FDP Year 2 Exam

Question 1

List three common causes of a dust explosion

Answer 1

1 - Sparks from static electricity
2 - Build of combustible material as a result of poor house keeping
3 - Heat build up from bearings in machinery

Question 2

List and describe the three measures in the prevention of contamination from external radiation

Answer 2

1. Limit time spent near the radiation
2. Keep as great a distance as possible
3. Shield yourself where possible

Question 3

List the three major problems firefighters are presented with when extinguishing combustible metal fires

Answer 3

1. They can react violently to the application of water
2. They burn at extremely high temperatures
3. They react violently to other standard extinguishing methods

Question 4

What are three health effects of ionizing radiation?

Answer 4

1. Radiation sickness
2. Various cancers
3. Genetic defects

Question 5

Define the term explosive

Answer 5

A substance that is capable of developing a sudden high pressure by the rapid formation of large volumes of gasses at high temperature

Question 6

List 4 characteristics of gamma rays

Answer 6

1. very penetrating
2. Extremely large range in air
3. Will penetrate entire himan body without stopping
4. Requires thick, dense materials to stop it. Example being lead shielding

Question 7

Why is it important for an employee to be aware of their award and or certified agreement?

Answer 7

Firefighters need to be aware of their rights and obligations on and off the fire ground.

Question 8

What is the aim of DFES policy #10?

Answer 8

To provide and maintain a safe and healthy working enviroment which is free from unnecessary discrimination, victimisation, dispute or bullying and harassment

Question 9

How does coaching differ from mentoring? (2 points)

Answer 9

Coaching - Designed to improve the skills and knowledge of an individual/team. (Eg instructors at the academy.

Mentoring - Is a voluntary relationship between two people in an occupational setting. (Eg a junior receiving guidance from a SFF or SO at jobs or on station.)

Question 10

Define the term sexual harassment?

Answer 10

Can be defined as verbal or physical behaviour that has a sexual nature, is unwelcome and non reciprocal. It offends, humiliates or intimated an individual or group of individuals.

Question 11

List two general rules for communicating with managers and supervisors?

Answer 11

1 - Ensure all comms are clear and concise
2 - Dont use jargon. Use intelligent language.

Question 12

What is the purpose of the ‘chain of command’?

Answer 12

To ensure everyone knows who to report to. It also allows an effective means of passing relevant and important information up and down the command structure between firefighters and senior staff.

Question 13

Define the term hazard and give three examples of hazards to firefighters

Answer 13

A hazard is a situation or condition with the potential for loss or harm to the community or environment or self such as leaking gas lines or exposed electrical wires

Question 14

List three examples of rural fire risk

Answer 14

1. Arson
2. Farm machinery
3. Unauthorised/unsupervised burning.

Question 15

Which legislation applies to building inspections?

Answer 15

The fire brigades act 1942 (sections 25, 33 and 33A)

Question 16

In relation to the management of hazards, what does the acronym PPRR stand for?

Answer 16

Prevention, preparedness, response, recovery

Question 17

What is ‘Spontaneous Heating’

Answer 17

The heating of a substance with absence of external heat being applied

Question 18

What is the difference between ‘Exothermic’ and ‘Endothermic’

Answer 18

Exothermic reaction is a chemical reaction accompanied by the release of heat
Endothermic reaction is a chemical reaction accompanied by the absorption of heat

Question 19

Briefly describe three signs that will assist in reading a fire compartment

Answer 19

1. Activity of the neutral plane (high or low)
2. Flames in the smoke (dancing angels)
3. Colour of the smoke (how dense is the fuel)

Question 20

What are the three key requirements for an ignition source?

Answer 20

• Sufficient oxygen
• Sufficient heat
• Combustible materials/vapours

Question 21

What are two factors which control the speed of ignition and flame propagation in solids?

Answer 21

• Their heat conductivity
• The extent that the combustible surface is surrounded by oxygen or air so that burning can begin

Question 22

What presents a danger of exploding in fires involving transformers?

Answer 22

• Porcelain

Question 23

What four precautions must a firefighter be constantly assessing when working above fire?

Answer 23

1. Identify safe escape routes
2. Maintain situational awareness of hazards and conditions
3. Closes any doors behind you (buffer zoning)
4. Extinguishing any seats of fire before proceeding to reach other seats.

Question 24

What are five pieces of information required in an initial SITREP?

Answer 24

1. Location
2. Size
3. Status of fire
4. Difficulty of suppression
5. Resources required

Question 25

Describe why low relative humidity is of concern to firefighters during a bushfire?

Answer 25

Fine fuels will dry out and ignite faster. This leads to a greater fire intensity and faster rate of spread.

Question 26

What happens to fire behaviour in junction zones?

Answer 26

The fire behaviour/intensity dramatically increases when the heads of fires meet. A significant increase in flame height and intensity leads to more spotting as well

Question 27

What are four observations on the way to a fire that first responder crews can make to assist the FIO?

Answer 27

1. People seen in the area 2. Vehicles seen leaving the area 3. Access gates (were they open/closed or locks tampered with) 4. Fire behaviour/ignition point (how did it start and what did it look like.. was there multiple ignition points.)

Question 28

From a bushfire point of view what four things does fuel moisture content affect?

Answer 28

1. The ease of ignition of fuels 2. how quickly fuels burn 3. Affect the fires rate of spread 4. The intensity of the fire

Question 29

What causes fire whirls?

Answer 29

a combination of high combustion rates, unstable atmosphere and wind turbulence.

Question 30

List four features you might use at a bushfire to orientate a map?

Answer 30

1. Road junctions 2. Isolated hills 3. Buildings that stand out (eg, sport clubs or churches) 4. Natural landmarks like streams, lakes, hills