CSCS Fire Safety 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum width of an escape route on a construction site?
- 500mm
- At least 1 metre, and wider if more than 50 persons use it (Correct answer)
- 2 metres
- There is no minimum width
Correct answer: At least 1 metre, and wider if more than 50 persons use it
HSE guidance and BS 9999 recommend escape routes be at least 1 metre wide. The width should increase based on the number of people who may need to use it, and routes must be kept clear of obstructions at all times.
Question 2: What colour is a foam fire extinguisher?
- Red with a blue label
- Red with a cream/beige label (Correct answer)
- Red with a black label
- Yellow
Correct answer: Red with a cream/beige label
Under BS EN 3, all fire extinguishers in the UK have a red body. Foam extinguishers are identified by a cream or beige coloured label/band. This colour coding helps users quickly identify the correct extinguisher type.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a fire assembly point?
- A place to store fire equipment
- A predetermined safe location where workers gather after evacuation so a headcount can be taken (Correct answer)
- A meeting room for fire safety training
- The location of the fire alarm panel
Correct answer: A predetermined safe location where workers gather after evacuation so a headcount can be taken
The fire assembly point is a safe location, upwind and away from the building, where all personnel gather after evacuation. It allows a headcount to confirm everyone has evacuated and identifies anyone who may be trapped.
Question 4: What is a fire watch and when is it required?
- Watching a fire burn out safely
- A period of monitoring after hot work to detect and extinguish any smouldering materials (Correct answer)
- A fire alarm test
- A fire brigade inspection
Correct answer: A period of monitoring after hot work to detect and extinguish any smouldering materials
A fire watch is a period of continuous monitoring (typically at least 60 minutes) after hot work is completed. A designated person checks for smouldering materials, hot spots, or any signs of fire developing in the work area.
Question 5: Under UK regulations, how often should fire drills be carried out on a construction site?
- Never — they are not required on construction sites
- At regular intervals, typically every 6 months or when there are significant changes to the site layout (Correct answer)
- Only once at the start of the project
- Daily
Correct answer: At regular intervals, typically every 6 months or when there are significant changes to the site layout
Fire drills should be carried out at regular intervals to ensure all workers know the evacuation procedure. On construction sites where layouts change frequently, drills may need to be more frequent than in fixed premises.
Question 6: What is the main cause of fires on UK construction sites?
- Electrical faults
- Hot work (welding, cutting, grinding) and arson (Correct answer)
- Cooking
- Spontaneous combustion
Correct answer: Hot work (welding, cutting, grinding) and arson
HSE data indicates that hot work (welding, cutting, grinding) and arson are the leading causes of fires on UK construction sites. This is why hot work permits and site security are critical fire prevention measures.
CSCS Fire Safety 2
What is the minimum width of an escape route on a construction site?