CITB Specialists Fire Safety in Specialist Trades 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What precautions should a plumber take when using a blowtorch in a cupboard or enclosed space?
- Remove all combustibles, use a heat-resistant shield, have a fire extinguisher to hand, and allow 60-minute fire watch after (Correct answer)
- Use a lower-temperature torch setting only
- Open a window in the nearest room for ventilation
- A blowtorch should never be used in enclosed spaces under any circumstances
Correct answer: Remove all combustibles, use a heat-resistant shield, have a fire extinguisher to hand, and allow 60-minute fire watch after
When using a blowtorch in an enclosed space, all combustibles must be removed or protected with fire-resistant materials. A suitable fire extinguisher must be available. A 60-minute fire watch is required after the work. Consider using push-fit fittings to eliminate the need for heat.
Question 2: What is the L.A.S.S.O. mnemonic used for on construction sites?
- Location of fire, Alert others, Summon fire service, Safe evacuation, Operations suspended (Correct answer)
- Life, Assessment, Suppression, Safety, Operations
- Location, Action, Stop, Sound, Out
- Listen, Assess, Shout, Stop, Out
Correct answer: Location of fire, Alert others, Summon fire service, Safe evacuation, Operations suspended
L.A.S.S.O. provides a fire action sequence: Locate the fire, Alert others nearby, Summon the fire service (call 999), Safely evacuate, Operational fire-fighting only if safe to do so. This ensures life safety is always the priority.
Question 3: What are the four elements of the fire triangle?
- Fuel, oxygen, heat (plus chain reaction for the fire tetrahedron) (Correct answer)
- Fuel, spark, air, and moisture
- Fuel, air, heat, and accelerant
- Gas, liquid, solid fuel, and ignition source
Correct answer: Fuel, oxygen, heat (plus chain reaction for the fire tetrahedron)
The fire triangle consists of fuel, oxygen, and heat. Removing any one element extinguishes the fire. The expanded fire tetrahedron adds the chain reaction, which is how some suppression agents (halon, dry powder) work by interrupting the chemical chain.
Question 4: What is a PAT test relevant to in construction fire safety?
- Portable Appliance Testing ensures electrical tools are safe and will not cause a fire from electrical fault (Correct answer)
- PAT testing is only relevant to offices, not construction sites
- PAT testing is done by electricians during the wiring installation only
- PAT tests measure the fire risk of cable insulation materials
Correct answer: Portable Appliance Testing ensures electrical tools are safe and will not cause a fire from electrical fault
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) checks that portable electrical equipment is electrically safe. Faulty equipment with damaged insulation or incorrect earthing can cause fires. Regular PAT testing on construction sites is an important fire prevention measure.
Question 5: What should be included in a fire emergency plan for a specialist contractor?
- Evacuation routes and assembly point, fire alarm procedure, roles and responsibilities, and method of calling the fire service (Correct answer)
- Only the location of fire extinguishers
- Only the emergency contact number
- Only the location of the assembly point
Correct answer: Evacuation routes and assembly point, fire alarm procedure, roles and responsibilities, and method of calling the fire service
A fire emergency plan must include: designated evacuation routes and assembly point, how the fire alarm is raised, the method of calling the fire service, named persons responsible for sweep and roll call, and arrangements for people with mobility issues.
Question 6: What is the minimum requirement for fire detection on a construction site under current guidance?
- An appropriate system of fire detection and alarm appropriate to the site size and risk — from shouting to automatic detection (Correct answer)
- Only a telephone to call 999
- Only a fire extinguisher in each work area
- Only a site manager's mobile phone
Correct answer: An appropriate system of fire detection and alarm appropriate to the site size and risk — from shouting to automatic detection
Current CDM 2015 guidance and fire safety guidance requires an appropriate fire detection and alarm system proportionate to the site's size and risk. Large complex sites require automatic fire detection and audible alarms; smaller sites may rely on a person shouting and a klaxon.
CITB Specialists Fire Safety in Specialist Trades 2
What precautions should a plumber take when using a blowtorch in a cupboard or enclosed space?