Question

Difficulty: MediumSequential Detail Extraction

Read the following passage about a naval damage-control desmoking protocol:

When clearing toxic smoke from an enclosed shipboard compartment following a fire, crew members must execute a strict sequence. Before setting up the portable exhaust fans, personnel must verify that the fire is completely extinguished and secure the compartment's primary ventilation dampeners. Once the dampeners are sealed, technicians position the explosion-proof intake ducting near the lowest level of the space. Finally, after establishing the exhaust airflow path to the weather deck, operators energize the fan unit.

Based on the passage, arrange the following procedural actions in the correct chronological order from first to last.

  1. 1Secure the compartment's primary ventilation dampeners.
  2. 2Position the explosion-proof intake ducting at the lowest level of the space.
  3. 3Establish the exhaust airflow path to the weather deck.
  4. 4Energize the portable fan unit.

Answer

The correct chronological sequence is: (1) Secure the compartment's primary ventilation dampeners, (2) Position the explosion-proof intake ducting at the lowest level of the space, (3) Establish the exhaust airflow path to the weather deck, and (4) Energize the portable fan unit.
The correct sequence begins with securing the primary ventilation dampeners because the passage states this must occur before setting up portable fans. Positioning the intake ducting occurs second, triggered once dampeners are sealed. Establishing the exhaust airflow path occurs third, which is the required condition prior to the terminal step of energizing the fan unit.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Locate the initial prerequisite action in the passage.
The text states that 'Before setting up the portable exhaust fans, personnel must verify that the fire is completely extinguished and secure the compartment's primary ventilation dampeners.'
The temporal preposition 'Before' identifies dampener securing as the first action required before setup begins.
2
Identify the intermediate setup action following the initial phase.
The text indicates 'Once the dampeners are sealed, technicians position the explosion-proof intake ducting near the lowest level of the space.'
The transitional phrase 'Once the dampeners are sealed' denotes the immediate second step in the sequence.
3
Analyze the sequential relationship in the concluding sentence.
The text states 'Finally, after establishing the exhaust airflow path to the weather deck, operators energize the fan unit.'
The dependent clause 'after establishing the exhaust airflow path' establishes that opening the exhaust route occurs third, immediately preceding fan activation.
4
Determine the terminal action of the procedure.
Energizing the fan unit is the final step.
The transition 'Finally' combined with the main clause 'operators energize the fan unit' marks this as the fourth and final event.

Key Concept

Sequential Detail Extraction
Estimated Time:1m 15s
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