Explain how fire protection systems can help prevent loss of life and property
Explain how fire protection systems can help prevent loss of life and property
Subject: General Questions   / General General Questions
Question
Each response should be at least 300 words in length.
1. Explain how fire protection systems can help prevent loss of life and property in at least three types of
building structures (fire resistive, combustible, and non-combustible).
2. There are a variety of fire protection systems, which are installed based on function and purpose for
the hazard protected. The systems are divided into five basic categories: automatic fire detection and
alarm systems, automatic fire suppression systems, manual fire alarm systems, manual fire suppression
systems, and smoke control/exhaust systems. Select one of these systems, define it, and provide an
example. Describe how firefighters can benefit from the system you selected.
3. Explain what friction loss is and why it is important for fire and emergency service personnel to
understand it. Why does friction loss occur, and how is it measured? Explain the four basic principles of
friction loss.
Explain the three variables that can affect water piping distribution.
4. There are a variety of standpipe systems, which are installed based on the conditions and operations
within a building. List and describe the components included in a standpipe system. What type of
standpipe system would you install in a 40-story residential high-rise (apartment building) and why?
Describe how firefighters can benefit from pre-planning the system you selected.
Select one type of fire pump, and explain how the fire pump operates. Details in the essay shall include
the water supply, operation, pump driver, controller, components, and discharge.
5. According to NFPA 72, central station systems are required to be listed by an approved listed agency.
Research and identify one approved listed agency that lists central station systems. Discuss the
requirements in order to be listed as a central station system.
6. Describe the benefits and limitations of duct smoke detection. What type of signaling system would
you want the duct smoke detectors tied to and why? (200)
Describe the different types of fire alarm and detection systems that can help with early fire detection.
(200)
7. Describe the special extinguishing system classifications based upon the class of fire and the burning
characteristics of the materials within that class.
8. You are conducting a fire inspection in the kitchen of a restaurant (assembly occupancy) and observe
that there is a dry chemical fire extinguishing system protecting the cooking area and hood system. Upon
closer examination, the system is out of date based on the inspection tag. What is your recommendation
to the property owner, and why? What type of documentation would you provide to your fire marshal’s
office?
9. Describe you feel it would or would not be appropriate to use a dry chemical extinguishing system in a
total flooding application for sensitive computer equipment.
10. Describe how Halon (halogenated hydrocarbon) is harmful to the Earth’s ozone layer and the possible
extinguishing agents. 11. You are conducting a fire inspection of a place of business, and you notice that all the portable fire
extinguishers are stored on the ground. What is your recommendation to the property owner, and why?
What type of documentation would you provide the owner?
12. You have been assigned by the company officer to present a short class to the public on portable fire
extinguishers and it is to be no more than 20 minutes. Explain the proper use and selection of a portable
fire extinguisher, how extinguishers are rated, the different symbols on the extinguisher, and how to
operate the extinguisher.
13. Explain why it is important for the first-due fire companies to be present when the final
inspection/commissioning is being done on a smoke control/management system. What should the final
testing process include?
14. You are conducting a preplan with your fire company in a building that is seven stories high and
includes an atrium. The property owner asks you what the firefighters smoke control station (FSCS) is,
and what is the purpose of the installed smoke management system? What is your response to the
property owner, and why?