Chapter 13: Preincident planning and code enforcement

Question 1

Adoption by reference

Answer 1

Method of code adoption in which the specific edition of a model code is referred to within the adopting ordinance or regulation.

Question 2

Adoption by transcription

Answer 2

Method of code adoption in which the entire text of the code is published within the adopting ordinance or regulation.

Question 3

Authority having jurisdiction

Answer 3

An organization, office or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard, or for approving equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure.

Question 4

Automatic sprinkler system

Answer 4

A system of pipes with water under pressure that allows water to be discharged immediately when a sprinkler head operates.

Question 5

Business Continuity Planning

Answer 5

An ongoing process to ensure that the necessary steps are taken to identify the impact of potential losses and maintain viable recovery strategies, recovery plans, and continuity of services.

Question 6

Catastrophic theory of reform

Answer 6

An approach in which fire prevention codes of firefighting procedures are changed in reaction to a fire disaster.

Question 7

Construction type

Answer 7

The combination of materials used in the construction of a building or structure, based on the varying degrees of fire resistance and combustibility.

Question 8

Fire prevention division or hazardous use permit

Answer 8

A local government permit that is renewed annually after the fire prevention division performs a code compliance inspection. A permit is required if the process, storage, or occupancy activity creates a life-safety hazard. Restaurants with more than 50 seats, flammable liquid storage, and printing shops that use ammonia are examples of occupancies that require a permit.

Question 9

Floor plans

Answer 9

Views of a building’s interior. Rooms, hallways, cabinets, and the like are drawn in the correct relationship to each other.

Question 10

Fuel load

Answer 10

The total quantity of all combustible products found within a room or space.

Question 11

High-Risk property

Answer 11

Structure that has the potential for a catastrophic property or life loss in the event of a fire.

Question 12

High-Value property

Answer 12

Structure that contains equipment, materials, or items that have a high replacement value.

Question 13

Masonry wall

Answer 13

A wall that consists of brick, stone, concrete block, terra cotta, tile, adobe, precast, or cast-in-place concrete.

Question 14

Mini/max codes

Answer 14

Codes developed and adopted at the state level for either mandatory or optional enforcement by local governments; these cannot be amended by local governments.

Question 15

Mitigation

Answer 15

Measures taken to limit or control the consequences, extent, or severity of an incident that cannot be reasonably prevented.

Question 16

Model codes

Answer 16

Codes generally developed through the consensus process with the use of technical committees developed by a code-making organization.

Question 17

Occupancy type

Answer 17

The purpose for which a building or a portion thereof is used or intended to be used.

Question 18

Ongoing compliance inspection

Answer 18

Inspection of an existing occupancy to observe the housekeeping and confirm that the built-in fire protection feature, such as fire exit doors and sprinkler systems, are in good working order.

Question 19

Ordinance

Answer 19

A law established by an authorized subdivision of a state, such as a city, county, or town.

Question 20

Plot plan

Answer 20

A representation of the exterior of a structure, identifying doors, utilities access, and any special considerations or hazards.

Question 21

Preincident plan

Answer 21

A written document resulting from the gathering of general and detailed data to be used by responding personnel for determining the resources and actions necessary to mitigate anticipated emergencies at a specific facility.

Question 22

Regulations

Answer 22

Orders written by a government agency in accordance with the statute or ordinance authorizing the agency to create the regulation. Regulations are not laws but have the force of law.

Question 23

Risk assessment

Answer 23

The process of identifying hazards, monitoring those hazards, determining the likelihood of their occurrence, and assessing the vulnerability of people, property, the environment, and the entity itself to those hazards.

Question 24

Standpipe system

Answer 24

An arrangement of piping, valves, hose connections, and allied equipment installed in a building or structure, with the hose connections located in such a manner that water can be discharged in streams or spray patterns through attached hose and nozzles, for the purpose of extinguishing a fire, thereby protecting a building or structure and its contents in addition to protecting the occupants. This is accomplished by means of connections to water supply systems or by means of pumps, tanks, and other equipment necessary to provide an adequate supply of water to the hose connections.

Question 25

Use group

Answer 25

A category in the building code classification system in which buildings and structures are grouped together by their use and by the characteristics of their occupants.

Question 26

What role does the fire officer play in relation to property safety in the community.

Answer 26

1. Identifying and correcting fire safety hazards through safety checks or code enforcement.
2. Developing and maintaining preincident plans
3. Promoting fire safety through public education.

Question 27

The original purpose of a preincident plan

Answer 27

To provide information that would be useful in the event of a fire at a high-value or high-risk location.

Question 28

Preincident plans are useful for

Answer 28

Identify in advance the strategies, tactics, and actions that should be taken if a predictable situation occurs, and make firefighters familiar with the building.

Question 29

The standardized method for completing preincident plans, as outlined in 6 steps by NFPA 1620

Answer 29

1. Identify physical elements and site considerations

2. Identify occupant considerations.