NEBOSH CC Fire Safety on Sites 2

Question 1

What is the role of a fire marshal on a construction site?

Accepted Answer

To assist with evacuation, check their designated area is clear, account for personnel, and report to the assembly point

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Large quantities of exposed combustible material before fire protection systems and linings are installed

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Fire risk assessment findings, emergency procedures, escape routes, assembly points, fire-fighting equipment locations, and arrangements for calling the fire service

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

All penetrations must be temporarily fire-stopped and openings protected to maintain compartmentation integrity

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Class D

Answer

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.

NEBOSH Construction Certificate Practice Test

NEBOSH Construction Certificate Practice Test

NEBOSH CC Fire Safety on Sites 2