Ch 6 131-138 sprinklers

Questions and Answers

What is the maximum exit travel distance allowed in buildings equipped with an automatic wet sprinkler system?

250 ft

300 ft

200 ft (correct)

150 ft

What happens if the OS&Y valve is closed when attempting to use the fire department connection?

The system will fill automatically.

Water can still flow into the system.

There will be a fluctuation in water pressure.

Water will not be pumped into that section. (correct)

What should be done if the sprinklers are not operating during a fire attack?

Wait for the owner to arrive.

Immediately retreat.

Shut down all operations to reassess.

Stretch handlines and initiate a manual attack. (correct)

What is essential to inform interior forces before supplying water to the sprinkler system?

About the starting water flow to the system. Signup and view all the answers

During the investigation of a building with no visible fire signs and a water-flow alarm, what is the first thing to check?

Obvious signs of water flow. Signup and view all the answers

What does a lack of fluctuation in discharge and intake pressures indicate when the feed gate valve is closed?

A closed sprinkler valve may be present. Signup and view all the answers

What equipment should the reconnaissance team be equipped with when investigating sprinkler control valves?

Portable radios and forcible-entry tools. Signup and view all the answers

In case of a water-flow alarm at a carpet warehouse with no visible issues, which step is NOT advisable?

Waiting for the building's owner to arrive. Signup and view all the answers

What should be reported to the incident commander after the sprinklers are activated?

The effect of sprinkler operation. Signup and view all the answers

What can be the potential danger of activating the sprinkler system during a fire attack?

Sudden descent of steam or smoke clouds. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a pressure tank in a sprinkler system?

To enhance water pressure for upper floors. Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if the supply from a sprinkler system runs out during a fire?

The fire department must take over and supply water. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done as soon as a functioning sprinkler system is identified?

Locate system controls and station a team there. Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason that a false alarm might occur in a wet-pipe sprinkler system?

Pressure surge causing activation Signup and view all the answers

What does the sight glass on a pressure tank indicate?

The water level and air pressure ratio. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to note the position of sectional valves?

To aid in fire control operations. Signup and view all the answers

Which action is justified if there are signs of fire, smoke, or water flow during the investigation?

Forcible entry to mitigate the situation Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of a sprinkler system running dry for three hours?

Major damage to the fire pump occurred. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential hazard when entering a building in response to an alarm?

Unidentified hazardous materials Signup and view all the answers

Why might waiting for the owner before entering be a poor choice?

It allows the fire to intensify if present Signup and view all the answers

How are control valves typically accessed in multistory buildings?

Located at ceiling height, requiring ladders. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential issue during an arson fire regarding sprinkler systems?

Arsonists may shut off the water supply. Signup and view all the answers

What should a firefighter do if there is no sign of flowing water at the siamese connection?

Release all units except the first engine and ladder Signup and view all the answers

Which one of the following is an important consideration regarding forced entry?

You need a legitimate reason to enter without a warrant Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions could contribute to water damage during a false alarm?

Defective water motor gong Signup and view all the answers

What is the best initial response for firefighters when assessing a building after a fire alarm?

Conduct a rapid survey of the exterior for indications of fire Signup and view all the answers

Which structure type is likely to have limited water supply that firefighters must consider?

Rural nursing homes Signup and view all the answers

What critical action should firefighters take before making forced entry, considering liabilities?

Advise the owner in writing about any damage incurred Signup and view all the answers

What is the most effective way to determine the presence of a sprinkler system in a building?

Conducting a prefire inspection Signup and view all the answers

Why might a sprinkler system be turned off during a fire in a commercial building?

Arsonistic intent by individuals Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of a water motor alarm gong typically indicate?

The building has a functioning sprinkler system Signup and view all the answers

Which type of alarm suggests the presence of a sprinkler system in a building?

Valve alarm Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about responding to a fire in a building with a malfunctioning sprinkler system?

The fire can be treated the same as that in a non-sprinklered building Signup and view all the answers

Which system's presence can be confirmed through building or fire codes?

Standpipes in high-rise buildings Signup and view all the answers

What indicates that a sprinkler system may not be functioning properly?

Low air pressure in dry-pipe valves Signup and view all the answers

Which action should be prioritized upon discovering a serious fire in a protected building?

Call for additional assistance right away Signup and view all the answers

What could significantly complicate firefighting efforts at a commercial sprinklered building?

Sprinkler systems turned off Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary indicator of whether the OS&Y valve is open or closed?

The amount of stem protruding Signup and view all the answers

Which method is most effective in locating the controls of the sprinkler system before a fire occurs?

Consulting the building's fire plan Signup and view all the answers

What type of control valve is typically found at the base of the sprinkler riser?

OS&Y valve Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic distinguishes the post indicator valve (PIV) from other valves?

It includes a sign indicating open or shut Signup and view all the answers

What is the operating action required to close a PIV valve?

Turn the valve handle clockwise Signup and view all the answers

How has the hydraulic design of sprinkler systems changed recently?

They are often designed as loops of equal-diameter supply mains. Signup and view all the answers

What does a fully open OS&Y valve indicate in terms of stem protrusion?

Stem protrusion equal to the thickness of the pipe Signup and view all the answers

What can complicate the task of locating the supply valves in modern sprinkler systems?

The design involving complex grid connections Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the function of the wall indicator valve (WIV)?

It serves a similar purpose to the post indicator valve. Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical indicator of an OS&Y valve being closed?

Less than a quarter inch of the stem is protruding Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consequence of installing the wrong temperature sprinkler head?

It can still eventually fuse and activate. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a marking that sprinkler heads have?

Owner's name. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to mark the location of a replaced sprinkler head?

Use a piece of bright cloth or fire line tape on the pipe. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to notify the building owner in writing after replacing a sprinkler head?

To communicate the need for immediate system inspection. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of contractor is recommended for inspecting replaced sprinkler heads?

A qualified sprinkler contractor. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the WIV's spoked handwheel?

To provide an indication of valve position. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the main drain valve in terms of its physical design?

It is often an angle valve with the feed and discharge at 90° angles. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common challenge when trying to restore protection in a sprinklered building after a fire?

Building personnel may not promptly respond. Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario might a fire department decide to replace a fused sprinkler head?

When building personnel are unavailable for an extended period. Signup and view all the answers

What can be implied about the common practices regarding different sprinkler types?

Departments may hesitate to restore protection due to liability concerns. Signup and view all the answers

What action is necessary to close the WIV valve?

Remove the chain and turn the handwheel clockwise. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT typically a feature of the main drain valve?

It is noticeably the largest pipe in the system. Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely outcome of not restoring sprinkler protection after a fire?

The building will have ongoing fire hazards. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sizing Up Sprinklered Buildings

Assess auxiliary fire-suppression systems like sprinklers, standpipes, and foam systems during size-up.
Verify the presence of these systems; building codes often mandate standpipes in high-rises and foam systems in specific areas.
Automatic sprinkler systems are less predictable; many large buildings may lack them while smaller ones could be fully protected.
Signs of a sprinkler system include siamese connections, water motor alarm gongs, and water discharge from pipes.
Prefire inspections provide vital information about the sprinkler system’s location and operational status.

Response to Sprinkler Alarms

Upon arrival, establish if the sprinkler system is operational; building personnel can assist with information.
A significant percentage of sprinkler alarms indicate minor issues rather than actual fires, leading to minimal initial responses.
Serious fires in sprinklered buildings often have systems that might be out of service (OOS).
Malware activity might result in an arsonist turning off sprinklers, complicating firefighting efforts.
Treat fires in OOS sprinklered buildings with the same caution as non-sprinklered buildings, as both can be equally difficult to control.

Operating Sprinkler Systems

Multiple riser systems require attention to fire department connections (FDC) below main control valves.
If the OS&Y valve is closed, water cannot be pumped into the system or zone.
Maintain a strategy to engage sprinklers quickly during an incident to aid in fire suppression.
Monitor the effects of sprinkler discharge following activation and notify interior units of water flows.

Investigating False Alarms

Decide whether to forcibly enter a structure during a false alarm or await the owner's arrival.
Consider prefire planning knowledge about sprinkler systems; pressures may stabilize after a false alarm.
Signs to confirm presence or absence of fire include water flow or alarms from the system.

Locating and Operating Control Valves

Familiarize with the OS&Y valve, located at the sprinkler riser; indicates the valve's position by the stem's protrusion.
Several types of control valves (PIV and WIV) can indicate whether the system is open or closed.
Locating control valves early is crucial, especially due to modern hydraulic designs complicating the identification of systems.

Restoration of Sprinkler Protection

Firefighters typically drain water from systems post-fire to prevent flooding and assist in salvage operations.
Restoration of the sprinkler system may vary by department policy, with some opting for minimal intervention.
A temporary measure may involve replacing fused sprinkler heads using spare heads and tools available on-site.
Notify building owners in writing about any damage incurred from forced entry or repair actions.

Key Considerations

Sprinkler systems generally offer considerable protection but require ongoing operational status to be effective.
Awareness of building layout and system design enables better management of fire incidents involving sprinkler systems.
Always ensure restoration of protection and functionality in sprinklered buildings after an incident to facilitate ongoing safety.

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Description

This quiz covers the assessment of auxiliary fire-suppression systems, focusing on sprinklers, standpipes, and foam systems. It also addresses how to respond to sprinkler alarms and the importance of prefire inspections for operational status. Test your knowledge on fire safety protocols and building codes.