Fire Safety & Emergency Procedures
Fire is a serious hazard on construction sites due to the presence of flammable materials, hot work, and temporary electrical installations. This topic covers fire extinguisher types and selection (water, foam, CO2, dry chemical, wet chemical), hot work permits, emergency evacuation procedures, fire warden responsibilities, and site-specific fire prevention measures.
Study Guide: Fire Safety & Emergency Procedures
Review these sample questions before starting the practice test.
Q1: What does the acronym PASS stand for when using a fire extinguisher?
- A. Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep β
- B. Push, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
- C. Point, Activate, Spray, Stop
- D. Pull, Activate, Shoot, Sweep
PASS stands for Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep from side to side. This is the standard technique for using a portable fire extinguisher.
Q2: What class of fire involves ordinary combustible materials like wood, paper, and textiles?
- A. Class B
- B. Class A β
- C. Class C
- D. Class D
Class A fires involve ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, textiles, and some plastics. They are the most common type of fire on construction sites.
Q3: What class of fire involves flammable liquids?
- A. Class B β
- B. Class A
- C. Class C
- D. Class E
Class B fires involve flammable and combustible liquids such as petrol, diesel, oil, paint, and solvents. They require smothering or chemical inhibition to extinguish.
Q4: What type of fire extinguisher should be used on an electrical fire?
- A. Water extinguisher
- B. Wet chemical extinguisher
- C. Foam extinguisher
- D. CO2 or dry chemical powder extinguisher rated for Class E β
Electrical fires (Class E in Australia) require a CO2 or dry chemical powder extinguisher. Never use water on an electrical fire as water conducts electricity.
Q5: What is a hot work permit?
- A. A permit to work in hot weather
- B. A coffee break authorisation
- C. A permit for heated office spaces
- D. A written authorisation required before any work involving flames, sparks, or heat that could start a fire β
A hot work permit authorises work involving open flames, welding, grinding, or other spark/heat-producing activities. It ensures fire prevention measures are in place.
Q6: How far should flammable materials be kept from hot work operations?
- A. At least 10 metres, or as specified in the hot work permit β
- B. 1 metre
- C. 50 centimetres
- D. Any distance is fine
Flammable materials should be kept at least 10 metres from hot work operations (or as specified). The area should be cleared of combustibles before work begins.
Q7: What is the first thing you should do if you discover a fire on a construction site?
- A. Try to extinguish it yourself
- B. Raise the alarm and alert others in the area β
- C. Run to the car park
- D. Take a photo for evidence
The first priority is to raise the alarm and alert others. Then, if safe to do so and you are trained, attempt to extinguish a small fire. If in doubt, evacuate.
Q8: What is a fire warden's primary responsibility during an evacuation?
- A. To fight the fire
- B. To ensure all people in their area evacuate safely and account for everyone at the assembly point β
- C. To lock the site office
- D. To call the media
Fire wardens are responsible for directing people to evacuate, checking their area is clear, assisting anyone with mobility issues, and accounting for everyone at the assembly point.
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