FSDTIPS.

COM

Fire Safety
Director
Study Guide

Fire Safety Director Study guide to help study for the FDNY written exam.

FSD Study Guide

Table of Contents
LOCAL LAWS ............................................................................................................................................................................ 1
Building Owner Responsibilities.............................................................................................................................................. 3
Fire Safety Director Responsibilities ....................................................................................................................................... 3
Fire Safety Brigade .................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Chemistry of Fire ..................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Fire Extinguishers .................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Kitchen Range Hood, Ducts and Vents.................................................................................................................................... 8
Flame Retardant Treatment of Materials ............................................................................................................................... 9
Stair Ways ............................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Means of Egress .................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Evacuations ....................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Smoke Control Systems ........................................................................................................................................................ 10
HVAC ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Elevators................................................................................................................................................................................ 11
Emergency Power Systems (Generators) ............................................................................................................................. 12
Compartmentation ............................................................................................................................................................... 13
Signage .................................................................................................................................................................................. 13
Sprinkler System ................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Standpipe System.................................................................................................................................................................. 15
Gravity Tanks......................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Pressure Tanks ...................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Fire Pumps ............................................................................................................................................................................ 17
Siamese Connections aka fire Department connections ...................................................................................................... 17
Control Valves ....................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Water Flow Alarms................................................................................................................................................................ 18
[1]

Impairment Coordinator ....................................................................................................................................................... 18

Other Types of Fire Extinguishing Systems ........................................................................................................................... 19
Fire Command Station .......................................................................................................................................................... 19
Fire Alarm System ................................................................................................................................................................. 20
Manual Pull Stations ............................................................................................................................................................. 21
Smoke Detectors ................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Fire Drills ............................................................................................................................................................................... 22

[2]

LOCAL LAWS
Local law 5 of 1973-Created FSD (class E buildings) certain buildings needed to have a Fire safety director on duty as well
as other safety requirements
Local Law 16 of 1984-mandated Fire safety Director in class R-1 buildings
Local Law 26 of 2004-certain building at certain times has to have a fire safety director/ emergency evacuation plan
director on duty, as well as other safety requirements.
Local Law 58- Disability Law

Building Owner Responsibilities

-Designate the fire safety director / DFSD/ FSP staff (fire safety plan staff also known as fire brigade members)
-Develop and submit Fire Safety Plan to Fire Dept.
-Have available and submit all floor plans
-Have building information card at the FSC
-Have building profile at FSC
-Makes sure fire drills are conducted
-Makes sure record keeping is being maintained and is readily available
-Provides emergency signs in the lobby
-Makes sure the FSP staff aka fire brigade is trained and records kept
-Monitors cooperation of building occupants

Fire Safety Director Responsibilities

FSD are required in:
Office Buildings
A Fire Safety Director/Deputy Fire Safety Director is required to be on duty when the building is:
When the building is being occupied or can be occupied by more than 500 people on one or more floors
including street level.
When the building is being occupied or can be occupied by more than 100 people on one or more floors other
than street level.

TAKE THE FIRE SAFETY DIRECTORS PRACTICE TEST AT FSDtips.com

[3]

Hotels/Motels
A Fire Safety Director/Deputy Fire Safety Director is required to be on duty when the building:
Has more than 30 sleeping rooms with in the building
Has more than 15 sleeping rooms above the first floor
Is over 75 feet in height
Responsibilities consist of:
-Know fire safety plan for fire drills and evacuations
-Select, organize, train and supervise Fire Brigade
-Select, organize, train, and supervise floor wardens
-Conduct Fire and Evacuation drills
- Notify the owner or other persons having charge of the building when any designated individual is neglecting his
responsibilities contained in the Fire Safety Plan.
-trains building occupants fire prevention and notification
-Schedules proper inspections, maintenance, and testing of buildings equipment
-Conducts inspections of the building
-Maintains records
- In the event of a fire, shall report to the Fire Command Center to supervise, provide for and coordinate:
(a) Insure that the Fire Department has been notified of any fire or fire alarms.
(b) Manning of the fire Command Station.
(c) Direction of evacuating procedures in the Fire Safety Plan.
-Once a fire alarm activates, the FSD must:
- acknowledge the alarm(s) that are received by the Fire Command Center,
-check the fire panel to see if other devices have activated,
- contact the Floor Fire Warden(s) to investigate the cause of the alarm in a timely manner (Note: only office
buildings are required to have floor fire wardens).
- The FSD must also send the Fire Brigade to assist with the investigation and evacuation.
- The FSD must inform all the buildings occupants of the alarm (by making an all call announcement) and
notify the affected floors; the fire (alarm) floor, floor above and floor below of the alarm (if applicable).

TAKE THE FIRE SAFETY DIRECTORS PRACTICE TEST AT FSDtips.com

[4]

-The FSD must be in constant communication with the Fire Brigade and Floor Warden(s) and direct the
evacuation or relocation of the people on the fire floor and floor above (and floor below if appropriate) to at
least three floors below the effected floor(s). If the fire alarm has activated on the fourth floor or a floor below
the fourth floor, the occupants of those floors must be relocated to a designated assembly area outside of the
building.
-The FSD must ensure that the elevators have been recalled to the lobby and that the heating, ventilating, and
air conditioning (HVAC) systems have been shut off.
-The FSD must prepare for the arrival of the Fire Department, by ensuring that the lobby and/or Building
entrance is kept clear
-The FSD should also arrange for an employee to meet the Fire Department upon their arrival and escort them
to the Fire Command Center. Abuilding engineer should also be contacted and be available to assist the Fire
Department.
-Upon the Fire Departments arrival, the FSD reports the conditions on the fire floor and other affected floors
and advises the Fire Department Chief in charge in the operation of the Fire Command Center. The FSD must
report the location of the fire smoke condition, or alarm activation to the FDNY and tell them the type the
device that activated and the nature of the alarm (if known). The FDNY also be informed of the status of the
stairways, the evacuation status, elevator status, HVAC system status, and the status of any fire protection
impairments that are in the building. The FSD must also inform them of any situations in the building that might
need their attention or affect their ability to respond to the situation. Theses situation include but are not
limited to trapped occupants, a large number of additional people in the building, disabled person, injured
occupants, etcWhen informing the FDNY of the status of the stairways, the FSD is telling them which stairways,
if any, are being used for an evacuation and the FSD is also telling them which stairway(s) contain the standpipe.
When informing them of the evacuation status, the FSD is telling them the evacuation route and where the
occupants have been relocated to. When informing them of the elevator status, the FSD is telling them if the
elevators have recalled properly. When informing them of the HVAC status, the FSD is telling them if the
heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems have been shut off. If there is any impairment to the buildings
fire protection systems, the FSD must alert the FDNY to them. Such impairments include but are not limited to
situations where the sprinkler, standpipe or fire alarm systems are out of service.
-The FSD will be instructed by the Fire Department firefighting personnel to silence the alarm.
-The FSD should provide the Fire Department with a copy of the buildings fire safety plan, building floor plans,
master keys, elevator keys, and BIC card.
- A Fire Brigade member should also be available to escort the Fire Department to the location of the fire or as
close to the location as possible if dangerous conditions exist.
- A record of the incident must be maintained for the Fire Department.
-The fire alarm system should be reset before the Fire Department leaves, but only upon their instruction.
-The FSD must ensure that a record of the incident has been properly logged in the fire alarm logbook or that
there is a printed log of the incident from the Fire Command Center.

TAKE THE FIRE SAFETY DIRECTORS PRACTICE TEST AT FSDtips.com

[5]

Deputy Fire Safety Directors

Required to have COF, Functions as the FSD when FSD is absent, performs duties of FSD while on duty, Subordinate of
FSD
Fire Safety Building Evacuation Supervisor
Is a person in the building designated to act as the FSD when FSD or DFSD is not preset, only allowed in group b
buildings, and does not have COF. Is trained by the FSD

Fire Safety Brigade

Fire Safety Brigade is Designated By Fire Safety Director. Each Member should be familiar with the Fire Safety Plan, and
be trained to carry out specific duties and responsibilities during a fire drill or emergency.
They must know:
- The location and number of exits on each floor and the location of any available fire alarm system.
- In the event of a fire, the Fire Brigade shall find the location of the fire, and direct the evacuation of the floor in
accordance with directions received and the following guidelines:
(a) Report to the floor below the fire to assist in evacuation and provide information to the Fire
Command Center.
(b) After evacuation of fire floor, try to control spread of fire by closing doors, etc.
(c) Attempt to control the fire (by using a fire extinguisher) until arrival of the Fire Department, if the fire
is small and conditions do not pose a personal threat.
(d) Leave one member on the floor below the fire to direct the FD to the fire location and to inform
them of conditions.
(e) Upon arrival of the Fire Department, the Fire Brigade shall report to the Fire Command Center for
additional instructions.
(f) Fire Brigade Members must also know where the buildings manual pull stations are located. Fire
Brigade Members must know the buildings evacuation procedures and the evacuation location. The
most critical areas for immediate evacuation are the fire floor and floors immediately above (and floor
below if appropriate). Before entering the fire floor, Brigade Members must make sure it is safe to do
so. Evacuation from the other floors will be instituted when instructions from the Fire Command Center
or conditions indicates such action. Evacuation should be via uncontaminated stairs. Fire Brigade
Members shall try to avoid stairs being used by the Fire Department. If this is not possible, they will try
to attract the attention of the Fire Department personnel before such personnel open the door to the
fire floor. Evacuation or relocation to another safe area at least three (3) floors below their present
location is usually enough. Fire Brigade Members will keep the Fire Command Center informed of their
location. They must know the location of the warden phones in order to communicate with the Fire
Command Center. Fire Brigade Members will check the environment in the stair prior to entry for
evacuation. If it is affected by smoke, an alternate stairway will be used, and the Fire Command Center
must be notified. The Fire Brigade Members shall keep the Fire Command Center informed of the means
being employed for evacuation by the occupants of the floor. Fire Brigade Members will see that all
occupants are notified of the fire, and that they proceed immediately to execute the Fire Safety Plan.
The Fire Brigade Members on the fire floor will, as soon as practicable, notify the Fire Command Center
of the situation.

TAKE THE FIRE SAFETY DIRECTORS PRACTICE TEST AT FSDtips.com

[6]

Chemistry of Fire
Combustion- self-sustaining process of rapid oxidation of fuel which produces light and heat. (Ex. piece of paper
burning)

Type of heat transfers:

Conduction-Direct Contact (one object to another)
Convection-Movement of air or liquid (smoke and heat moving up)
Radiation-Heat traveling through air (radiated heat traveling to an object)

Phases of Fires:
Incipient Phase-beginning stage limited to original material of ignition
Rollover- unburned combustible gases that form during incipient stage than when mixed with oxygen and reach a
certain temp combust.
Steady State Burning- Fire burning and growing steadily everywhere
Flashover-Flames flash over and entire surface of a room or area attributed with the buildup of heat from the fire
Hot smoldering phase-flames dont exist. Whatever was on fire is now burning embers releasing dense smoke and gases
Backdraft-when oxygen is introduced to a room full of combustible gases and high temperatures from a dying fire (hot
smoldering phase) causing an explosion

Classification Of Fires:
Class A-Ordinary Objects (ex. paper, wood, fabrics)
Class B-Liquids (ex. gasoline)
Class C-Electrical
Class D-Metals (ex. Magnesium)
Class K-Kitchen Cooking Oils

Fire Extinguishers
Only attempt to extinguish a fire if it is small and poses no danger (incipient stage)
How to use: pull pin, point at base of fire release the extinguishing agent in a sweeping motion

TAKE THE FIRE SAFETY DIRECTORS PRACTICE TEST AT FSDtips.com

[7]

Types: A, B, C, D, K according to the class of Fire / ABC: Combination extinguisher for class A B C fires
Maintenance and service: Annually by someone holding a certificate of fitness to do so
Inspection: Monthly by FSD

Required:
Office Building- min of 2 per every 6000sq ft. / If building has a full sprinkler system 2 for every 12000 square
ft./Max of 75ft distance between extinguishers no exceptions
Hotel Building-min of 2 per every 6000sq ft./ Max of 75ft distance between extinguishers no exceptions
Kitchens-(class k extinguisher) required no more than 30ft from kitchen range

Placement: placed conspicuously along paths of normal travel

Extinguishers 40lbs or less top of it cannot be higher than 5ft above the floor
Extinguishers more than 40lbs-top of it cannot be higher than 3 ft. above the floor
(in both cases min of 4 inch clearance separating the bottom of the extinguisher and the floor)

Kitchen Range Hood, Ducts and Vents

Instructions: instruction of operation should be kept under glass or laminated at the main entrance or other approved
entrance to cooking area

Commercial Cooking Extinguishing System:

Inspected: Once a month by someone knowledgeable of the system
Test and Service: Semi-annual by someone holding a COF to do so
Record: tag posted on a conspicuous location on site
Maintenance of commercial cooking systems: Filter replaced at least once a month
Exhaust system inspection and cleaning: Inspected and cleaned at least once every three months by someone holding a
COF
All records concerning the commercial cooking maintenance must be kept on the premises for 3 yrs
Manual controls of the extinguishing system located no less than 10ft or more than 20ft from range hood 42-48 inches
off the floor
Types of systems: Wet Chem when controls are pulled the extinguishing agent releases and it shuts down all fuel supply
and electric

TAKE THE FIRE SAFETY DIRECTORS PRACTICE TEST AT FSDtips.com

[8]

Flame Retardant Treatment of Materials

Required for all curtains, drapes, hangings, and decorations in public assembly areas within a building to be of
flame resistant material or treated with a fire resistant chemical
Treated by a person holding a COF to do so
Must be treated before being installed on premise/After every wash/ no more than 3 yrs. after original treatment
Affidavit need to be filed with Fire Dept.

Stair Ways
Doors opening to a stairway shall not be locked from either side
Exceptions-class E buildings less than 100 ft. can be locked from the stair side on each level above street /when a locked
door has a fail-safe system installed
Stairways in Hotels-all stairway doors shall be accessible from the egress side (occupant side)

Types of Stairs:
Return Type-returns the user to a point on the floor above or below the point of origin
Scissor Type-returns the user to a point on the floor above opposite of the point of origin, if you travel 2 flights up you
will return to the point of origin 2 floors below
Access Stairs-stairs used to connect 2 floors only
Fire Towers-When you leave a floor via a doorway step onto a platform that has a fresh air source onto another
doorway that leads to the staircase to exit the building

Pressurization of Stairs:
Process of activated fans within a stair enclosure to pressurize it and prevent smoke from entering the stairway
-Air must be supplied at one or more levels
-Each fan supplies 100% outdoor air
-Smoke detectors located between the outside air intake and the supply fan
-intake closure open and fans start upon the activation of a fire alarm

TAKE THE FIRE SAFETY DIRECTORS PRACTICE TEST AT FSDtips.com

[9]

Means of Egress
A continuous and unobstructed path of vertical and horizontal egress travel from any occupied portion of a building to a
public area: A means of egress consist of three parts:
1. The exit access (entrance to exit)
2. The exit
3. Exit discharge (outside)

Any means of egress should be clear of any and all obstructions (no blocked exits)

Evacuations
During a fire emergency evacuate the fire floor, the floor above and the floor below the floor affected by the fire. They
should be evacuated to at least 3 floors below the fire (when evacuating from the 4thfloor or below direct occupants to
an outside area of the building and keep the lobby clear)

Smoke Control Systems

Post Fire Purge System-A mechanical or natural system intended to move smoke from the smoke zone to the outside,
after the fire has been put out
-Dedicated Systems dont perform any other functions, only for smoke control events (tested semi-annually)
-Non Dedicated Systems provides HVAC in the building everyday but are captured by the smoke control system in the
event of a fire (tested annually)
Tested in both normal and emergency power

HVAC
Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning
FSD must know:
-Type of system building has
-Where mechanical rooms are located
-Air supply zones of building
-How system works
During a fire HVAC smoke detectors in the duct work should shut down automatically and indicate it at the alarm panel
if it does not shut down the FSD must shut it down manually to prevent the movement of air throughout the building.
After a fire has been extinguished you can Purge and 100% fresh air is injected into the building expelling the smoke
filled air. You can only purge after the fire has been extinguished and only if the FD Incident commander tells you to.

TAKE THE FIRE SAFETY DIRECTORS PRACTICE TEST AT FSDtips.com

[10]

Refrigeration systems: Air Conditioners Units

Maintained by someone holding a COF to do so, tested monthly records kept for 3yrs

Elevators
Firefighter Service:
Phase 1-Recall phase returns all elevators to the street floor either manually or automatically, during phase 1 all
elevators return to terminal floor at all means
MANUAL RECALL
-recalled via citywide Standard Key for elevator emergency recall, key switch located at the elevator lobby within 4 ft. of
the elevator call button
-For building with a sky lobby the elevator will be brought down to their lowest floor landing
AUTOMATIC RECALL
-Activation of elevator lobby smoke detector
-Water flow from a sprinkler system
(will not be recalled by activation of pull station)

Phase 2-Operational phase actual operation of the elevator car by use of the controls inside of the car. Elevator car
must be keyed by city wide standard key for elevators inside the car (key switch reads FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT USE
ONLY)
The operational controls functions during phase 2
-Door Close Button: The elevator car doors only close in response to the door close button
-Door Open Button: Must be held for car doors to open on floor .Doors must be open completely before letting go of
button or door will close
-Call Cancel Button: This button is only used during firefighters service. You can cancel (reset) what floors are lit up on
the board to change your selection. When reset and car is in motion elevator stops at the next landing the doors remain
closed and waits until you input your new destination
-Emergency stop button does not work during both phase 1 and phase 2
Citywide Standard Key for elevator emergency recall -2642 & (Fire Department 1620 Key)

TAKE THE FIRE SAFETY DIRECTORS PRACTICE TEST AT FSDtips.com

[11]

Emergency Signs-all signage for elevator must be provided at elevator lobbies on all floors adjacent to the call button
and includes:
-Elevator bank destination (letter)
-Floor Diagrams (showing route of egress)
-Shall read In a Fire or Emergency, Do not Use Elevators, Use Stairs or In Case Of Fire Use Stairs Unless
Otherwise Instructed
Phase 1 and Phase 2 is tested monthly and record of testing must be kept on premise for 3 yrs. when testing Phase 2
emergency in service operation you must operate elevator to at least one floor

Elevators During A Fire:

Elevators are not to be used during a fire to implement a Fire Safety & Evacuation Plan without a fire safety director on
duty and only to be used if the use of elevators is made necessary by fire, heat, or smoke conditions in the stairwells.
The FSD determines that the elevators can be safely used under these provisions:
-Elevator operates in a shaft that does not stop at the fire floor or have any openings on the fire floor
-Elevators that do stop at and have openings on the fire floor will not be used
-Elevator provided with 2 way voice communication to the fire command center must be used
-Elevator is to be manually operated

Locks On Elevators: In high rise buildings no lock or device of any kind can be installed on any elevator or elevator
hoistway door with the exception of elevators used exclusively for freight or FDNY Access and only if they are accessible
by use of 1620 or 2642 key
Smoke detectors located outside each elevator bank and landing on each floor, smoke detectors also located in shaft

Emergency Power Systems (Generators)

Testing and Inspections: Tested Monthly under a load (30 minutes) by someone knowledgeable and trained to
conduct such maintenance (can be FSD) Full Load test every 4 yrs. (4 hrs. Load)
Records of testing and inspections should be kept on premise for 3 yrs.
General requirements for the generator
Provides power:
- To fire pumps and booster pumps
-To alarm and communication systems
-To Emergency lights and Exit signs

TAKE THE FIRE SAFETY DIRECTORS PRACTICE TEST AT FSDtips.com

[12]

-To Stair pressurization and smoke control

-To at least 3 elevators at one time
Capacity: Fuel supply should be enough to supply power for at least 6 Hours

Compartmentation
Comparmentation is dividing large areas into smaller areas by fire rated walls.
Needed In:
- Class E buildings that do not have sprinkler protection
-Buildings 100ft or more in height
-HVAC supplies more than one floor
-40 feet above street level
Fully sprinklered buildings may have unlimited size of floor space
Non spinklered areas above 40 feet must be subdivided
Maximum of 7500sq ft subdivisions by a fire rated 1hr partition, Can exceed to 10000sq ft with a fire rated 2 hr partition
Floor area can increase to 15000 sq ft with full detector protection with fire rated 2hr partitions

Signage
Signs posted in lobbies: Fire emergency report sign in every lobby or entrance hall to every commercial or public
building indication the method of transmitting a fire alarm (ex. To Report a Fire by telephone dial 911 )
Signs at elevator landings:
Required on all floors adjacent to every elevator call button and includes:
-Elevator bank designation signs (letter)
-Floor diagram (showing route of egress)
-Reads In Fire Or Emergency ,Do Not Use Stairs or In The Case Of a Fire Use Stairs Unless
Instructed

Otherwise

Also known as the you are here sign

Floor Numbering Signs: Posted on the staircase side of door on every floor indicating the number of the floor
Stair Identification Signs: Posted on both sides of the stairway door identifying each staircase by a Letter

TAKE THE FIRE SAFETY DIRECTORS PRACTICE TEST AT FSDtips.com

[13]

Stair Re-entry Signs: Signs posted on stair door on each floor indicating whether re-entry is permitted in the building
and what floor re-entry is permitted
Signs In Hotel Guest Rooms: On the back of every guestroom door contains a evacuation diagram depicting 2
evacuation routes and procedure to be followed in the case of a fire alarm

EXIT SIGNS
Exits and Exit access doors must have a illuminated Exit sign visible from any direction of egress travel
The Exit Signs Must:
-Be lighted either externally or internally at all times
-Must Contain red lettering and a contrasting background
-Provided with at least 90 minutes of back-up power with batteries, or through the generator
Photo luminescent Markings (glow in the dark):Exit path markings Required in Class E buildings 75 ft or higher in height

Sprinkler System
Automatically distributes water to a fire, consists of pipes located at or near the ceiling of each story of a building.
Releases water by a sprinkler head that has a cap or disk held in place by a heat sensitive releasing element
Shut off valve on every floor
Automatically sends alarm to Fire Panel when water is discharged
Types of sprinkler systems:
Automatic Wet-Filled with water discharges in response to rise in temperature
Automatic Dry- Contains air or nitrogen in the pipes. For areas that do not have heat like parking garages and loading
docks. Water does not enter system until sprinkler heads fuse releasing the air of nitrogen in the system allowing the
water to flow. Used so water doesnt freeze in pipes.
Non Automatic or Manual system- Has no water in the pipes and heads and only source of water comes from fire
department Siamese or some other water source that has to be manually operated.
Water Supply for sprinkler systems: Automatic sources of water for sprinkler systems include Gravity tank, Pressure
tank, Automatic Fire Pump, or direct connection to a public water system
FSD Must Know:
-Location of shut off valves
-Location of Siamese (FD) connections
-Areas protected by the sprinklers

TAKE THE FIRE SAFETY DIRECTORS PRACTICE TEST AT FSDtips.com

[14]

-To make sure the sprinkler heads are unpainted and unobstructed
-Have extra sprinkler Heads (at least 6) at the main control valve with a wrench
-Where it gets its water supply

Sprinkler Heads
Opens due to heat releasing element ( a metal that has a fixed melting point ). Can withstand at least 500psi
Sprinkler heads placed in corrosive environments are covered with a protective coat of wax or lead
Covers area of 16ft and overlaps with next sprinkler head providing maximum coverage
Temperature Rating:
-Uncolored: 135-170 degrees Fahrenheit
-White: 175-245 degrees Fahrenheit
-Blue: 230-300 degrees Fahrenheit

Standpipe System
Carries water vertically to upper floors of Hi-Rise buildings or horizontally for firefighting purposes
System has outlets on each floor. Standpipe system is colored red
Required in buildings 6 stories or 75ft in height
Types Of Standpipe Systems:
-Automatic Dry: filled with pressurized air and admits water into system automatically when a hose valve opens
-Automatic Wet: Has water supply already and can provide water automatically
-Manual Dry: Does not have a permanent water supply attached to the system. Water is pumped into the
system with and outside source through the FD connections (Siamese)
-Manual Wet: Connected to a water supply for the purpose of having water n the system but still needs water to
be pump from outside source through FD connections
Roof Manifold-Three outlets located on the roof or on top of the standpipe system used for roof fires and testing
STANDPIPES AND SPRINKLER SYSTEMS ARE MANTAINED BY SOMEONE HOLDING A COF AND ARE RETAINED FOR 3YRS
Hydrostatic test every 5 yrs.
FDNY published a table to make it easier to comply to all the maintenance and to keep on schedule These tables are
provided for you in the Written exam but you should learn to read them. Tables should have been provided in the
book you got taking the FSD course.

TAKE THE FIRE SAFETY DIRECTORS PRACTICE TEST AT FSDtips.com

[15]

When a part of the Fire Protection system goes out of order you must following the guidelines of the Impairment
Coordinator (see impairment coordinator section)

Gravity Tanks
Located at the top of a building or tower. The water inside the gravity tank is distributed to the sprinkler
system because of the pull of gravity
Gravity tanks are use as the primary or secondary water supply source for standpipe systems. Delivers the water supply
without the use of pumping equipment
Needs to be at least 25 feet above the highest standpipe hose outlet it supplies
Automatic fill pumps supply water to most gravity tanks.2 floats control the amount of water inside the tank.
All tanks have a overflow pipe that drains off excess water in the tank.
Exposed to low temperatures and must be fully insulated or heated in the inside. Several methods to heat the tank and
pipes that supply the water:
-Steam being discharged directly into the tank
-Hot water circulated by gravity
-Steam coils placed inside of the tanks
-Heated provided by the Sun
Temperatures during winter months should be checked daily
Maintained by someone holding a COF records kept for 3 yrs

Pressure Tanks
Are closed water tanks of limited size in which air pressure in the tank permits the forceful discharge of water from the
tank to a sprinkler system.
Used as a primary or secondary water supply for sprinkler systems
Kept at 2 thirds full of water and 1 third of pressurized air / kept at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit
Capacity of 9000 gallons
Maintained and tested semiannually by someone holding a COF Records kept for 3 yrs

TAKE THE FIRE SAFETY DIRECTORS PRACTICE TEST AT FSDtips.com

[16]

Fire Pumps
Designed to draw water from a supply source (usually the domestic water system) then pump it into the fire protection
system (sprinkler or standpipe system) under pressure.
Types of fire pumps:
-Manual: can be used as a secondary supply source
-Automatic: installed where a high water demand may occur. Can be used as a primary source of water for a fire
protection system (aka booster or jockey pumps)
Maintained by someone hold COF Tested weekly for at least 10 minutes with no water flow. Water flow tested annually.
Visual inspection conducted weekly. Records kept for 3 yrs.

Siamese Connections aka fire Department connections

Auxiliary sources of water are supplied through Fire Department connections. Are a standard for all buildings
Located on the outside exterior of a building
Color coded:
Green: Supplies a automatic sprinkler system
Silver: Supplies a non-automatic sprinkler system
Red: Supplies a Supplies a standpipe system
Yellow: Supplies a combination of both a sprinkler and standpipe system

Control Valves
Device used to control the flow of water. FSD must have basic understanding of the locations and purpose of the various
valves throughout the fire protection system
All control valves must be locked, sealed, or electronically supervised in the open position
Types of Valves
Main Control Valve: where water enters system usually the city main .Its a OS&Y type valve that opens or shuts of
water to an entire system
Section Valve: Shuts of water to a floor or to a section of the system
Lower Check Valve: Prevents backflow into the city main from the system
Upper Check Valve: Prevents backflow into the gravity tank from the system
Ball drip Valve: Keeps piping dry in the area of the Siamese to prevent from freezing. Also shows when the lower check
valve is defective

TAKE THE FIRE SAFETY DIRECTORS PRACTICE TEST AT FSDtips.com

[17]

Drain Valve: Used to drain the system

Test Valve: Test that the whole system is properly supplied with water

OS&Y valve (outside screw and yolk valve) When the stem is visible it is in the open position
when the stem is not it is in the closed position

Water Flow Alarms

Alarm indicates flow of water in the system, Fire, or a broken pipe, and serves as a fire alarm
Water flow detectors as known as tamper switch is designed to signal when there is flow of water in sprinkler system

Impairment Coordinator
The person responsible for ensuring that proper precautions are being taken when a fire protection system is out of
service
What is considered a fire protection system:
-Fire Command Station and its components, Standpipe, Sprinkler systems
If a system is to be put out of order you must:
-Place a service tag near the fire command station
-Inspect the building & record all information
-Before taking the system out of service you must contact the central station company, Fire department
borough dispatcher, building owner, Insurance carrier and occupants of the affected area
-Must give Borough dispatcher brief description and extent of the out of service condition and if its a hotel you
must report that. You must tell them the area affected by the out of order service and the estimated time the
system is to be out of service, and given contact info in the case that they need to contact you.
-Ensure that a fire watch is conducted with someone holding a COF (fireguard) at all times (24hrs ) while the
system is offline if a fire guard is not present you must evacuate the entire building
When putting a system back online:
-Must ensure the proper inspections and test are conducted by someone holding a COF to do so, and Remove
service tags

TAKE THE FIRE SAFETY DIRECTORS PRACTICE TEST AT FSDtips.com

[18]

-Record all information in logbooks

-Notify Central Station Company, Fire department borough dispatcher, Building owner, insurance carrier, and
the occupants in the affected area
Records are kept for 3 Yrs.

Other Types of Fire Extinguishing Systems

Halon 1301-Used in IT rooms museums, libraries, surgical suites, and other location where water would damage
electronics or vital goods. No longer installed in new building but older building might still have them.
Carbon Dioxide-Gases flood the area lowering oxygen levels and extinguishing the fire. Total flooding of areas that can
be occupied are not allowed. No longer in use and total flooding system must have signs inside and out, warning anyone
in the area of the system
Other systems are : Foam, Water Mist, Clean Agent, Dry and Wet Chem

Fire Command Station

Where the status of detection, alarm communications, and control systems are displayed and where the system can be
manually controlled.
FSD must report to FCS during a fire or alarm where they resume command of the FCS and implement the Fire Safety
and Evacuation Plan.
Usually located in lobby near elevator control panel contains all master keys to building especially in hotels Building
information card, 6 citywide elevator keys, floor diagrams, Building profile, Fire safety Plan
Communication equipment to speakers throughout the building, and warden phones throughout the building.
Can manually transmit an alarm with Central Station Trip button located on FCS Tested monthly
Features Of Fire Command station:
-Emergency voice /alarm communications systems
-Fire Dept. Communications system
-Alarm system and Fire detection system
-Purge systems
-Elevator locations and status
-Sprinkler and water flow detection
-Fire Pump status
-Emergency Power systems

TAKE THE FIRE SAFETY DIRECTORS PRACTICE TEST AT FSDtips.com

[19]

-A telephone for FD use

-Public address system throughout building
Communication systems
One way- public address system
Two way- Warden phones communication (tested every 6 months)
Lamp test: conducted daily
The following are conducted annually: Alarms, Strobe Signals, Warden Phones on each floor, Pull stations on each
floor, Public address system, Doors that have fail safe release

Fire Alarm System

When alarm is activation it will sound at a minimum: On the fire floor, floor above, and floor below it, at the Fire
Command Station, in the machinery rooms, and the regular location of FSD. Some building sound throughout whole
building
Fire alarm systems must be tied to Central Station Company that monitors the system and receives signals.
Used to gather information it can tell you what the alarm is and its location (smoke detectors , sprinkler flow, duct
detectors, manual pull stations
Inspected and tested by someone holding a COF record kept for 3 yrs.
Different Signals:
-Alarm signal: By pull station, smoke detectors, water flow detection, fused sprinkler heads. Send alarm tones
and strobe throughout building send signal automatically to Central station who in turns contacts the FDNY.
Starts certain building function like elevator recall or stair pressurization
-Supervisory signal: Indicates a device or system is in an abnormal state and needs to be investigated and
corrected. Warning tone sounds in panel, and location of FSD. Signal is sent to central station company but not
FDNY
-Trouble signal: Fault in circuit or component (Ex. short circuits, battery conditions, ac failure) in house signal
warning tone sound at FCS and FSD location. Central station is not notified
Acknowledge Button: used to acknowledge the alarm, trouble, or supervisory condition and silence the panel. When a
FSD get FCS upon the activation of alarm or signal he must acknowledge the signal with this button
System Reset Button: Used to reset the fire alarm system after the alarm condition has been cleared. All devices should
return back to normal. Only reset alarm if instructed to do so by the FDNY personnel.
Backed up by emergency power supply in the case of power failure

TAKE THE FIRE SAFETY DIRECTORS PRACTICE TEST AT FSDtips.com

[20]

Alarm Log Book

COF hold Alarm log in safe location on premise for 3 yrs. Log must be hard cover and bound. Log Book must be readily
available at all times for FD. Must be labeled ALARM LOG BOOK and all entries must be made in ink and dated

Manual Pull Stations

Initiates alarm manually by hand located by exits along path. There must be at least one pull station per floor in
buildings. Colored red with white letters
Types of pull stations:
-Single action pull station: One step to activate alarm (Ex. Below pulling on a lever)

-Double action pull station: requires 2 steps to activate alarm (ex. Below lift then pull)

When activated it must be reset at the pull station before resetting the entire system at the FCS
Pull stations with white stripe diagonally from top left to bottom right send signal to central station when pull. Solid
red ones do not and it is an in house alarm.

Smoke Detectors
Maintained by certified company Cleaned every 6 months tested for smoke entry every year and sensitivity every year.
Smoke detector maintenance log kept for 3 yrs
Smoke Detectors can be found in Plenums, and raceways. Mounts 4 to 12 inches from ceiling at least 3 feet away from
air supply

TAKE THE FIRE SAFETY DIRECTORS PRACTICE TEST AT FSDtips.com

[21]

Types Of Detectors:
Ionization smoke detector: uses small amount of radioactive materials to detect smoke
Addressable smoke detector: sends signal to panel of location and its ID
Photoelectric smoke detectors: Uses a light source and photosensitive sensors to detect
Analog smoke detectors: sends signal with information (when it needs to be cleaned or recalibrated)

Fire Drills
In Class E buildings fire drills will be conducted every 3 months if the building is new and then every 6 months after 2 yrs.
of it being open. All occupants in building participate in these drills
In Class J or R-1 fire drills are conducted every 3 months on every shift, Guest are not aware of the drill happening.
Drills are recorded and kept on property for 3 yrs.

For Information On Hot Work Programs and Fumigations Refer to FDNY on-site Study Guide that
can be found at FSDtips.com
-

TAKE THE FIRE SAFETY DIRECTORS PRACTICE TEST AT FSDtips.com

[22]