Element 7 Fire safety

Question 1

Give reasons why some construction sites may be vulnerable to arson attacks.

Answer 1

The vast majority of arson attacks is down to opportunist vandalism, this will be higher in inner city areas or where there is a high presence of youths. If the sites are storing flammable materials which are easily accessable . If security is lapse and the perimeter or building is not secured.

Question 2

Identify ways of reducing the risk of arson on a construction site

Answer 2

1. Secure the perimeter of the site
2. Lock away flammable materials
3. Make sure site is secure using both physical and electronic security such as alarms and CCTV
4. Use enclosed and lockable waste skips and keep a safe distance away from buildings
5. Have regular waste removal to keep flammable waste to the minimum

Question 3

Identify 5 steps of fire risk assessment​

Answer 3

1. Identify fire hazards
2. decide who could be harmed
3. evaluate the risks and whether existing precautions are adequate
4. record findings and actions
5. review and revise

Question 4

Outline the requirements for the safe storage of LPG cylinders on a construction site

Answer 4

Cylinders should be stord in a secure compound built on a level base of compaced earth, concrete or paving slabs. The compound should be surrounded by a secure chain link fence at least 2m high. If the compound is more than 12m2 then two exits must be provided in opposite corners. Gates should open outwards and always unlocked when someone is in the compound.

Signs must be clearly displayed indicating the presence of LPG ad prohibiting smokung and use of any naked flame in the area of the store. Cylinders should be stored with their valves uppermost and not mixed with any oxygen, highly flammable liquids, oxidisers, toxic or corrosive gases or substances

Question 5

Outline the ways in which electrical fires can be prevented

Answer 5

Avoid the use of electrical equipment in potentially flammable atmospheres, where unavoidable flamless or sparkless equipment may have to be used. Eelectrical equipment sould not be overloaded as heat generated can cause combustion or equipment itself acn ignite.

Electrical equipment should be insatalled and maintained by competent people. Substitute portable electrical tools with battrey operated tools.

Question 6

Outline factors that ned to be covered in the training of personnel who have been given responsibilty for fire safety on a large refurbishment project.

Answer 6

The basic principles of fire and ignition sources need to be understood and classes of fires and appropriate extinguisher.

They should be trained to understand how fires spread andmethods of extinction.

Training in fire risk assessments and controls should be provided, along with emergency procedures and permit to work procedures and existing controls. They should know how to alert the emergency services and also how to inspect and test any fire alarm or supression equipment.

They should be trained in identifying fire hazards such as sources of fuel and flammable materials gases and the safe storage of substances, materials and waste.

Question 7

Outline factors to consider for the safe storage of flammable liquids​

Answer 7

Wherever possible quantities of flammable liquid should be kept to the minimum, where storing less than 50 litres of flammable liquids metal lockable bins may be used. Flammable liquids can emmit vapours which are usually heavier than air and can travel long distances so are more likely to reach sources of ignition.

Small quantities upto 250 litres of flammable liquids can be stored in a workroom and up to 5 litres of highly flammable liquids.

Quantities greater than these should be stored in properly designated stores, wither in the open air or suitable constructed store.

Question 8

Identify fire alarm systems that could be sed on a construction site

Answer 8

• Manual systems
• Interlinked smoke alarms
• Manual/electric systems
• Automatic fire alarm systems

Question 9

Outline factors to be considered when assessing the adequacy of means of escape in a fire

Answer 9

Stairs and passageways should be kept clear, be well lit and appropriatley marked. Doors should open in the direction of travel and be kept unlocked, they should be maintained to provide an effective smoke seal.

Emergency lighting if provided should be regularly tested and maintained and backed up by an emergency power supply.

Exit and directional signs should comply with legislative requirements, and be easily seen. Assembly points should be in safe refuges or outside in the open air. They should be kept clear and clearly marked