Irregular Operations Practice Exam

The quickest and safest way to verify a potential lavatory fire is to test the door for heat using the back of your hand. If the door feels hot, heat is likely on the other side, and opening it could expose you to flames, smoke, or a flash fire. The back of the hand is used because it is more sensitive to heat and keeps your palm away from potential contact, allowing a rapid, low-risk check.

Opening the door to inspect right away can feed the fire by letting in more oxygen and put you in direct danger. Listening for smoke or flames and looking for smoke under the door are less reliable indicators—smoke isn’t always visible or present yet, and sound can be inconclusive. Use the heat check first to decide whether it’s safe to proceed or to call for assistance.