Norman Hall's Firefighter Exam Preparation Book

Norman Hall

• Publisher: Norman Hall
• Year: 2004
• ISBN:
  9781440519161
• Topic: Study Aids
• Subtopic: Study Guides

Guaranteed Top Scores on Your Firefighter's Exam! Want to be a firefighter? Do you know what is involved in taking the exam? Don't take a chance at failing a test you could ace--learn from the expert, Norman Hall. For more than a decade, Norman Hall's Firefighter Exam Preparation Book has been the #1 test preparation book for prospective firefighters. Back by popular demand, Norman Hall has completely updated and revised this hugely successful book for this second edition, presenting new tips and time-tested methods for attaining the highest scores. Practice your skills using features such as tips on how to pass the physical requirements, practice exams with answer keys, memory aids to help you master the recall test, tables for self-scoring, insights on what a career in firefighting entails, and a discussion of the final interview. Use Norman Hall's Firefighter Exam Preparation Book, 2nd Edition to study hard and score at the top!

Practice Exam 1

The time allotted for the entire examination is 2 hours.

DIRECTIONS: Each question has four choices for answers, lettered A, B, C, and D. Choose the best answer and then, on the answer sheet provided, find the corresponding question number and darken with a soft pencil the circle corresponding to the answer you have selected.

ANSWERS TO PRACTICE EXAM 1

Refer back to the reading for any clarification on Questions 1-15.

1. C	6. D	11. B
2. B	7. D	12. C
3. A	8. C	13. D
4. D	9. A	14. C
5. B	10. B	15. D

16. A. Hose streams are applied to any surface in close proximity to a fire to reduce the risk of radiant heat igniting that surface and causing a separate blaze.

17. C. If too much current is drawn through an outlet, the wiring to that outlet may overheat, causing the insulation to burn. If sufficient heat is given off by the wiring, a fire inside the wall may result. A short circuit in electrical wiring can also result in a fire. The Underwriters Laboratory seal of approval on any product indicates the item is safe if used for the purpose it was designed for and if the design limitations are not exceeded. However, it cannot be automatically assumed that if a product does not have UL approval that product must be unsafe. Choices B and D are false on their own merit.

18. C. Any kind of metal ladder poses an electrical hazard if it comes into contact with an energized power line. Aluminum is a superb conductor. Choices A and B are incorrect. Choice D refers to a problem associated with aluminum ladders. However, it is not considered a greater danger than the prospect of electrocution.

19. B. Problems that occur at the fire scene that hamper the efficiency of how a fire is handled are normally attributed to poor communication among firefighters. If a direction is not fully comprehended or clearly heard, it is better to have it repeated than to undertake action on your own initiative. Effective teamwork is imperative for any kind of operation to be conducted efficiently. The other choices run counter to this concept.

20. D. The knot demonstrated in the illustration is called a sheepshank. Its principle function is to take up slack and tighten a line. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect.

21. D. All of the choices given are appropriate means of handling clothing fires. Depending on the circumstances present, any one of these measures will effectively extinguish a clothing fire and prevent the victim from being burned further. Two inappropriate things that people often do when clothing catches fire are to beat at the flames or to run in panic. Either way, the flames are further fanned, making the situation worse.

22. C. Brakes, contrary to popular thought, are not directly responsible for stopping a vehicle. Instead, they retard the motion of the wheels. Consequently, friction develops between the tire and the road which is directly responsible for a vehicle coming to a complete stop. If ice is present, friction is reduced, which effectively impairs stopping. Glazing is a term used to describe what happens to brake linings when subjected to too much heat. Brake linings become glass-like and braking capacity is minimized. Choice D is wrong because wheels do not lock up on such surfaces unless brakes are applied too hard for the road conditions. When driving on ice, it is recommended that brakes be pumped intermittently to maintain traction.

23. D. Choice A may seem to be the correct response. However, when the destructive capabilities of fire are compared to those of tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods, it is a misconception to think that fire is the worst. In fact, the destructive energy of the other phenomenon discussed is significantly greater. Additionally, fire prevention and education are taken for granted by most people, thus leading to preventable accidents and consequent fatalities.

24. B. Choices A, C, and D are procedures to follow when attempting to ventilate heat and smoke from a structure. The way choice B is worded, the vented exhaust is being directed against a prevailing wind. This is neither efficient nor desired because the vented gases could be inadvertently recirculated into the building. The best idea is to use wind to your advantage, not have it work against you.

25. A. Breaching a wall in the fashion shown in illustration A allows a wall’s strength to be maintained. Choices B, C, and D will actually undermine a wall’s integrity. The wall might no longer be able to bear the load it was designed to bear, thus leading to collapse and possibly injuring those working in the vicinity.

26. A. Regardless of a person’s ability, if he or she does not possess a good attitude toward driving, the situation is ripe for an accident to occur. All too often, poor attitudes foster contempt and complete disregard for the rights of others. The expectation of having the right-of-way all the time can lead to a serious accident. A good attitude is an essential precursor to good driving.

27. C. It is a fact that hose lines left unused for long periods of time deteriorate more quickly than hoses that are frequently used. Unloading hose at least once a month eliminates the problem of bends becoming permanently set in the lining. Once bends happen, hoses can become weak at the bend points and are more prone to leakage or rupture. Choice A is correct if a hose length is unused for long periods of time, however, 30-day periods are too short for this effect to occur. Choices B and D are false as well.

28. D. Choices A and C are procedures that prevent a hose from becoming chafed. Among the most common causes for hoses to become damaged is allowing vehicles to cross a charged line. If it is absolutely necessary to run fire equipment ove...