CSCS Ireland Emergency Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What fire prevention measures are required on an Irish construction site?
- Only a fire extinguisher at the site entrance
- A fire risk assessment, appropriate fire extinguishers throughout the site, safe storage of flammable materials, hot work permits, clear escape routes, fire points, alarm systems, and trained fire wardens (Correct answer)
- Fire prevention is only needed in permanent buildings
- Only sites near petrol stations need fire prevention
Correct answer: A fire risk assessment, appropriate fire extinguishers throughout the site, safe storage of flammable materials, hot work permits, clear escape routes, fire points, alarm systems, and trained fire wardens
Fire prevention on construction sites requires: a site-specific fire risk assessment, appropriate fire extinguishers at fire points throughout the site, safe storage of flammable materials and gases (in ventilated, signed areas), a hot work permit system, clear and maintained escape routes, an alarm system (air horns minimum), fire wardens, and regular housekeeping to remove combustible waste.
Question 2: What is a hot work permit and when is it required on an Irish construction site?
- A permit for working in hot weather
- A written authorisation required before any work involving open flames, sparks, or heat sources (welding, cutting, grinding, brazing) near combustible materials — specifying precautions, fire watch, and duration (Correct answer)
- A permit for using hot water on site
- Hot work permits are optional
Correct answer: A written authorisation required before any work involving open flames, sparks, or heat sources (welding, cutting, grinding, brazing) near combustible materials — specifying precautions, fire watch, and duration
A hot work permit is a formal written system authorising work that generates heat, sparks, or flames (welding, cutting, grinding, brazing, torch application). It specifies: the work area and duration, fire prevention measures, combustible materials removal, fire extinguisher provision, fire watch during and after work (typically 30-60 minutes), and the authorised person's signature.
Question 3: What should be done if a worker is electrocuted on a construction site?
- Immediately grab the worker to pull them free
- Do NOT touch the casualty until the power source is isolated — switch off at the mains/isolator, call 999/112, once safe begin CPR if the casualty is not breathing, and treat burns (Correct answer)
- Pour water on the casualty to break the circuit
- Wait for the electricity company to arrive
Correct answer: Do NOT touch the casualty until the power source is isolated — switch off at the mains/isolator, call 999/112, once safe begin CPR if the casualty is not breathing, and treat burns
NEVER touch an electrocution casualty until the power is confirmed off — you will also be electrocuted. Steps: (1) isolate the power source (switch off, remove plug, use a non-conductive object to separate if low voltage), (2) call 999/112, (3) once safe, check breathing and begin CPR if needed, (4) treat visible burns, (5) place in recovery position if breathing. All electrical burns require hospital assessment.
Question 4: What is the procedure for dealing with a suspected gas leak on a construction site?
- Light a match to check for gas
- Do not create any ignition source (no smoking, phones, switches, engines), evacuate the area upwind, call 999/112 and the gas emergency number, establish an exclusion zone, and do not re-enter until cleared by Gas Networks Ireland (Correct answer)
- Pour water on the suspected leak
- Continue working if the smell is faint
Correct answer: Do not create any ignition source (no smoking, phones, switches, engines), evacuate the area upwind, call 999/112 and the gas emergency number, establish an exclusion zone, and do not re-enter until cleared by Gas Networks Ireland
Gas leak response: (1) eliminate ALL ignition sources immediately (no smoking, phones, electrical switches, vehicle engines), (2) evacuate everyone upwind of the leak, (3) call 999/112 and Gas Networks Ireland emergency number (1800 20 50 50), (4) establish an exclusion zone, (5) do not attempt to repair the leak, (6) ventilate enclosed areas if safe, (7) do not re-enter until Gas Networks Ireland declares it safe.
Question 5: What information should be recorded and reported after a workplace accident on an Irish construction site?
- Nothing needs to be recorded for minor accidents
- Details of the accident (time, location, circumstances, persons involved, injuries, witnesses), first aid given, and reportable accidents must be notified to the HSA using the prescribed form (IR1) within 10 working days (Correct answer)
- Only fatal accidents need to be reported
- Reports are only required if the worker is hospitalised for more than 1 week
Correct answer: Details of the accident (time, location, circumstances, persons involved, injuries, witnesses), first aid given, and reportable accidents must be notified to the HSA using the prescribed form (IR1) within 10 working days
All accidents must be recorded in the site accident book. Reportable accidents must be notified to the HSA: fatalities and certain specified injuries immediately by the quickest means, and a written report (IR1 form) within 10 working days. An accident is reportable if it results in death, specified injuries, or absence from work for more than 3 consecutive days (excluding the day of the accident).
Question 6: What is the role of an emergency coordinator on an Irish construction site?
- To coordinate deliveries during emergencies
- A designated person responsible for activating the emergency plan, coordinating the evacuation, liaising with emergency services, accounting for all personnel, and declaring the all-clear after the emergency (Correct answer)
- To update the site safety file only
- There is no such role required by law
Correct answer: A designated person responsible for activating the emergency plan, coordinating the evacuation, liaising with emergency services, accounting for all personnel, and declaring the all-clear after the emergency
The emergency coordinator (often the site manager or PSCS representative) is the designated person who takes charge during an emergency. Their responsibilities include: activating the emergency plan, directing the evacuation, coordinating with fire wardens and first aiders, calling emergency services, meeting and briefing arriving emergency services, accounting for all personnel at assembly points, and authorising the return to work.
CSCS Ireland Emergency Procedures 2
What fire prevention measures are required on an Irish construction site?