Test Your Knowledge on Fire Suppression Systems and False Alarms

11 Questions

What is the main advantage of carbon dioxide as an extinguishing agent?

It is effective in preventing water damage

What is the recommended practice when connecting to a standpipe one floor below the fire?

Conduct flow tests to determine actual flow capabilities

What is the main disadvantage of Halogenated agents as extinguishing agents?

They are harmful to the environment and health

What is the purpose of fixed clean agent systems?

To prevent water damage in areas with sensitive equipment

What is the recommended practice when a total flooding carbon dioxide or clean agent system is controlling the fire?

Keep doors closed to maintain the chemical concentration

Why are wet chemical systems preferred in kitchen hood applications?

They are easier to clean up after discharge

What is the main disadvantage of false alarms in automatic alarm systems?

They cause apathy and complacency among fire forces

What is the recommended practice for checking agent supply and system restoration?

Leave it to the property owner or a contractor

What is the main advantage of dry chemical systems in restaurant kitchen hoods?

They are more effective in suppressing fires

What is the recommended practice for entering a room controlled by a fixed clean agent system?

Enter the area with full protective clothing and face pieces

What is the recommended practice for handling false alarms transmitted by fire suppression or fire alarm systems?

Ensure proper system maintenance and installation

Study Notes

Nozzle manufacturers are designing nozzles for standpipe use that can be changed from variable to solid bore without changing the tip.
It is important to determine the actual flow capabilities at the pressures available at standpipe discharges when deciding on standpipe hose and nozzles.
Departments should conduct flow tests to determine the actual flow using various hose layouts at expected pressures.
Connecting to the standpipe one floor below the fire is a common practice.
Excess hose in the stairway may prove to be a problem, and it's best to keep occupants out of the fire operations stairway.
There are many extinguishing systems that use different agents, mostly nonwater-based extinguishing agents.
Carbon dioxide and Halon are used in areas where preventing water damage is a prime objective or where the extinguishing agent is more effective than water or dry chemical agents.
Carbon dioxide is not a conductor of electricity and is also used near electrical equipment.
Clean agent systems are also used because of their ability to react quickly and to suppress a fire in its beginning stages, without damaging sensitive equipment.
Fire departments must train on operating the foam system but should also insist that written operating instructions be posted within the foam house.
Halogenated agents were once considered the ultimate extinguishing agents but are now being phased out due to environmental harm and potential health risks.
Fixed clean agent systems rely on smoke detectors and require the room to be closed and ventilation to shut down on discharge.
Dry chemical systems are commonly used in restaurant kitchen hoods and other applications such as dip tanks and gasoline-dispensing facilities.
Wet chemical systems are also found in kitchen hood applications and are preferred due to easier clean-up after discharge.
If a total flooding carbon dioxide or clean agent system is controlling the fire, maintain the chemical concentration by keeping doors closed and do not enter the area.
If necessary to enter the room for rescue or final extinguishment, full protective clothing and face pieces must be worn.
Fire suppression systems often trip interlocking devices and shut down ventilation systems.
Checking agent supply and system restoration should be left to the property owner or a contractor.
False alarms transmitted by fire suppression or fire alarm systems are common and require special responses.
False alarms in automatic alarm systems can cause apathy and complacency among fire forces.
False alarms are often due to poor system maintenance or improper installation.
Assessing penalties on property owners may discourage them from calling for assistance.
Property owners should call the fire department immediately in case of an emergency.
Automatic alarms in tightly secured buildings present a dilemma for fire departments.
Building owners can provide emergency access keys to assist fire department personnel in gaining entry.
Entry should be done in a manner that causes as little damage as possible.
Building owners should be provided with direction through code adoption or local ordinance.
The fire department should work with building owners to identify entry options in advance.
False alarms can result in loss of lives and property that could have been saved.