Fire Safety Management Flashcards

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, who is the 'responsible person' for fire safety on a construction site?

Answer: The employer or any person who has control of the premises to any extent

Article 3 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 defines the 'responsible person' as the employer (if the workplace is under their control), or any person who has control of the premises. On a construction site, this typically falls to the principal contractor.

What is the recommended minimum width of an escape route on a construction site according to HSE guidance?

Answer: 750mm

HSE guidance recommends that escape routes on construction sites should be at least 750mm wide to allow workers to evacuate safely. This allows passage while wearing bulky clothing or carrying tools. Main routes serving larger numbers may need to be wider.

How often should fire extinguishers on a construction site be inspected according to BS 5306-3?

Answer: Monthly visual checks and annual service by a competent person

BS 5306-3 recommends monthly visual inspections (checking pressure gauges, seals, accessibility, and condition) and a detailed annual service by a competent person. On construction sites, more frequent checks may be needed due to the harsh environment and risk of damage or obstruction.

A fire risk assessment for a construction site identifies that hot works (welding, cutting, grinding) are a significant ignition source. What control measure is considered essential?

Answer: A hot works permit system with post-work fire watch

A hot works permit system is an essential control measure. It ensures risks are formally assessed before each hot works activity, controls are in place (screens, removal of combustibles, fire watch), and a post-work fire watch period (typically 60 minutes) is maintained to detect smouldering materials.

What is the maximum travel distance to a final exit on a construction site where there is a risk in one direction only?

Answer: 18 metres

Where there is only one direction of travel (a dead end), the maximum travel distance should generally not exceed 18 metres on a construction site. Where alternative escape routes are available, this distance can be extended to up to 45 metres, in line with HSE guidance.

During a construction project, the fire alarm and detection system in an occupied building is temporarily disabled. What must the manager ensure?

Answer: Compensatory measures such as fire marshals, temporary detection, and enhanced evacuation procedures are put in place

When fire detection or alarm systems are impaired during construction work, compensatory measures must be implemented. These typically include additional fire marshals, temporary standalone detectors, enhanced means of raising the alarm, restricted hot works, and increased management vigilance.