CITB Managers Fire Safety Management

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

750mm

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Monthly visual checks and annual service by a competent person

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

A hot works permit system with post-work fire watch

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

18 metres

Answer

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.

CITB HS&E Managers Practice Test

CITB HS&E Managers Practice Test

CITB Managers Fire Safety Management