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

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

Fire extinguisher

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smothering.

The primary mechanism by which carbon dioxide extinguishes fire is smothering, or displacing the oxygen that the fire needs to sustain combustion. Carbon dioxide is a gas that is heavier than air, so when it is released from the extinguisher, it forms a blanket over the fire and pushes away the oxygen.Without oxygen, the fire cannot continue to burn and is extinguished1234

Cooling is a secondary mechanism by which carbon dioxide extinguishes fire. Carbon dioxide is stored as a liquid under high pressure in the extinguisher, and when it is released, it expands rapidly and cools down. The cold gas absorbs heat from the fire and lowers the temperature of the fuel below its ignition point.However, cooling is not the main effect of carbon dioxide, as it is less effective than water in reducing the heat of the fire1234

Saponification and chemical inhibition are not mechanisms by which carbon dioxide extinguishes fire. Saponification is a process by which wet chemical agents react with fats and oils to form a soapy foam that seals the surface of the fire and prevents re-ignition. Chemical inhibition is a process by which dry chemical agents interfere with the chemical chain reaction of the fire and stop the production of free radicals that propagate the combustion.These mechanisms are used by other types of fire extinguishers, such as Class K and Class D extinguishers, respectively1234

References:

• Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers - University of South Carolina4
• How Does A Co2 Fire Extinguisher Work2
• Why is Carbon Dioxide Used to Extinguish Oil Fires3
• What is a Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher?- Safeopedia1

According to the CDC, exposure to hydrogen fluoride at concentrations of less than 50 ppm for two minutes may cause mild eye and upper respiratory tract irritation. The severity of the effects depends on the concentration, duration, and route of exposure, as well as the individual’s susceptibility. Higher concentrations or longer exposures can cause more serious health effects, such as pulmonary edema, skin burns, or systemic toxicity.References:CDC | Facts About Hydrogen Fluoride (Hydrofluoric Acid); [Hydrogen Fluoride (HF) | Medical Management Guidelines | Toxic Substance Portal | ATSDR]2; [Hydrogen Fluoride and Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) - GOV.UK]3.

NFPA 484: Standard for Combustible Metals, 2020 Edition, provides requirements for the storage and handling of aluminum powders, flakes, and pastes. This standard covers the production, processing, finishing, handling, recycling, storage, and use of all metals and alloys that are in a form capable of combustion or explosion. It also covers operations where metal or metal alloys are subjected to processing or finishing operations that produce combustible powder or dust.NFPA 484 includes specific chapters for various metals and alloys, including aluminum and aluminum alloys12

References:

• NFPA 484: Standard for Combustible Metals
• NFPA 651: Standard for the Machining and Finishing of Aluminum and the …

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:

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

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

Scenario groupings is a data analysis approach that provides the broadest perspective of a fire problem by identifying and comparing different types of fire incidents based on their characteristics, such as ignition source, fuel, location, time, and outcome. This approach can help reveal patterns, trends, and relationships among fire scenarios and support fire prevention and protection strategies.References:Fire Data Analysis Handbook, Chapter 5: Scenario Groupings; [Fire Protection Handbook], Section 2, Chapter 3: Fire Data Collection and Analysis.

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

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.

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

According to NFPA 101: Life Safety Code, 2018 Edition, the travel distance limit for a new unsprinklered educational occupancy is 175 ft. (53 m). This is the maximum distance that an occupant has to travel from any point within the building to reach an exit or exit access door. The travel distance limit for a new sprinklered educational occupancy is 250 ft. (76 m).These limits are based on the assumption that the building has at least two exits or exit access doors from each room or space12

References:

• NFPA 101: Life Safety Code, 2018 Edition, Chapter 14
• Deco DeD - I Dig Hardware

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

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

Class 3 unstable reactive gas is defined as a material that in itself is capable of detonation or explosive decomposition or reaction at normal temperatures and pressures with a strong initiating source or if heated under confinement. This class of gas readily undergoes violent chemical change at elevated temperatures and pressures.

References:NFPA 55: Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code, 2016 Edition, Section 3.3.51.14.3;International Fire Code, 2015 Edition, Appendix E, Section E102.1.1

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 correct answer is C. A thermocouple is a temperature measurement device that consists of a pair of wires of different metals or alloys welded together at a point to form a junction. The junction is exposed to the temperature to be measured, while the other end of the wires is connected to a reference junction at 0°C. The thermocouple produces a voltage difference between the two junctions that depends on the temperature difference.This voltage difference can be calibrated to give the temperature in degrees using a thermocouple table or a formula123

20 years.

According to NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, 2020 edition, fast response sprinklers are those that have a response time index (RTI) of 50 (m·s)^(1/2) or less.These sprinklers are designed to activate faster than standard response sprinklers in the event of a fire, and they are typically used in light hazard, ordinary hazard, and residential occupancies1

NFPA 25 requires initial testing of representative samples of fast response sprinklers after 20 years from the date of manufacture, and subsequent testing every 10 years thereafter. The testing involves removing a minimum of four sprinklers or 1% of the total number of sprinklers per individual sprinkler sample, whichever is greater, and sending them to a recognized testing laboratory. The laboratory will perform a plunge test, which measures the time it takes for the sprinkler to operate when exposed to a specified air temperature.The test results will indicate whether the sprinklers meet the acceptance criteria or need to be replaced123

References:

• NFPA 25: Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems1
• Sprinkler System Inspections, Testing, and Maintenance Frequencies Explained | NFPA4
• Sprinkler Testing on Quick Response Sprinklers: What You Need to Know2
• NFPA 25 ITM Quick Reference Guide - hillgrp.com3

The minimum width of a doorway in a means of egress to accommodate a person in a wheelchair is 32 inches (813 mm).This is based on the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the International Building Code (IBC), which both specify that doors in a path of egress and doors on an accessible route must have a clear opening width of at least 32 inches (813 mm)12. This width allows enough space for a person in a wheelchair to maneuver through the doorway without difficulty. A wider doorway may be preferable for some types of wheelchairs or other assistive devices, but 32 inches (813 mm) is the minimum standard for accessibility and safety.References:DECODED: Calculating the Egress Width of Door Openings - I Dig Hardware;Digital Codes.

An as built plan review is a type of plan review that may provide information about a modification such as the removal of an abandoned underground flammable liquid tank. An as built plan review is conducted after the construction or alteration of a building orsystem is completed and before the final approval or acceptance by the AHJ. An as built plan review verifies that the building or system conforms to the approved plans and specifications and complies with the applicable codes and standards. An as built plan review may also identify any changes or deviations from the original plans that occurred during the construction or alteration process, such as the removal of an underground tank.References:

• NFPA 1: Fire Code, 2018 Edition, Section 1.12.8.1.11
• Fire Protection Handbook, 20th Edition, Volume 1, Chapter 5, Section 5.2.3.42

Critical radiant flux is used to classifyinterior floor finishes. Critical radiant flux is a measure of the minimum radiant heat energy required to sustain flame propagation on a floor material or covering. It is determined by exposing a specimen to a radiant heat gradient and observing the distance from the ignition point to the flame-out point.The shorter the distance, the higher the critical radiant flux and the better the fire performance of the floor material or covering1.Critical radiant flux is used to classify floor materials and coverings according to their fire hazard and resistance, and to specify the minimum requirements for different occupancies and applications2.For example, the International Building Code (IBC) requires that interior floor finishes and coverings in exit access corridors and exit enclosures have a critical radiant flux of not less than 0.45 W/cm2, while those in other spaces have a critical radiant flux of not less than 0.22 W/cm23.Critical radiant flux is also used to evaluate the fire safety of floor materials and coverings in transportation vehicles, such as aircraft, trains, and buses4.

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

Process safety is the type of process hazard analysis program that addresses the prevention of flammable and hazardous materials released from containment. Process safety is a discipline that focuses on the prevention and control of incidents that have the potentialto cause catastrophic consequences involving fire, explosion, or toxic release. Process safety involves the application of engineering and management principles, criteria, and techniques to identify, understand, and control process hazards. Process safety covers many aspects of a process, such as design, operation, maintenance, inspection, testing, and emergency response.

References: Process hazard analysis - Wikipedia1; What does the OSHA standard, - Occupational Safety and Health Administration2; Fire Protection Handbook, 20th Edition, Volume 1, Chapter 8, Section 8.3.13.

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.

References: Fire Protection Handbook, 20th Edition, Volume 1, Chapter 8, Section 8.3.11; Sprinkler, Smoke and Heat Vent, Draft Curtain Interaction: Large Scale Experiments and Modeling2.

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