CSCS Fire Safety 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, who is the 'responsible person' for fire safety on a construction site?
- The fire brigade
- The employer or person who has control of the premises (Correct answer)
- The local authority
- The building inspector
Correct answer: The employer or person who has control of the premises
Under the RR(FS)O 2005, the responsible person is the employer, or in relation to a workplace not controlled by an employer, the person who has control of the premises. On a construction site, this is typically the principal contractor.
Question 2: What are the three elements of the fire triangle?
- Water, earth, air
- Heat, fuel, oxygen (Correct answer)
- Smoke, flame, gas
- Electricity, gas, liquid
Correct answer: Heat, fuel, oxygen
The fire triangle consists of heat (ignition source), fuel (combustible material), and oxygen (air). Removing any one of these elements will prevent a fire from starting or cause it to go out.
Question 3: What class of fire involves flammable liquids?
- Class A
- Class B (Correct answer)
- Class C
- Class D
Correct answer: Class B
Class B fires involve flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel, oil, paint, and solvents. Different extinguisher types are effective on different classes — foam and CO2 extinguishers are suitable for Class B fires.
Question 4: What type of fire extinguisher should NOT be used on electrical fires?
- CO2 extinguisher
- Water extinguisher (Correct answer)
- Dry powder extinguisher
- All extinguishers can be used on electrical fires
Correct answer: Water extinguisher
Water extinguishers must never be used on electrical fires as water conducts electricity, creating a risk of electrocution. CO2 and dry powder extinguishers are safe for use on electrical fires. The power should be isolated if possible.
Question 5: How often must fire extinguishers be serviced under BS 5306?
- Every 5 years
- Annually by a competent person, with a more detailed extended service at specific intervals (Correct answer)
- Monthly
- Only when used
Correct answer: Annually by a competent person, with a more detailed extended service at specific intervals
Under BS 5306-3, fire extinguishers must receive an annual basic service by a competent person. Extended services are required at specific intervals depending on the extinguisher type (e.g., every 5 years for water and foam).
Question 6: What is a hot work permit and when is it required?
- A permit for working in hot weather
- A written authorisation required before any work involving open flames, sparks, or heat sources that could start a fire (Correct answer)
- A permit for heating the site office
- A licence to use a kettle on site
Correct answer: A written authorisation required before any work involving open flames, sparks, or heat sources that could start a fire
A hot work permit is a formal written authorisation required before welding, cutting, grinding, or any work that produces sparks, flames, or heat. It specifies precautions including fire watch, extinguisher provision, and clearance of combustible materials.
CSCS Fire Safety 1
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, who is the 'responsible person' for fire safety on a construction site?