OSHA general industry fire protection practice questions
20 free practice questions from 29 CFR 1910 Subpart L. Each answer is explained and linked to the rule it comes from.
OSHA Fire protection
20 questions across 8 topics. After each answer you see why it is right, with a link to the official source.
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Scope and definitions
1. Under 1910.155(b), Subpart L applies to all employments apart from which ones?
- A. Retail, warehousing and offices
- B. Workplaces with fewer than 10 employees
- C. Maritime, construction, and agriculture
- D. Government agencies and schools
Show answer
Answer: C. Maritime, construction, and agriculture
"This subpart applies to all employments except for maritime, construction, and agriculture."
2. How does 1910.155(c) define education, as used in the Subpart L training rules?
- A. The process of imparting knowledge or skill through systematic instruction, which does not require formal classroom instruction
- B. Formal classroom instruction of at least 8 hours
- C. A certificate issued by a fire academy
- D. Reading the label on an extinguisher
Show answer
Answer: A. The process of imparting knowledge or skill through systematic instruction, which does not require formal classroom instruction
Education "means the process of imparting knowledge or skill through systematic instruction. It does not require formal classroom instruction."
3. What is the fewest walls a structure with a roof or ceiling needs to meet the 1910.155(c) definition of an enclosed structure?
- A. One
- B. Three
- C. Four
- D. Two
Show answer
Answer: D. Two
Enclosed structure "means a structure with a roof or ceiling and at least two walls which may present fire hazards to employees, such as accumulations of smoke, toxic gases and heat, similar to those found in buildings."
4. Under the Subpart L definitions, what makes maintenance different from inspection?
- A. Maintenance is done only by the manufacturer
- B. Maintenance requires the checking of internal fittings, devices and agent supplies
- C. Maintenance is only a visual check that equipment is in place
- D. Maintenance is needed only after an extinguisher has been used
Show answer
Answer: B. Maintenance requires the checking of internal fittings, devices and agent supplies
Inspection is "a visual check" that equipment is in place, charged and ready, while "Maintenance differs from inspection in that maintenance requires the checking of internal fittings, devices and agent supplies."
Extinguisher general rules
5. Under 1910.157(c)(3), portable fire extinguishers using which extinguishing agents may the employer not provide or make available in the workplace?
- A. Carbon dioxide or dry chemical
- B. Carbon tetrachloride or chlorobromomethane
- C. Water or foam
- D. Halon 1211 or Halon 1301
Show answer
Answer: B. Carbon tetrachloride or chlorobromomethane
"The employer shall not provide or make available in the workplace portable fire extinguishers using carbon tetrachloride or chlorobromomethane extinguishing agents."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.157, Portable fire extinguishers (as of Nov 3, 2026)
6. Which portable fire extinguishers does 1910.157(c)(5) require the employer to remove from service?
- A. All extinguishers more than 10 years old
- B. All stored pressure extinguishers
- C. Any extinguisher fitted with a pressure gauge
- D. Soldered or riveted shell self-generating soda acid, self-generating foam, or gas cartridge water type extinguishers that are operated by inverting them
Show answer
Answer: D. Soldered or riveted shell self-generating soda acid, self-generating foam, or gas cartridge water type extinguishers that are operated by inverting them
The employer must "remove from service all soldered or riveted shell self-generating soda acid" or self-generating foam or gas cartridge water type extinguishers "which are operated by inverting the extinguisher to rupture the cartridge or to initiate an uncontrollable pressure generating chemical reaction to expel the agent."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.157, Portable fire extinguishers (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Selection and distribution
7. Under 1910.157(d)(3), an employer uses uniformly spaced hose stations connected to a sprinkler system instead of Class A portable extinguishers. Which condition is part of that option?
- A. The systems provide total coverage of the area to be protected, and employees are trained at least annually in their use
- B. The hose stations are within 200 feet of every employee
- C. Only an outside fire department may use the hose stations
- D. The hose is replaced with new hose every year
Show answer
Answer: A. The systems provide total coverage of the area to be protected, and employees are trained at least annually in their use
The employer may use such systems instead of Class A extinguishers "provided that such systems meet the respective requirements of § 1910.158 or § 1910.159, that they provide total coverage of the area to be protected, and that employees are trained at least annually in their use."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.157, Portable fire extinguishers (as of Nov 3, 2026)
8. To which extinguishers does 1910.157(a) say the selection and distribution rules in paragraph (d) do not apply?
- A. Extinguishers in office areas
- B. Extinguishers rated for Class A fires
- C. Extinguishers provided for employee use on the outside of workplace buildings or structures
- D. Extinguishers in workplaces with fewer than 25 employees
Show answer
Answer: C. Extinguishers provided for employee use on the outside of workplace buildings or structures
The scope paragraph says "Paragraph (d) of this section does not apply to extinguishers provided for employee use on the outside of workplace buildings or structures."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.157, Portable fire extinguishers (as of Nov 3, 2026)
9. Under 1910.157(d)(6), how often must combustible metal powders, flakes or shavings be generated in a combustible metal working area before the rule requires portable fire extinguishers for Class D hazards there?
- A. At least once a year
- B. At least once every six months
- C. At least once every quarter
- D. At least once every two weeks
Show answer
Answer: D. At least once every two weeks
Class D extinguishers "are required in those combustible metal working areas where combustible metal powders, flakes, shavings, or similarly sized products are generated at least once every two weeks."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.157, Portable fire extinguishers (as of Nov 3, 2026)
10. On what basis does 1910.157(d)(5) say extinguishers used for Class C hazards are distributed?
- A. The appropriate pattern for the existing Class A or Class B hazards
- B. One extinguisher per electrical panel
- C. A fixed travel distance of 25 feet
- D. The number of employees on each shift
Show answer
Answer: A. The appropriate pattern for the existing Class A or Class B hazards
"The employer shall distribute portable fire extinguishers used for Class C hazards on the basis of the appropriate pattern for the existing Class A or Class B hazards."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.157, Portable fire extinguishers (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Inspection and maintenance
11. What must the employer provide while portable fire extinguishers are removed from service for maintenance and recharging?
- A. Nothing, as long as employees are told the extinguishers are away
- B. Alternate equivalent protection
- C. A written note in the maintenance log, with nothing else
- D. Nothing, if the work takes less than one shift
Show answer
Answer: B. Alternate equivalent protection
The rule says "The employer shall assure that alternate equivalent protection is provided when portable fire extinguishers are removed from service for maintenance and recharging."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.157, Portable fire extinguishers (as of Nov 3, 2026)
12. How long must the employer retain the record of a portable extinguisher's annual maintenance date?
- A. 30 days after the check
- B. Until the next monthly inspection
- C. One year after the last entry or the life of the shell, whichever is less
- D. Only until the extinguisher is recharged
Show answer
Answer: C. One year after the last entry or the life of the shell, whichever is less
The employer must "record the annual maintenance date and retain this record for one year after the last entry or the life of the shell, whichever is less."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.157, Portable fire extinguishers (as of Nov 3, 2026)
13. Stored pressure dry chemical extinguishers that require a 12-year hydrostatic test must be emptied and maintained every 6 years. Which dry chemical extinguishers does 1910.157(e)(4) exempt from that requirement?
- A. Those having non-refillable disposable containers
- B. Those mounted outdoors
- C. Those weighing less than 10 pounds
- D. Those that pass every monthly inspection
Show answer
Answer: A. Those having non-refillable disposable containers
After setting the 6-year emptying and maintenance cycle, the rule says "Dry chemical extinguishers having non-refillable disposable containers are exempt from this requirement."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.157, Portable fire extinguishers (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Hydrostatic testing
14. What does 1910.157(f)(13) say about using air or gas pressure for hydrostatic testing of extinguishers?
- A. It is allowed for carbon dioxide extinguishers only
- B. It is allowed if the tester works behind a protective cage
- C. It is the preferred method for dry chemical extinguishers
- D. Air or gas pressure may not be used for hydrostatic testing
Show answer
Answer: D. Air or gas pressure may not be used for hydrostatic testing
The rule is direct: "Air or gas pressure may not be used for hydrostatic testing."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.157, Portable fire extinguishers (as of Nov 3, 2026)
15. At what pressure must dry chemical and dry powder hose assemblies with a shut-off nozzle be hydrostatically tested?
- A. 1,250 psi (8,620 kPa)
- B. 350 psi (2,410 kPa)
- C. 300 psi (2,070 kPa)
- D. 150 psi (1,030 kPa)
Show answer
Answer: C. 300 psi (2,070 kPa)
"The employer shall assure that dry chemical and dry powder hose assemblies with a shut-off nozzle are hydrostatically tested at 300 psi (2,070 kPa)." The 1,250 psi figure is for carbon dioxide hose assemblies.
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.157, Portable fire extinguishers (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Training and education
16. Under 1910.157(g)(3), what training must the employer give employees who have been designated to use fire fighting equipment as part of an emergency action plan?
- A. Interior structural fire fighting training
- B. Training in the use of the appropriate equipment
- C. Only the general extinguisher education given to all employees
- D. Certification as a municipal firefighter
Show answer
Answer: B. Training in the use of the appropriate equipment
The employer "shall provide employees who have been designated to use fire fighting equipment as part of an emergency action plan with training in the use of the appropriate equipment." Under (g)(4) this is given upon initial assignment to the designated group and at least annually thereafter.
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.157, Portable fire extinguishers (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Standpipe and sprinkler systems
17. For an automatic sprinkler system installed to comply with 1910.159, how often must a main drain flow test be performed on each system?
- A. Every 5 years
- B. Only when the system is first installed
- C. Every 10 years
- D. Annually
Show answer
Answer: D. Annually
"The employer shall assure that a main drain flow test is performed on each system annually." The inspector's test valve must be opened "at least every two years."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.159, Automatic sprinkler systems (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Fire detection and employee alarms
18. Under 1910.164(e)(3), for how long at most may the employer delay alarms or devices initiated by fire detector actuation, unless a longer delay is necessary for the immediate safety of employees?
- A. 30 seconds
- B. 2 minutes
- C. 5 minutes
- D. 10 minutes
Show answer
Answer: A. 30 seconds
"The employer shall not delay alarms or devices initiated by fire detector actuation for more than 30 seconds unless such delay is necessary for the immediate safety of employees." Such a delay must be addressed in an emergency action plan meeting 1910.38.
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.164, Fire detection systems (as of Nov 3, 2026)
19. How often must the reliability and adequacy of non-supervised employee alarm systems be tested?
- A. Every five years
- B. Every three years
- C. Every two months
- D. Only after the system is repaired
Show answer
Answer: C. Every two months
"The employer shall assure that a test of the reliability and adequacy of non-supervised employee alarm systems is made every two months." Supervised systems are tested "at least annually."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.165, Employee alarm systems (as of Nov 3, 2026)
20. For an employer with 10 or fewer employees in a particular workplace, what does 1910.165(b)(5) accept as a procedure for sounding the alarm?
- A. Sending an e-mail to each employee
- B. Direct voice communication, provided all employees can hear the alarm
- C. Posting a written notice after the emergency
- D. Calling the local fire department only
Show answer
Answer: B. Direct voice communication, provided all employees can hear the alarm
"For those employers with 10 or fewer employees in a particular workplace, direct voice communication is an acceptable procedure for sounding the alarm provided all employees can hear the alarm. Such workplaces need not have a back-up system."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.165, Employee alarm systems (as of Nov 3, 2026)