IOSH Emergency Procedures 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What are the classes of fire and why do they matter?
- There is only one class of fire
- Classes A to F categorise fires by fuel type, which determines the correct extinguishing method and equipment to use (Correct answer)
- Classes only matter to the fire brigade
- Classes are based on the size of the fire
Correct answer: Classes A to F categorise fires by fuel type, which determines the correct extinguishing method and equipment to use
Fire classes: A (solid combustibles — wood, paper), B (flammable liquids — petrol, oil), C (flammable gases — propane, methane), D (metals — magnesium, sodium), E/Electrical (live electrical equipment), F (cooking oils and fats). Using the correct extinguishing agent for the class is critical for safety and effectiveness.
Question 2: What is a 'means of escape' and what are the legal requirements?
- Any window that opens
- A safe route from any part of the building to a place of safety, which must be kept clear, adequately signed, lit, and sufficient for the number of occupants (Correct answer)
- Only the main front door
- Only fire escapes on the outside of buildings
Correct answer: A safe route from any part of the building to a place of safety, which must be kept clear, adequately signed, lit, and sufficient for the number of occupants
A means of escape is a route from any point in a building to a final exit and place of safety. Legal requirements include: sufficient exits for the number of occupants, kept clear at all times, properly signed and lit (including emergency lighting), fire doors kept closed (not propped open), and alternative routes where possible.
Question 3: What are 'fire doors' and what are the rules about them?
- Any door in a building with a fire alarm
- Specially constructed doors that resist fire for a specified period, which must be kept closed (or fitted with automatic closers) and never propped open (Correct answer)
- Doors that are painted red
- Doors at the entrance to the fire station
Correct answer: Specially constructed doors that resist fire for a specified period, which must be kept closed (or fitted with automatic closers) and never propped open
Fire doors are constructed to resist fire and smoke for a specified period (typically 30 or 60 minutes). They compartmentalise the building to prevent fire spread. They must be kept closed (or fitted with automatic closers linked to the fire alarm), maintained in good condition, and never propped or wedged open.
Question 4: What is 'emergency lighting' and why is it important?
- Normal office lighting that stays on during the day
- Battery-backed or generator-powered lighting that activates when normal power fails, illuminating escape routes and safety signs (Correct answer)
- Lighting used only during fire drills
- Flashing lights on emergency vehicles
Correct answer: Battery-backed or generator-powered lighting that activates when normal power fails, illuminating escape routes and safety signs
Emergency lighting is battery-backed or generator-powered lighting designed to illuminate escape routes, exit signs, and safety signs when the normal power supply fails. It ensures that people can safely find their way out of the building during a power failure or emergency. It must be regularly tested and maintained.
Question 5: What actions should be taken on discovering a fire?
- Attempt to fight the fire regardless of size
- Raise the alarm, call the fire brigade, evacuate using the nearest safe route, close doors behind you, go to the assembly point, and do not re-enter (Correct answer)
- Investigate the cause before raising the alarm
- Open windows to let smoke out
Correct answer: Raise the alarm, call the fire brigade, evacuate using the nearest safe route, close doors behind you, go to the assembly point, and do not re-enter
On discovering a fire: raise the alarm immediately (break glass point), call 999 or the fire brigade, evacuate using the nearest safe escape route, close doors behind you to restrict fire spread, proceed to the assembly point, report to the fire warden, and do not re-enter the building under any circumstances.
Question 6: What is the purpose of emergency drills and exercises?
- To satisfy insurance requirements
- To test the effectiveness of emergency procedures, ensure everyone knows what to do, identify weaknesses, and build confidence (Correct answer)
- To disrupt normal work and raise awareness
- To demonstrate compliance to the HSE
Correct answer: To test the effectiveness of emergency procedures, ensure everyone knows what to do, identify weaknesses, and build confidence
Emergency drills serve multiple purposes: testing that procedures work in practice, ensuring all staff know what to do, identifying weaknesses or bottlenecks in the evacuation, testing equipment (alarms, emergency lighting), building confidence, meeting legal requirements, and providing opportunities for improvement.
IOSH Emergency Procedures 4
What are the classes of fire and why do they matter?