Health, Safety, Fire & Emergencies

Which Act places general health and safety duties on both employers and employees in Great Britain?

• AThe Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974✓
• BThe Private Security Industry Act 2001
• CThe Data Protection Act 2018
• DThe Licensing Act 2003

Answer: The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 is the main piece of legislation setting out the duties of employers and employees for health, safety and welfare at work. It applies to almost all workplaces, including security settings.

Under health and safety law, what is a key duty placed on an employee such as a security officer?

• ATo personally provide the personal protective equipment for every colleague on site
• BTo carry out the formal written risk assessments for the premises
• CTo arrange the company's employer's liability insurance cover
• DTo take reasonable care of their own and others' safety and co-operate with the employer✓

Answer: Employees must take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and of others affected by their actions, and co-operate with their employer on safety matters. Providing PPE and preparing risk assessments are employer duties.

What is the difference between a hazard and a risk?

• AA hazard is something with the potential to cause harm; a risk is the likelihood of that harm happening✓
• BA hazard is a minor issue, whereas a risk is a serious danger to life
• CA hazard is the likelihood of harm happening; a risk is something with the potential to cause harm
• DA hazard applies to staff on duty, whereas a risk applies to site visitors

Answer: A hazard is anything with the potential to cause harm, while a risk is the chance, high or low, that someone could actually be harmed by that hazard. Keeping the two terms separate is the basis of sound risk assessment.

A security officer notices a trailing cable across a walkway during a patrol. What should they do?

• AIgnore it, as cables are not the security officer's responsibility
• BWait until the end of the shift to mention it informally
• CRemove their own shoes so they do not trip over it themselves
• DMake it safe if possible and report the hazard promptly✓

Answer: Officers should take reasonable steps to reduce the danger and report the hazard promptly so it can be put right. Reporting hazards is part of an employee's duty to co-operate on health and safety.

What does PPE stand for, and what is its purpose?

• APersonal Protective Equipment, used to reduce exposure to workplace hazards✓
• BPublic Protection Enforcement, used to control crowds at busy events
• CPremises Patrol Equipment, a system used to log the security patrol checkpoints on a site
• DPersonal Performance Evaluation, used to assess an officer's conduct

Answer: PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment, such as gloves, high-visibility clothing or safety footwear, worn to reduce a worker's exposure to hazards. It is used when risks cannot be removed by other means.

Which is the safest approach when an officer must move a heavy object by hand?

• ALift the load quickly using a rounded back to get the task over with
• BTwist sharply at the waist while carrying it in order to change direction
• CAssess the load, bend the knees, keep the back straight and get help if needed✓
• DAlways carry the whole load alone, so as not to trouble any colleagues

Answer: Safe manual handling means assessing the load first, bending the knees rather than the back, keeping the load close, and getting help or equipment for heavy items. This reduces the risk of musculoskeletal injury.

In a workplace, what is the accident book used for?

• ARecording staff holiday requests and shift swaps for the month
• BListing the contact telephone numbers of approved contractors
• CNoting the daily patrol start and finish times of security staff
• DRecording details of injuries and accidents that occur at work✓

Answer: The accident book is used to record details of injuries and accidents that happen in the workplace. Accurate records support investigation, first aid follow-up and any legal reporting requirements.

Which of the following would typically be reportable under RIDDOR?

• AA minor paper cut that is treated on the spot with a single plaster
• BA specified serious injury or a dangerous occurrence at work✓
• CAn employee arriving a few minutes late for the start of a shift
• DA brief verbal disagreement between two members of staff about the rota

Answer: RIDDOR (the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) requires specified serious injuries, certain work-related illnesses and dangerous occurrences to be reported. Minor first aid cases and non-safety matters are not reportable.

Who is primarily responsible for providing a safe working environment and the necessary safety training?

• AEach individual employee, funded at their own personal expense
• BThe local fire and rescue service that covers the area
• CThe employer or person in control of the workplace✓
• DThe local authority environmental health department

Answer: The employer has the primary duty to provide a safe working environment, safe systems of work, and the information, instruction and training needed to work safely. Employees must then co-operate and follow that training.

The fire triangle shows the three elements a fire needs to burn. What are they?

• ASmoke, heat and water
• BFuel, water and carbon
• COxygen, smoke and sparks
• DHeat, fuel and oxygen✓

Answer: A fire needs heat, fuel and oxygen, together known as the fire triangle. Removing any one of these three elements will put the fire out.

Which fire extinguisher is suitable for use on a live electrical fire?

• AA carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguisher✓
• BA water jet extinguisher
• CA water spray extinguisher
• DA standard foam extinguisher

Answer: Carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers are suitable for live electrical fires because the gas does not conduct electricity and leaves no residue. Water and foam are water-based and must never be used on electrical fires.

A small fire involving cooking oil has started in a kitchen. Which extinguisher is designed for this Class F fire?

• AA water extinguisher
• BA wet chemical extinguisher✓
• CA standard foam extinguisher
• DA dry powder extinguisher

Answer: Wet chemical extinguishers are designed for Class F fires involving cooking oils and fats. Water must never be used on a fat fire because it can cause a violent, explosive reaction.

UK fire extinguishers carry a coloured band showing their contents. What colour band identifies a CO2 extinguisher?

• ABlue
• BCream
• CBlack✓
• DRed

Answer: A CO2 extinguisher is identified by a black band or label. The body of UK extinguishers is red, with a coloured band showing the specific type.

What colour band identifies a foam extinguisher?

• ACream✓
• BBlue
• CYellow
• DBlack

Answer: A foam extinguisher is identified by a cream-coloured band. Foam is suitable for Class A fires and for Class B flammable liquid fires.

On discovering a fire while on patrol, what is the first action a security officer should take?

• ARaise the alarm to warn other people in the building✓
• BAttempt to put the fire out regardless of its size
• CCollect their personal belongings before leaving the area
• DUse the nearest lift to reach an exit more quickly

Answer: The first action on discovering a fire is to raise the alarm so that others are warned and can evacuate. Tackling a fire should only be considered if it is very small and the officer is trained to do so safely.

During a fire evacuation, why should lifts generally not be used?

• AThey are, in most cases, kept for moving goods rather than people
• BThey are reserved for use by senior managers
• CThey may fail or trap occupants, and can fill with smoke✓
• DUsing them automatically sets off a second fire alarm

Answer: Lifts should not be used during a fire because they may fail, trap occupants between floors, or fill with smoke. People should use the stairs and designated escape routes instead.

What is the main purpose of a fire door in a building?

• ATo provide a decorative main entrance to the offices and reception
• BTo improve sound insulation between adjoining rooms and corridors
• CTo hold back fire and smoke and protect escape routes✓
• DTo help control the building's heating and ventilation

Answer: Fire doors are designed to hold back fire and smoke for a period of time, protecting escape routes and compartmentalising the building. They must be kept closed, or on approved automatic closers, and never wedged open.

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, who is responsible for fire safety in most non-domestic premises?

• AThe responsible person, such as the employer or person in control✓
• BThe local fire and rescue service, the one that covers the immediate local area
• CEach individual member of the public who visits the premises
• DThe building's original architect or structural designer

Answer: The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places duties on the responsible person, typically the employer, owner or person in control of the premises. They must carry out a fire risk assessment and put suitable measures in place.

Why is a first aid qualification required before taking the Level 2 security officer course?

• ASo that officers can formally replace the site's appointed first aiders
• BSo that officers are able to prescribe medication to injured casualties
• CSo that officers have basic skills to help preserve life in an emergency✓
• DSo that individual officers can sign off their own RIDDOR reports

Answer: A first aid qualification ensures officers have the basic skills to help preserve life and assist a casualty until professional help arrives. It does not qualify them to prescribe medication or to replace dedicated medical staff.

In a medical emergency, what is the most important role of a security officer who is not a medical professional?

• ADiagnose the casualty's exact condition and begin full treatment
• BSummon the emergency services and keep the scene and people safe✓
• CMove the casualty straight away to the nearest building exit
• DRecord the incident in the accident book before taking any action

Answer: An officer's key role is to summon the emergency services and keep the scene and people safe, giving first aid only within the limits of their training. Recording and other steps come after life-safety actions.

The HOT principle is used to assess a suspicious item. What do the letters HOT stand for?

• AHeavy, Old, Threatening in appearance
• BHidden, Obviously suspicious, Typical of the environment✓
• CHazardous, Obstructive, Toxic to handle
• DHold, Observe, Transmit a description

Answer: HOT stands for Hidden, Obviously suspicious, and Typical of the environment, helping officers judge whether an item is a genuine concern. A suspicious item should never be touched or moved.

An officer finds an unattended bag that appears suspicious. What should they do?

• AOpen it carefully to check the contents for any identification
• BMove it to a safe, isolated location well away from people
• CPlace it straight into lost property and carry on patrolling as normal
• DLeave it untouched, clear the area and inform the authorities✓

Answer: A suspicious item must not be touched or moved; the officer should clear people from the area and inform the authorities, such as a supervisor and the police. Moving or opening it could be extremely dangerous.

What is the difference between evacuation and invacuation during an emergency?

• AEvacuation applies to staff, whereas invacuation applies to members of the public
• BEvacuation is carried out at night, whereas invacuation is carried out during the daytime
• CEvacuation means moving people to a safer place inside; invacuation means moving them out of the building
• DEvacuation means moving people out of the building; invacuation means moving them to a safer place inside✓

Answer: Evacuation means moving people out of a building to safety, while invacuation means bringing or keeping people inside and moving them to a safer internal area, for example during an external threat. The choice depends on where the danger is.

The national campaign encouraging people to report suspicious activity is known as ACT. What does ACT stand for?

• AAlert, Contain and Trace
• BAssess, Challenge and Target
• CAlarm, Control and Transmit
• DAction Counters Terrorism✓

Answer: ACT stands for Action Counters Terrorism, a campaign encouraging the public and workers to report suspicious activity and behaviour. Reports can help the authorities prevent attacks.

If a firearms or weapons attack happens nearby, what is the official recommended response?

• ANegotiate, Comply and Report
• BStand, Film and Share
• CGather, Wait and Follow
• DRun, Hide and Tell✓

Answer: The official guidance for a firearms or weapons attack is Run, Hide, Tell: escape if you can, hide if you cannot, and tell the police when it is safe to do so. Officers should help others follow this where possible.

Under the Run, Hide, Tell guidance, what does the Tell step involve?

• ATelling the nearby members of the public to begin filming the whole scene
• BTelling the attacker to stop and to put down the weapons they hold
• CTelling colleagues to gather together at the main reception area
• DCalling 999 when it is safe and giving the police clear information✓

Answer: The Tell step means calling 999 when it is safe to do so and giving the police clear information about the location, the attackers and any casualties. It should only be done once you are in a safe position.

An officer sees a person repeatedly photographing cameras and fire exits while avoiding staff. What is the appropriate action?

• AConfront and physically detain the person until the police arrive
• BIgnore it completely, as photography is always lawful everywhere
• CPost a description of the person on the company's social media
• DReport the suspicious behaviour to a supervisor and the police✓

Answer: Unusual activity such as hostile reconnaissance should be reported to a supervisor and, where appropriate, the police, while recording what was seen. Officers should stay vigilant and report rather than confront.

A security officer who stays alert and reports unusual behaviour is mainly contributing to which of the following?

• AReducing slips, trips and falls around the site
• BMaintaining and servicing the fire extinguishers
• CCompleting the site's manual handling records
• DCounter-terrorism and wider security awareness✓

Answer: Staying alert to unusual behaviour and reporting it promptly is a key part of counter-terrorism and wider security awareness. Frontline staff are often well placed to notice things that are out of place.

What does a circular safety sign with a red border and a red diagonal line across it tell you?

• AAn action is prohibited and must not be carried out✓
• BA hazard is present and care should be taken nearby
• CAn action is mandatory and must always be carried out
• DA safe condition or an escape route is found here

Answer: A red circular sign with a diagonal bar is a prohibition sign, telling people that an action must not be carried out. Warning signs are yellow triangles, mandatory signs are blue circles, and green signs show safe conditions such as escape routes.

A green rectangular sign showing a white running figure and a directional arrow is used to indicate what?

• AA route that is permanently closed off to the public
• BAn emergency escape route to a place of safety✓
• CThe location of the fire-fighting equipment on site
• DAn area where protective clothing must be worn here

Answer: Green signs indicate a safe condition, such as an emergency escape route leading people to a place of safety. Fire-fighting equipment is marked by red signs, while signs requiring protective clothing are blue.

During a patrol an officer notices a frayed and damaged power cable on a portable heater in an office. What is the most appropriate action?

• ARepair the cable with insulating tape and carry on using the heater
• BSwitch the heater on briefly to check whether it still works safely
• CTake it out of use and report the fault so it can be put right✓
• DKeep using the heater but warn colleagues to take care near the cable

Answer: Damaged electrical equipment should be taken out of use and reported so a competent person can repair or replace it. A security officer should not attempt to repair electrical faults or keep faulty equipment in use, as it could cause a shock or fire.

An officer notices a strong smell of gas in a plant room. Which of the following is the correct action to take?

• ATurn on the lights so that the source of the leak can be found
• BAvoid using electrical switches, warn others and raise the alarm✓
• CUse the nearest lift to leave the building as quickly as possible
• DLight a flame to trace where the gas might be escaping from

Answer: On smelling gas you should not operate electrical switches or use naked flames, because a spark could ignite the gas. The officer should warn others, raise the alarm, ventilate the area if it is possible to do so, and follow the procedure to summon help.

A security officer answers a telephone call warning that a bomb has been placed in the building. What should the officer try to do?

• AHang up the call at once and avoid telling anyone, to prevent panic
• BArgue with the caller and insist that the threat is a hoax
• CTransfer the call to a colleague without recording the details
• DKeep the caller talking, record what is said and alert a supervisor✓

Answer: During a bomb-threat call the officer should try to keep the caller talking and write down exactly what is said, noting the time, the caller's voice and any background noise. These details are then passed on by following the site's procedure so the authorities can respond.

An officer finds a person who has fallen from a ladder and is lying still with a suspected back injury. What is the best immediate action?

• AHelp the person up and walk them to the first aid room to recover
• BAvoid moving them unless in danger, call 999 and reassure them✓
• CSit the person upright and give them a drink of water to revive them
• DMove the person onto their side straight away so they are comfortable

Answer: A casualty with a suspected spinal or back injury should not be moved unless they are in immediate danger, because movement could make the injury worse. The officer should call 999, keep the person still and reassured, and wait for the emergency services.

When a fire is small enough to tackle safely and a person is trained to do so, the PASS technique describes how to use an extinguisher. What does PASS stand for?

• APoint, Activate, Spray, Stop
• BPress, Approach, Spray, Secure
• CPull, Alert, Stand, Signal
• DPull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep✓

Answer: PASS stands for Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle and Sweep from side to side. An extinguisher should only be used on a small fire by a trained person when it is safe to do so, with a clear escape route behind them.

During a fire evacuation, a wheelchair user is unable to use the stairs. What does good practice require the officer to do?

• ATell the person to wait alone by the lift until the fire service frees it
• BCarry the person down the stairs at once without waiting for any help
• CLeave the person in the office and hope that someone else will assist
• DFollow their PEEP, take them to a refuge point and tell the fire service✓

Answer: Good practice is to follow the person's Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP), helping them to a refuge point and informing the fire service of their location. Lifts should not be used in a fire, and an untrained person should not attempt to carry someone down the stairs unless they are in immediate danger.