CHST Emergency and Fire Preparedness 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under OSHA 1926.150, which type of fire extinguisher is appropriate for a Class B (flammable liquid) fire on a construction site?
- Dry chemical (BC or ABC rated) or CO2 extinguishers (Correct answer)
- Water extinguishers only
- Class A extinguishers rated at 2-A
- Halon extinguishers only
Correct answer: Dry chemical (BC or ABC rated) or CO2 extinguishers
Class B fires involve flammable liquids and gases. Dry chemical (BC or ABC) and CO2 extinguishers are rated for Class B fires. Water should never be used on flammable liquid fires as it can spread the fire.
Fire extinguishers are rated by the classes of fire they can extinguish: Class A (ordinary combustibles), Class B (flammable liquids/gases), Class C (energized electrical), Class D (combustible metals), Class K (cooking oils/grease). For Class B hazards on construction sites such as fuel storage, solvents, and adhesives, BC-rated dry chemical or CO2 extinguishers are appropriate. ABC-rated extinguishers using monoammonium phosphate dry chemical are multipurpose and cover Class A, B, and C. OSHA 1926.150(c)(1) specifies extinguisher placement and rating requirements.
Question 2: Under OSHA 1926.150(e), what is the maximum travel distance a worker must have to reach a fire extinguisher for Class A hazards on a construction site?
- 100 feet (Correct answer)
- 50 feet
- 75 feet
- 25 feet
Correct answer: 100 feet
OSHA 1926.150(e)(1) requires that fire extinguishers for Class A hazards be placed so workers do not have to travel more than 100 feet to reach them.
OSHA 1926.150(e)(1) establishes that portable fire extinguishers for Class A hazards must be within 100 feet of travel from any worker. For Class B hazards, extinguishers must be within 50 feet of flammable liquid storage or use areas. Monthly visual inspections and annual maintenance are required. Construction sites must have a firefighting program that designates who will operate extinguishers and how evacuation will be coordinated.
Question 3: Under OSHA 1926.24, what must a construction site fire prevention plan include?
- List of major fire hazards, procedures for handling and storing flammable materials, ignition source controls, fire protection equipment, and assigned responsibilities for maintaining equipment and controlling hazards (Correct answer)
- Only the location of fire extinguishers on the site
- Emergency contact numbers and insurance information
- A building floor plan showing exit locations only
Correct answer: List of major fire hazards, procedures for handling and storing flammable materials, ignition source controls, fire protection equipment, and assigned responsibilities for maintaining equipment and controlling hazards
OSHA 1926.24 requires a written fire prevention plan that addresses fire hazards, ignition source control, flammable material storage, fire protection equipment, and responsibilities for plan maintenance.
OSHA 1926.24 requires that employers maintain fire prevention programs on construction sites covering: (1) identification of major fire hazards; (2) procedures for handling and storage of flammable and combustible materials; (3) controls for potential ignition sources; (4) fire protection equipment for each type of fire hazard present; and (5) designation of responsible parties for maintaining equipment and controlling hazards. The plan must be available to workers.
Question 4: Under OSHA 1926.152, quantities of flammable liquids greater than 25 gallons must be stored in what type of container or facility?
- Approved, closed containers in approved flammable storage cabinets or in a detached building dedicated to flammable storage (Correct answer)
- Any covered container away from heat sources
- Open containers with warning labels in ventilated areas
- Standard metal tool chests with hazard labeling
Correct answer: Approved, closed containers in approved flammable storage cabinets or in a detached building dedicated to flammable storage
OSHA 1926.152(b)(1) requires flammable liquids in excess of 25 gallons to be stored in an approved storage cabinet or in a room or detached building designed for flammable storage.
OSHA 1926.152 establishes that quantities of flammable liquids exceeding 25 gallons must be stored in a UL-listed or FM-approved flammable liquid storage cabinet or in a building or room approved for flammable storage. Cabinets must bear the label 'Flammable — Keep Fire Away.' Storage areas must be ventilated and separated from ignition sources. Smaller quantities up to 25 gallons may be kept in safety cans.
Question 5: What does the acronym PASS stand for when using a portable fire extinguisher?
- Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side (Correct answer)
- Point at the flames, Aim high, Squeeze trigger, Spray continuously
- Pull pin, Apply pressure, Stand back, Spray at the top
- Press handle, Aim at center, Squeeze trigger, Sweep upward
Correct answer: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side
PASS stands for Pull the pin, Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire (not the flames), Squeeze the handle to discharge the agent, and Sweep the nozzle side to side at the base of the fire.
The PASS technique is the standard method for operating portable fire extinguishers: (P) Pull the safety pin from the handle to break the tamper seal; (A) Aim the discharge nozzle at the base of the fire — not at the flames, since attacking the base removes fuel/oxygen contact; (S) Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent; (S) Sweep the nozzle from side to side, covering the base of the fire until it is extinguished. Workers should position themselves with their back to the nearest exit and stay low if smoke is present.
Question 6: Under OSHA 1926.34, what is the minimum clear width required for emergency egress routes on construction sites?
- 28 inches (Correct answer)
- 18 inches
- 36 inches
- 24 inches
Correct answer: 28 inches
OSHA 1926.34(a) requires that egress routes be wide enough for orderly exit — at minimum 28 inches clear width — and must be kept clear and unobstructed at all times.
OSHA 1926.34 establishes means of egress requirements for construction sites. Exit routes must be kept clear and unobstructed at all times. The minimum clear width for egress is 28 inches. Exits must be marked with signs when the route is not immediately apparent. Emergency lighting must be provided when natural lighting is insufficient. Construction sites with more than 25 workers require fire prevention plans and emergency action plans addressing evacuation routes and assembly points.
CHST Emergency and Fire Preparedness 2
Under OSHA 1926.150, which type of fire extinguisher is appropriate for a Class B (flammable liquid) fire on a construction site?