Fire Safety Flashcards
6 cards from real CITB practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Fire Safety flashcards as text
Which class of fire involves burning metals such as magnesium or titanium?
Answer: Class D
Class D fires involve combustible metals; they require specialist dry powder extinguishers — water and CO2 can react dangerously with burning metals.
What is a hot works permit and when is it required on a construction site?
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.
What is the minimum post-work fire watch period recommended after hot works finish?
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.
Which class of fire is caused by flammable liquids such as petrol or diesel?
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.
In the event of a fire on a construction site, what is the correct immediate action for an operative?
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.
What does 'compartmentalisation' mean in fire safety?
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.