Operations Practice Examination

FDNY A-21 Supervision of Distillery Operations Practice Examination Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary fire hazard associated with distilled spirits

production?

• Excessive heat in bottling rooms
• High-proof ethanol vapors
• Grain handling
• Water contamination

Answer: B

Rationale: Ethanol vapor forms highly flammable, easily ignitable

atmospheres.

• At what alcohol concentration do ethanol vapors become significantly

flammable? 1 / 4

A. 10% ABV

B. 20% ABV

C. 40% ABV

• 50% ABV and above

Rationale: Solutions above 50% generate sufficient vapor to form

flammable mixtures.

3. Required ventilation in distillery processing rooms must function to:

• Remove CO₂
• Remove dust
• Prevent accumulation of flammable vapors
• Maintain temperature

Rationale: Ventilation is primarily for vapor hazard control.

• What type of electrical equipment is required in hazardous vapor zones?
• Standard commercial grade
• Waterproof fixtures
• Class I, Division 1 or 2 rated equipment
• Battery-operated fixtures

Rationale: Classified hazardous locations require explosion-proof

equipment.

• Which NFPA standard covers flammable and combustible liquids?

A. NFPA 10

B. NFPA 58 2 / 4

C. NFPA 30

D. NFPA 54

Rationale: NFPA 30 sets requirements for flammable/combustible liquid

operations.

6. Distillation apparatus must be:

• Painted regularly
• Installed near exits
• Grounded and bonded
• Connected to automatic sprinklers only

Rationale: Bonding/grounding prevents static discharge ignition.

7. The flash point of ethanol is approximately:

A. 85°F

B. 55°F

C. 120°F

D. −10°F

Rationale: Ethanol flashes at about 55°F, making it easily ignitable.

8. Storage of finished spirits over 5 gallons must comply with:

• Domestic storage rules
• OSHA standards only
• FDNY flammable liquid storage requirements
• Building owner preference 3 / 4

Rationale: Spirit volumes over 5 gallons are regulated as flammable

liquids.

9. Class I flammable liquids have flash points:

• Above 200°F
• Above 140°F

C. 100–140°F

• Below 100°F

Rationale: Class I liquids like ethanol have low flash points.

• The maximum allowable quantity of Class IB liquids in a control area

without a permit typically:

• 500 gallons
• 10 gallons
• 100 gallons
• 1,000 gallons

Rationale: MAQs for Class IB are very limited without mitigation and

permits.

11. Barrel aging areas must ensure:

• Total darkness
• Odor control
• Ignition source control
• Increased humidity

Rationale: High vapor release requires strict ignition prevention.

• / 4