CHST - Construction Health and Safety Technician Emergency and Fire Preparedness Questions and Answers Flashcards

What is the recommended minimum clear width of an egress path on an active construction site to accommodate emergency evacuation?

Answer: 36 inches

A minimum 28-inch clear width is specified in many codes, but OSHA and NFPA guidance for construction sites typically recommend at least 36 inches for safe egress.

Which chemical agent is prohibited for use in fighting fires involving reactive metals such as magnesium or titanium found on some construction sites?

Answer: Water

Water reacts violently with burning reactive metals, potentially causing explosions or spreading the fire; only Class D agents are appropriate.

When multiple contractors share a construction site, who bears the primary responsibility for coordinating the site-wide Emergency Action Plan?

Answer: The general contractor or controlling employer

The general contractor, as the controlling employer, is responsible for coordinating a unified EAP across all subcontractors on a multi-employer site.

A propane torch used for roofing ignites a structural member. This fire is BEST classified as which type?

Answer: Class A and Class B combined

If both the structural wood (Class A) and propane fuel (Class B) are burning, the fire involves two classes simultaneously.

What is the purpose of a 'Knox Box' installed at the entrance to a major construction project?

Answer: To provide fire departments keyed access without forced entry

A Knox Box is a secure key storage system that allows fire departments to access buildings or sites quickly without damaging doors or gates.

Under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.151, temporary heating equipment on a construction site must be positioned at a minimum distance from combustible materials of:

Answer: As specified by the manufacturer's instructions

OSHA 1926.151 requires temporary heating equipment to be used per the manufacturer's instructions, which specify the minimum clearance from combustibles.

During a confined space rescue emergency on a construction site, a non-entry rescue method is preferred primarily because:

Answer: It prevents additional casualties by keeping rescuers out of the hazardous atmosphere

Non-entry rescue (using retrieval systems) protects would-be rescuers from the same atmospheric or physical hazards that may have incapacitated the victim.