Fire Safety and Utility Controls

Question 1

What is CERT’s number 1 priority? How do you achieve it?

Answer 1

RESCUER SAFETY

• work with a buddy
• wear safety equipment

Question 2

FIRE CHEMISTRY: What are the 3 elements of a fire?

Answer 2

• heat (required to bring material to ignition point)
• fuel
• oxygen (need at least 20% oxygen to burn)
  create a chemical exothermic reaction - FIRE TRIANGLE

Question 3

What are the classes of fires? (based on the type of fuel)

* necessary for knowing how to extinguish them

Answer 3

Class A - ordinary combustibles (ex paper, cloth, wood, rubber, plastics)
Class B - flammable and combustible liquids
Class C - energized electrical equipment
Class D - combustible metals (aluminum, magnesium, titanium)
Class K - cooking oils

Question 4

What are the 3 categories of utility hazards in the home and workplace?

Answer 4

Electrical, Natural Gas, Flammable/Combustible liquids

Question 5

What are 2 simple measures to prevent fires?

Answer 5

• locate potential hazards

- eliminate/reduce hazards

Question 6

How can you reduce or eliminate electrical hazard fires?

Answer 6

• avoid “electrical octopus” (tangled chords)
• don’t run chords under carpet
• check for/replace broken/frayed chords
• maintain electrical appliances

Question 7

What are the characteristics of water extinguishers?

Answer 7

• Capacity: 2.5 gallons (standard)
• Range: 30-40 feet (standard)
• Pressure: 110 psi (standard)

Question 8

When can dry chemical extinguishers (sodium bicarbonate base) be used?

Answer 8

Class B and C fires

Question 9

When can multipurpose dry chemical extinguishers be used?

Answer 9

Class A,B and C fires

Question 10

What are the characteristics of dry chemical extinguishers?

Answer 10

• Capacity: 10-20 secs. discharge time)
• Range: 8-12 feet (standard)
• Pressure: 175-250 psi (standard)

Question 11

What is the 5-second rule?

Answer 11

If the fire cannot be put out in five seconds then leave immediately.

Question 12

What is ‘overhauling’?

Answer 12

The process of searching a fire scene for hidden fire or sparks to prevent rekindling

Question 13

What is the first question to ask yourself before attempting to extinguish a fire?

Answer 13

Can I escape quickly and safely from the area if things go wrong?

Question 14

What are the components of a portable fire extinguisher?

Answer 14

• Hose
• Pressure Gauge
• Carrying handle and trigger
• Cylinder

Question 15

How do you operate a fire extinguisher?

Answer 15

P.A.S.S.

• Pull
• Aim
• Squeeze
• Sweep

Question 16

What is ‘confinement’ in fire safety?

Answer 16

Restricting the spread of smoke and heat by closing doors, interior and exterior, thus ‘confining’ it.

Question 17

How many Fire Suppression Safety Rules are there?

Answer 17

11

Question 18

What is the job of Team Member 1?

Answer 18

put out a fire with an extinguisher

Question 19

What is the job of Team Member 2?

Answer 19

watch out for hazards and ensure the safety of both team members

Question 20

When are materials considered hazardous?

Answer 20

• Corrode other materials
• Explode or are easily ignited
• React strongly with water
• Are unstable when exposed to heat or shock
• Are toxic to humans, animals, or the environment through any form of intake

Question 21

What is an example of hazardous materials?

Answer 21

• explosives
• flammable items
• poisonous items
• corrosives
• Nonflammable gases
• Oxidizers
• Radioactive materials

Question 22

How do you locate where hazardous materials are stored?

Answer 22

• Location/type of occupancy
• placards
• sights, sound, smells

Question 23

What is a commonplace for hazardous materials?

Answer 23

• industrial locations
• dry cleaner
• funeral home
• delivery van

Question 24

What does a 704 diamond identify?

Answer 24

• Red: flammability
• Blue: health hazard
• Yellow: reactivity
• White: special precautions

Question 25

What does a 704 diamond look like?

Answer 25

A diamond divided into four colored quadrants, each with a rating of 1-4.

Question 26

What does the W symbol indicate?

Answer 26

Unusual reactivity with water (no contact with water)

Question 27

What does the OX symbol indication?

Answer 27

Material possesses oxidizing properties (oxidizers)

Question 28

What should a CERT member do, upon seeing a 704 diamond?

Answer 28

Stop, don’t go inside, and rescue people outside the building

Question 29

How are hazardous materials marked in transit?

Answer 29

• Department of Transportation (DOT) placard
• United Nations (UN) system
• North American (NA) placard

Question 30

How should CERT members approach a vehicle in an accident?

Answer 30

With extreme caution