NFPA CFPS Exam Practice Test Instant Access

Question 1

In a large-scale test organized by the Fire Protection Research Foundation (FPRF) to study the interaction between

sprinklers, roof vents, and draft curtains, what factor made the test results difficult to interpret for use in field applications?

AExternal environmental forces on the test building

BThe number of vents used during the tests

CThe use of an exhaust to an abatement system

DThe controlled nature of the tests

Answer : C

The use of an exhaust to an abatement system during the large-scale tests made the test results difficult to interpret for use in field applications. The exhaust system was used to reduce the environmental impact of the tests, but it also altered the natural buoyancy-driven flow of the smoke and heat through the vents and draft curtains. This created a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the test building, which affected the performance of the sprinklers, vents, and draft curtains. Therefore, the test results may not accurately reflect the conditions that would occur in real buildings without an exhaust system.

Question 2

Which extinguishing agent can break down during flame extinguishment to form a weak acid that can cause respiratory and eye irritations?

AInert clean agent

BCarbon dioxide

CWater

DHalocarbon clean agents

Answer : D

Question 3

Dipping and coating processes should be separated from other operations, materials, or occupancies by location, fire walls, or

Aexhaust systems

Boperational procedures.

Cprocess systems.

Dfire partitions.

Answer : B

Dipping and coating processes using flammable or combustible liquids pose a significant fire and explosion hazard and should be isolated from other operations, materials, or occupancies by location, fire walls, or operational procedures. Location refers to the physical separation of the process from other areas by distance or barriers. Fire walls are fire-resistance-rated assemblies that prevent the spread of fire from one side to the other. Operational procedures are rules or guidelines that regulate the conduct of the process and its personnel, such as limiting the amount of flammable or combustible liquids in use, controlling ignition sources, and providing adequate ventilation.

1: NFPA 34: Standard for Dipping, Coating, and Printing Processes Using Flammable or Combustible Liquids 2: Fire Protection Handbook, 20th Edition, Volume 1, Chapter 8

Question 4

Which of the following statements about smoke detectors is FALSE?

ADetectors using the photoelectric principle also use a small amount of radioactive material.

BDetectors using the cloud chamber principle also make use of the photoelectric principle.

CDetectors using the ionization principle provide somewhat faster response to high-energy (open flaming) fires.

DDetectors using the photoelectric principle provide somewhat faster response to low-energy (smoldering) fires.

Answer : A

Detectors using the photoelectric principle do not use a small amount of radioactive material. This is a false statement about smoke detectors. Detectors using the photoelectric principle use a light source and a light sensor to detect the presence of smoke. When smoke enters the detection chamber, it scatters the light and triggers the alarm. Detectors using the photoelectric principle are more responsive to low-energy (smoldering) fires that produce large smoke particles 12.

Detectors using the cloud chamber principle also use the photoelectric principle. This is a true statement about smoke detectors. Detectors using the cloud chamber principle use a sealed chamber that contains a supersaturated vapor. When smoke enters the chamber, it causes the vapor to condense into droplets that reflect light. The light is then detected by a photoelectric sensor that activates the alarm. Detectors using the cloud chamber principle are very sensitive to small smoke particles 34.

Detectors using the ionization principle provide somewhat faster response to high-energy (open flaming) fires. This is a true statement about smoke detectors. Detectors using the ionization principle use a small amount of radioactive material that ionizes the air in the detection chamber. When smoke enters the chamber, it reduces the ionization and the electric current. The drop in current is then detected by a circuit that activates the alarm. Detectors using the ionization principle are more responsive to high-energy (open flaming) fires that produce small smoke particles 12.

Detectors using the photoelectric principle provide somewhat faster response to low-energy (smoldering) fires. This is a true statement about smoke detectors. Detectors using the photoelectric principle use a light source and a light sensor to detect the presence of smoke. When smoke enters the detection chamber, it scatters the light and triggers the alarm. Detectors using the photoelectric principle are more responsive to low-energy (smoldering) fires that produce large smoke particles 12.