Fire Prevention & Control

What is a 'fire risk assessment' and when must it be carried out?

• AOnly after a fire
• BSystematic evaluation of fire hazards, identifying risks and control measures; required for all premises✓
• COnly for large buildings
• DNot required if fire extinguishers present

Answer: A fire risk assessment identifies: fire hazards (ignition sources, fuel, oxygen), persons at risk, existing controls, emergency procedures, and measures to reduce risk.

What are the three elements required for fire (the fire triangle)?

• AHeat, water, sand
• BOxygen, heat, and fuel✓
• CSmoke, flames, heat
• DOnly oxygen

Answer: The fire triangle consists of: oxygen (air), heat (ignition source), and fuel (combustible material). Remove any element to prevent fire.

What is 'hot works' in the context of fire prevention?

• AWorking in hot weather
• BActivities generating heat or sparks (welding, cutting, grinding) that can ignite flammable materials✓
• COnly welding
• DNot a fire risk

Answer: Hot works include welding, cutting, grinding, soldering, and other activities generating heat/sparks. These are high fire risk and require formal control via permits.

What must a 'hot works permit' include?

• AJust authorization
• BLocation, work description, hazards, fire watches, fire-fighting equipment, start/end times, and competent person authorization✓
• COnly safety information
• DOnly time and date

Answer: A hot works permit specifies: work location and duration, hazards identified, fire watches assigned, fire suppression equipment in place, and supervisor authorization.

What is a 'fire watch' and when is it needed?

• ANot necessary
• BA competent person monitoring for fire during/after hot works or in high-risk areas; needed during all hot work✓
• COnly for welding
• DOptional if trained

Answer: A fire watch is a trained person who monitors during and after hot works to detect and respond to any fire. Fire watches must remain on site for at least 30 minutes after work ends.

What are 'means of escape' in fire safety?

• ANot important
• BRoutes and exits allowing safe evacuation in fire; must be unobstructed, clearly marked, and regularly practiced✓
• COnly emergency exits
• DOnly in large buildings

Answer: Means of escape includes: evacuation routes, emergency exits, signage, lighting, unobstructed pathways, and regular fire drills to test procedures.

What are the responsibilities of a 'fire marshal' or 'fire warden'?

• ANone if professional firefighters are nearby
• BCheck evacuation routes, organize emergency assembly, take roll call, report status to site manager, and assist disabled persons✓
• COnly after fire starts
• DOnly sounding alarms

Answer: Fire marshals/wardens are trained personnel who: guide evacuation, check that all persons are accounted for, manage assembly points, and report status to the incident commander.

What must be in place for emergency evacuation procedures?

• AJust a fire alarm
• BClear routes, marked exits, emergency assembly points, roll call procedures, disabled person support, and trained wardens✓
• COnly exit signs
• DOnly assembly points

Answer: Emergency procedures include: evacuation routes, marked exits, emergency assembly areas away from the building, roll call procedures, and trained fire marshals.

What is the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) 2002?

• AOnly about explosives
• BRegulations controlling hazardous substances, flammable liquids, and explosive atmospheres on construction sites✓
• COnly for chemicals
• DNot relevant to construction

Answer: DSEAR requires risk assessment and control of dangerous substances (flammable liquids, gases, explosive atmospheres) to prevent fire and explosion on construction sites.

What are the storage requirements for flammable liquids under DSEAR?

• AAny container anywhere
• BDesigned flammable storage cabinets, away from ignition sources, ventilated, with spill containment✓
• COnly in sealed containers
• DOnly outdoors

Answer: Flammable liquids must be stored in: purpose-designed flammable cabinets, well-ventilated areas, away from ignition sources, with spill containment, and properly labeled.

What is an 'explosive atmosphere' and when may one form?

• ANever on construction sites
• BMixture of air and flammable substance that can ignite and cause explosion; forms in paint shops, fuel areas, dusty environments✓
• COnly with explosives
• DImpossible to prevent

Answer: Explosive atmospheres form when flammable substances (gases, vapors, dusts) mix with air in the right proportions. Common areas: paint shops, fuel storage, grain handling.

What is the role of 'ATEX' zones in explosive atmosphere management?

• ANot relevant
• BATEX zones classify areas by frequency of explosive atmospheres; determines equipment type required (electrical equipment certification)✓
• COnly marking areas
• DNot used in construction

Answer: ATEX (Directive 2014/34/EU) zones classify areas: Zone 0 (explosive always), Zone 1 (occasionally), Zone 2 (rarely). Different electrical equipment is required for each zone.