NEBOSH CC Fire Safety on Sites — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What are the three elements of the fire triangle that must be present for a fire to start?
- Heat, fuel, and oxygen (Correct answer)
- Heat, fuel, and water
- Fuel, oxygen, and carbon dioxide
- Heat, water, and oxygen
Correct answer: Heat, fuel, and oxygen
The fire triangle consists of heat (ignition source), fuel (combustible material), and oxygen (usually from air). Removing any one of these elements will prevent a fire from starting or will extinguish an existing fire. Fire risk assessment on construction sites focuses on controlling these three elements.
Question 2: What is the primary legislation governing fire safety on construction sites in England?
- The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, supplemented by CDM 2015 and Joint Code of Practice on Fire Prevention (Correct answer)
- The Fire Services Act 1947
- The Building Regulations Part B only
- The Factories Act 1961
Correct answer: The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, supplemented by CDM 2015 and Joint Code of Practice on Fire Prevention
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO) applies to all workplaces including construction sites. It requires a responsible person to carry out a fire risk assessment and implement appropriate fire precautions. The Joint Code of Practice on Fire Prevention in Construction (published by the Fire Protection Association) provides specific construction guidance.
Question 3: A hot work permit has been issued for cutting steel beams on a construction site. What is the minimum recommended fire watch period after hot work has been completed?
- 60 minutes (1 hour) after completion of hot work (Correct answer)
- 15 minutes
- 5 minutes
- No fire watch is needed after completion
Correct answer: 60 minutes (1 hour) after completion of hot work
The Joint Code of Practice on Fire Prevention in Construction recommends a fire watch for at least 60 minutes after completion of hot work. Smouldering materials can take considerable time to develop into a visible fire. A fire extinguisher must be available throughout the fire watch period.
Question 4: What type of fire extinguisher should NOT be used on electrical fires?
- Water extinguisher (red label) (Correct answer)
- CO2 extinguisher (black label)
- Dry powder extinguisher (blue label)
- All extinguishers are safe on electrical fires
Correct answer: Water extinguisher (red label)
Water extinguishers must never be used on electrical fires as water conducts electricity and could electrocute the operator. CO2 extinguishers (black label) are the preferred choice for electrical fires as CO2 is non-conductive and leaves no residue. Dry powder can also be used but leaves residue.
Question 5: On a construction site, how should flammable liquids such as petrol, solvents, and adhesives be stored?
- In a dedicated, ventilated, fire-resistant store away from ignition sources with appropriate signage and bunding (Correct answer)
- In any convenient cupboard on site
- In the site office for security
- In open containers near the work area for easy access
Correct answer: In a dedicated, ventilated, fire-resistant store away from ignition sources with appropriate signage and bunding
Flammable liquids must be stored in purpose-built, fire-resistant stores with adequate ventilation (to prevent vapour accumulation), away from ignition sources and site boundaries. Quantities kept on site should be minimised, containers kept closed, and appropriate hazard signage displayed. Bunding should contain at least 110% of the largest container.
Question 6: What is the recommended maximum travel distance to a fire exit on a construction site where there is a single escape route?
- 25 metres (or 45 metres where alternative routes are available) (Correct answer)
- 100 metres
- 50 metres regardless of escape routes
- No maximum distance is specified
Correct answer: 25 metres (or 45 metres where alternative routes are available)
Fire safety guidance recommends a maximum travel distance of 25 metres to the nearest exit where only one escape route is available, extending to 45 metres where alternative routes exist. On construction sites, these distances may need to be shorter due to the presence of combustible materials, restricted routes, and temporary structures.
NEBOSH CC Fire Safety on Sites
What are the three elements of the fire triangle that must be present for a fire to start?