SIA Guard Fire Safety 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'fire risk assessment'?
- A test to see how fast a building burns
- A systematic evaluation of fire hazards, the people at risk, existing measures, and any additional precautions needed (Correct answer)
- An insurance document
- A fire brigade inspection certificate
Correct answer: A systematic evaluation of fire hazards, the people at risk, existing measures, and any additional precautions needed
A fire risk assessment is a systematic process to identify fire hazards, determine who might be at risk, evaluate existing fire safety measures, decide what improvements are needed, and record the findings.
Question 2: What are the five classes of fire?
- 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
- A (solids), B (liquids), C (gases), D (metals), F (cooking oils/fats) (Correct answer)
- Small, medium, large, very large, and inferno
- Indoor, outdoor, chemical, electrical, and nuclear
Correct answer: A (solids), B (liquids), C (gases), D (metals), F (cooking oils/fats)
The five classes are: A (solid materials like wood, paper), B (flammable liquids like petrol, oil), C (flammable gases), D (metals like magnesium, sodium), and F (cooking oils and fats). Electrical fires are sometimes referred to separately.
Question 3: What colour label identifies a water fire extinguisher?
- Black
- Cream
- Blue
- All red (no coloured label) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: All red (no coloured label)
Water fire extinguishers are entirely red with no additional colour label/band. They are suitable for Class A fires (solid materials) only. Never use water on electrical, liquid, or fat fires.
Question 4: What is a 'means of escape' in fire safety?
- A fire extinguisher
- A safe route that people can use to leave a building during a fire, leading to a place of safety (Correct answer)
- A fire blanket
- A sprinkler system
Correct answer: A safe route that people can use to leave a building during a fire, leading to a place of safety
A means of escape is a structural route (corridors, stairways, exits) that enables people to safely leave a building during a fire. These routes must be kept clear, well-lit, signed, and lead to a place of safety.
Question 5: What is the purpose of emergency lighting in a building?
- To save electricity during normal operation
- To illuminate escape routes and exits when the normal lighting fails during a power cut or emergency (Correct answer)
- To create a relaxing atmosphere
- To highlight fire extinguisher locations only
Correct answer: To illuminate escape routes and exits when the normal lighting fails during a power cut or emergency
Emergency lighting activates automatically when the normal lighting fails, illuminating escape routes, exits, and fire safety equipment. It ensures people can find their way out safely in darkness.
Question 6: What is the maximum travel distance to a fire exit in a building with a single escape route?
- 100 metres
- 45 metres for normal risk
- 18 metres for normal risk (Correct answer)
- No limit applies
Correct answer: 18 metres for normal risk
In a building with a single escape route, the maximum travel distance for normal risk is typically 18 metres. Where alternative routes exist, this increases to 45 metres. High-risk areas have shorter distances.
SIA Guard Fire Safety 2
What is a 'fire risk assessment'?