NFPA CFPS Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) Exam Practice Test

A Class I standpipe system provides 2 1/2 in. (65 mm) hose connections at designated locations in a building for use by the fire department. A Class I standpipe system is intended to supply water for fire fighting operations by trained personnel using hoses of 1 1/2 in. (40 mm), 1 3/4 in. (45 mm), or 2 in. (50 mm) nominal diameters. A Class I standpipe system is required to deliver a minimum flow rate of 250 gpm (946 L/min) at a minimum residual pressure of 100 psi (6.9 bar) at the most remote hose connection.References:

• NFPA 14: Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, 2019 Edition, Section 3.3.4.11
• Fire Protection Handbook, 20th Edition, Volume 1, Chapter 8, Section 8.2.1.12

According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), the most common type of fabric used on upholstered furniture is cellulosic. Cellulosic fabrics are made from natural fibers derived from plants, such as cotton, linen, rayon, and hemp. Cellulosic fabrics account for about 51% of the total fabric weight used on upholstered furniture in the United States1. Cellulosic fabrics are popular because they are soft, comfortable, breathable, and versatile. However, they are also highly flammable and can contribute to the spread of fire if ignited2. Therefore, the CPSC has established a flammability standard for upholstered furniture that requires cellulosic fabrics to pass a smolder resistance test3. References:

• Upholstered Furniture Business Education | CPSC.gov
• Fire Fighting Foams - Chemguard
• Standard for the Flammability of Residential Upholstered Furniture

Hazardous waste

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The correct answer is C. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards require solid waste be treated as hazardous if it is a listed waste and/or meets the characteristics prescribed by the standard for toxicity, reactivity, corrosivity, andignitability.A listed waste is a waste that appears on one of the four lists of hazardous wastes in the Code ofFederal Regulations (CFR) part 261 subpart D1.A characteristic waste is a waste that exhibits one or more of the following traits: toxicity, reactivity, corrosivity, or ignitability2. Toxicity is the ability of a waste to leach harmful chemicals into the environment. Reactivity is the tendency of a waste to undergo violent chemical reactions or generate toxic gases. Corrosivity is the property of a waste to corrode metals or damage living tissues.Ignitability is the capacity of a waste to catch fire under certain conditions2.These characteristics are defined by specific tests and criteria in the CFR part 261 subpart C3.The EPA standards for hazardous waste are based on the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which is the federal law that regulates the management of solid and hazardous waste in the United States4.

ANSI S1.4a

Sound meters used to test notification appliances in fire alarm systems shall comply with the standard ANSI S1.4a, Specifications for Sound Level Meters, Type 2 requirements, according to NFPA 72 2010, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.This standard specifies the performance and accuracy criteria for sound level meters that are used to measure the sound pressure levels of audible signals in fire alarm systems1

Standpipe

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175 psi (1207 kPa).

For standpipe systems containing 11/2 - 21/2 in. (40 - 65 mm) hose connection outlets without preconnected hose, a pressure regulating device is required when the pressure exceeds 175 psi (1207 kPa), according to NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, 2019 edition. This requirement applies to Class I and Class III standpipe systems, which are intended for use by fire department personnel or trained occupants. A pressure regulating device is a device that automatically reduces and controls the pressure of the water flowing through the hose connection outlet to a predetermined value.This device helps to prevent excessive pressure that could damage the hose, nozzle, or fittings, or cause difficulty in handling the hose stream123

References:

• NFPA 14: Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems1
• Standpipe System Design and Calculations | NFPA | NFPA2
• ENGINE COMPANY STANDPIPE OPERATIONS:PRESSURE-REGULATING DEVICES3

According to NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (NEC) 2020 Edition, Article 230.71(A), each service shall have only one disconnecting means unless the requirements of 230.71(B) are met, which provide four specific service configurations. In each configuration, there shall be not more than six switches or sets of circuit breakers, or a combination of not more than six switches and sets of circuit breakers, per service grouped in any one location. Therefore, the maximum number of additional switches or circuit breakers allowed for a separate service is six.References:

• NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (NEC) 2020 Edition, Article 230.71(A) and (B)12
• ElectricalLicenseRenewal.com, 230.71 Maximum Number of Disconnects3

According to the web search results, the goals of the first edition of NFPA 13D were to provide sufficient time for safe egress or rescue, economic viability, and limit damage to the dwelling. The first edition of NFPA 13D was published in 1975 and was based on the concept of a “life safety” sprinkler system that was intended to protect the occupants of one- and two-family dwellings and manufactured homes from fire.The first edition of NFPA 13D stated that the system was not designed to protect the property or contents from fire damage, but rather to provide a tenable environment for escape or rescue1.The first edition of NFPA 13D also recognized the need for economic viability of the system, and therefore allowed for reduced water supply and piping requirements compared to other sprinkler standards2.The first edition of NFPA 13D did not explicitly state the goal of limiting damage to the dwelling, but it implied that the system would have some beneficial effect on the fire spread and severity by stating that the system was designed to prevent flashover in the room of fire origin1.References:

• NFPA 13D: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes, 1975 Edition, Section 1-11
• Fire Protection Handbook, 20th Edition, Volume 1, Chapter 8, Section 8.2.1.22

Response Time Index (RTI) is a measure of thermal sensitivity of a sprinkler’s activation. It indicates how quickly the sprinkler responds to the heat from a fire. RTI is calculated by using the operating time, operating temperature, air temperature, air velocity, and conductivity factor of the sprinkler. RTI is independent of the gas velocity but depends on the properties of the sprinkler head such as mass, specific heat capacity andsurface area of the thermal sensing element. RTI is used to classify sprinklers into fast response or standard response categories.

References:The Basics of Sprinkler Thermal Characteristics | NFPA;Sprinkler Characteristics According to NFPA 13 - Fire Protection …;Response time index (RTI) - Oil and Gas Drilling Glossary;RESPONSE TIME INDEX OF SPRINKLERS - Department of Building Environment …

In the plastics industry, the four broad areas of processing arepolymerization,conversion,finishing, andrecycling1.Polymerization is the process of creating plastic resins from monomers or pre-polymers, using chemical reactions such as addition, condensation, or ring-opening2.Conversion is the process of transforming plastic resins into plastic products, using various methods such as injection molding, blow molding, extrusion, rotational molding, and thermoforming3.Finishing is the process of adding value to plastic products, such as coating, printing, welding, or assembling4.Recycling is the process of recovering plastic waste and converting it into new plastic products or raw materials, using mechanical, chemical, or biological methods5. Therefore,manufacturingis not one of the four broad areas of processing in the plastics industry, as it is a general term that encompasses all the stages of producing plastic products from raw materials.References:

• Plastics Manufacturing: Types of Plastic and Processes - Deskera
• Plastics industry - Wikipedia
• Methods of Processing Plastic - Plastics Industry
• Plastic recycling - Wikipedia
• Polymerization - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

According to NFPA 230: Standard for the Fire Protection of Storage, 2015 Edition, building codes should limit the size of an unsprinklered facility used for the processing and storage of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) built of type V construction to 7,500 ft2 (697 m2). This is based on the assumption that the MSW has a heat release rate of 18,000 Btu/ft2-min (200 kW/m2) and a fire growth rate of 0.046 min-1.Type V construction is defined as a type of construction in which the structural elements, exterior walls, and interior walls are of any materials permitted by the code123

References:

• NFPA 230: Standard for the Fire Protection of Storage
• 5 Types of Construction per the IBC | Building Code Trainer
• 2.4 MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE LANDFILLS - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Cellulose nitrate products begin to decompose at about 300 °F (150 °C). This is the temperature at which the nitrate ester bonds start to break down and release nitric acid, which further catalyzes the decomposition. The decomposition temperature depends on the nitrogen content, the stabilizers, and the external heating rate of the cellulose nitrate.Higher nitrogen content, lower stabilizer concentration, and faster heating rate lower the decomposition temperature and increase the risk of thermal runaway.

References:Nitrocellulose - Wikipedia;Comparative analysis of stable decomposition and combustion kinetics of nitrated cellulose;Degradation of aged nitrocellulose investigated by thermal analysis methods;Nitrocellulose;Effect of stabilizers and nitrogen content on thermal properties of nitrocellulose

Aqueous film-forming agents (AFFF) are synthetic foam concentrates that can be proportioned into final concentrations of 1%, 3%, and 6%, depending on the type of fuel and application method12. AFFF forms a thin aqueous film on the surface of the flammable liquid, which prevents vapor release and provides rapid fire knockdown and extinguishment3. AFFF is suitable for Class B fires involving hydrocarbon fuels such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene, etc. References:

• Fire Fighting Foams - Chemguard
• Extinguishing foam: types, operation and application areas
• [NFPA 11: Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion Foam]

The type of property classifications that experience the majority of fire deaths in the United States areone- and two-family dwellings.According to the NFPA, one- and two-family dwellings accounted for 64 percent of all civilian fire deaths in 2021, followed by apartments with 11 percent, and other residential properties with 1 percent1.One- and two-family dwellings are more vulnerable to fire fatalities because they often lack adequate fire protection systems, such as smoke alarms and sprinklers, and havemore potential sources of ignition, such as cooking, heating, and smoking2. Additionally, one- and two-family dwellings may have less escape routes, longer response times, and more occupants, especially children and elderly, who are at higher risk of fire death.References:

• US Fire Loss in 2021 NFPA
• Home Structure Fires - NFPA
• [Fire Death Rate Trends: An International Perspective]

OSHA regulation 1910.110 addresses storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). This regulation covers the general requirements for the design, construction, installation, operation, inspection, and maintenance of LPG systems, including containers, piping, valves, fittings, regulators, burners, and appliances. The regulation also specifies the safety precautions and procedures for the prevention of fire and explosion hazards involving LPG. The regulation applies to all employers who store, handle, or use LPG in their workplaces.References:

• OSHA: 1910.110 - Storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gases1
• Nebula Safety: Storage & Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases (LPGs)2

Potassium bicarbonate is a dry chemical agent that is considered to be twice as effective as sodium bicarbonate in fire suppression, especially for Class B fires involving flammable liquids and gases. This is because potassium bicarbonate has a higher melting point and a lower decomposition temperature than sodium bicarbonate, which allows it to form a more stable and insulating layer on the burning surface.Potassium bicarbonate also has a lower pH and a higher specific gravity than sodium bicarbonate, which enhances its penetration and dispersion abilities123.References:Dry Chemical Agents - Purple-K Powder is Purple - Chemguard;Evaluation of Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishing Standards - NFPA;Potassium bicarbonate - Wikipedia.

Smoke detector

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The smoke detector type that contains a small amount of radioactive material and functions by sensing a decrease in conductance of the air when smoke particles enter the chamber is theionization smoke detector. Ionization smoke detectors use a small amount of americium-241, a radioactive element, to ionize the air molecules inside a sensing chamber. This creates a low-level electric current between two electrodes. When smoke enters the chamber, it disrupts the ionized air and reduces the current flow. This triggers the alarm to sound.Ionization smoke detectors are more sensitive to small particles of smoke, such as those produced by flaming fires1.However, they may also be more prone to false alarms from cooking or steam, and they require proper disposal of the radioactive source2.

References:

• Smoke Detector Types: Which Type of Smoke Detector Is Best? - X-Sense
• How Does Your Smoke Detector Work? - ThoughtCo

According to the web search results, 79% of fire departments surveyed participate in the delivery of emergency medical services (EMS).This is based on the NFPA report “US Fire Department Profile 2020”1, which states that nationwide, 37% of fire departments provided no EMS, 46% provided basic life support (BLS), and 17% provided advanced life support (ALS). Therefore, the percentage of fire departments that provided either BLS or ALS is 46% + 17% = 63%. However, this does not include fire departments that provided EMS through a third-party contract or agreement.According to the NFPA fireservice survey from 2018–20202, 16% of fire departments reported having such an arrangement. Therefore, the percentage of fire departments that participated in the delivery of EMS in some form is 63% + 16% = 79%.References:

• NFPA report - U.S.fire department profile3
• US Fire Department Profile 2020 Supporting Tables2

When using water mist as an extinguishing mechanism, the effectiveness of a fine mist depends on the momentum and direction of the spray relative to the fire. The momentum and direction of the spray determine how well the mist can penetrate the fire plume and reach the flame zone, where the mist droplets can evaporate and cool the fire, displace oxygen, and dilute the fuel vapors. The mist spray should have sufficient momentum to overcome the buoyancy and entrainment of the fire plume, and the direction of the spray should be aligned with the fire plume to avoid deflection and dispersion. The ability of the mist to directly spray on the fire, how much mist diverts to the compartment boundaries, and how much conductive heat the mist system will absorb are not the main factors affecting the extinguishing effectiveness of a fine mist.

References:Water Mist Systems Overview | NFPA;Engineering Relations for Water Mist Fire Suppression Systems;Effectiveness of Swirl Water Mist Nozzles for Fire Suppression

0.62

The discharge coefficient of a solid stream nozzle for a standard orifice with sharp edges is a dimensionless number that indicates the ratio of the actual flow rate to the theoretical flow rate of the nozzle. The discharge coefficient depends on the geometry and the flow conditions of the nozzle. According to the web search results, the typical discharge coefficient of a solid stream nozzle for a standard orifice with sharp edges is about 0.62, which means that the actual flow rate is about 62% of the theoretical flow rate.This value is based on the experiments conducted by the National Bureau of Standards (now NIST) and reported in the paper “Discharge Coefficients of Fire Nozzles”1.The paper also provides a formula to calculate the discharge coefficient for different nozzle diameters and pressures123

A proprietary fire alarm system is a type of fire alarm system that transmits signals that are permanently recorded at a constantly attended supervising station located either at the protected premises or at another location of the property owner. A proprietary fire alarm system is owned and operated by the property owner or the owner’s agent. A proprietary fire alarm system is intended to provide fire alarm service to a single property or a campus of related properties.References:

• NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, 2019 Edition, Section 3.3.105.11
• Fire Protection Handbook, 20th Edition, Volume 1, Chapter 7, Section 7.2.1.12

The Fire Safety Concept Tree is a tool for systematically evaluating the fire safety performance of a building or occupancy. It consists of three main branches: fire prevention, fire protection, and fire safety management. Fire prevention aims to eliminate or reduce the occurrence of fire. Fire protection aims to control or limit the fire development and spread, and to protect the exposed occupants and property. Fire safety management aims to ensure the effective operation and maintenance of the fire safety systems and the appropriate human behavior in case of fire. Emergency response is one of the subcategories of fire protection, which includes the actions of the fire department, the building staff, and the occupants to respond to the fire emergency.References:

The duration of required fire flow in public supply systems depends on the type of occupancy, construction, and exposure of the building, as well as the availability and reliability of the water supply. According to NFPA 1, Fire Code, Table 18.4.5.1.2, the minimum duration of fire flow for most occupancies ranges from 1 to 4 hours, with some exceptions for high-rise buildings, health care facilities, and special hazards. The fire flow duration is intended to provide enough water for fire suppression and exposure protection until the fire is under control or extinguished.References: NFPA 1, Fire Code, 2023 Edition, Section 18.4.5.1.2 and Table 18.4.5.1.2; NFPA Fire Protection Handbook, 21st Edition, Chapter 9, Section 9.2.2.

The cone calorimeter is an ignition test method that exposes the specimen to a known heat flux from a tungsten-quartz heater. The cone calorimeter measures the heat release rate, mass loss rate, smoke production, and other parameters of the specimen during the test. The cone calorimeter is widely used to evaluate the flammability and fire behavior of materials and products.References:

• NFPA 557: Standard for Determination of Fire Loads for Use in Structural Fire Protection Design, 2017 Edition, Section 5.3.2.11
• NFPA 556: Guide on Methods for Evaluating Fire Hazard to Occupants of Passenger Road Vehicles, 2019 Edition, Section 4.3.22
• Fire Protection Handbook, 20th Edition, Volume 1, Chapter 3, Section 3.2.2.23

The answer is C. Human factor plays a significant role in most industrial fire and explosion losses.According to a study by Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS), human error is the cause of 80% of all industrial accidents, including fires and explosions1. Human error can include mistakes, negligence, violations, or sabotage. Some examples of human errors that can lead to fires and explosions are:

• Improper handling or storage of flammable or combustible materials
• Failure to follow safety procedures or regulations
• Lack of training or supervision
• Poor maintenance or inspection of equipment or machinery
• Ignoring or disabling alarms or warning systems
• Smoking or using open flames near hazardous areas
• Intentional or accidental ignition of explosives or incendiaries

To prevent or reduce the impact of human errors, industrial facilities should implement effective risk management strategies, such as:

• Providing regular and adequate training and education for workers and managers
• Establishing and enforcing clear and consistent safety policies and rules
• Conducting thorough and frequent audits and inspections
• Installing and maintaining reliable fire protection systems and equipment
• Developing and practicing emergency response and evacuation plans
• Encouraging a positive safety culture and communication among all stakeholders

The correct answer is B. After an emergency incident has occurred, a post-incident critique of the emergency preparedness procedure should be conducted covering the detection of the incident, implementation of incident command, andnotification, alerting and warning procedures. These are some of the key elements of an effective emergency response that need to be evaluated and improved after an incident.A post-incident critique is a systematic review of the actions and decisions taken during an emergency incident, with the aim of identifying lessons learned, best practices, gaps, and corrective actions1.A post-incident critique should involve all the relevant stakeholders, such as emergency responders, emergency managers, facility managers, and affected community members2.A post-incident critique should also follow a structured format, such as the one suggested by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)3:

• Introduction: The facilitator introduces the purpose, objectives, ground rules, and agenda of the critique session.
• Incident Overview: The facilitator provides a brief summary of the incident, including the date, time, location, type, size, and impact of the incident.
• Timeline Review: The facilitator leads a chronological review of the major events and actions that occurred during the incident, using a timeline or a log as a reference.
• Strengths and Areas for Improvement: The facilitator solicits feedback from the participants on what went well and what needs to be improved, focusing on the following topics:
• Action Plan: The facilitator summarizes the main findings and recommendations from the critique session, and assigns responsibilities and deadlines for implementing the corrective actions.
• Conclusion: The facilitator thanks the participants for their contributions, and provides information on how the results of the critique will be documented and shared.

Fire alarm systems audible appliances ratings are usually stated as a sound pressure level (SPL) at 10 ft (3.05 m) from the appliance. The SPL is measured in decibels (dB) and indicates the loudness of the sound produced by the appliance. The SPL at 10 ft (3.05 m) is used as a standard reference point for comparing different audible appliances and for designing fire alarm systems to meet the required audibility levels.References:

• NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, 2019 Edition, Section 18.4.3.11
• Fire Protection Handbook, 20th Edition, Volume 1, Chapter 7, Section 7.8.2.12

Panic hardware devices are designed to facilitate the release of the latching device on a door with a pressure not exceeding 15 pounds (6.8 kg.) is applied in the direction of exit travel. This is the maximum force allowed by the codes and standards that regulate the use and installation of panic hardware, such as NFPA 101, NFPA 80, and ANSI/BHMA A156.3. The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that the doors can be easily opened by anyone in an emergency situation, without prior knowledge or special effort.References:Codes to Know for Panic Hardware - Facilitiesnet;Panic and emergency escape hardware | ASSA ABLOY | ASSA ABLOY; NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, 2023 Edition, Chapter 7, Section 7.2.1.7.2; NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives, 2023 Edition, Chapter 6, Section 6.1.3.5.1; ANSI/BHMA A156.3, Standard for Exit Devices, 2014 Edition, Section 4.1.1.

Fire alarm visible appliance source intensity is measured in candela, which is the unit of luminous intensity in a given direction. Candela is defined as the amount of light emitted by a single candle in a specific direction. The intensity of a strobe light depends on the candela rating, the flash rate, and the flash duration. The higher the candela rating, the brighter the light. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) have established minimum and maximum candela ratings for fire alarm visible appliances in different locations and applications.References:Strobe Light Requirements: Proper location of visible notification …;Handbook of Visual Notification Appliances for Fire Alarm Applications;Audible Visible Appliance Reference Guide - Fire - studylib.net