CFPS Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) Questions and Answers

The correct answer is D. The greatest number of civilian home fire deaths can be attributed to the common room, living room, or family room area of origin in the home. According to a report by the NFPA, based on data from the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) and NFPA’s fire experience survey, 31 percent of the civilian home fire deaths in 2017-2021 occurred in fires that started in the common room, living room, or family room. This was followed by 29 percent of the deaths in fires that started in the bedroom or sleeping area, and 12 percent of the deaths in fires that started in the kitchen or cooking area. The common room, living room, or family room area of origin is also the leading area of origin for home fires and civilian home fire injuries, accounting for 24 percent and 21 percent of those incidents, respectively. Some of the common causes of fires in the common room, living room, or family room include smoking materials, heating equipment, electrical equipment, candles, and fireplaces. To prevent fires and fire deaths in the common room, living room, or family room, the NFPA recommends the following safety tips:

• Keep smoking materials away from anything that can burn. Use deep, sturdy ashtrays and wet cigarette butts before discarding them.
• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn. Turn them off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Have a qualified electrician inspect and repair any faulty wiring or outlets. Avoid overloading circuits or extension cords. Unplug appliances when not in use.
• Keep candles in sturdy holders and away from children, pets, and anything that can burn. Blow them out when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Have your chimney and fireplace cleaned and inspected annually by a professional. Use a metal or glass screen to keep sparks from flying out. Dispose ofashes in a metal container with a lid, and keep it outside at least 10 feet away from your home.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside each bedroom, and outside each sleeping area. Test them monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year. Consider installing a home fire sprinkler system for added protection.

Standpipe

Explore

175 psi (1207 kPa).

For standpipe systems containing 11/2 - 21/2 in. (40 - 65 mm) hose connection outlets without preconnected hose, a pressure regulating device is required when the pressure exceeds 175 psi (1207 kPa), according to NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, 2019 edition. This requirement applies to Class I and Class III standpipe systems, which are intended for use by fire department personnel or trained occupants. A pressure regulating device is a device that automatically reduces and controls the pressure of the water flowing through the hose connection outlet to a predetermined value.This device helps to prevent excessive pressure that could damage the hose, nozzle, or fittings, or cause difficulty in handling the hose stream123

References:

• NFPA 14: Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems1
• Standpipe System Design and Calculations | NFPA | NFPA2
• ENGINE COMPANY STANDPIPE OPERATIONS:PRESSURE-REGULATING DEVICES3

Fire extinguisher

Explore

smothering.

The primary mechanism by which carbon dioxide extinguishes fire is smothering, or displacing the oxygen that the fire needs to sustain combustion. Carbon dioxide is a gas that is heavier than air, so when it is released from the extinguisher, it forms a blanket over the fire and pushes away the oxygen.Without oxygen, the fire cannot continue to burn and is extinguished1234

Cooling is a secondary mechanism by which carbon dioxide extinguishes fire. Carbon dioxide is stored as a liquid under high pressure in the extinguisher, and when it is released, it expands rapidly and cools down. The cold gas absorbs heat from the fire and lowers the temperature of the fuel below its ignition point.However, cooling is not the main effect of carbon dioxide, as it is less effective than water in reducing the heat of the fire1234

Saponification and chemical inhibition are not mechanisms by which carbon dioxide extinguishes fire. Saponification is a process by which wet chemical agents react with fats and oils to form a soapy foam that seals the surface of the fire and prevents re-ignition. Chemical inhibition is a process by which dry chemical agents interfere with the chemical chain reaction of the fire and stop the production of free radicals that propagate the combustion.These mechanisms are used by other types of fire extinguishers, such as Class K and Class D extinguishers, respectively1234

References:

• Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers - University of South Carolina4
• How Does A Co2 Fire Extinguisher Work2
• Why is Carbon Dioxide Used to Extinguish Oil Fires3
• What is a Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher?- Safeopedia1

The ratio of the weight of a solid or a liquid substance to the weight of an equal volume of water is referred to asspecific gravity. Specific gravity is a dimensionless quantity that is defined as the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of the water at a specified temperature.The density of water at 4 0C is commonly used as a reference point1. Specific gravity can be calculated using the following formula:

SG=fracrhosubstance​rhoH2​O​

where rhosubstance​ is the density of the substance and rhoH2​O​ is the density of water. Specific gravity can be used to compare the relative densities of different substances and to determinewhether a substance will sink or float in water.A substance with a specific gravity less than 1 will float in water, while a substance with a specific gravity greater than 1 will sink in water2.

For example, the specific gravity of gold is 19.3, which means that gold is 19.3 times denser than water. Therefore, gold will sink in water. The specific gravity of ice is 0.92, which means that ice is 0.92 times denser than water. Therefore, ice will float in water.

References:

• Specific gravity | Formula, Units, & Equation | Britannica
• Specific Gravity - Definition, Calculation, Solved Examples, FAQs - BYJU’S

An as built plan review is a type of plan review that may provide information about a modification such as the removal of an abandoned underground flammable liquid tank. An as built plan review is conducted after the construction or alteration of a building orsystem is completed and before the final approval or acceptance by the AHJ. An as built plan review verifies that the building or system conforms to the approved plans and specifications and complies with the applicable codes and standards. An as built plan review may also identify any changes or deviations from the original plans that occurred during the construction or alteration process, such as the removal of an underground tank.References:

• NFPA 1: Fire Code, 2018 Edition, Section 1.12.8.1.11
• Fire Protection Handbook, 20th Edition, Volume 1, Chapter 5, Section 5.2.3.42

According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), the most common type of fabric used on upholstered furniture is cellulosic. Cellulosic fabrics are made from natural fibers derived from plants, such as cotton, linen, rayon, and hemp. Cellulosic fabrics account for about 51% of the total fabric weight used on upholstered furniture in the United States1. Cellulosic fabrics are popular because they are soft, comfortable, breathable, and versatile. However, they are also highly flammable and can contribute to the spread of fire if ignited2. Therefore, the CPSC has established a flammability standard for upholstered furniture that requires cellulosic fabrics to pass a smolder resistance test3. References:

• Upholstered Furniture Business Education | CPSC.gov
• Fire Fighting Foams - Chemguard
• Standard for the Flammability of Residential Upholstered Furniture

The minimum width of a doorway in a means of egress to accommodate a person in a wheelchair is 32 inches (813 mm).This is based on the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the International Building Code (IBC), which both specify that doors in a path of egress and doors on an accessible route must have a clear opening width of at least 32 inches (813 mm)12. This width allows enough space for a person in a wheelchair to maneuver through the doorway without difficulty. A wider doorway may be preferable for some types of wheelchairs or other assistive devices, but 32 inches (813 mm) is the minimum standard for accessibility and safety.References:DECODED: Calculating the Egress Width of Door Openings - I Dig Hardware;Digital Codes.

The duration of required fire flow in public supply systems depends on the type of occupancy, construction, and exposure of the building, as well as the availability and reliability of the water supply. According to NFPA 1, Fire Code, Table 18.4.5.1.2, the minimum duration of fire flow for most occupancies ranges from 1 to 4 hours, with some exceptions for high-rise buildings, health care facilities, and special hazards. The fire flow duration is intended to provide enough water for fire suppression and exposure protection until the fire is under control or extinguished.References: NFPA 1, Fire Code, 2023 Edition, Section 18.4.5.1.2 and Table 18.4.5.1.2; NFPA Fire Protection Handbook, 21st Edition, Chapter 9, Section 9.2.2.

According to the web search results, the goals of the first edition of NFPA 13D were to provide sufficient time for safe egress or rescue, economic viability, and limit damage to the dwelling. The first edition of NFPA 13D was published in 1975 and was based on the concept of a “life safety” sprinkler system that was intended to protect the occupants of one- and two-family dwellings and manufactured homes from fire.The first edition of NFPA 13D stated that the system was not designed to protect the property or contents from fire damage, but rather to provide a tenable environment for escape or rescue1.The first edition of NFPA 13D also recognized the need for economic viability of the system, and therefore allowed for reduced water supply and piping requirements compared to other sprinkler standards2.The first edition of NFPA 13D did not explicitly state the goal of limiting damage to the dwelling, but it implied that the system would have some beneficial effect on the fire spread and severity by stating that the system was designed to prevent flashover in the room of fire origin1.References:

• NFPA 13D: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes, 1975 Edition, Section 1-11
• Fire Protection Handbook, 20th Edition, Volume 1, Chapter 8, Section 8.2.1.22

According to the web search results, titanium is the pure metal in its solid form in oxygen that has the highest ignition temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.The spontaneous-ignition temperature of titanium in the solid phase (below melting) is about 3020°F (1660°C)1.Aluminum, potassium, and zirconium have lower ignition temperatures in the solid phase, ranging from 1292°F (700°C) to 1652°F (900°C)23.References:

• IGNITION OF METALS IN HIGH PRESSURE OXYGEN2
• Combustion of Metals in Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres3
• High-temperature oxidation and ignition of metals1

The maximum allowable number of clients for a family day-care home varies by state and territory, but generally ranges from four to six children unrelated to the operator. A family day-care home is a facility in which a small group of children receive child care services in the provider’s own home, such as a house, apartment, or condo unit1. To ensure a safe care environment, states and territories use child care licensing regulations to limit the number of children, as well as the number of infants and toddlers, that can receive care in a family day-care home1. Some states and territories may also offer certification or registration to help ensure some basic health and safety standards in certain home-based child care programs1. To learn more about how your state or territory regulates family day-care homes, you can visit the child care consumer education website and child care resource and referral agency for your state or territory1. References:

• Family Child Care Homes | Childcare.gov

The correct answer is B. In wide-open spaces, the sound pressure level (SPL) decreases by 6 decibels (dB) every time the distance from the source is doubled. This is known as the inverse square law of sound propagation, which states that the intensity of sound is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source.For example, if the SPL at 1 meter from the source is 100 dB, then the SPL at 2 meters from the source is 94 dB, and the SPL at 4 meters from the source is 88 dB123

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

The coefficient of discharge of a fire hydrant when the outlet is smooth and well-rounded is 0.90. This is the highest coefficient given by NFPA 291 for fire hydrant outlets, and it means that the stream is almost as large as the outlet diameter. The coefficient of discharge is a factor that accounts for the difference between the actual flow and the theoretical flow from an orifice, based on the shape and condition of the outlet1. A lower coefficient means that the stream is more restricted and has a smaller cross-sectional area than the outlet. NFPA 291 provides three coefficients for fire hydrant outlets, depending on how the outlet projects into the barrel: 0.90 for smooth and well-rounded outlets, 0.80 for outlets with a hexagonal or square projection, and 0.70 for outlets with a long projection or adamaged edge2. The coefficient of discharge is used to calculate the flow rate from the pitot pressure measured at the centerline of the stream3. References:

• Fire Fighting Foams - Chemguard
• Guide to Hydrant Flow Testing | WSRB
• New Fire Hydrant Flow Test Charts (PDF) - MeyerFire

The types of overspray collectors associated with spray booths can be categorized into venturi scrubbers, waterfall scrubbers, dry filter, and cartridge filter. Venturi scrubbers use a high-velocity water spray to capture the overspray particles in a turbulent zone. Waterfall scrubbers use a curtain of water flowing over a perforated plate to wash down the overspray. Dry filter collectors use a series of filters, such as paper, fiberglass, or synthetic media, to trap the overspray. Cartridge filter collectors use pleated cartridges with high surface area and efficiency to capture the overspray. These collectors also have a self-cleaning mechanism that uses compressed air to dislodge the overspray from the cartridges.

References:Spray Booth Filters: Types and Selection;Spray Booths and Paint Finishing Operations;Spray Booth Filters: Types and Selection;Spray Booth Filters: Types and Selection;Spray Booth Filters: Types and Selection

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

Aqueous film-forming agents (AFFF) are synthetic foam concentrates that can be proportioned into final concentrations of 1%, 3%, and 6%, depending on the type of fuel and application method12. AFFF forms a thin aqueous film on the surface of the flammable liquid, which prevents vapor release and provides rapid fire knockdown and extinguishment3. AFFF is suitable for Class B fires involving hydrocarbon fuels such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene, etc. References:

• Fire Fighting Foams - Chemguard
• Extinguishing foam: types, operation and application areas
• [NFPA 11: Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion Foam]

A proprietary fire alarm system is a type of fire alarm system that transmits signals that are permanently recorded at a constantly attended supervising station located either at the protected premises or at another location of the property owner. A proprietary fire alarm system is owned and operated by the property owner or the owner’s agent. A proprietary fire alarm system is intended to provide fire alarm service to a single property or a campus of related properties.References:

• NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, 2019 Edition, Section 3.3.105.11
• Fire Protection Handbook, 20th Edition, Volume 1, Chapter 7, Section 7.2.1.12

NFPA 484: Standard for Combustible Metals, 2020 Edition, provides requirements for the storage and handling of aluminum powders, flakes, and pastes. This standard covers the production, processing, finishing, handling, recycling, storage, and use of all metals and alloys that are in a form capable of combustion or explosion. It also covers operations where metal or metal alloys are subjected to processing or finishing operations that produce combustible powder or dust.NFPA 484 includes specific chapters for various metals and alloys, including aluminum and aluminum alloys12

References:

• NFPA 484: Standard for Combustible Metals
• NFPA 651: Standard for the Machining and Finishing of Aluminum and the …

The maximum discharge time permitted for halocarbon clean agent systems is10 seconds. This is the requirement of NFPA 2001, which is the standard for clean agent fire extinguishing systems.NFPA 2001 states that the discharge time for halocarbon agents shall not exceed 10 seconds, unless otherwise permitted by the authority having jurisdiction1. Halocarbon agents are synthetic compounds that contain carbon, fluorine, and sometimes other elements, such as hydrogen, chlorine, or bromine.Examples of halocarbon agents include HFC-227ea, HFC-125, and FK-5-1-122. Halocarbon agents work by absorbing heat and interrupting the chemical chain reaction of the fire.They are electrically nonconductive and leave no residue upon evaporation3.Halocarbon agents are suitable for protecting Class A, B, and C fires involving electrical equipment, flammable liquids, and ordinary combustibles4. The discharge time is the time required to release the agent from the storage containers to the protected enclosure.A short discharge time is important to achieve the design concentration of the agent before the fire grows or spreads5.References:

• NFPA 2001: Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems
• Clean Agent System Basics | NFPA
• Fire Fighting Foams - Chemguard
• Clean Agent Fire Suppression Systems | Fike
• Category | Rotarex Firetec

Large quantities of flammable or combustible liquids (all classes) are best transferred through piping by pumps. This method minimizes the risk of spills, leaks, fires, and explosions that may occur when transferring liquids by other means, such as air pressure, inert gas pressure, or gravity flow. Piping systems should be designed, installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with NFPA 30: Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code and other applicable standards. Piping systems should also include proper grounding and bonding, venting, and emergency shutoff devices to prevent static electricity, overpressure, and accidental release of liquids.

References: NFPA 30: Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, 2021 Edition, Chapter 271; Fire Protection Handbook, 20th Edition, Volume 1, Chapter 8, Section 8.3.12.

According to NFPA 101: Life Safety Code, 2018 Edition, the travel distance limit for a new unsprinklered educational occupancy is 175 ft. (53 m). This is the maximum distance that an occupant has to travel from any point within the building to reach an exit or exit access door. The travel distance limit for a new sprinklered educational occupancy is 250 ft. (76 m).These limits are based on the assumption that the building has at least two exits or exit access doors from each room or space12

References:

• NFPA 101: Life Safety Code, 2018 Edition, Chapter 14
• Deco DeD - I Dig Hardware

The measurement of a fluid’s resistance to flow is calledviscosity.Viscosity is the property of a fluid that describes how easily it can deform or move when subjected to a shear stress, such as the force exerted by a pipe wall or a pump1. A fluid with high viscosity, such as honey, resists flow and requires more pressure to overcome the friction between its layers.A fluid with low viscosity, such as water, flows easily and has less frictional resistance2.Viscosity affects the hydraulic properties of water for fire protection systems, such as the flow rate, pressure loss, and pump power3. Viscosity is usually expressed in units of pascal-second (Pa s) or centipoise (cP) for liquids, and is dependent on the temperature and composition of the fluid.References:

• Viscosity | Definition, Facts, Formula, Units, & Examples
• Viscosity – The Physics Hypertextbook
• Fire Pump Types | NFPA
• [12.4: Viscosity and Laminar Flow; Poiseuille’s Law]

According to NFPA 72, the maximum sound pressure level (SPL) for a fire alarm system is 110 dBA at the minimum hearing distance from the audible appliance1.However, this limit can be exceeded if the sound pressure level measured 2 000 mm above floor level is not more than 100 dBA2. Sound pressure level is a measure of the intensity of sound at a given point in space, expressed in decibels (dB). The higher the SPL, the louder the sound.For comparison, a normal conversation is about 60 dB, a jet engine is about 140 dB, and a gunshot is about 160 dB3.References:Sound Pressure Levels - NFPA;NFPA fire alarm sound level - EntirelySafe.com;Subsection 907.5 - Occupantnotification systems - Casetext;How Loud Is a Fire Alarm In Decibels (dB)? With Noise Comparison Chart;The Ontario Building Code | Audibility of Alarm Systems.