Fire Plans Examiner (F3) Practice Exam

Research fire protection requirements for special construction, operations, and materials. When directed by the fire code official, provide expert technical testimony on fire codes and standards.

Assist in coordinating the activities of the fire code official with the building official, zoning official, registered design professional, owner/developer, contractor, and public utilities.

Prepare and maintain a record of each fire protection plans examination which is conducted, including notices and orders issued, showing the findings and disposition of each.

Verify that the occupancy type of the building is correct.

Verify that the specified type of construction of the building is correct.

Verify code compliance of the specified occupant load for individual rooms.

Verify code compliance to protect against hazards of specific occupancies and use.

Verify that special fire protection features, such as fire-resistive materials and surface treatments, and clearance of combustibles surrounding the building are specified where required.

Review the hazardous materials management plan and inventory statement for compliance with code requirements for the prevention, control, and mitigation of dangerous conditions related to storage, dispensing, use, and handling of hazardous materials.

Verify that material safety data sheets are submitted on hazardous materials, and specify the material classification hazard. Verify correct classification of hazardous materials and maximum allowable quantity.

Verify that control areas are specified where required, and are designed and constructed in accordance with the code.

Verify that occupancies with special hazards, such as hazardous production material (HPM), semiconductor fabrication, dry cleaning, and woodworking, comply with specific code requirements for these hazards. Verify that explosion control is provided where required.

Verify that storage, use, and handling of flammable and combustible liquids and gases is specified, and complies with special code requirements.

Verify the general fire protection and safety requirements for combustible storage.

Verify that water supplying fire protection systems is sufficient for designed fire flow, with control and monitoring equipment as required by code. Verify that hydrants are located and sized as required. Verify compliance of fire department inlet and hose connections.

Verify that sprinklers, standpipes, and alternate automatic fire extinguishing systems are specified where required; are designed by qualified persons to the appropriate standard; are designed for the specified class of service; are listed for the specified class of service; and are listed for their specified use. Verify compliance of construction and equipment specifications for layout, installation, operation, and monitoring.

Review that fire alarm and detection systems are specified where required, are designed by qualified persons to the appropriate standard, are designed for the specified class of service, and are listed for their specified use. Verify compliance of construction and equipment specifications for layout, installation, operation, and monitoring.

Verify compliance of size, class, and location of portable extinguishers.

Verify that mechanical and passive smoke control systems are specified where required and are designed by qualified persons to the appropriate standards.

Verify that emergency and standby power is provided for systems egress and occupant safety, and are listed for the specified use.

Verify that egress doors are provided where required, are of adequate size, swing, fire protection rating, and compliance of panic or fire exit hardware.

Verify that stairs, ramps, and balconies comply with code requirements, including rise/run of steps, width, length, guards, rails, and landings.

Verify that the egress route complies with code requirements for width, clearances, maximum travel distance, fire protection, illumination, and signage. Verify that any dead-end corridors comply with code requirements.

Verify that the building and its windows and roof are accessible for emergency access by the fire department. Verify stairway access to the roof when required by code, with street-level signage. Verify that the site plan specifies location of premise identification and, when required, fire-department key boxes.

Verify that posting of signage for hazardous materials is specified on the plans where required. Verify that protective barriers are specified where necessary for the safety of emergency personnel. Verify that building elements that may be hazardous to emergency personnel are identified.