Fire Safety NYC Fire Code 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the FDNY notice of violation process for fire safety infractions at construction sites?
- A verbal warning only
- Written violations that may include fines, stop-work orders, or criminal referral (Correct answer)
- A phone call to the contractor
- An email notification only
Correct answer: Written violations that may include fines, stop-work orders, or criminal referral
FDNY issues formal written violations for fire code infractions, which can carry significant fines, lead to stop-work orders, or result in criminal referral for serious violations.
Question 2: What is the NYC Fire Code requirement for fire extinguisher placement at construction sites?
- One per building
- Travel distance to the nearest extinguisher must not exceed 75 feet (Correct answer)
- Only at the main entrance
- Fire extinguishers are optional at construction sites
Correct answer: Travel distance to the nearest extinguisher must not exceed 75 feet
NYC Fire Code requires that portable fire extinguishers be placed so that the travel distance to the nearest unit does not exceed 75 feet, ensuring quick access in emergencies.
Question 3: What happens if a fire guard's Certificate of Fitness expires while they are working?
- Nothing, they can continue until the job is done
- The guard is no longer legally authorized to perform fire watch duties and must be replaced (Correct answer)
- They get an automatic 30-day extension
- The contractor can write them a temporary permit
Correct answer: The guard is no longer legally authorized to perform fire watch duties and must be replaced
An expired Certificate of Fitness means the guard is no longer legally qualified. They must be immediately replaced with a properly certified guard to maintain compliance.
Question 4: What is required when multiple temporary heating devices are used at the same construction site?
- Only one fire guard for all devices
- Sufficient fire guards to maintain patrol coverage of all areas where devices are operating (Correct answer)
- No additional requirements
- A separate FDNY permit for each device
Correct answer: Sufficient fire guards to maintain patrol coverage of all areas where devices are operating
When multiple heating devices are spread across a site, enough fire guards must be assigned to ensure all areas can be patrolled at the required 15-minute intervals.
Question 5: What is the FDNY requirement for fire guard training?
- No training is required
- Guards must pass the FDNY Certificate of Fitness exam demonstrating knowledge of fire safety and fire watch procedures (Correct answer)
- On-the-job training only
- A college degree in fire science
Correct answer: Guards must pass the FDNY Certificate of Fitness exam demonstrating knowledge of fire safety and fire watch procedures
Fire guards must demonstrate competency by passing the FDNY-administered Certificate of Fitness exam, which covers fire prevention, detection, emergency procedures, and fire watch duties.
Question 6: What is the FDNY's authority regarding immediate hazards at construction sites?
- They can only issue warnings
- They can order immediate cessation of operations and evacuation if an imminent fire hazard exists (Correct answer)
- They must get a court order first
- They have no authority at construction sites
Correct answer: They can order immediate cessation of operations and evacuation if an imminent fire hazard exists
FDNY has the authority to order immediate stop-work and evacuation when they identify conditions that create an imminent danger of fire, without needing prior court approval.
