CITB Fire Safety 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which class of fire involves burning metals such as magnesium or titanium?
- Class A
- Class D (Correct answer)
- Class B
- Class C
Correct answer: Class D
Class D fires involve combustible metals; they require specialist dry powder extinguishers — water and CO2 can react dangerously with burning metals.
Question 2: What is a hot works permit and when is it required on a construction site?
- A CSCS card endorsement for welders and cutters
- A formal written control authorising work that generates heat or sparks, specifying fire watches and precautions (Correct answer)
- An insurance requirement for all subcontractors
- A local authority planning permission for temporary fire use
Correct answer: A formal written control authorising work that generates heat or sparks, specifying fire watches and precautions
A hot works permit is issued before any heat-generating operation begins; it specifies the work area, duration, precautions, and a post-work fire watch period.
Question 3: What is the minimum post-work fire watch period recommended after hot works finish?
- 5 minutes
- 60 minutes (Correct answer)
- 10 minutes
- 24 hours
Correct answer: 60 minutes
The standard recommendation is a 60-minute fire watch after hot works end, because smouldering materials can ignite into full fires long after the work has finished.
Question 4: Which class of fire is caused by flammable liquids such as petrol or diesel?
- Class A
- Class B (Correct answer)
- Class C
- Class F
Correct answer: Class B
Class B fires involve flammable liquids and liquefiable solids such as petrol, diesel, and paint thinners, fought with foam, CO2, or dry powder extinguishers.
Question 5: In the event of a fire on a construction site, what is the correct immediate action for an operative?
- Attempt to extinguish the fire using any available means
- Raise the alarm, evacuate the area, and report to the assembly point without re-entering until authorised (Correct answer)
- Call the site manager before calling the fire brigade
- Retrieve personal tools before leaving
Correct answer: Raise the alarm, evacuate the area, and report to the assembly point without re-entering until authorised
The priority is life safety — raise the alarm, evacuate everyone, and muster at the assembly point; only trained staff with appropriate extinguishers should attempt to fight small, contained fires.
Question 6: What does 'compartmentalisation' mean in fire safety?
- Dividing workers into teams with separate fire duties
- Using fire-resistant construction elements to confine a fire to the area of origin and slow its spread (Correct answer)
- Storing flammable materials in separate locked compartments
- Segregating different types of fire extinguisher on site
Correct answer: Using fire-resistant construction elements to confine a fire to the area of origin and slow its spread
Compartmentalisation uses fire-resistant walls, floors, and doors to contain a fire within its area of origin, giving occupants more time to escape and reducing the spread of fire.
CITB Fire Safety 2
Which class of fire involves burning metals such as magnesium or titanium?