Fire Protection and Prevention Basics

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Questions and Answers

What is combustion?

A physical change resulting in ash

A process producing light only

A chemical reaction involving a fuel and an oxidizing agent (correct)

A reaction that occurs only in the presence of air

Which of the following liquids is classified as combustible?

A liquid with a vapor pressure exceeding 40 psia at 100°F

A liquid with a flash point below 140°F

A liquid that does not ignite

A liquid with a flash point at or above 140°F and below 200°F (correct)

What does the flash point of a liquid indicate?

The minimum temperature for a significant vapor to ignite (correct)

The maximum amount of heat it can produce

The temperature at which it can be completely consumed

The rate at which the liquid evaporates

What is the upper flammability limit (UFL)?

The maximum concentration capable of propagating a flame through a mixture Signup and view all the answers

Which classification of fire involves materials like wood and paper?

Class A Signup and view all the answers

Which type of liquid is a flammable liquid?

A liquid with a flash point below 140°F and vapor pressure not exceeding 40 psia at 100°F Signup and view all the answers

In the context of fire classification, what does Class B include?

Flammable liquids and gases including gasoline and paint Signup and view all the answers

Which class of fire extinguishers is specifically designed for combustible metals?

Class D Signup and view all the answers

What type of fires are Class K fire extinguishers designed to combat?

Oil and grease fires Signup and view all the answers

What does the numeric rating on a Class A fire extinguisher indicate?

The volume of water it can dispense in gallons Signup and view all the answers

Which situation warrants an exception to the hydrostatic test for fire extinguishers?

The extinguisher has undergone repairs through methods like soldering Signup and view all the answers

In which environment are dry pipe sprinkler systems typically installed?

Unheated buildings or areas prone to freezing Signup and view all the answers

What information does the designation '5BC' on a fire extinguisher provide?

Effective square footage coverage for Class B or C fires Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a major characteristic of wet pipe sprinkler systems?

Water is present in the piping distribution system at all times Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential feature of the new labeling system for fire extinguishers?

Pictures indicate types of fires and red lines indicate prohibited uses Signup and view all the answers

What type of fires do Class C extinguishers effectively tackle?

Fires involving electrical equipment Signup and view all the answers

How does the autoignition temperature change with variations in pressure and oxygen concentration?

It decreases with both higher pressure and higher oxygen concentration Signup and view all the answers

What does a specific gravity greater than or equal to one imply about a liquid?

The liquid is heavier than water and will sink Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of vapor density in relation to air?

Gases with vapor density ≤1 float, while those with ≥1 sink Signup and view all the answers

What does an evaporation rate of less than 1 indicate about a substance compared to butylacetate?

It evaporates more quickly than butylacetate Signup and view all the answers

At what temperature must the ambient conditions be for dry pipe systems to be installed?

Below 40°F Signup and view all the answers

Which type of system operates without water being present in the piping until activated?

Dry pipe systems Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of deluge systems?

They are used in areas with special hazards Signup and view all the answers

What must happen for the water to be released into a preaction system's distribution system?

Activation of a fire detection system Signup and view all the answers

For what purpose are foam water sprinkler systems primarily used?

To handle high challenge fires Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum spacing allowed between sprinklers in light-hazard occupancy areas?

15 feet Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following locations would a foam water sprinkler system most likely be installed?

Flammable liquids storage Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the conditions in ordinary-hazard occupancy areas regarding sprinkler spacing?

Require maximum spacing of 15 feet Signup and view all the answers

What is the requirement for resetting a deluge system?

Manual resetting of the deluge valve Signup and view all the answers

What is the fire point of a substance?

Temperature where vapor burns continuously after ignition Signup and view all the answers

What design feature is common in water spray systems?

Unique discharge nozzle spray patterns Signup and view all the answers

Which type of system is considered a hybrid of wet, dry, and deluge systems?

Preaction systems Signup and view all the answers

What defines the lower flammable limit (LFL)?

The leanest mixture that is still flammable Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between flash point and fire point?

Flash point is typically lower than fire point Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the deluge valve in a deluge system?

To allow immediate water release upon activation Signup and view all the answers

How does vapor pressure relate to temperature?

It increases with increasing temperature Signup and view all the answers

What are light components in a fluid mixture characterized by?

Their high vapor pressures Signup and view all the answers

What sets extra-hazard occupancy areas apart in terms of sprinkler spacing?

They have a maximum spacing of 12 feet Signup and view all the answers

What condition must be met for a vapor to be classified as flammable?

It must be between the lower and upper limits of the mixture Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about hazardous areas based on the spacing requirements?

Increased hazard leads to tighter spacing requirements Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Domain 5: Fire Protection and Prevention

Domain 5 constitutes 10.59% of the curriculum.

Definitions

Combustion: A chemical reaction between fuel and an oxidizer, releasing heat and light.
Heat of Combustion: The amount of heat released when 1 gram of a substance is burned.
Combustible Liquid: Liquids with a flash point of 140°F or higher but below 200°F.
Flammable Liquid: Liquids with a flash point below 140°F and a vapor pressure not exceeding 40 psia at 100°F.
Flash Point: The minimum temperature where a liquid releases enough vapor to form an ignitable mixture with air near the surface.
Upper Flammability Limit (UFL): The maximum concentration of a flammable substance capable of supporting a flame. Expressed as a volume percentage.
Lower Flammability Limit (LFL): The minimum concentration of a flammable substance that can produce a flame. Expressed as a volume percentage.

Classification of Fires

Class A: Common combustibles like wood, paper, cloth, and rubber.
Class B: Flammable liquids, gases, solvents, oils, and other similar materials.
Class C: Energized electrical equipment.
Class D: Combustible metals like magnesium and sodium.
Class K: Combustible cooking oils and greases.

Portable Fire Extinguishers and Travel Distances

Light Hazard: Requires 2A10B:C extinguisher, 75 ft travel distance.
Ordinary Hazard: Requires a 2A10B:C or 2A20B:C extinguisher, 30-75ft travel distance.
Extra Hazard: Requires a 4A40B:C or 4A80B:C extinguisher, 30-50ft travel distance. (Example listed).
Commercial Kitchens: Requires a 2A1B:C;K extinguisher, 30ft travel distance.
Maximum Coverage is a key measure for fire extinguishers. (Amount of area covered). Class A (e.g., 3000 ft² for 2A).

Exceptions for Hydrostatic Tests

Testing exceptions for fire extinguishers due to repair.

Automatic Sprinkler Systems

Dry Pipe Systems: Systems installed in areas prone to freezing, and water isn't present until activation.
Wet Pipe Systems: More common, water is constantly present in the pipes.
Water Spray Systems: Similar to deluge, but with specific nozzle patterns for certain hazards.
Deluge Systems: Systems for areas with high fire spread potential, activating automatically.
Preaction Systems: Hybrids of dry and wet pipe systems, using a fire detection system.
Foam Water Sprinkler Systems: Used for flammable liquids and high intensity fires.

Sprinkler Head Color Codes

Sprinkler head colors correspond to the maximum ceiling temperature.

NFPA Standards

NFPA 13: Standard for Sprinkler Systems, including maximum spacing.
NFPA 30: Flammable and Combustible Liquid Classification (By Flash Point) (Different classes).

Fire Hydrant Codes

Fire hydrants have color codes system which indicate the flow rate of water.

Characteristics of Flammable and Combustible Liquids

Flash Point: The minimum temperature a liquid gives off enough vapor to create an ignitable mixture.
Vapor Pressure: The pressure exerted by the vapor above the liquid surface.
Autoignition Temperature: Lowest temperature to ignite a substance without an ignition source.
Specific Gravity: Density of a liquid compared to water.
Vapor Density: Density of a substance compared to air (heavier or lighter than air).
Evaporation rate: The rate at which a liquid converts to vapor at given temperature and pressure.

Water Solubility

Maximum amount of a substance that can dissolve in water at a certain temperature and pressure.

Boiling Point

The temperature where a liquid's vapor pressure equals the ambient pressure.

Storage Requirements for Flammable and Combustible Liquids

Maximum allowable container sizes for flammable and combustible liquids (OSHA) (listed examples).

Inside Storage Rooms

Requirements for storage rooms, including fire protection systems and minimum aisle sizes.

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Description

This quiz covers key definitions and concepts related to fire protection and prevention, focusing on combustion and the classification of liquids. It also explores different classes of fires and their characteristics. Test your understanding of these critical fire safety principles.