F01 Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield F01 facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. During a fire evacuation, why should building occupants NOT use elevators? → Elevators may open on a fire floor or lose power, trapping occupants
2. NYC Fire Code requires that during torch operations in occupied buildings, the building occupants be notified. Who is responsible for this notification? → The building owner or management is responsible for occupant notification
3. Besides looking for fire, what is another key responsibility of a Fire Guard on patrol? → Identifying and reporting fire hazards and blocked egress paths
4. Class K fire extinguishers are specifically designed for which type of fire? → Cooking oils and fats in commercial kitchens
5. Under NYC Fire Code, how must evacuation routes be marked in buildings? → With posted floor plans and illuminated exit signs
6. Under what condition can a fire watch be discontinued? → When the impaired fire protection system has been fully restored to normal service
7. After repairs are completed, what is the first step before restoring a fire protection system to service? → Verify that all necessary testing has been successfully conducted.
8. An orange tag is placed on a fire protection system. What does this signify? → The system has a non-critical defect or is partially out of service
9. Which type of smoke detector detects smoke particles by measuring how they scatter a beam of light? → Photoelectric smoke detector
10. If a required fire protection system is out of service, who must be notified immediately? → The FDNY, the building owner, and the occupants in affected areas
11. How frequently must battery backup systems for fire alarm panels be tested under NYC standards? → Annually
12. During torch operations on a roof, which extinguisher class is MOST critical to have immediately accessible? → Class B:C rated, because propane fuel and potential electrical hazards exist
13. How often must an F-01 fireguard conduct patrols of the hot work area and affected floors during torch operations? → Continuously, with no gaps of more than a few minutes
14. Under NYC Fire Code, who is authorized to reset a fire alarm system after an activation? → A trained fire guard or authorized building representative after the cause is cleared
15. What is the consequence under NYC Fire Code for a building owner who fails to establish a required fire watch? → The building owner may face civil penalties, fines, and potential criminal liability
16. What action should a fire guard take immediately upon the activation of a fire alarm? → Investigate the zone indicated and notify FDNY if fire is confirmed
17. An F-01 fireguard is assigned a large floor plate to patrol. How should they structure their patrol route? → A fixed systematic route that covers every area of the floor without gaps
18. What is the purpose of the disc placed in the Fire Department Connection when a system is out of service? → To inform firefighters that the system is unreliable or out of service
19. Under NYC Fire Code, how often must fire alarm systems in most buildings be inspected by a licensed contractor? → Annually
20. A Post Indicator Valve (PIV) is most commonly found in what location? → Outside the building, controlling the water main
21. What is the final action an Impairment Coordinator must take after a system is restored and all notifications are made? → Make an entry in the logbook detailing the restoration.
22. A fire watch must be established if a required sprinkler system is expected to be out of service for more than: → 4 hours in a 24-hour period.
23. What is the primary purpose of fire guard patrols in a building with impaired fire suppression systems? → To detect fires early and alert occupants and FDNY since the automatic system cannot
24. What is the function of an annunciator panel in a fire alarm system? → To remotely display the status and zone locations of fire alarm activations
25. When a sprinkler system control valve is closed for maintenance, what immediate compensatory measure is required by FDNY? → Assign a fire guard to patrol the affected area on required intervals
26. How can you reduce the risk of a fire starting in a kitchen area of an office? → Regularly clean grease from cooking equipment
27. What is the purpose of the fire alarm system's control panel in a building? → To receive signals from detectors, activate alarms, and transmit signals to FDNY
28. What does the letter 'A' rating on a fire extinguisher indicate? → The extinguisher is effective on ordinary combustibles
29. Which areas of a building must be included in a fire watch patrol? → All areas served by or in close proximity to the impaired fire protection system
30. Which of the following must be entered in the logbook at the beginning of each Fireguard's shift? → Name, Certificate of Fitness number, and start time