PRACTICE EXAM FIREFIGHTER
Questions & Answers
Which of the following was not suggested for personnel protection with regard to dealing
with the chemical in question?
A. Keep upwind of the chemical.
B. Wear self-contained breathing apparatus.
C. Avoid bodily contact with the chemical.
D. Any chemical that may inadvertently contact the body should be washed off with
large amounts of alcohol. - ANSWERSD. Any chemical that may inadvertently contact
the body should be washed off with large amounts of alcohol.
If a container of ethylene oxide has been subjected to fire for a prolonged period of time,
what is the recommended distance for safe evacuation? - ANSWERS5,000 feet
What dilution of ethylene oxide with water is required to effectively inhibit its
flammability? - ANSWERS24: 1
Once ethylene oxide becomes contaminated, what kind of chemical process may occur
that can generate enough heat and pressure to rupture its containment? -
ANSWERSPolymerization
13. Which of the following choices is not recognized as a symptom stemming from
ethylene oxide vapor exposure?
A. Eye irritation
B. Skin irritation or burns
C. Irritation of the respiratory system
D. Loss of muscular function - ANSWERSC. Irritation of the respiratory system
- ANSWERS
16. Firefighters often apply a hose stream to the side of a building that is in close
proximity to a fire. What is the primary reason for conducting such an operation? -
ANSWERSRadiant heat given off by the neighboring fire may adversely affect the
nearest wall. Without the coolant effect of the hose stream, enough heat may be
absorbed by an exposed surface to cause ignition and create a separate blaze.
,17. Frequently, people use an octopus wall outlet connection to maximize the number of
appliances that can be plugged into a single outlet. What would this be considered? -
ANSWERSUnsafe, because the excessive amount of current drawn through the outlet
may exceed what it is designed to handle. This may set the stage for wires to overheat
or a short circuit to occur, thus causing a fire within the partition.
18. What is the greatest danger aspect for someone using an aluminum ladder to install
or realign a rooftop antenna? - ANSWERSA potential electrical shock hazard is possible
when in the vicinity of power lines.
**Any kind of metal ladder poses an electrical hazard if it comes into contact with an
energized power line. Aluminum is a superb conductor. Choices A and B are incorrect.
Choice D refers to a problem associated with aluminum ladders. However, it is not
considered a greater danger than the prospect of electrocution.**
19. In the process of fighting a fire, your superior officer directs you to perform a
different part of the operation. If, because of the noise and commotion you do not fully
hear or comprehend what was said, what should you do? - ANSWERSAsk your
commanding officer to repeat the instruction.
**Problems that occur at the fire scene that hamper the efficiency of how a fire is
handled are normally attributed to poor communication among firefighters. If a direction
is not fully comprehended or clearly heard, it is better to have it repeated than to
undertake action on your own initiative. Effective teamwork is imperative for any kind of
operation to be conducted efficiently. The other choices run counter to this concept.**
21. If someone's clothing were to catch on fire, what would be an appropriate thing to
do? - ANSWERSIf it is a loose fitting garment, such as a jacket or coat, you should
attempt to strip it off.
Wrap a blanket or something similar around the victim to smother the flames.
Get the victim to drop to the ground and roll slowly.
22. Icy road conditions can be particularly hazardous for driving because -
ANSWERSFriction between the tires and road is minimized.
**Brakes, contrary to popular thought, are not directly responsible for stopping a vehicle.
Instead, they retard the motion of the wheels. Consequently, friction develops between
the tire and the road which is directly responsible for a vehicle coming to a complete
stop.**
23. According to the National Safety Council, each year twenty times more deaths
within the United States are caused by fires than by tornadoes, floods, earthquakes,
and hurricanes combined. What can we deduce from this statement?
A. Fires are more lethal by comparison.
, B. Tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes are taken for granted by most
people.
C. People are better able to cope with natural weather phenomena than fire.
D. Statistically there are many more fires than natural weather or geophysical disasters.
This, combined with public apathy and a lack of education about fire, is the probable
reason for the high fatality rate. - ANSWERSD. Statistically there are many more fires
than natural weather or geophysical disasters. This, combined with public apathy and a
lack of education about fire, is the probable reason for the high fatality rate.
**When the destructive capabilities of fire are compared to those of tornadoes,
hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods, it is a misconception to think that fire is the worst.
In fact, the destructive energy of the other phenomenon discussed is significantly
greater. Additionally, fire prevention and education are taken for granted by most
people, thus leading to preventable accidents and consequent fatalities.**
24. When mechanical ventilation is required to help purge heat and smoke from a
burning building, which of the following should be avoided? - ANSWERSPlacing the
exhaust fan, if possible, in the same direction that the prevailing winds are coming from.
**The vented exhaust is being directed against a prevailing wind. This is neither efficient
nor desired because the vented gases could be inadvertently recirculated into the
building. The best idea is to use wind to your advantage, not have it work against you.**
27. In your judgment, what is the best reason for fire hoses to be removed and reloaded
on an apparatus at least once every 30 days?
A. Hose tends to get brittle with little use.
B. Water trapped within a hose after use can stagnate and deteriorate the lining.
C. It reduces the possibility of bends becoming permanently set at certain points in the
hoseline.
D. It is just another menial job to keep firefighters constantly busy. - ANSWERSC. It
reduces the possibility of bends becoming permanently set at certain points in the
hoseline.
**It is a fact that hose lines left unused for long periods of time deteriorate more quickly
than hoses that are frequently used. Unloading hose at least once a month eliminates
the problem of bends becoming permanently set in the lining. Once bends happen,
hoses can become weak at the bend points and are more prone to leakage or rupture.**
26. What is the most important attribute a good driver has over someone with marginal
driving ability? - ANSWERSA good attitude.
