CFPS Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) Questions and Answers

The phenomenon of convergence cluster formation in human fire behavior was identified in 1979 in a university dormitory fire. This phenomenon refers to the tendency of people to gather in groups near familiar exits or locations during a fire, rather than seeking alternative escape routes1. This can result in congestion, delay, and increased risk of injury or death2. The university dormitory fire occurred at the Providence College in Rhode Island, where 10 students died and 40 were injured. The fire started in a trash chute and spread to the upper floors. Many students tried to escape through the main stairwell, which became blocked by smoke and flames. Some students jumped from the windows, while others remained trapped in their rooms. The fire revealed the lack of fire safety education, fire drills, and fire protection systems in the dormitory3. References:

• Human Behavior in Fire Emergencies
• Human Behavior in Fire: Understanding Human Behavior for Better Fire Safety Design
• Providence College Dormitory Fire

Process safety is the type of process hazard analysis program that addresses the prevention of flammable and hazardous materials released from containment. Process safety is a discipline that focuses on the prevention and control of incidents that have the potentialto cause catastrophic consequences involving fire, explosion, or toxic release. Process safety involves the application of engineering and management principles, criteria, and techniques to identify, understand, and control process hazards. Process safety covers many aspects of a process, such as design, operation, maintenance, inspection, testing, and emergency response.

References: Process hazard analysis - Wikipedia1; What does the OSHA standard, - Occupational Safety and Health Administration2; Fire Protection Handbook, 20th Edition, Volume 1, Chapter 8, Section 8.3.13.

The background color used from the source to the outlets of a nitrous oxide medical gas system is blue. This is the standard color coding for nitrous oxide cylinders and pipelines in medical gas pipeline systems12. The color coding helps to identify the gas type and prevent accidental misconnections or cross-contamination3. The color coding also indicates the pressure and flow characteristics of the gas system4. References:

• Colour coding of copper pipes in Medical gas pipeline system according …
• Doc 177 20 Medical Gas Cylinders Colour Coding - EIGA
• Medical Gas Coding Color Chart & Explanation - Bay Corporation
• Medical gases Health Technical Memorandum 02-01: Medical gas pipeline …

In the plastics industry, the four broad areas of processing arepolymerization,conversion,finishing, andrecycling1.Polymerization is the process of creating plastic resins from monomers or pre-polymers, using chemical reactions such as addition, condensation, or ring-opening2.Conversion is the process of transforming plastic resins into plastic products, using various methods such as injection molding, blow molding, extrusion, rotational molding, and thermoforming3.Finishing is the process of adding value to plastic products, such as coating, printing, welding, or assembling4.Recycling is the process of recovering plastic waste and converting it into new plastic products or raw materials, using mechanical, chemical, or biological methods5. Therefore,manufacturingis not one of the four broad areas of processing in the plastics industry, as it is a general term that encompasses all the stages of producing plastic products from raw materials.References:

• Plastics Manufacturing: Types of Plastic and Processes - Deskera
• Plastics industry - Wikipedia
• Methods of Processing Plastic - Plastics Industry
• Plastic recycling - Wikipedia
• Polymerization - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

Fire pump

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Typical fire pump drivers reach maximum brake horsepower (BHP) between 140% and 170% of rated capacity, depending on the type and size of the pump. This means that the driver must be able to provide enough power to operate the pump at its peak efficiency point, which is usually beyond the rated capacity. The rated capacity is the flow rate at which the pump is designed to deliver a certain pressure, as specified by NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection. The maximum BHP is the highest power output required by the pump at any point on its performancecurve. The driver must be sized to match the maximum BHP of the pump, with some allowance for service factor and safety margin.References:Understanding the Basics of Fire Pumps | Pumps & Systems;How are Engines and Motors Sized for Fire Pumps?; NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection, 2023 Edition, Chapter 4, Section 4.7.

The Fire Safety Concept Tree is a tool for systematically evaluating the fire safety performance of a building or occupancy. It consists of three main branches: fire prevention, fire protection, and fire safety management. Fire prevention aims to eliminate or reduce the occurrence of fire. Fire protection aims to control or limit the fire development and spread, and to protect the exposed occupants and property. Fire safety management aims to ensure the effective operation and maintenance of the fire safety systems and the appropriate human behavior in case of fire. Emergency response is one of the subcategories of fire protection, which includes the actions of the fire department, the building staff, and the occupants to respond to the fire emergency.References:

According to the web search results, NFPA 70, National Electrical Code (NEC), is the NFPA standard that governs wiring of a fire alarm system. NFPA 70 covers the general requirements for the design, installation, and inspection of electrical wiring and equipment, including fire alarm circuits and devices. NFPA 70 does not cover the performance of a fire alarm system, which is addressed by NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. NFPA 72 covers the application, installation, location, performance, inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm systems and their components. NFPA 73, NFPA 75, and NFPA 76 are other NFPA standards that are related to fire alarm systems, but they do not specifically govern wiring. NFPA 73 covers the electrical inspection of existing dwellings. NFPA 75 covers the protection of information technology equipment. NFPA 76 covers the fire protection of telecommunications facilities.References:

• NFPA 72 FAQs1
• National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code® - NFPA2
• TECHNICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT BULLETIN - NEMA3

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 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

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.

Spontaneous combustion is the exception to the requirement of a combustible material, an oxidizing agent, and an ignition source for combustion to take place. Spontaneous combustion is a phenomenon in which a material can ignite without any external heat or flame, due to a chemical reaction within the material that generates enough heat to reach the ignition temperature. Spontaneous combustion can occur in certain materials that are prone to self-heating, such as oily rags, hay, coal, and compost. Spontaneous combustion is a type of smoldering combustion, which is a slow, low-temperature, flameless form of combustion.References:

• Fire Protection Handbook, 20th Edition, Volume 1, Chapter 2, Section 2.2.1.11
• NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations, 2021 Edition, Section 4.3.12

Critical radiant flux is used to classifyinterior floor finishes. Critical radiant flux is a measure of the minimum radiant heat energy required to sustain flame propagation on a floor material or covering. It is determined by exposing a specimen to a radiant heat gradient and observing the distance from the ignition point to the flame-out point.The shorter the distance, the higher the critical radiant flux and the better the fire performance of the floor material or covering1.Critical radiant flux is used to classify floor materials and coverings according to their fire hazard and resistance, and to specify the minimum requirements for different occupancies and applications2.For example, the International Building Code (IBC) requires that interior floor finishes and coverings in exit access corridors and exit enclosures have a critical radiant flux of not less than 0.45 W/cm2, while those in other spaces have a critical radiant flux of not less than 0.22 W/cm23.Critical radiant flux is also used to evaluate the fire safety of floor materials and coverings in transportation vehicles, such as aircraft, trains, and buses4.

The correct answer is A. Type I construction consists of structural members of approved noncombustible or limited combustible materials with specified fire resistance ratings for exterior bearing walls of 3 or 4 hours. This is the highest level of fire resistance among the five types of construction defined by NFPA 220: Standard for Types of Building Construction.Type I construction is typically used for high-rise buildings made of concrete and protected steel12

0.62

The discharge coefficient of a solid stream nozzle for a standard orifice with sharp edges is a dimensionless number that indicates the ratio of the actual flow rate to the theoretical flow rate of the nozzle. The discharge coefficient depends on the geometry and the flow conditions of the nozzle. According to the web search results, the typical discharge coefficient of a solid stream nozzle for a standard orifice with sharp edges is about 0.62, which means that the actual flow rate is about 62% of the theoretical flow rate.This value is based on the experiments conducted by the National Bureau of Standards (now NIST) and reported in the paper “Discharge Coefficients of Fire Nozzles”1.The paper also provides a formula to calculate the discharge coefficient for different nozzle diameters and pressures123

OSHA regulation 1910.110 addresses storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). This regulation covers the general requirements for the design, construction, installation, operation, inspection, and maintenance of LPG systems, including containers, piping, valves, fittings, regulators, burners, and appliances. The regulation also specifies the safety precautions and procedures for the prevention of fire and explosion hazards involving LPG. The regulation applies to all employers who store, handle, or use LPG in their workplaces.References:

• OSHA: 1910.110 - Storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gases1
• Nebula Safety: Storage & Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases (LPGs)2

Panic hardware devices are designed to facilitate the release of the latching device on a door with a pressure not exceeding 15 pounds (6.8 kg.) is applied in the direction of exit travel. This is the maximum force allowed by the codes and standards that regulate the use and installation of panic hardware, such as NFPA 101, NFPA 80, and ANSI/BHMA A156.3. The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that the doors can be easily opened by anyone in an emergency situation, without prior knowledge or special effort.References:Codes to Know for Panic Hardware - Facilitiesnet;Panic and emergency escape hardware | ASSA ABLOY | ASSA ABLOY; NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, 2023 Edition, Chapter 7, Section 7.2.1.7.2; NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives, 2023 Edition, Chapter 6, Section 6.1.3.5.1; ANSI/BHMA A156.3, Standard for Exit Devices, 2014 Edition, Section 4.1.1.

Acetylene

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The ignition temperature of acetylene gas is 581° F (305° C). This is the minimum temperature required to ignite a gas or vapor in air without a spark or flame being present. The ignition temperature of acetylene gas varies according to composition, initial pressure, initial temperature, and water vapor content.As a typical example, an air mixture containing 30 percent acetylene by volume at atmospheric pressure can be ignited at about 581 °F (305°C)1.

References:Fuels and Chemicals - Autoignition Temperatures - The Engineering ToolBox;Ignition Temperatures and Group Classifications for Flammable Gases and Vapors;Is Acetylene Flammable? - Firefighter Insider;Ignition temperature acetylene - Big Chemical Encyclopedia;Acetylene Gas- its Characteristics and Safety Requirements

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

Zebra mussel

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The correct answer is B. Zebra mussel pipe obstructions are largely concentrated around the Great Lakes and Mississippi River areas. Zebra mussels are an invasive species that originated from Eurasia and were introduced to North America in the late 1980s through the ballast water of ships. They have since spread to many freshwater lakes and rivers, especially in the Midwest and Northeast regions of the United States and Canada. Zebra mussels can attach themselves to hard surfaces, such as pipes, pumps, valves, and filters, and form dense colonies that reduce or block the water flow. This can cause serious problems for industries, utilities, and municipalities that rely on water intake or delivery systems.Zebra mussels can also damage aquatic ecosystems, infrastructure, and recreation by competing with native species, altering water quality, and fouling boats and equipment12345

A Class I standpipe system provides 2 1/2 in. (65 mm) hose connections at designated locations in a building for use by the fire department. A Class I standpipe system is intended to supply water for fire fighting operations by trained personnel using hoses of 1 1/2 in. (40 mm), 1 3/4 in. (45 mm), or 2 in. (50 mm) nominal diameters. A Class I standpipe system is required to deliver a minimum flow rate of 250 gpm (946 L/min) at a minimum residual pressure of 100 psi (6.9 bar) at the most remote hose connection.References:

• NFPA 14: Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, 2019 Edition, Section 3.3.4.11
• Fire Protection Handbook, 20th Edition, Volume 1, Chapter 8, Section 8.2.1.12

Fire pump

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A suction in-line fire pump has a pressure range that can exceed 300 psi (2,068 kPa). This type of pump is a centrifugal pump that is installed in a vertical position with the suction and discharge connections in the same line. The pump is designed to handle high pressures and flows, and it is suitable for high-rise buildings and other applications that require high head.According to NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection, a suction in-line fire pump can have a rated pressure of up to 360 psi (2,482 kPa)1.The other types of fire pumps mentioned in the question have lower pressure ranges, as shown in the table below2:

Type of fire pump

Pressure range (psi)

Pressure range (kPa)

Horizontal-end suction

40 to 150

276 to 1,034

Split case

40 to 150

276 to 1,034

Vertical turbine

40 to 150

276 to 1,034

Suction in-line

40 to 360

276 to 2,482

References:NFPA 20: Fire pump design | Consulting - Specifying Engineer;Understanding the Basics of Fire Pumps | Pumps & Systems

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.

25%

Explosions or fires from flammable gas or oil fuel vapor-air mixtures may be prevented by ventilation and controls that keep the flammable vapor content below 25% of the lower flammable limit (LFL) of the vapor-air mixture, according to the web search results. The LFL is the lowest concentration of a gas or vapor in air that can produce a flash of fire in the presence of an ignition source. Below the LFL, the mixture is too lean to burn. The LFL varies for different gases and vapors, and it is usually expressed as a percentage by volume of air at 25°C and atmospheric pressure. For example, the LFL of methane is 4.4%, which means that a mixture of methane and air with less than 4.4% methane cannot ignite. To prevent explosions or fires, the concentration of flammable gases or vapors should be kept below 25% of their LFL, which is equivalent to 1.1% methane in this case. Ventilation, natural or mechanical, is one of the methods to achieve this by diluting the flammable gases or vapors with fresh air.Controls, such as gas detectors, alarms, valves, and interlocks, are another method to monitor and regulate the flammable gas or vapor levels and prevent them from reaching dangerous concentrations1234

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.