Question 56: What is the FDNY Certificate of Fitness, and how does it relate to the F-89 designation?

It is a specialized certification issued by the FDNY that authorizes the holder to perform specific fire safety duties, with F-89 specifically for Fire and Life Safety Directors (Correct answer)
It is a federal fire safety certification
It is a general building maintenance license
It is issued by the NYC Department of Buildings

Correct answer: It is a specialized certification issued by the FDNY that authorizes the holder to perform specific fire safety duties, with F-89 specifically for Fire and Life Safety Directors

The FDNY Certificate of Fitness program certifies individuals for specific fire safety roles, with F-89 being the designation for Fire and Life Safety Directors of high-rise buildings.

FDNY F-89 Fire and Life Safety Director Certificate of Fitness

The FDNY F-89 Certificate of Fitness exam certifies Fire and Life Safety Directors responsible for implementing fire safety and emergency action plans in high-rise and other designated buildings in New York City. Candidates must pass two computer-based exams covering fire safety and non-fire emergency components.

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