CITB Managers Fire Safety Management — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, who is the 'responsible person' for fire safety on a construction site?
- The local fire brigade
- The building owner only
- The employer or any person who has control of the premises to any extent (Correct answer)
- The fire marshal appointed by the workers
Correct 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.
Question 2: What is the recommended minimum width of an escape route on a construction site according to HSE guidance?
- 600mm
- 750mm (Correct answer)
- 1050mm
- 1200mm
Correct 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.
Question 3: How often should fire extinguishers on a construction site be inspected according to BS 5306-3?
- Annually only
- Monthly visual checks and annual service by a competent person (Correct answer)
- Every 6 months
- Only when they appear damaged
Correct 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.
Question 4: 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?
- A hot works permit system with post-work fire watch (Correct answer)
- Simply having a fire extinguisher nearby
- Only carrying out hot works during daylight hours
- Verbal permission from the site foreman
Correct 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.
Question 5: What is the maximum travel distance to a final exit on a construction site where there is a risk in one direction only?
- 18 metres (Correct answer)
- 25 metres
- 45 metres
- 60 metres
Correct 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.
Question 6: During a construction project, the fire alarm and detection system in an occupied building is temporarily disabled. What must the manager ensure?
- Work can continue as normal since the building is under construction
- Compensatory measures such as fire marshals, temporary detection, and enhanced evacuation procedures are put in place (Correct answer)
- The fire brigade must be informed and stationed on site
- Work must stop completely until the system is reinstated
Correct 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.
CITB Managers Fire Safety Management
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, who is the 'responsible person' for fire safety on a construction site?