Emergency and Fire Preparedness Flashcards

A construction worker notices smoke coming from electrical conduit inside a wall cavity. Which type of fire extinguisher is appropriate?

Answer: Class C-rated extinguisher

Electrical fires require a Class C-rated extinguisher because water-based agents conduct electricity and could endanger the user.

What is the minimum frequency required for inspecting portable fire extinguishers on a construction site under OSHA standards?

Answer: Monthly

OSHA requires monthly visual inspections of portable fire extinguishers to ensure they are in place, fully charged, and operational.

During a hazardous materials spill emergency on a construction site, which document should first-responders reference to identify safe handling procedures?

Answer: The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the material

The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provides critical information on hazards, PPE requirements, and emergency response procedures for a specific chemical.

Which scenario requires a site to implement an Incident Command System (ICS) structure during an emergency?

Answer: A multi-agency response to a structural collapse with multiple victims

ICS is designed for complex, multi-agency emergencies such as structural collapses where coordinated command and communication are critical.

What is the correct sequence for using a portable fire extinguisher, remembered by the acronym PASS?

Answer: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep

PASS stands for Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side across the base of the flames.

On a multi-employer construction site, who bears primary responsibility for ensuring emergency telephone numbers are posted?

Answer: The controlling employer or general contractor

The general contractor (controlling employer) is responsible for overall site safety coordination, including posting emergency contact numbers prominently.

A propane-fueled salamander heater ignites nearby lumber during winter concrete curing work. What should the site superintendent do FIRST?

Answer: Activate the site alarm and initiate evacuation

Activating the alarm and initiating evacuation is the immediate priority to protect worker lives before attempting any fire control measures.