CITB Fire Prevention and Emergency — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What are the three elements of the fire triangle?
- Water, electricity, and gas
- Heat, fuel, and oxygen (Correct answer)
- Smoke, flames, and sparks
- Wood, paper, and petrol
Correct answer: Heat, fuel, and oxygen
The fire triangle consists of heat (ignition source), fuel (combustible material), and oxygen (from air). A fire cannot start or continue to burn without all three elements present. Removing any one element will extinguish the fire.
Question 2: What colour is a water fire extinguisher?
- Black
- Blue
- Red with no colour band (Correct answer)
- Yellow
Correct answer: Red with no colour band
A water fire extinguisher is all red (signal red) with no additional colour band or label. Water extinguishers are suitable for Class A fires (solid materials such as wood, paper, and textiles) but must NEVER be used on electrical or flammable liquid fires.
Question 3: On discovering a fire on a construction site, what is the correct order of actions?
- Fight the fire, then raise the alarm
- Raise the alarm, evacuate to the assembly point, call the fire service (Correct answer)
- Call your supervisor and wait for instructions
- Collect your personal belongings and leave the site
Correct answer: Raise the alarm, evacuate to the assembly point, call the fire service
The correct procedure is: raise the alarm immediately (shout 'Fire!' and activate the nearest call point), evacuate via the nearest safe route to the designated assembly point, and call the emergency services (999). Only attempt to fight a small fire if trained and it is safe to do so.
Question 4: A CO2 fire extinguisher (black band) is most suitable for which type of fire?
- Wood and paper fires
- Cooking oil fires
- Electrical equipment fires and flammable liquid fires (Correct answer)
- Metal fires
Correct answer: Electrical equipment fires and flammable liquid fires
CO2 (carbon dioxide) extinguishers, identified by a black band, are ideal for electrical fires and flammable liquid fires (Class B). The CO2 displaces oxygen without leaving residue that could damage electrical equipment. They should not be used in confined spaces.
Question 5: What is a 'hot work permit' required for?
- Any work done during summer months
- Work involving open flames, welding, cutting, or grinding that could start a fire (Correct answer)
- Working in areas where the temperature exceeds 30°C
- Any work involving electrical installations
Correct answer: Work involving open flames, welding, cutting, or grinding that could start a fire
A hot work permit is a formal document required before carrying out any work that produces sparks, flames, or heat — such as welding, cutting, brazing, or grinding. It ensures fire precautions are in place, including fire watch, extinguishers, and clearing combustible materials.
Question 6: How often should fire escape routes on a construction site be checked?
- Monthly
- Weekly
- Daily — they must be kept clear and unobstructed at all times (Correct answer)
- Only before HSE inspections
Correct answer: Daily — they must be kept clear and unobstructed at all times
Fire escape routes must be checked daily and kept clear and unobstructed at all times during working hours. On construction sites, routes can quickly become blocked by materials, equipment, or debris, so regular checks are essential to ensure safe evacuation.
CITB Fire Prevention and Emergency
What are the three elements of the fire triangle?