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Operatives and Specialists – Fire Prevention and Control (2024)

Construction Test > Operatives and Specialists – Fire Prevention and Control (2024)

You need to answer at least 34 out of 38 questions correctly to pass the Fire Prevention and Control Test for Operatives and Specialists. Answers may be reviewed after each question or at the end of the test. Good luck!

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List of questions in above test (quick view). Click question box to reveal correct answer.
1. Who is responsible for providing and maintaining fire detection and fighting equipment? Give ONE answer
A Everybody on site
B The HSE
C The employees
D Your employer
Correct Answer: D Your employer
Explanation: Your employer is responsible for providing and maintaining fire safety equipment.
2. How should flammable materials be stored? Give ONE answer
A At cold temperatures
B In a secure storage space, provided by your employer
C It does not matter, so long as they are handled correctly
D Near where they will be used
Correct Answer: B In a secure storage space, provided by your employer
Explanation: Your employer must provide a safe storage space for flammable materials.
3. What is good system for controlling hot work? Give ONE answer
A A hot-work permit
B Ensuring all workers in the area are aware of the activity
C Having a good water supply nearby
D Informing the HSE in advance
Correct Answer: A A hot-work permit
Explanation: Your employer should have in place a control system for hot work and this may include a hot-works permit.
4. Where are you permitted to smoke on site? Give ONE answer
A In areas where active work is not taking place
B In areas where flammable materials are not in use
C In permitted areas designated by your employer
D Nowhere
Correct Answer: C In permitted areas designated by your employer
Explanation: Smoking is only permitted in designated areas provided by your employer.
5. What is your responsibility as a worker when it comes to acquiring hot work permits? Give ONE answer
A Being sufficiently competent to sign off on them if required for work
B Ensuring all your team are aware of any permits being acquired
C Knowing how and when to acquire them
D Taking the relevant tests to ensure you are aware of risks
Correct Answer: C Knowing how and when to acquire them
Explanation: Employees should understand how and when to acquire hot work permits.
6. Which three elements are necessary for a fire to start? Give THREE answers
A Air flow
B Fuel
C Heat/ignition
D Oxygen
E Tinder
F Wood
Correct Answer: B Fuel, C Heat/ignition, D Oxygen
Explanation: A fire can break out if fuel, oxygen, and heat or ignition are present.
7. What element/s must be removed to put out a fire? Give ONE answer
A Any single element
B Heat and fuel
C Heat, oxygen, and fuel
D Oxygen and fuel
Correct Answer: A Any single element
Explanation: Removing any one of these elements will put out a fire.
8. Using a foam (cream) extinguisher is an example of what? Give ONE answer
A Removing all fire-producing elements
B Removing fuel
C Removing heat
D Removing oxygen
Correct Answer: D Removing oxygen
Explanation: A foam extinguisher smothers the fire by removing oxygen.
9. What is an on-site risk posed by halogen lights? Give ONE answer
A They consume a lot of energy, putting the generator at risk of overload
B They do not light well in smoky rooms, creating an evacuation risk
C They may overheat, creating an ignition risk
D They will explode in case of fire, creating an injury risk
Correct Answer: C They may overheat, creating an ignition risk
Explanation: Lights, especially halogen lights, may become ignition risks if they overheat.
10. You are about to begin drilling again after lunch, and see paint cans have been left open in your area. What risk should you be aware of? Give ONE answer
A If the paint pots are knocked over, they will then create a dangerous atmosphere. If your drill overheats, it may ignite the fumes.
B Paint may have gotten on your tool, and if so this creates an ignition hazard
C The paint fumes may have created a dangerous atmosphere during that time. If your drill overheats, it may ignite the fumes.
D The paint fumes may have created a dangerous atmosphere during that time. You should be wearing appropriate RPE
Correct Answer: C The paint fumes may have created a dangerous atmosphere during that time. If your drill overheats, it may ignite the fumes.
Explanation: Paint pots and solvents left open create a potentially flammable atmosphere. An overheating power tool would be enough to set this on fire.
11. Your supervisor decides to set up a bonfire on site. Is this permissible? Give ONE answer
A No, under no circumstances are bonfires permitted on site
B Yes, if it is used only for burning welfare waste
C Yes, only if it has been cleared with the site management
D Yes, only if the site has a permit to do so
Correct Answer: D Yes, only if the site has a permit to do so
Explanation: Bonfires are only allowed if the site has a permit.
12. How will you know where to go in the event of a fire? Give ONE answer
A It should be clearly enough labelled that it is obvious without additional information
B There will be marshals instructing you during evacuation
C You are responsible for seeking this information out in advance
D You will be informed during site induction
Correct Answer: D You will be informed during site induction
Explanation: Fire evacuation procedure should be covered during site induction.
13. A fire alarm unexpectedly sounds at midday on Friday. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Find a safe point to stop working and follow fire evacuation procedure
B Follow fire evacuation procedure
C Nothing - this is the mandated time for fire-alarm testing on construction sites
D Stop work and check with a supervisor whether this is a drill
Correct Answer: B Follow fire evacuation procedure
Explanation: Treat all unexpected alarms as indicating a fire on-site. Immediately stop work and follow your site's evacuation procedure.
14. How will you know where designated smoking areas are on site? Give ONE answer
A There should be no designated smoking areas on-site, as smoking is never permitted
B There will be a bin for cigarette butts
C There will not be any cordons indicating the area is a combustion risk
D You will be informed during induction
Correct Answer: D You will be informed during induction
Explanation: You will be informed of any smoking areas during your site induction.
15. It is your employer's responsibility to ensure emergency escape routes do not change over the course of the project. True or false? Give ONE answer
A FALSE - escape routes may change, and you must ensure you check regularly for any alterations
B TRUE - the escape route must remain fixed over the project as per the original risk assessment
Correct Answer: A FALSE - escape routes may change, and you must ensure you check regularly for any alterations
Explanation: Escape routes may change as the project develops. It is your responsibility to ensure you are aware of any changes.
16. Why is it important to obtain a hot works permit? Give ONE answer
A Because a different accident book must be available to record accidents
B Because the work involved creates additional legal liability for your employer
C Because the work involved creates specific fire risks
D Because the work involved exposes you to harmful temperature levels
Correct Answer: C Because the work involved creates specific fire risks
Explanation: Hot work permits help control and mitigate the additional fire risks created by these activities.
17. How will you know which fire extinguisher you must use on a given job? Give ONE answer
A It will be detailed in the hot works permit
B It will be detailed in your induction handbook
C It will be detailed on the packaging of the relevant fire extinguisher
D The extinguisher will be located in your work area
Correct Answer: A It will be detailed in the hot works permit
Explanation: A hot works permit will tell you which fire extinguisher must be available.
18. You are in charge of fire watch for a soldering task. What should you do once the task is complete? Give ONE answer
A Avoid creating further risk by isolating all tools and leaving the area
B Continue to your next task
C Maintain fire watch if you are instructed to do so in your permit
D Maintain fire watch until all materials and tools have cooled
Correct Answer: C Maintain fire watch if you are instructed to do so in your permit
Explanation: Your hot works permit will detail how long fire watch must be maintained after the activity is complete.
19. You have completed a welding job. How soon after the job is complete should you return for a safety check? Give ONE answer
A 1-2 hours later
B However soon is specified in the hot works permit
C Where the hot works permit has been correctly followed, no further checks are needed
D Within 1 hour
Correct Answer: B However soon is specified in the hot works permit
Explanation: You should always return at a later time to check the area. Precisely how long will be detailed in the hot works permit.
20. What should you do upon hearing the fire alarm? Give ONE answer
A Immediately stop work and make your way to the fire assembly point
B Reach a safe point to stop work and make your way to the fire assembly point
C Wait for confirmation that evacuation is necessary
D Wait for confirmation that the alarm is not a test or a drill
Correct Answer: A Immediately stop work and make your way to the fire assembly point
Explanation: When the alarm sounds you should stop work immediately and head to the fire assembly point.
21. How will you know where fire fighting equipment is located on-site? Give ONE answer
A A map will be provided on request
B It will be clearly displayed
C You will be informed only if you have been trained to use it
D You will be told during induction
Correct Answer: D You will be told during induction
Explanation: Your site induction will include information on where equipment is located.
22. A liquid is highly flammable if: Give ONE answer
A It can be ignited at temperatures lower than 32 degrees Celsius
B It can be ignited at temperatures lower than 55 degrees Celsius
C It can be ignited without being exposed to sparks or naked flames
D It cannot be extinguished with water once ignited
Correct Answer: A It can be ignited at temperatures lower than 32 degrees Celsius
Explanation: A highly flammable liquid is one that can ignite at temperatures lower than 32 degrees Celsius.
23. How must flammable liquids be kept? Give ONE answer
A Below room temperature
B In a closed container
C In a plastic container
D In an impact-proof container
Correct Answer: B In a closed container
Explanation: Closed containers must be used to store flammable liquids.
24. You have spilled some solvent. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Alert your supervisor to the spill
B Clear it up immediately
C Clear the area until your supervisor can assess the risk
D Record it in the incident book
Correct Answer: B Clear it up immediately
Explanation: You must immediately clear up any spillages of flammable liquids.
25. Which of the following are flammable liquids? Check ALL that apply
A Adhesives
B Silty water
C Solvents
D Thinners
Correct Answer: A Adhesives, C Solvents, D Thinners
Explanation: Besides silty water, these are all examples of flammable liquids.
26. How must you store compressed gas when in use? Give ONE answer
A Below 10 degrees Celsius
B In an insulating casing
C Sideways
D Upright
Correct Answer: D Upright
Explanation: Compressed gas must be stored upright.
27. Fireproof cages are used to store liquified petroleum gas (LPG). Why? Give ONE answer
A To ensure stock is visible and can be monitored from a safe distance
B To limit the damage caused by shrapnel in case of explosion
C To make it harder to steal
D To prevent the buildup of vapours in case of leakage
Correct Answer: D To prevent the buildup of vapours in case of leakage
Explanation: Storing LPG in cages means there will not be a build-up of vapours in case of leaks.
28. When storing LPG cannisters in a basement, what should be your first consideration? Give ONE answer
A Nothing: you should never store LPG cannisters in a basement
B Whether the basement is the correct temperature, and has proper ventilation
C Whether the site is licensed to store flammable liquids
D Whether there is a safer alternative, as underground storage should be a last resort
Correct Answer: A Nothing: you should never store LPG cannisters in a basement
Explanation: LPG cannisters should NEVER be stored below ground, for example in basements or cellars.
29. You notice that the valve of some LPG cylinders are developing frost. What does this mean? Give ONE answer
A The gas is going stale
B The valve is rusting
C They are being stored at too low a temperature
D They are leaking
Correct Answer: D They are leaking
Explanation: Frost around the valve indicates that an LPG cylinder is leaking.
30. How can you easily distinguish between different types of fire extinguisher in an emergency? Give ONE answer
A They are different sizes
B They have different coloured cannisters
C They have different coloured hoses
D They have different coloured panels
Correct Answer: D They have different coloured panels
Explanation: Extinguishers of each type are given a different coloured panel.
31. There is an electrical fire. Which TWO extinguishers can you use? Give TWO answers
A Black (carbon dioxide)
B Blue (powder)
C Cream (foam)
D Red (water)
E Yellow (wet chemical)
Correct Answer: A Black (carbon dioxide), B Blue (powder)
Explanation: Electrical fires can be put out with blue (powder) and black (carbon dioxide) extinguishers. You must NOT use any other extinguisher.
32. What are the TWO purposes of fire extinguishers? Give TWO answers
A To fight high risk fires
B To fight small fires
C To help a person escape
D To limit the spread of large fires
E To meet legal regulations
Correct Answer: B To fight small fires, C To help a person escape
Explanation: Extinguishers are for the purpose of helping a person escape and fighting very minor fires.
33. What kind of fires should you NOT attempt to fight with an extinguisher? Give ONE answer
A A chemical fire
B Bigger than a wastepaper bin
C Happening by a window
D Taller than you
Correct Answer: B Bigger than a wastepaper bin
Explanation: Extinguishers are to be used on small fires only - as a rule of thumb, fires no bigger than a wastepaper bin.
34. If working alone, what is ONE extra provision you may be asked to make? Give ONE answer
A Always keep a fire extinguisher to hand
B Keep detailed personal notes of your activities
C Keep in regular remote contact with your supervisor, e.g. through radio
D Wear a bodycam
Correct Answer: C Keep in regular remote contact with your supervisor, e.g. through radio
Explanation: You may be asked to keep in regular contact.
35. You are working in a narrow hallway that is marked as part of the escape route. What is ONE thing you should ensure? Give ONE answer
A That the hallway is always kept clear of clutter
B That you are wearing a high-visibility vest
C That you do not make excessive noise
D That you do not use tools for longer than ten minutes at any time
Correct Answer: A That the hallway is always kept clear of clutter
Explanation: You should always ensure the escape route is kept clear of unnecessary clutter.
36. Which TWO are fire hazards common to many construction sites? Give TWO answers
A Disorganised live cables
B Insufficiently monitored hot works
C Unclear fire safety inductions
D Untidy work areas
Correct Answer: B Insufficiently monitored hot works, D Untidy work areas
Explanation: Hot works and cluttered workspaces are common fire hazards.
37. How much of a flammable liquid should be removed from a cannister at any given time? Give ONE answer
A Approximately 1/4 more than needed, to allow for spills
B Enough to last a week, to reduce hazards created when transporting the liquid
C Only enough to complete the task at hand
D Only enough to last the day's shift
Correct Answer: C Only enough to complete the task at hand
Explanation: You should never remove more liquid than is immediately required.
38. There is a leaking LPG cannister on site. Which of the following is TRUE? Give ONE answer
A A severe fire is imminent, and the site should be immediately evacuated
B Even at some distance from the cannister, the leak can be ignited and travel back
C The leak will create a flammable atmosphere in the area approximately 1m around it
D This is common, and not a cause for concern if correct precautions are taken
Correct Answer: B Even at some distance from the cannister, the leak can be ignited and travel back
Explanation: LPG leaks can be ignited some distance from the cannister.