NEBOSH CC Fire Prevention in Construction 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a fire door on a construction site or building?
- To resist the passage of fire and smoke between compartments, maintaining means of escape (Correct answer)
- To reduce noise between areas
- To improve site security by controlling access
- To reduce heat loss from the building
Correct answer: To resist the passage of fire and smoke between compartments, maintaining means of escape
Fire doors are specifically designed to resist the passage of fire and smoke between fire compartments for a specified period (e.g., FD30 for 30 minutes, FD60 for 60 minutes). They maintain the integrity of escape routes and limit fire spread.
Question 2: What fire-fighting action should a worker take when discovering a small fire on a construction site?
- Raise the alarm first, then attempt to tackle the fire with an extinguisher only if safe to do so and the fire is small (Correct answer)
- Immediately try to fight the fire without raising the alarm
- Evacuate immediately without raising the alarm
- Call the site manager and wait for instructions before taking any action
Correct answer: Raise the alarm first, then attempt to tackle the fire with an extinguisher only if safe to do so and the fire is small
The priority is always to raise the alarm to warn others. Only then should a worker attempt to fight the fire if it is small (not bigger than a wastepaper basket), they are trained to use an extinguisher, there is an escape route behind them, and they are not at risk.
Question 3: What does the acronym PASS stand for in the context of using a fire extinguisher?
- Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep from side to side (Correct answer)
- Push, Apply, Start, Stop
- Prepare, Aim, Spray, Stop
- Pause, Assess, Squeeze, Sweep
Correct answer: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep from side to side
PASS is the standard technique for using a fire extinguisher: Pull the safety pin, Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, Squeeze the trigger handle to release the extinguishing agent, and Sweep from side to side at the base of the flames.
Question 4: What is fire compartmentation and why is it important in construction?
- Dividing a building into fire-resistant sections to limit fire spread and protect escape routes (Correct answer)
- Storing flammable materials in separate compartments
- Installing fire extinguishers in each room
- The practice of designating specific fire assembly areas
Correct answer: Dividing a building into fire-resistant sections to limit fire spread and protect escape routes
Fire compartmentation uses fire-resisting walls, floors and doors to divide a building into sections. If a fire starts in one compartment, it is contained for a defined period, allowing evacuation and limiting damage. It is fundamental to building fire safety.
Question 5: Which class of fire involves cooking oils and fats?
- Class F (Correct answer)
- Class A
- Class B
- Class D
Correct answer: Class F
Class F fires involve cooking oils and fats, typically in kitchen environments. These fires cannot be extinguished with water (which causes a violent steam explosion) and require a wet chemical extinguisher specifically designed for this type of fire.
Question 6: What information must be included in a fire emergency plan for a construction site?
- Action on discovering a fire, raising the alarm, evacuation procedures, assembly point location, roles and responsibilities, and contacting the fire service (Correct answer)
- Only the location of extinguishers
- The names and phone numbers of all site workers
- The cost of the fire suppression system
Correct answer: Action on discovering a fire, raising the alarm, evacuation procedures, assembly point location, roles and responsibilities, and contacting the fire service
A fire emergency plan must cover: what to do if a fire is discovered, how to raise the alarm, how to evacuate (routes, assembly point), designated roles (fire wardens, etc.), and how to contact the fire service. All workers must be briefed on the plan.
NEBOSH CC Fire Prevention in Construction 4
What is the primary purpose of a fire door on a construction site or building?