Alarm and Sprinkler Activations

Question 1

The 4 considerations the Incident Commander (IC) should consider whether to force entry on fire alarms where access cant be made with knox keys are:

Answer 1

Can the building interior be viewed adequately from the outside of the occupancy?

 Is it likely that building systems have suppressed or controlled an actual fire (e.g.,
does the alarm indicate activation of a clean agent suppression system or is there
vibration that can be felt within the sprinkler piping)?

 Have there been previous false alarms in the same occupancy?

 Can the key holder respond to the occupancy within a reasonable time frame?

Question 2

Response to alarms are emergent unless

Answer 2

Information that the alarm is flase

second unit should proceed non emergent

cancel second unit if dispatch confirms false alarm prior to any units arrival

no need to respond if competent party on scene who knows the system and says no fire

Question 3

When should sprinkler valves be closed during water flow alarms

Answer 3

control valves shall not be closed until the sprinkler zone has been investigated and
cleared.

Question 4

Who will be able to assist
in this decision-making process and can also assist with the coordination of the fire watch
design and implementation. The _______will also coordinate fire watch
decisions with the investigation’s supervisor.

Answer 4

on call fire investigator

Question 5

What must happen if fire watch is determined to be necessary:

Answer 5

An order notice shall be written to the RP

The RP shall be provided with a copy of the fire watch handout

The Life Safety Bureau shall be notified using the online Life Safety Request Form

Question 6

What are the considerations for establishing fire watch

Answer 6

Type of occupancy
Building occupancy
Proximity of repair personnel
Can Fire Department personnel safely restore a system?
Contact the on-call fire investigator via dispatch