CSCS Ireland PPE and Fire Safety 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What colour is a CO2 fire extinguisher in Ireland?
- Red body with a black label/band (Correct answer)
- Entirely black
- Red body with a blue label/band
- Green body
Correct answer: Red body with a black label/band
All fire extinguishers in Ireland and the EU must have a red body. The type of extinguishing agent is identified by the colour of the label or band: CO2 has a black band.
Question 2: What is the first action a construction worker should take upon discovering a fire on site?
- Raise the alarm immediately to warn others, then evacuate (Correct answer)
- Attempt to fight the fire with the nearest extinguisher
- Call the fire brigade before raising the alarm
- Continue working until the fire spreads
Correct answer: Raise the alarm immediately to warn others, then evacuate
The first priority is always to raise the alarm to warn others on site. Only attempt to fight a small fire with an extinguisher if you have been trained, the fire is small, and you have a clear escape route.
Question 3: What does the acronym PASS stand for when using a fire extinguisher?
- Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep (Correct answer)
- Push, Activate, Spray, Step back
- Pull, Attach, Spray, Stop
- Position, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
Correct answer: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
PASS is the standard technique: Pull the pin, Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle to discharge, and Sweep from side to side at the base of the flames.
Question 4: How often must fire extinguishers on a construction site be inspected in Ireland?
- Annually by a competent person, with monthly visual checks by site personnel (Correct answer)
- Every 5 years
- Only when they appear damaged
- Before every use
Correct answer: Annually by a competent person, with monthly visual checks by site personnel
Fire extinguishers must be inspected annually by a competent service engineer. In addition, site personnel should carry out monthly visual checks to confirm they are in position, undamaged, and the pressure gauge is in the green zone.
Question 5: What does a green safety sign indicate on a construction site?
- Safe conditions, including emergency exits, first aid, and assembly points (Correct answer)
- A hazard warning
- A prohibition
- A mandatory action
Correct answer: Safe conditions, including emergency exits, first aid, and assembly points
Green signs indicate safe conditions, such as the location of emergency exits, first aid stations, and assembly points. They guide people to safety during an emergency.
Question 6: What type of safety footwear is required on most Irish construction sites?
- Steel toe cap boots rated to EN ISO 20345 with penetration-resistant midsole (Correct answer)
- Any closed-toe shoe
- Steel toe cap only, no midsole requirement
- Rubber wellington boots only
Correct answer: Steel toe cap boots rated to EN ISO 20345 with penetration-resistant midsole
Construction safety footwear must meet EN ISO 20345, providing steel (or composite) toe cap protection against impact and compression, plus a penetration-resistant midsole to protect against nails and sharp objects.
CSCS Ireland PPE and Fire Safety 2
What colour is a CO2 fire extinguisher in Ireland?