Fire-fighting equipment, special duties and reporting — Fire Safety Practice

Sample questions

1. 01You need to stack cable drums in a corridor and the only clear spot is in front of the extinguisher. What does article 13 of the FSO expect of that extinguisher?

   • AIt is moved to the nearest exit while work goes on
   • BIt is checked by the fire service before work starts
   • CIt stays easy to reach, simple to use and signed
   • DIt is covered over to protect it from dust and knocks

   Why: Article 13(1)(b) says any non-automatic fire-fighting equipment provided must be easily accessible, simple to use and indicated by signs. Blocking it with drums defeats that, so store the drums elsewhere. Moving it to suit your work is not your call; tell whoever is in charge if the cover needs changing.

2. 02A tin of paint thinners has tipped over and the spill is burning. How does the Surrey Fire and Rescue Service list describe this fire?

   • AClass B
   • BClass D
   • CClass A
   • DClass C

   Why: Surrey Fire and Rescue Service lists flammable liquids such as paint, turpentine and petrol as Class B. Class A is solid materials such as wood and paper, Class C is flammable gases and Class D is combustible metals.

3. 03A fire has started inside a live temporary distribution board. The only extinguisher at the fire point is foam. What does HSG168 Figure 17 say about foam on this fire?

   • ADo not use it, as foam is not for electrical fires
   • BUse it, as long as the board is not overloaded
   • CUse it, as foam smothers burning cable insulation
   • DDo not use it, as foam is only for metal fires

   Why: HSG168 Figure 17 says foam is for liquid fires and must not be used on electrical or metal fires, and Surrey says foam should not be used on fires involving electrical equipment. A fire inside a live board is an electrical fire, so with no CO2 or dry powder to hand, raise the alarm and leave. Foam is not a metal fire agent either; none of the four common types is.