NEBOSH CC Fire Safety on Sites 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the role of a fire marshal on a construction site?
- To assist with evacuation, check their designated area is clear, account for personnel, and report to the assembly point (Correct answer)
- To fight all fires regardless of size
- To issue fire permits only
- To maintain fire extinguishers only
Correct answer: To assist with evacuation, check their designated area is clear, account for personnel, and report to the assembly point
Fire marshals (or fire wardens) are trained personnel responsible for assisting evacuation procedures, sweeping their designated area to ensure it is clear, directing people to assembly points, accounting for personnel, and reporting to the site fire coordinator. They should not attempt to fight fires beyond their training and equipment.
Question 2: A construction site has timber frame buildings under construction. Why does this present a particularly high fire risk?
- Large quantities of exposed combustible material before fire protection systems and linings are installed (Correct answer)
- Timber buildings are immune to fire
- The risk is the same as for concrete frame buildings
- Only the scaffolding presents a fire risk
Correct answer: Large quantities of exposed combustible material before fire protection systems and linings are installed
Timber frame construction during the build phase presents extreme fire risk because large volumes of combustible structural material are exposed before fire-resistant linings (plasterboard) and active fire protection (sprinklers, alarms) are installed. Fires can spread rapidly and may result in total structural collapse. Enhanced precautions including 24-hour fire watch may be required.
Question 3: What information must be included in a construction site fire safety plan?
- Fire risk assessment findings, emergency procedures, escape routes, assembly points, fire-fighting equipment locations, and arrangements for calling the fire service (Correct answer)
- Only the location of fire extinguishers
- Only the phone number for the fire service
- Only the names of fire marshals
Correct answer: Fire risk assessment findings, emergency procedures, escape routes, assembly points, fire-fighting equipment locations, and arrangements for calling the fire service
A comprehensive fire safety plan must include: fire risk assessment findings, fire prevention measures, means of detection and warning, escape routes and exits, assembly point locations, fire-fighting equipment provision and locations, arrangements for calling emergency services, fire marshal/warden details, and arrangements for disabled persons.
Question 4: During construction, fire compartmentation in a building is breached by service penetrations and temporary openings. What must be done to maintain fire safety?
- All penetrations must be temporarily fire-stopped and openings protected to maintain compartmentation integrity (Correct answer)
- Nothing — fire compartmentation is only needed in the finished building
- Leave all openings for ventilation
- Install a fire alarm to compensate
Correct answer: All penetrations must be temporarily fire-stopped and openings protected to maintain compartmentation integrity
Fire compartmentation must be maintained during construction. Service penetrations through fire-rated walls and floors must be temporarily fire-stopped using intumescent materials. Temporary openings should be protected with fire-resistant coverings. Loss of compartmentation during construction has contributed to several major site fires.
Question 5: What class of fire involves flammable metals such as aluminium or magnesium?
- Class D (Correct answer)
- Class A
- Class B
- Class C
Correct answer: Class D
Class D fires involve combustible metals (aluminium, magnesium, titanium, sodium, potassium). They require specialist dry powder extinguishing agents — standard water, foam, or CO2 extinguishers must never be used as they can cause violent reactions. Construction sites with metal cutting or grinding must assess this risk.
Question 6: LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cylinders are commonly used on construction sites for heating and cutting. What is the correct storage practice?
- Stored upright, in a well-ventilated area, away from ignition sources, drains, and below ground level, with full and empty cylinders separated (Correct answer)
- Stored on their sides in the site office
- Stacked horizontally in a locked container
- Kept next to the cutting equipment for convenience
Correct answer: Stored upright, in a well-ventilated area, away from ignition sources, drains, and below ground level, with full and empty cylinders separated
LPG cylinders must be stored upright (to keep the relief valve in contact with vapour, not liquid), in a well-ventilated area, at least 3 metres from ignition sources, away from drains (LPG is heavier than air and can accumulate in low points). Full and empty cylinders should be separated and the store should be signed and secured.
NEBOSH CC Fire Safety on Sites 2
What is the role of a fire marshal on a construction site?