CSCS Fire Safety 1 — 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 fire brigade
- The employer or person who has control of the premises (Correct answer)
- The local authority
- The building inspector
Correct answer: The employer or person who has control of the premises
Under the RR(FS)O 2005, the responsible person is the employer, or in relation to a workplace not controlled by an employer, the person who has control of the premises. On a construction site, this is typically the principal contractor.
Question 2: What are the three elements of the fire triangle?
- Water, earth, air
- Heat, fuel, oxygen (Correct answer)
- Smoke, flame, gas
- Electricity, gas, liquid
Correct answer: Heat, fuel, oxygen
The fire triangle consists of heat (ignition source), fuel (combustible material), and oxygen (air). Removing any one of these elements will prevent a fire from starting or cause it to go out.
Question 3: What class of fire involves flammable liquids?
- Class A
- Class B (Correct answer)
- Class C
- Class D
Correct answer: Class B
Class B fires involve flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel, oil, paint, and solvents. Different extinguisher types are effective on different classes — foam and CO2 extinguishers are suitable for Class B fires.
Question 4: What type of fire extinguisher should NOT be used on electrical fires?
- CO2 extinguisher
- Water extinguisher (Correct answer)
- Dry powder extinguisher
- All extinguishers can be used on electrical fires
Correct answer: Water extinguisher
Water extinguishers must never be used on electrical fires as water conducts electricity, creating a risk of electrocution. CO2 and dry powder extinguishers are safe for use on electrical fires. The power should be isolated if possible.
Question 5: How often must fire extinguishers be serviced under BS 5306?
- Every 5 years
- Annually by a competent person, with a more detailed extended service at specific intervals (Correct answer)
- Monthly
- Only when used
Correct answer: Annually by a competent person, with a more detailed extended service at specific intervals
Under BS 5306-3, fire extinguishers must receive an annual basic service by a competent person. Extended services are required at specific intervals depending on the extinguisher type (e.g., every 5 years for water and foam).
Question 6: What is a hot work permit and when is it required?
- A permit for working in hot weather
- A written authorisation required before any work involving open flames, sparks, or heat sources that could start a fire (Correct answer)
- A permit for heating the site office
- A licence to use a kettle on site
Correct answer: A written authorisation required before any work involving open flames, sparks, or heat sources that could start a fire
A hot work permit is a formal written authorisation required before welding, cutting, grinding, or any work that produces sparks, flames, or heat. It specifies precautions including fire watch, extinguisher provision, and clearance of combustible materials.
