CFPS Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) Questions and Answers

Smoke purging, smoke removal, smoke exhaust, or smoke extraction are different terms for the same type of smoke management method, which is airflow. Airflow is the method of controlling smoke by creating a flow of air that either pushes or pulls the smoke away from the desired areas. Airflow can be achieved by natural or mechanical means, such as vents, fans, or dampers. Airflow can also be used to create a smoke layer above the occupant level in large spaces, such as atriums or warehouses, by exhausting the hot smoke and supplying fresh air below the layer.References:Smoke Extraction System - NAFFCO Smoke Management;Post-Fire Smoke Purge Systems: When Are They Required? - NY Engineers; NFPA Fire Protection Handbook, 21st Edition, Chapter 9, Section 9.2.1.

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

titanium is the pure metal in its solid form in oxygen that has the highest ignition temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.The spontaneous-ignition temperature of titanium in the solid phase (below melting) is about 3020°F (1660°C)1.Aluminum, potassium, and zirconium have lower ignition temperatures in the solid phase, ranging from 1292°F (700°C) to 1652°F (900°C)23.References:

• IGNITION OF METALS IN HIGH PRESSURE OXYGEN2
• Combustion of Metals in Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres3
• High-temperature oxidation and ignition of metals1

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 fire service 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

Spontaneous combustion is the exception to the requirement of a combustible material, an oxidizing agent, and an ignition source for combustion to take place. Spontaneous combustion is a phenomenon in which a material can ignite without any external heat or flame, due to a chemical reaction within the material that generates enough heat to reach the ignition temperature. Spontaneous combustion can occur in certain materials that are prone to self-heating, such as oily rags, hay, coal, and compost. Spontaneous combustion is a type of smoldering combustion, which is a slow, low-temperature, flameless form of combustion.References:

• Fire Protection Handbook, 20th Edition, Volume 1, Chapter 2, Section 2.2.1.11
• NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations, 2021 Edition, Section 4.3.12

Governor

For engine driven emergency power supplies, the device that maintains a relatively constant speed of the prime mover throughout the full power output range by varying the fuel input to the prime mover is the governor. A governor is a device that automatically regulates the speed or power of an engine or other prime mover by adjusting the amount of fuel supplied to it. A governor senses the speed of the prime mover and compares it with a desired set point, and then controls the fuel valve to increase or decrease the fuel flow accordingly.By doing so, the governor ensures that the prime mover operates within a narrow range of speed or power, regardless of the load or other factors that may affect its performance12

OSHA requires fire fighter training in hazardous materials, respiratory protection, and communicable diseases. According to OSHA standards, fire fighters must receive annual training in hazardous materials and infectious diseases, and initial and periodic training in respiratory protection. These topics are essential for fire fighters to protect themselves and others from exposure to harmful substances and pathogens.

References:OSHA training requirements for volunteer fire company personnel;What are the Current OSHA/PESH Training Requirement for Firefighters: A Review;Training requirements for firefighters;Training Requirements in OSHA Standards

650° F(343° C).

Heat transfer oils are fluids that are used to transfer heat from one source to another in various industrial applications, such as chemical processing, oil refining, power generation, and food processing. Heat transfer oils can be classified into two types: mineral oils and synthetic oils. Mineral oils are derived from petroleum and have a lower cost and a lower flash point than synthetic oils.Synthetic oils are made from organic or silicone compounds and have a higher thermal stability and a higher flash point than mineral oils1

The maximum temperature that heat transfer oils can be used up to depends on the type and quality of the oil, as well as the design and operation of the heat transfer system. Different oils have different boiling points, viscosity, thermal conductivity, and thermal degradation rates.Generally, synthetic oils can withstand higher temperatures than mineral oils, but they are also more expensive and may require special handling and storage1

According to the web search results, the maximum temperature that heat transfer oils can be used up to ranges from 300°C to 400°C (572°F to 752°F), depending on the specific product and manufacturer.For example, the product brochure from Klüber Lubrication states that their heat transfer oils have an application range of operating temperatures up to 550°F (288°C)2.The product data sheet from Sinopec states that their heat transfer oils can be used up to 540°F (282°C)3.The product information from Paratherm states that their high temperature heat transfer fluids have service temperatures of 3°C to 357°C (37°F to 675°F)4. Therefore, based on these sources, the closest answer to the question is B. 650° F(343° C). However, it is important to note that the maximum temperature that heat transfer oils can be used up to may vary depending on the specific conditions and requirements of each application.

References:

• Heat Transfer Fluids - A Comparison of Types1
• High-temperature heat transfer fluids - Dow5
• Heat Transfer Oils - klueber.com2
• Heat Transfer Oil Suppliers | Heat Transfer Oils include low …3
• High Temperature Heat Transfer Fluids | Paratherm4

The correct answer is D. The greatest number of civilian home fire deaths can be attributed to the common room, living room, or family room area of origin in the home. According to a report by the NFPA, based on data from the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) and NFPA’s fire experience survey, 31 percent of the civilian home fire deaths in 2017-2021 occurred in fires that started in the common room, living room, or family room. This was followed by 29 percent of the deaths in fires that started in the bedroom or sleeping area, and 12 percent of the deaths in fires that started in the kitchen or cooking area. The common room, living room, or family room area of origin is also the leading area of origin for home fires and civilian home fire injuries, accounting for 24 percent and 21 percent of those incidents, respectively. Some of the common causes of fires in the common room, living room, or family room include smoking materials, heating equipment, electrical equipment, candles, and fireplaces. To prevent fires and fire deaths in the common room, living room, or family room, the NFPA recommends the following safety tips:

• Keep smoking materials away from anything that can burn. Use deep, sturdy ashtrays and wet cigarette butts before discarding them.
• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn. Turn them off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Have a qualified electrician inspect and repair any faulty wiring or outlets. Avoid overloading circuits or extension cords. Unplug appliances when not in use.
• Keep candles in sturdy holders and away from children, pets, and anything that can burn. Blow them out when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Have your chimney and fireplace cleaned and inspected annually by a professional. Use a metal or glass screen to keep sparks from flying out. Dispose ofashes in a metal container with a lid, and keep it outside at least 10 feet away from your home.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside each bedroom, and outside each sleeping area. Test them monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year. Consider installing a home fire sprinkler system for added protection.

The hydraulic model is a type of movement model that simulates the flow of people through egress components based on equations derived from fluid dynamics. It is also known as the single-parameter estimation model because it uses only one parameter, the effective width, to describe the movement of people. The hydraulic model does not account for the behavioral aspects of egress, such as pre-evacuation time, decision making, group dynamics, or communication. A behavioral simulation model is a different type of egress model that incorporates these factors.

References:

• Employing the Hydraulic Model in Assessing Emergency Movement - Springer1
• NFPA 101: Life Safety Code, 2023 Edition, Section 7.2.32
• NFPA Fire Protection Handbook, 20th Edition, Chapter 59: Egress3

The correct answer is B. In wide-open spaces, the sound pressure level (SPL) decreases by 6 decibels (dB) every time the distance from the source is doubled. This is known as the inverse square law of sound propagation, which states that the intensity of sound is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source.For example, if the SPL at 1 meter from the source is 100 dB, then the SPL at 2 meters from the source is 94 dB, and the SPL at 4 meters from the source is 88 dB123

Two-dimensional models are not a common type of road tunnel fire models. Most road tunnel fire models are either one-dimensional, zone, or field models. One-dimensional models use a simplified approach to describe the fire and smoke behavior along the tunnel axis, assuming uniform conditions across the tunnel cross-section. Zone models divide the tunnel into two or more zones, each with uniform properties, and apply mass and energy conservation equations to each zone. Field models use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to solve the governing equations for mass, momentum, energy, and species transport in a three-dimensional grid, capturing the spatial and temporal variations of the fire and smoke phenomena. Two-dimensional models are rarely used for road tunnel fire simulations, as they cannot account for the complex three-dimensional effects of fire and ventilation in tunnels.

References:Design Fires in Road Tunnels | The National Academies Press;CFD Modelling of Fire Ventilation in Road Tunnels - Academia.edu;Findings of the International Road Tunnel Fire Detection Research …1

Fire pump

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The correct answer is B.Safety is one of the criteria for selecting the power source for driving fire pumps, according to NFPA 20, Chapter 9.1.1.11. Reliability, adequacy, and economy are the other criteria mentioned in the same chapter. Efficiency, adaptability, and ecology are not explicitly stated as criteria in NFPA 20, although they may be considered as secondary factors in some cases.

1:Pump Installation: Everything About Electric and Diesel Driven Fire …

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

Computers and other information technology equipment are particularly susceptible to heat, steam, and combustion products, which can damage their sensitive components, cause data loss or corruption, and impair their functionality.Therefore, fire protection for IT equipment should consider the potential sources of heat, steam, and combustion products, such as electrical faults, flammable liquids, dust accumulation, water-based sprinklers, or smoke from adjacent areas, and implement appropriate measures to prevent, detect, and suppress fires, as well as to minimize the exposure of IT equipment to these hazards1234.References:Standard for the Fire Protection of Information Technology Equipment;Fire Protection of Computer Rooms—Legal Obligations and Best Practices - ISACA;Exploring Requirements for Information Technology Equipment;Demystifying IT room protection requirements - Consulting.

The background color used from the source to the outlets of a nitrous oxide medical gas system is blue. This is the standard color coding for nitrous oxide cylinders and pipelines in medical gas pipeline systems12. The color coding helps to identify the gas type and prevent accidental misconnections or cross-contamination3. The color coding also indicates the pressure and flow characteristics of the gas system4. References:

• Colour coding of copper pipes in Medical gas pipeline system according …
• Doc 177 20 Medical Gas Cylinders Colour Coding - EIGA
• Medical Gas Coding Color Chart & Explanation - Bay Corporation
• Medical gases Health Technical Memorandum 02-01: Medical gas pipeline …

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

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

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/BHMAA156.3. 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.

Class A roof coverings are the most effective in preventing the spread of fires from flying brands. Flying brands are burning embers or pieces of combustible material that are carried by the wind and can ignite other combustible materials or structures. Class A roof coverings are tested to withstand severe fire exposure from simulated fire sources, such as large burning brands, and do not produce flying brands themselves. Class A roof coverings include materials such as asphalt shingles, metal sheets, clay or concrete tiles, slate, and some types of synthetic membranes12. References:

• Class A, B, and C Roof Ratings - UL
• Fire-Resistant Roofs - Fire Safe Marin

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

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

The correct answer is A. Type I construction consists of structural members of approved noncombustible or limited combustible materials with specified fire resistance ratings for exterior bearing walls of 3 or 4 hours. This is the highest level of fire resistance among the five types of construction defined by NFPA 220: Standard for Types of Building Construction.Type I construction is typically used for high-rise buildings made of concrete and protected steel12

NFPA 70, National Electrical Code (NEC), is the NFPA standard that governs wiring of a fire alarm system. NFPA 70 covers the general requirements for the design, installation, and inspection of electrical wiring and equipment, including fire alarm circuits anddevices. NFPA 70 does not cover the performance of a fire alarm system, which is addressed by NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. NFPA 72 covers the application, installation, location, performance, inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm systems and their components. NFPA 73, NFPA 75, and NFPA 76 are other NFPA standards that are related to fire alarm systems, but they do not specifically govern wiring. NFPA 73 covers the electrical inspection of existing dwellings. NFPA 75 covers the protection of information technology equipment. NFPA 76 covers the fire protection of telecommunications facilities.References:

• NFPA 72 FAQs1
• National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code® - NFPA2
• TECHNICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT BULLETIN - NEMA3

According to NFPA 13, Table 17.4.2.1 (a), the maximum distance between hangers for an automatic fire sprinkler system for a threaded lightwall steel pipe of 2 in. diameter is 10 ft. This is done to ensure that there are not long stretches of unsecured piping that could sag, leak, or break. The distance between hangers may vary depending on the type of pipe, the type of hanger, and the seismic design category of the building.References:NFPA 13, Table 17.4.2.1 (a);Hangers and Support of Sprinkler System Piping | NFPA | NFPA.

valve at the inspector’s test connection.

For wet-pipe automatic sprinkler systems, the only proper way to test the operation of a vane-type water flow alarm initiating device is to open the valve at the inspector’s test connection. This is a small valve that is located at the end of a pipe that is connected to the sprinkler system, usually at the most remote or highest point. The inspector’s test connection simulates the flow of a single sprinkler head and activates the vane-type water flow switch, which in turn triggers the fire alarm panel and the external alarm devices.Opening the valve at the inspector’s test connection also allows the water to drain from the system, preventing corrosion and freezing1234

Opening the main (2 in. diameter) drain is not a proper way to test the operation of a vane-type water flow alarm initiating device, because it does not create enough flow to activate the switch. The main drain is used to drain the entire sprinkler system for maintenance or repair purposes, and it is usually located at the main riser or the fire department connection.Opening the main drain may also cause a pressure drop in the system, which could affect the performance of the sprinklers1234

Opening the alarm test by-pass valve at the system’s main riser is not a proper way to test the operation of a vane-type water flow alarm initiating device, because it does not simulate the actual flow of a sprinkler head. The alarm test by-pass valve is used to test the operation of the external alarm devices, such as the water motor gong or the electric bell, without activating the fire alarm panel. The alarm test by-pass valve is usually located near the alarm check valve or the water flow switch, and it allows water to flow through a small orifice to the alarm devices.Opening the alarm test by-pass valve does not create enough flow to activate the vane-type water flow switch1234

Opening the check valve from the city connection is not a proper way to test the operation of a vane-type water flow alarm initiating device, because it does not create any flow in the sprinkler system. The check valve from the city connection is used to prevent the backflow of water from the sprinkler system to the city water supply, and it is usually located at the fire department connection or the main riser.Opening the check valvefrom the city connection does not affect the water flow in the sprinkler system, and it does not activate the vane-type water flow switch1234

References:

• Fire Sprinkler Flow Switch & Tamper Switch Inspection & Maintenance3
• Sprinkler System Water Flow Device Testing - ORR Protection2
• VSR-AT Auto-Test Waterflow Alarm Switch | Potter Electric4
• WFDNA Series Vane-type Waterflow Detectors - Steel Fire Equipment5

Fire tests typically relate to two types of fire properties, fire resistance and reaction to fire. Fire resistance is the ability of a building element or component to prevent the passage of heat and flames from one side to another, while reaction to fire is the response of a material or product in contributing to the development and spread of a fire. Fire resistance tests are usually performed on systems or assemblies, such as walls, floors, doors, or windows, while reaction to fire tests are usually performed on materials or products, such as sealants, insulation, cladding, or plastics.References:International Standards and Classifications for Fire Testing - Sika;Testing for Fire Resistance and Reaction to Fire – ICC NTA;‘Reaction to Fire’ Vs ‘Fire resistance’ - Ask HILTI;What is the difference between Reaction to Fire and Resistance to Fire …;Reaction to Fire vs Resistance to Fire | Nullifire UK