Firefighting quiz for April 2002

April 2002

After taking the quiz, you can post your answers or comments on Fire Talk.

1. In fluorescent lights manufactured before 1974, the capacitor, which contains a small amount of dielectric fluid, may be contaminated with what hazardous material?

Ans: PCB's

2. You are called to a home for an odor of smoke and you notice that the oil burner combustion chamber door is bolted closed. What hazard might this indicate to an alert firefighter who has read my book?

Ans: It could indicate that this oil burner has had a problem with pulsation, a condition that can cause the burner door to fly open. With the door braced shut, this burner could rupture as pressure inside builds up and is not released.

3. What hazard is associated with delayed ignition in a gas furnace or water heater?

Ans: Un-ignited gas can build up in the combustion chamber and when ignited results in a small explosion accompanied by flame projecting beyond the combustion chamber. This flame can ignite nearby combustibles.

4. What is the danger area around a burning vehicle containing a twenty pound propane cylinder?

Ans: The BLEVE of a 20 pound propane cylinder in a burning van, propelled sections of the roof as far as seventy-five feet, while blowing the rear doors off their top hinges. You tell me the safety area.

5. 5. There have been reports of microwave ovens spontaneously turning on as a result of electric storms. True or false?

Ans: True

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