F-89 Emergency Action Plan (EAPD) / Fire Safety Director (FSD) Practice Exam

What simplified safety protocol should be enacted when there is a known external airborne hazard?

1. Use the rooftop as an exit strategy

2. Shut down outside air intakes

3. Evacuate only vulnerable individuals

4. Open windows for ventilation

The correct answer is: Shut down outside air intakes

When there is a known external airborne hazard, shutting down outside air intakes is the most effective action to mitigate exposure. This protocol helps to prevent contaminated outdoor air from entering the building’s HVAC system, thereby protecting the occupants from additional harm. By isolating the indoor environment from the external threat, the risk of inhaling harmful particles or gases is significantly reduced. The other options, while potentially viable in other contexts, do not provide the same level of safety. For instance, using the rooftop as an exit strategy may not be practical or safe, depending on the building's structure and the nature of the hazard. Evacuating only vulnerable individuals could lead to confusion and may put others at risk if they remain in a hazardous environment. Opening windows for ventilation would be counterproductive, as it allows the external airborne hazard to infiltrate the building, contrary to the goal of keeping the indoor environment safe. Thus, shutting down outside air intakes is the most appropriate and cutting-edge approach to ensure safety in the face of external airborne risks.