NEBOSH CC Fire Prevention in Construction 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What are the three elements required to sustain a fire (the fire triangle)?
- Fuel, oxygen and heat (ignition source) (Correct answer)
- Fuel, nitrogen and heat
- Fuel, oxygen and carbon dioxide
- Oxygen, nitrogen and heat
Correct answer: Fuel, oxygen and heat (ignition source)
The fire triangle represents the three essential elements needed to start and sustain a fire: fuel (combustible material), oxygen (from the air or oxidising agent) and heat (ignition source). Removing any one element will extinguish the fire.
Question 2: Which regulation requires duty holders to carry out a fire risk assessment for workplaces including construction sites?
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (Correct answer)
- Fire Precautions Act 1971
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
- Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
Correct answer: Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) requires the 'responsible person' for non-domestic premises (including construction sites) to carry out and review a fire risk assessment and implement appropriate fire precautions.
Question 3: What class of fire involves combustible materials such as wood, paper, textiles and construction materials?
- Class A (Correct answer)
- Class B
- Class C
- Class D
Correct answer: Class A
Class A fires involve solid combustible materials such as wood, paper, textiles, and most building materials. These are the most common fire type on construction sites and are effectively extinguished using water or foam.
Question 4: What type of fire extinguisher is suitable for Class A fires involving wood and other solid combustibles?
- Water or foam extinguisher (Correct answer)
- CO2 extinguisher
- Dry powder extinguisher
- Wet chemical extinguisher
Correct answer: Water or foam extinguisher
Water extinguishers cool burning material by absorbing heat, and foam extinguishers smother the fire and cool the fuel. Both are suitable for Class A fires involving solid combustibles such as wood and paper.
Question 5: What is the primary fire hazard associated with hot work on construction sites?
- Sparks and molten metal from welding, cutting or grinding igniting nearby combustible materials (Correct answer)
- Noise from angle grinders causing distraction
- UV radiation from welding arcs
- Fumes from welding processes
Correct answer: Sparks and molten metal from welding, cutting or grinding igniting nearby combustible materials
Hot work (welding, cutting, grinding and brazing) produces sparks and molten metal droplets that can travel considerable distances and ignite combustible materials including timber, insulation, flammable liquids and vapours in the vicinity.
Question 6: What is a hot work permit used for on a construction site?
- To formally control hot work activities, ensuring precautions are in place before ignition sources are introduced (Correct answer)
- To record the names of workers qualified to carry out hot work
- To specify the type of welding equipment permitted on site
- To document the completion of hot work operations
Correct answer: To formally control hot work activities, ensuring precautions are in place before ignition sources are introduced
A hot work permit formally authorises specific hot work activities, specifying precautions such as removal or protection of combustibles, fire watch arrangements, extinguisher provision and a post-work check. It prevents fires from being started inadvertently.
NEBOSH CC Fire Prevention in Construction 1
What are the three elements required to sustain a fire (the fire triangle)?