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NFPA-CFPS Real Exam Questions

Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS)

102 questions available · Page 1 of 11

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Question 1 Single choice

What gas is liberated when magnesium shavings or chips come in contact with water?

  1. A

    Oxygen

  2. B

    Chlorine

  3. C

    Acetylene

  4. D

    Hydrogen

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: D

Explanation

When magnesium shavings or chips come in contact with water, they react to produce magnesium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. The chemical equation for the reaction is: 2 Mg (s) + 2 H2O (l)2 Mg (OH)2 (aq) + H2 (g). This displacement reaction is characterized by effervescence, a vigorous reaction, and the formation of a white precipitate of magnesium hydroxide.
References:
Reactions of Group 2 Elements with Water - Chemistry LibreTexts1 Magnesium (Mg) and water -
Lenntech

Question 2 Single choice

The removal of flammable vapors by displacement for cleaning a storage tank can be accomplished by displacement with air, inert gas and ___

  1. A

    sodium bicarbonate

  2. B

    water

  3. C

    earth

  4. D

    absorbant

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B

Explanation

The removal of flammable vapors by displacement for cleaning a storage tank can be accomplished by displacement with air, inert gas, and water. Water is a common method of displacing flammable vapors from tanks, as it is readily available, inexpensive, and non-reactive with most fuels. Water can be sprayed into the tank to create a water seal that prevents the vapors from escaping and reduces the oxygen concentration in the tank. Water can also be used to rinse the tank walls and remove any residual fuel.

However, water displacement may not be suitable for some tanks that contain water-sensitive or water-soluble fuels, or for tanks that have limited drainage or disposal facilities.
References:
ust permanent closure requirements - Nevada;A Guide to Safety in Confined Spaces - CDC
Stacks;Fire Explosion Prevention ?Visual Encyclopedia of Chemical Engineering ...

Question 3 Single choice

What data analysis approach provides the broadest perspective of a fire problem?

  1. A

    Scenario groupings

  2. B

    Top-down approach

  3. C

    Data re-examination

  4. D

    Trend analysis

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B

Explanation

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.

Question 4 Single choice

Potassium bicarbonate is a dry chemical agent considered to be twice as effective as

  1. A

    sodium bicarbonate.

  2. B

    monoammonium phosphate.

  3. C

    sodium chloride.

  4. D

    potassium sulfide.

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

Potassium bicarbonate is a dry chemical agent that is considered to be twice as effective as sodium bicarbonate in fire suppression, especially for Class B fires involving flammable liquids and gases. This is because potassium bicarbonate has a higher melting pointand a lower decomposition temperature than sodium bicarbonate, which allows it to form a more stable and insulating layer on the burning surface.Potassium bicarbonate also has a lower pH and a higher specific gravity than sodium bicarbonate, which enhances its penetration and dispersion abilities.
References:
Dry Chemical Agents - Purple-K Powder is Purple - Chemguard;Evaluation of Dry Chemical
Fire Extinguishing Standards - NFPA;Potassium bicarbonate - Wikipedia.

Question 5 Single choice

In a large-scale test organized by the Fire Protection Research Foundation (FPRF) to study the interaction between sprinklers, roof vents, and draft curtains, what factor made the test results difficult to interpret for use in field applications?

  1. A

    External environmental forces on the test building

  2. B

    The number of vents used during the tests

  3. C

    The use of an exhaust to an abatement system

  4. D

    The controlled nature of the tests

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

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 Modeling.

Question 6 Single choice

Fire alarm systems audible appliances ratings are usually stated as a sound pressure level (SPL) at what distance?

  1. A

    1 ft (0.31 m)

  2. B

    10 ft (3.05 m)

  3. C

    15 ft (4.57 m)

  4. D

    20 ft (6.10 m)

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B

Explanation

Fire alarm systems audible appliances ratings are usually stated as a sound pressure level (SPL) at 10 ft (3.05 m) from the appliance. The SPL is measured in decibels (dB) and indicates the loudness of the sound produced by the appliance. The SPL at 10 ft (3.05 m) is used as a standard reference point for comparing different audible appliances and for designing fire alarm systems to meet the required audibility levels.

References:
NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, 2019 Edition, Section 18.4.3.11 Fire Protection Handbook, 20th Edition, Volume 1, Chapter 7, Section 7.8.2.12

Question 7 Single choice

What type of smoke management method is referred to as smoke purging, smoke removal, smoke exhaust, or smoke extraction?

  1. A

    Dilution

  2. B

    Compartmentation

  3. C

    Airflow

  4. D

    Pressurization

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

Smoke purging, smoke removal, smoke exhaust, or smoke extraction are different terms for the same type of smoke management method, which is airflow. Airflow is the method of controlling smoke by creating a flow of air that either pushes or pulls the smoke away from the desired areas. Airflow can be achieved by natural or mechanical means, such as vents, fans, or dampers. Airflow can also be used to create a smoke layer above the occupant level in large spaces, such as atriums or warehouses, by exhausting the hot smoke and supplying fresh air below the layer.
References:
Smoke Extraction System - NAFFCO Smoke Management;Post-Fire Smoke Purge Systems: When Are They Required? - NY Engineers
NFPA Fire
Protection Handbook, 21st Edition, Chapter 9, Section 9.2.1.

Question 8 Single choice

Heat transfer oils can be used up to

  1. A

    600° F (315° C).

  2. B

    650° F(343° C).

  3. C

    700° F (371° C).

  4. D

    750° F (399C).

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B

Explanation

Heat transfer oils are fluids that are used to transfer heat from one source to another in various industrial applications, such as chemical processing, oil refining, power generation, and food processing. Heat transfer oils can be classified into two types: mineral oils and synthetic oils. Mineral oils are derived from petroleum and have a lower cost and a lower flash point than synthetic oils.Synthetic oils are made from organic or silicone compounds and have a higher thermal stability and a higher flash point than mineral oils.
The maximum temperature that heat transfer oils can be used up to depends on the type and quality of the oil, as well as the design and operation of the heat transfer system.
Different oils have different boiling points, viscosity, thermal conductivity, and thermal degradation rates.Generally, synthetic oils can withstand higher temperatures than mineral oils, but they are also more expensive and may require special handling and storage According to the web search results, the maximum temperature that heat transfer oils can be used up to ranges from 300°C to 400°C (572°F to 752°F), depending on the specific product and manufacturer.For example, the product brochure from Klüber Lubrication states that their heat transfer oils have an application range of operating temperatures up to 550°F (288°C)2.The product data sheet from Sinopec states that their heat transfer oils can be used up to 540°F (282°C)3.The product information from Paratherm states that their high temperature heat transfer fluids have service temperatures of 3°C to 357°
C (37°F to 675°F)4. Therefore, based on these sources, the closest answer to the question is B. 650° F (343° C). However, it is important to note that the maximum temperature that heat transfer oils can be used up to may vary depending on the specific conditions and requirements of each application.

References:
Heat Transfer Fluids - A Comparison of Types High-temperature heat transfer fluids - Dow Heat Transfer Oils - klueber.com Heat Transfer Oil Suppliers | Heat Transfer Oils include low ... High Temperature Heat Transfer Fluids |
Paratherm

Question 9 Single choice

Which smoke detector type contains a small amount of radioactive material and functions by sensing a decrease in conductance of the air when smoke particles enter the chamber?

  1. A

    Photoelectric

  2. B

    Cloud chamber air sampling

  3. C

    Light scattering

  4. D

    lonization

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: D

Explanation

Smoke detector
Explore
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 fires.However, they may also be more prone to false alarms from cooking or steam, and they require proper disposal of the radioactive source.
References:
Smoke Detector Types: Which Type of Smoke Detector Is Best? - X-Sense How Does Your Smoke Detector Work? - ThoughtCo

Question 10 Single choice

At what temperature do cellulose nitrate products begin to decompose?

  1. A

    581?F (305?C)

  2. B

    425?F (218?
    C)

  3. C

    350?F (177?C)

  4. D

    300?F(150)

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: D

Explanation

Cellulose nitrate products begin to decompose at about 300 (150 ). 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