Updated Pumper D/O CDC Final Exam
Questions with Complete Solutions
What is the primary function of a pumper operator?
✔✔The primary function of a pumper operator is to safely operate and maintain the pump to
supply water to fire hoses during firefighting operations.
How do you ensure that the pump is primed before operating it?
✔✔Priming the pump involves removing air from the pump casing, usually by using a primer, to
ensure that water flows properly.
Why is it important to check the water source before starting a pump?
✔✔Checking the water source ensures that it is reliable and has enough volume and pressure to
supply the pump effectively during operations.
What safety precautions should be taken when operating a pump?
✔✔Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE), ensure the area around the pump is clear
of obstructions, and monitor the pump for any signs of malfunction.
1
,How do you calculate the required pump pressure for a fire situation?
✔✔Pump pressure is calculated based on the required flow rate and nozzle pressure, taking into
account friction loss in the hoses.
What is the significance of the pump’s relief valve?
✔✔The relief valve prevents overpressure by diverting excess water back into the pump,
ensuring safe operation and protecting equipment.
How should you properly adjust the pump’s throttle during operations?
✔✔The throttle should be gradually adjusted to maintain a steady flow of water while keeping
the engine and pump running efficiently.
What is the purpose of the primer on a fire pump?
✔✔The primer removes air from the pump casing, allowing water to enter and creating the
necessary vacuum for pumping.
How do you monitor pump performance during an operation?
✔✔Monitoring the pressure and flow readings on the pump panel helps to ensure the system is
operating within safe and effective parameters.
2
,Why is it important to understand the capacity of the fire pump?
✔✔Understanding the pump’s capacity helps in selecting the right equipment and determining if
it can supply the required water flow for firefighting efforts.
What is the function of the intake valve on a pump?
✔✔The intake valve regulates the amount of water entering the pump, controlling the flow to
ensure the proper pressure is maintained.
How do you perform a pump test to verify its readiness?
✔✔A pump test involves checking the pump’s pressure, flow rate, and functionality under
controlled conditions to ensure it’s operational and ready for use.
What is the difference between a centrifugal pump and a positive displacement pump?
✔✔A centrifugal pump uses rotating impellers to move water, while a positive displacement
pump forces water through a fixed volume to maintain consistent pressure.
How does a pumper operator manage multiple hose lines during an operation?
3
, ✔✔A pumper operator should ensure that each hose line is supplied with sufficient pressure and
adjust as needed to maintain proper water flow.
What is the purpose of the pump panel?
✔✔The pump panel controls the flow and pressure of water, allowing the pumper operator to
manage water distribution and system performance.
What is meant by “friction loss” in a pumping system?
✔✔Friction loss refers to the reduction in water pressure due to resistance as water flows
through hoses, fittings, and nozzles.
How do you calculate friction loss in a hose line?
✔✔Friction loss is calculated using charts or formulas based on the hose diameter, length, and
flow rate of water.
Why is it essential to maintain situational awareness while operating a pump?
✔✔Situational awareness allows the operator to make adjustments quickly and respond to
changes in water flow or pressure, ensuring effective firefighting.
4
Questions with Complete Solutions
What is the primary function of a pumper operator?
✔✔The primary function of a pumper operator is to safely operate and maintain the pump to
supply water to fire hoses during firefighting operations.
How do you ensure that the pump is primed before operating it?
✔✔Priming the pump involves removing air from the pump casing, usually by using a primer, to
ensure that water flows properly.
Why is it important to check the water source before starting a pump?
✔✔Checking the water source ensures that it is reliable and has enough volume and pressure to
supply the pump effectively during operations.
What safety precautions should be taken when operating a pump?
✔✔Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE), ensure the area around the pump is clear
of obstructions, and monitor the pump for any signs of malfunction.
1
,How do you calculate the required pump pressure for a fire situation?
✔✔Pump pressure is calculated based on the required flow rate and nozzle pressure, taking into
account friction loss in the hoses.
What is the significance of the pump’s relief valve?
✔✔The relief valve prevents overpressure by diverting excess water back into the pump,
ensuring safe operation and protecting equipment.
How should you properly adjust the pump’s throttle during operations?
✔✔The throttle should be gradually adjusted to maintain a steady flow of water while keeping
the engine and pump running efficiently.
What is the purpose of the primer on a fire pump?
✔✔The primer removes air from the pump casing, allowing water to enter and creating the
necessary vacuum for pumping.
How do you monitor pump performance during an operation?
✔✔Monitoring the pressure and flow readings on the pump panel helps to ensure the system is
operating within safe and effective parameters.
2
,Why is it important to understand the capacity of the fire pump?
✔✔Understanding the pump’s capacity helps in selecting the right equipment and determining if
it can supply the required water flow for firefighting efforts.
What is the function of the intake valve on a pump?
✔✔The intake valve regulates the amount of water entering the pump, controlling the flow to
ensure the proper pressure is maintained.
How do you perform a pump test to verify its readiness?
✔✔A pump test involves checking the pump’s pressure, flow rate, and functionality under
controlled conditions to ensure it’s operational and ready for use.
What is the difference between a centrifugal pump and a positive displacement pump?
✔✔A centrifugal pump uses rotating impellers to move water, while a positive displacement
pump forces water through a fixed volume to maintain consistent pressure.
How does a pumper operator manage multiple hose lines during an operation?
3
, ✔✔A pumper operator should ensure that each hose line is supplied with sufficient pressure and
adjust as needed to maintain proper water flow.
What is the purpose of the pump panel?
✔✔The pump panel controls the flow and pressure of water, allowing the pumper operator to
manage water distribution and system performance.
What is meant by “friction loss” in a pumping system?
✔✔Friction loss refers to the reduction in water pressure due to resistance as water flows
through hoses, fittings, and nozzles.
How do you calculate friction loss in a hose line?
✔✔Friction loss is calculated using charts or formulas based on the hose diameter, length, and
flow rate of water.
Why is it essential to maintain situational awareness while operating a pump?
✔✔Situational awareness allows the operator to make adjustments quickly and respond to
changes in water flow or pressure, ensuring effective firefighting.
4
