ARFF Chapter 4

Question 1

What determines the level of acceptable risk for ARFF operations?

Answer 1

A risk/benefit matrix included in SOPs/SOGs.

Question 2

What standard provides health and safety guidance for firefighters?

Answer 2

NFPA® 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program.

Question 3

What is the ‘two-in/two-out’ rule requirement for IDLH environments?

Answer 3

At least four fully equipped firefighters must be on scene before two can enter; one standby may be the driver/operator or IC.

Question 4

What should ARFF personnel do before entering a confined space?

Answer 4

Wear full PPE with SCBA and have an air monitor.

Question 5

What device alerts rescuers when a firefighter becomes motionless?

Answer 5

PASS device (Personal Alert Safety System).

Question 6

What defines the hot zone at an ARFF incident?

Answer 6

The area where ARFF tasks occur and an IDLH environment exists.

Question 7

What are symptoms of PTSD that ARFF supervisors should watch for?

Answer 7

Substance abuse, trouble sleeping, irritability, lack of concentration, disconnection.

Question 8

How far must ARFF personnel stay from a jet engine intake?

Answer 8

At least 30 feet (10 meters).

Question 9

What is the blast danger area at takeoff thrust for a jumbo jet?

Answer 9

1,600 feet (488 meters).

Question 10

What should firefighters never do when approaching helicopters?

Answer 10

Approach from the rear due to the tail rotor hazard.

Question 11

What is the fragmentation zone distance for aircraft wheel assemblies?

Answer 11

A minimum of 289 feet (85 meters) at a 45-degree angle from the wheel sides.

Question 12

How are undeclared dangerous goods identified?

Answer 12

Improper packaging, missing documentation, or normal cargo labels.

Question 13

What is hydrazine and why is it dangerous?

Answer 13

A toxic, hypergolic fuel used in EPUs that can spontaneously ignite and cause systemic effects.

Question 14

What standard governs use of SCBA?

Answer 14

OSHA 1910.134 and NFPA® 1500.

Question 15

What is the purpose of Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)?

Answer 15

It provides information to respond safely to hazardous materials and must be carried on all ARFF vehicles.

Question 16

What must ARFF drivers balance during response to emergencies?

Answer 16

Speed with caution based on situation, location, weather, and vehicle/driver capability.

Question 17

Who must be familiar with and understand SOPs/SOGs in the fire department?

Answer 17

Each member of the department.

Question 18

What is the minimum noise level required for a PASS device?

Answer 18

95 dB at 9.9 feet (3 meters).

Question 19

Why is station/work uniform material important for ARFF personnel?

Answer 19

It must be flame-resistant and meet NFPA® 1975 standards.

Question 20

What can happen if structural turnout gear absorbs fuel?

Answer 20

Wicking can occur, transferring fuel like a lamp wick, increasing risk of ignition.

Question 21

What is the purpose of proximity firefighting protective clothing?

Answer 21

To protect firefighters from conductive, convective, and radiant heat.

Question 22

What protection does aluminized proximity gear provide?

Answer 22

Reflects ~90% of radiant heat, protects against ambient temps up to 200°F and radiant heat up to 2,000°F.

Question 23

When should decontamination be performed at aircraft accident sites?

Answer 23

Always, due to presence of hazardous materials and biohazards.

Question 24

What standard governs training for SCBA use?

Answer 24

NFPA® 1404, Standard for Fire Service Respiratory Protection Training.

Question 25

What composite materials used in aircraft can resemble asbestos?

Answer 25

Carbon/graphite fibers.

Question 26

What defines a confined space?

Answer 26

An enclosed area not intended for continuous occupation, with limited openings, poor ventilation, and toxic/oxygen-deficient potential.

Question 27

What is flashback in fire situations?

Answer 27

Reignition of fuel when foam blanket breaks down or is disturbed.

Question 28

How far should personnel stay from aircraft propellers?

Answer 28

At least 15 feet (4.5 meters).

Question 29

What are hazards of undeployed airbags in aircraft crashes?

Answer 29

May deploy accidentally during rescue, injuring responders or passengers.

Question 30

What must be established on scene to track firefighters?

Answer 30

A standardized personnel accountability system.

Question 31

What are three zones in an ARFF incident?

Answer 31

Hot (restricted), Warm (limited access), and Cold (support) zones.

Question 32

What are signs of a possible terrorist CBRNE/WMD incident?

Answer 32

Unusual aerosols, unexplained odors, mass casualties without trauma, and panic in high-profile areas.

Question 33

What standard requires RIT at categorized airports 6–10?

Answer 33

NFPA® 403.

Question 34

What class of dangerous goods includes flammable liquids?

Answer 34

Class 3.

Question 35

What documentation indicates hazardous cargo?

Answer 35

Shipping papers with red striped border or marked 'Cargo Aircraft Only'.

Question 36

What is the function of a ballistic recovery system (BRS)?

Answer 36

Deploys a parachute to slow descent of an aircraft in emergencies.

Question 37

What precautions are needed around jet engine exhaust?

Answer 37

Establish safety zone; exhaust may ignite spilled fuel for up to 20 minutes post-shutdown.

Question 38

What are symptoms of exposure to nerve agents?

Answer 38

Pinpoint pupils, chest tightness, runny nose, coughing, seizures.

Question 39

What causes spontaneous ignition in hypergolic fuels?

Answer 39

Contact with oxidizers or organic material like cotton.

Question 40

What angle should responders avoid when approaching military aircraft?

Answer 40

Directly in front or behind weapon ports; stay at ~45-degree angle.

Question 41

What types of propellant actuating devices are used in ejection systems?

Answer 41

Canopy removers, initiators, rotary actuators, thrusters, explosive squibs, seat catapults.

Question 42

Why is water preferred over foam for cooling gravity bombs?

Answer 42

Foam insulates the weapon, restricting heat dissipation.

Question 43

What defines heat stress?

Answer 43

Combination of environmental and physical work factors imposing heat load on the body.

Question 44

What hazard does composite material smoke create?

Answer 44

Respiratory hazard and potential radio signal interference.

Question 45

How should tools be carried near helicopters?

Answer 45

Horizontally, below the waist, and never upright or over the shoulder.

Question 46

What determines the level of acceptable risk for ARFF operations?

Answer 46

A risk/benefit matrix included in SOPs/SOGs.

Question 47

What standard provides health and safety guidance for firefighters?

Answer 47

NFPA® 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program.

Question 48

What is the 'two-in/two-out' rule requirement for IDLH environments?

Answer 48

At least four fully equipped firefighters must be on scene before two can enter; one standby may be the driver/operator or IC.

Question 49

What should ARFF personnel do before entering a confined space?

Answer 49

Wear full PPE with SCBA and have an air monitor.

Question 50

What device alerts rescuers when a firefighter becomes motionless?

Answer 50

PASS device (Personal Alert Safety System).

Question 51

What defines the hot zone at an ARFF incident?

Answer 51

The area where ARFF tasks occur and an IDLH environment exists.

Question 52

What are symptoms of PTSD that ARFF supervisors should watch for?

Answer 52

Substance abuse, trouble sleeping, irritability, lack of concentration, disconnection.

Question 53

How far must ARFF personnel stay from a jet engine intake?

Answer 53

At least 30 feet (10 meters).

Question 54

What is the blast danger area at takeoff thrust for a jumbo jet?

Answer 54

1,600 feet (488 meters).

Question 55

What should firefighters never do when approaching helicopters?

Answer 55

Approach from the rear due to the tail rotor hazard.

Question 56

What is the fragmentation zone distance for aircraft wheel assemblies?

Answer 56

A minimum of 289 feet (85 meters) at a 45-degree angle from the wheel sides.

Question 57

How are undeclared dangerous goods identified?

Answer 57

Improper packaging, missing documentation, or normal cargo labels.

Question 58

What is hydrazine and why is it dangerous?

Answer 58

A toxic, hypergolic fuel used in EPUs that can spontaneously ignite and cause systemic effects.

Question 59

What standard governs use of SCBA?

Answer 59

OSHA 1910.134 and NFPA® 1500.

Question 60

What is the purpose of Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)?

Answer 60

It provides information to respond safely to hazardous materials and must be carried on all ARFF vehicles.