CSCS Fire Safety 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the PASS technique for using a fire extinguisher?
- Push, Aim, Squeeze, Spray
- Pull the pin, Aim at the base, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side (Correct answer)
- Point, Activate, Spray, Shut off
- Press, Angle, Spray, Stop
Correct answer: Pull the pin, Aim at the base, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side
PASS stands for: Pull the pin, Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire (not the flames), Squeeze the handle to release the agent, and Sweep the nozzle from side to side across the base of the fire.
Question 2: What is a Class F fire?
- A fire involving flammable gases
- A fire involving cooking oils and fats (Correct answer)
- A fire involving metals
- A fire involving wood and paper
Correct answer: A fire involving cooking oils and fats
Class F fires involve cooking oils and fats at high temperatures. They require special wet chemical extinguishers. Never use water on a Class F fire as it can cause a violent fireball (boilover). These are relevant to site canteens.
Question 3: What should you do if you discover a fire on a construction site?
- Try to fight it immediately
- Raise the alarm, call the fire brigade (999), evacuate to the assembly point, and only fight the fire if trained and it is safe to do so (Correct answer)
- Continue working until told to evacuate
- Take a photo for evidence
Correct answer: Raise the alarm, call the fire brigade (999), evacuate to the assembly point, and only fight the fire if trained and it is safe to do so
The priority sequence is: raise the alarm (activate the nearest break glass point), call 999, evacuate via the nearest safe route to the assembly point. Only attempt to fight a small fire if you are trained and it is safe to do so.
Question 4: What is the purpose of fire compartmentation in a building under construction?
- To create more rooms
- To contain fire and smoke within a defined area, limiting spread and protecting escape routes (Correct answer)
- To improve thermal insulation
- To reduce noise between floors
Correct answer: To contain fire and smoke within a defined area, limiting spread and protecting escape routes
Fire compartmentation uses fire-resistant walls, floors, doors, and fire stopping to contain fire and smoke within a defined area. This limits fire spread, protects escape routes, and gives occupants time to evacuate safely.
Question 5: What is the role of a fire marshal on a construction site?
- To fight all fires
- To assist with evacuation, check that all persons have left their area, and liaise with the fire brigade on arrival (Correct answer)
- To maintain fire extinguishers
- To operate the fire alarm system
Correct answer: To assist with evacuation, check that all persons have left their area, and liaise with the fire brigade on arrival
Fire marshals assist with orderly evacuation, sweep their designated area to ensure everyone has left, report to the chief fire marshal at the assembly point, and liaise with the fire brigade, providing information about the fire location and any persons unaccounted for.
Question 6: What is a means of escape in case of fire?
- Any window
- A structural route that provides a safe path of travel from any point in the building to a place of safety outside (Correct answer)
- The main entrance only
- A fire extinguisher location
Correct answer: A structural route that provides a safe path of travel from any point in the building to a place of safety outside
A means of escape is a safe route that people can use to travel from any point in the building to a final exit and place of safety. It must be maintained clear and unobstructed, adequately lit, and properly signed.
CSCS Fire Safety 3
What is the PASS technique for using a fire extinguisher?