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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of a simple orifice plate in firefighting hoses?
In what condition will pressures build up within the hoseline when using a pressure-restricting device?
What precaution should be taken before connecting a fire department hose to a standpipe outlet?
How does a vane-type pressure-restricting valve (PRV) control water flow?
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What role does the member who controls the outlet valve play during firefighting operations?
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What is a primary concern when untrained building occupants attempt to use a hose during a fire?
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Why is limiting the pressure at hose outlets to a maximum of 80 psi necessary for untrained users?
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What is a requirement for Class III systems regarding the 21/2-in outlet post-1993?
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How should a firefighter assess the safety of opening the stairway door during an emergency?
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What is an outcome of having trained personnel nearby when untrained occupants use the hose?
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What is the primary purpose of Class II fire systems?
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Which feature distinguishes Class III standpipe systems from Class II systems?
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Why should fire departments not rely on building hoses for attack lines?
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What is a potential issue with the NFPA's recommendation regarding the placement of hoses in Class III systems?
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In which type of occupancy are Class II systems frequently permitted?
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What primary limitation do pressure-reducing valves (PRVs) present during a fire emergency?
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Why should the use of certain PRVs be discouraged in favor of more reliable options?
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What action must be taken to bypass a combination outlet control and pressure-reducing valve for fire department use?
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What percentage of PRVs failed to provide an effective fire stream during a survey in a major metropolitan city?
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How often should the maintenance and flow testing for PRVs be conducted for optimal performance?
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What is a critical consideration when controlling the standpipe outlet valve?
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What should be done before connecting a hoseline to a standpipe system?
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Why is it important to inspect the standpipe outlet valve?
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What should the member at the nozzle do in relation to the standpipe outlet valve?
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What can happen if items are stashed inside the standpipe outlet valve?
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When should the first hoseline not be stretched from the standpipe in a standpipe-equipped building?
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What is typically faster when fighting a fire in a standpipe-equipped building?
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What should be evaluated in relation to a fire before deciding on the hoseline stretch?
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In which scenario might it be advantageous to stretch a hoseline from the apparatus rather than the standpipe?
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Which factor does NOT influence the decision to use a standpipe for a hoseline stretch?
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What is primarily saved by using a standpipe system in high-rise firefighting?
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What must be verified first before using a standpipe for firefighting?
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Why might an attack team prefer to use the nearest staircase to the fire?
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In large buildings, what is a potential disadvantage of multiple staircases with standpipe risers?
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What is a key consideration for the attack crew when deciding to use a standpipe?
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What is the main challenge when responding to fires in standpipe-equipped buildings?
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What is the minimum height for a building to require a standpipe system?
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Why might firefighters be delayed in their response to a standpipe building?
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How does the 'reflex time' impact firefighting operations?
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What crucial preparation should be done in advance concerning large buildings?
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Which factor contributes to the potential fire area in non-sprinklered large buildings?
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What is a potential misconception about large buildings when responding to a fire?
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How does a firefighter's preparation differ when dealing with a standpipe-equipped building?
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What is the main reason for the attack crew to select the riser closest to the seat of the fire?
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Before 1993, which was the maximum distance a hose could effectively reach based on NFPA regulations?
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In a multi-riser building, how many lengths of hose would theoretically suffice to reach any fire from the nearest outlet?
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What impact does having a 100-foot hose line have on the hose stream's reach?
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Why is it essential for the attack crew to know the layout of multi-riser buildings?
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What is the main change post-1993 to the NFPA 14 regarding hose length requirements for reaching fire floors?
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Why was the distance from the hoseline reduced in New York City’s fire code?
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What was a significant consequence of revisions made to the NFPA 14 after the Philadelphia incident?
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How many lengths of hose are minimally required to reach the most remote areas in a nonsprinklered building according to post-1993 NFPA 14?
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What is a concern regarding the implementation of maximum distance limitations in standpipe systems?
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What was the maximum distance of reach allowed for a hoseline in the pre-1993 version of NFPA 14?
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Which factor has NOT been cited as influencing the amount of hose required on the fire floor?
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What requirement was introduced for standpipe outlets in nonsprinklered buildings after the revisions to NFPA 14?
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Study Notes
Class II Fire Systems
- Class II systems are intended for occupant use to manage small fires prior to fire department arrival.
- Equipped with 1½-inch hoses and open or fog nozzles, with design flow typically at 100 gallons per minute (gpm).
- Not suitable for serious interior fires due to potential damage and wear; fire departments do not rely on these hoses for attack lines.
- Commonly permitted in fully sprinklered buildings and low-hazard occupancies under the assumption they can extinguish small fires.
Class III Standpipe Systems
- Designed for both heavy hose streams for fire department use and first-aid hoses for occupants.
- Features include separate valves for 2½-inch and 1½-inch outlets, commonly utilizing a reducer on the 2½-inch valve.
- NFPA recommends that occupant-use hoses be located outside stairwells to avoid smoke buildup during evacuations.
- Firefighters must evaluate the impact of opening stairway doors on overall occupant safety in the event of a fire.
Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs)
- Control and restrict outlet pressure to protect untrained users from excessive pressures; typically limited to a maximum of 80 psi (100 psi post-1993).
- Various devices include orifice plates and vane-type PRVs that manage flow and pressure through mechanical means.
- PRVs may experience failures; during a past incident, over 75% failed to provide effective fire streams highlighting the need for regular maintenance and testing.
Standpipe Operations
- Standpipe systems are essential in larger buildings, typically required by code for structures over 75 feet high or 20,000 sq ft per floor.
- Responding to fires in these buildings presents challenges, including locating the fire and efficiently venting smoke.
- Firefighters must be pre-planned for operations including determining the location of standpipes and potential hose stretches.
Fire Location Considerations
- The first hoseline may not always be stretched from the standpipe; the decision depends on the fire’s location and accessibility.
- Above the second floor, the standpipe is generally preferred due to time efficiency and reduced friction loss.
- Effective fire operations require verifying the fire's location and ensuring the selected standpipe can reach it.
Post-1993 NFPA 14 Modifications
- Post-1993 revisions expanded the required hose reach from a standpipe to ensure adequate firefighting capabilities, allowing for greater distances than before.
- The new requirements mandate a minimum clear reach from the outlet, with increases in the length of necessary hoses for efficiency.
- Challenges persist with code provisions that may lead to standpipe placement outside protected areas, impacting response effectiveness.
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Description
This quiz covers the key features and differences between Class II and Class III fire systems. Learn about their design, intended use, and safety considerations for occupants and firefighters. Assess your understanding of fire management systems in various building scenarios.