Free CFPS sample questions

Correct answer: Water shields must be installed above all in-rack sprinklers to protect them from the spray of sprinklers at higher elevations.

NFPA 13 mandates the use of water shields (or listed shielded sprinklers) for in-rack sprinklers to prevent sprinkler skipping. This phenomenon occurs when water from sprinklers operating at a higher elevation cools the thermal element of sprinklers at lower levels, preventing them from activating when needed. In a high-challenge fire scenario like high-piled plastic commodities in an AS/RS, the timely activation of all necessary sprinklers is critical for control and suppression.

Correct answers: The fuel source to the appliance was not automatically shut off upon system activation.; The exhaust fan continued to operate, drawing air over the hot surface.

Correct answer: True

This statement is true. The 'defend-in-place' strategy is a cornerstone of life safety in healthcare facilities where many occupants are non-ambulatory and cannot be easily evacuated. NFPA 101 requires such facilities to be subdivided into smoke compartments by smoke barriers, allowing occupants to be moved horizontally to an adjacent safe area on the same floor while awaiting further assistance or extinguishment of the fire.

Correct answer: Upgrade the existing sprinkler system to a foam-water deluge system using AFFF concentrate, with open-head sprinklers. Actuation would be provided by a cross-zoned optical flame detection system.

This is the most comprehensive solution. A foam-water deluge system (per NFPA 16) is specifically designed for high-hazard flammable liquid risks. Using AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam) provides rapid knockdown and vapor suppression. A deluge system ensures fast application over the entire area. Cross-zoned optical (UV/IR) flame detectors provide the necessary rapid and reliable detection to trigger the system before the fire grows excessively, while minimizing false activations. This approach upgrades the existing water-based infrastructure, is highly effective on Class B fires, and meets the need for fast, robust protection.

Correct answer: Hydrogen cyanide and nitrogen oxides

Polyurethane is a nitrogen-containing polymer. When it undergoes combustion, particularly in an under-ventilated fire, it releases significant quantities of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and various nitrogen oxides (NOx). Hydrogen cyanide is a chemical asphyxiant that is extremely toxic and works synergistically with carbon monoxide to incapacitate victims rapidly. Nitrogen oxides are severe respiratory irritants. These compounds are major contributors to the toxicity of modern fire smoke.

Correct answer: Emergency Voice/Alarm Communication System (EVACS)

A phased evacuation, common in high-rise buildings, requires giving specific instructions to different groups of occupants at different times (e.g., evacuating the fire floor and floors immediately above and below first). An Emergency Voice/Alarm Communication System (EVACS) is required by NFPA 72 for this purpose. It allows for automated and live voice messages to be sent to specific zones or floors, providing clear, unambiguous instructions that are far more effective than simple bells or horns.

Correct answer: Risk Matrix

A Risk Matrix is a qualitative or semi-quantitative tool used in risk assessment to define the level of risk by considering the probability (or likelihood) of an event and the severity (or consequence) of its outcome. Risks are often plotted on a grid with axes for probability and severity, and color-coded zones (e.g., red, yellow, green) indicate the level of risk and the urgency for mitigation. This tool is widely used in fire protection and many other safety disciplines for its simplicity and effectiveness in visualizing and prioritizing risks. quadrantChart title Fire Risk Assessment Matrix x-axis Low Likelihood --> High Likelihood y-axis Low Consequence --> High Consequence quadrant-1 "High Risk" quadrant-2 "Medium Risk" quadrant-3 "Low Risk" quadrant-4 "Medium Risk" "Boiler Explosion": [0.8, 0.9] "Office Fire": [0.4, 0.6] "Wastebasket Fire": [0.7, 0.2] "Chemical Spill": [0.2, 0.8]

Correct answer: 15 seconds

NFPA 101 generally permits a 15-second time delay for approved delayed egress locking systems. Pushing on the door for up to 3 seconds must initiate an irreversible timer and a local audible alarm. The lock must release after 15 seconds have elapsed, allowing for egress. The lock must also release immediately upon activation of the building's fire alarm or sprinkler system, and upon loss of power. An option for a 30-second delay exists but requires special approval from the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

Correct answers: A documented hot work permit system.; Regular housekeeping procedures to control combustibles.; An established fire and emergency action plan.

Correct answer: The neutral plane

In fire dynamics, the neutral plane is the level within a compartment fire at which the pressure of the hot gas layer is equal to the ambient atmospheric pressure. Above this plane, pressure is positive, and gases flow out of any openings. Below this plane, pressure is negative, and air flows into the compartment. This interface effectively separates the hot, buoyant smoke layer from the cooler air below.