Conflict Management & Emergency Response Flashcards

What are the four main types of fire extinguisher colours used in the UK and their primary uses?

Answer: Red/water (paper, wood, textiles), Cream/foam (liquids), Black/CO2 (electrical, flammable liquids), Blue/powder (multi-purpose, most types except cooking oil)

UK extinguisher identification: Water (red label — class A: paper, wood, textiles), Foam (cream label — class A and B: liquids), CO2 (black label — class B and electrical equipment), Dry powder (blue label — multi-purpose, classes A, B, C but not cooking oil). Wet chemical (yellow) is for cooking oil (class F).

What does CCTV observation of a person exhibiting 'suspicious behaviour' near an ATM machine suggest, and what should a security guard do?

Answer: The person may be planning to skim cards, rob users, or conduct surveillance for a later crime. The guard should observe and document the behaviour, report to colleagues, alert police if the behaviour escalates, and be visible to act as a deterrent

Suspicious behaviour at an ATM (loitering, watching users, repeatedly approaching and leaving, installing devices) may indicate card skimming, robbery planning, or distraction theft. The guard should monitor and document the behaviour, maintain a visible presence as a deterrent, and contact police if the risk escalates.

What does 'use of force continuum' mean in the context of a security guard's response to non-compliance?

Answer: A model showing graduated levels of force available in response to escalating levels of non-compliance or threat — from verbal communication through to physical intervention — emphasising proportionality

The use of force continuum is a framework showing that the level of force used must be proportionate and graduated — starting with presence and communication, then moving to physical guidance, restraint, and only in extremis to more forceful interventions. At each level, the response must match the threat faced.

In a suspected medical emergency where a person has collapsed and appears unconscious, what is the first action a security guard should take?

Answer: Ensure the area is safe, then check for responsiveness (call out and tap shoulders), call for help and alert emergency services (999), then assess airway and breathing

The correct sequence is: check the area is safe (danger), check for responsiveness, shout for help and call 999, open the airway and check for breathing, and then begin CPR if not breathing normally. Acting on an unsafe scene risks the guard also becoming a casualty.

What is the primary purpose of keeping an accurate occurrence book (incident log) as a security guard?

Answer: To create a contemporaneous, objective record of all significant events, incidents, and actions during a shift — providing evidence for investigations, supporting due diligence, and demonstrating professionalism

An occurrence book/incident log is a professional and legal tool. It provides a contemporaneous record of events that can be used as evidence in criminal or civil proceedings, supports investigations, demonstrates that proper procedures were followed, and provides continuity between shifts.

When undertaking an access control role, what is the purpose of checking identification documents before granting entry to a restricted area?

Answer: To verify that the person seeking entry is who they claim to be, is authorised to enter, and does not present a security risk — protecting the premises, its occupants, and any assets within

Access control through ID checking verifies identity and authorisation, prevents unauthorised entry, deters tailgating, protects assets and occupants, and creates a record of who has accessed the premises — all core security objectives.