CITB Fire Prevention and Emergency 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What should you NEVER use a water extinguisher on?
- A paper fire
- A textile fire
- An electrical fire or burning fat/oil (Correct answer)
- A wood fire
Correct answer: An electrical fire or burning fat/oil
Water must never be used on electrical fires (risk of electrocution as water conducts electricity) or on burning fat and oil fires (water causes the burning oil to explode violently, spreading the fire). These require CO2 or wet chemical extinguishers respectively.
Question 2: What colour band identifies a foam fire extinguisher?
- Black
- Blue
- Cream or beige (Correct answer)
- Yellow
Correct answer: Cream or beige
Foam fire extinguishers have a cream or beige colour band on a red body. They are suitable for Class A (solid) and Class B (flammable liquid) fires. The foam smothers the fire and seals the surface to prevent re-ignition.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a fire assembly point?
- A place where fire-fighting equipment is stored
- A designated safe location where workers gather after evacuation so a roll call can confirm everyone is accounted for (Correct answer)
- The location where fire wardens receive their training
- The point where the fire brigade will set up their equipment
Correct answer: A designated safe location where workers gather after evacuation so a roll call can confirm everyone is accounted for
The fire assembly point is a predetermined safe location away from the building where all workers must gather after evacuating. This allows supervisors or fire wardens to conduct a roll call and quickly identify if anyone is missing and potentially trapped.
Question 4: Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, who is the 'responsible person' for fire safety on a construction site?
- The local fire brigade commander
- The employer or person with control of the premises (Correct answer)
- The most senior operative on site
- The HSE inspector assigned to the site
Correct answer: The employer or person with control of the premises
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 designates the employer, or the person who has control of the premises, as the 'responsible person' for fire safety. On construction sites, this is typically the principal contractor. They must carry out fire risk assessments and implement fire safety measures.
Question 5: What should a fire warden do during an evacuation?
- Fight the fire until the fire service arrives
- Guide people to exits, check rooms and areas are clear, and report to the assembly point (Correct answer)
- Lock all doors to prevent the fire spreading
- Remain at their desk and coordinate via telephone
Correct answer: Guide people to exits, check rooms and areas are clear, and report to the assembly point
Fire wardens are responsible for guiding people to the nearest safe exit, sweeping their designated area to ensure no one is left behind, closing doors and windows where safe to do so, and reporting to the assembly point with information about their area.
Question 6: Flammable liquids on a construction site should be stored in which type of container or area?
- Any plastic container with a lid
- A purpose-built, fire-resistant storage cabinet or bunded area away from ignition sources (Correct answer)
- A cardboard box in the site office
- An open-topped container near the work area for easy access
Correct answer: A purpose-built, fire-resistant storage cabinet or bunded area away from ignition sources
Flammable liquids must be stored in fire-resistant, purpose-built storage cabinets or bunded areas away from ignition sources, heat, and direct sunlight. The storage must be clearly signed, have adequate ventilation, and be secured against unauthorised access.
CITB Fire Prevention and Emergency 2
What should you NEVER use a water extinguisher on?