exams papers q & as

7/31/2019 Exams Papers Q & As

1/29

Lesson 1: Managing Fire Safety

March 2008Question 6: Giving reasons in EACH case, identify FOUR external agencies which may be involved in theinvestigation of workplace fire.Also appeared in (December 2008) Question 3Also appeared in (December 2009) Question 8

1) Fire and Rescue Authority to determine possible causes of fire and to take enforcement actions if this thought to benecessary.

2) Police; if the cause of the fire is determined to be Arson and to proceed the criminal investigation against arsonists.

3) Enforcing Agency e.g. Health and safety Executive (HSE) for enforcement matters under RIDDOR in case if there

was a fatality or fire involved an electrical or chemical gas explosions etc.4) Environment Agency; to mitigate any pollution which may be caused by the fire and its consequences on broader

environment.

Question 11: State the power of inspectors under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.Also appeared in (March 2009) Question 4Also appeared in (December 2009) Question 3

Powers of InspectorsArticle 27 of Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 gives inspectors powers to;

i) Enter any premises at any reasonable time to carry out this Order.

ii) Inspect the whole or part of the premises or anything contained theirin where the entry and inspection may beachieved without the use of force

iii) To make necessary enquires to ascertain whether there is compliance to the provisions of the Order and to identifythe responsible person in relation to the premises.

iv) Require the production and copies of any records or plans required to be kept by the virtue of a provision of theOrder.

v) Require any person with responsibilities to give facilities and assistance to the matter to which his responsibilitiesextend;

vi) To take samples of articles and substances found in the premises and to serve alterations, improvement andprohibition notices.

June 2008

Question 5: Outline reasons for maintaining good standards of fire safety within an organisation.Also appeared in Question 3 of September 2009

Moral Reasons:

Fire incidents often result in injuries, fatalities, permanent disabilities to employees and other persons such as visitors,member of public. Fires can cause structural damages to other organizations, public properties and can cause a lot ofnuisance to general public. The impacts of fire on humans are the most compelling reason for maintaining good fire safetyculture in an organisation.

Legal Reasons:

There are many fire safety requirements stipulated by Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 which makes it mandatofor an organisation to have structured fire safety management in order to comply with its provisions. There is also commonlaw implications such as duty of care owed by employer to employees which the employer needs to satisfy to avoid any

prosecution and any criminal liabilities such as enforcement notices from authorities.

Financial reasons:

Fires can be proven disastrous for businesses as there are huge financial losses associated to these. Cost of buildingsrepairs, loss of assets, property damages, loss of business orders, lost workdays, decline in market share, fines, penaltiesand increased insurance premiums are some of the consequences of a fire incident. To prevent such losses, an organisatiowould always strive to have a safe and secure workplace to control any fire risks.

Question 6 (a) Identify TWO air pollutants that might be produced as a result of a fire occurring at a chemicalmanufacturing site. (2)(b) Outline THREE methods of containment that management might consider in order to control pollution from firefighting water run-off (6)a)

Air pollutants that might be produced as a result of a fire occurring at a chemical manufacturing site are;


2/29

smoke and carbon solids for example soot;

gases such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen cyanide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide;

and toxic fumes from the burning or release of chemicals.

b)

the creation of remote sacrificial areas in locations such as car parks or sports grounds where drains can be stoppeand into which water might be pumped and held;

the conversion of impermeable yards, roads and parking areas into temporary lagoons using sand bags or excavatesoil and sealing all drain inlets;

the use of portable tanks, overdrums and tankers which can be moved rapidly to a required location and into whichwater can be pumped for later cleaning;

and where other methods have failed or are not available, the use of pits and trenches though considerable care hato be taken in the use of this method because of the risk of ground water contamination.

Question 7: Outline the reasons for investigating a major fire that has occurred in a workplace.Also appeared in Sep 2009 as Question 11

Fire investigation is very essential in order to;a) Determine the point of originb) Identify the causes of the fire what started it in first placec) The fire spread dynamics how it spread from one place to other

The results of fire investigation is very important for building owners, organizations management, enforcement agencies suas HSE, fire and rescue services, safety professionals, police, banks and insurance companies alike.The information about immediate reasons of a fire can help organisation to identify the underlying causes and undertake

subsequent corrective actions to improve their fire safety management in order to prevent the recurrence of similar incidentsin their organisation. Enforcement agencies e.g. police, HSE, local authorities etc use the findings of the investigation todecide the enforcement actions such as criminal prosecutions, test the best practices for adequacy and to develop preventivfire safety measures for similar industries, processes and operations.

September 2008

Question 6: Outline the procedure for investigating a fire that is suspected to have been started deliberately.The procedure would include;

Preserving the fire scene for examination by cordoning off the area to restrict access;

Locating and excavating seat of fire

Taking photographs and drawing diagrams for later references as visual aid to investigation.

Interviewing relevant peoples e.g. employees, witnesses, emergency caller etc.

Obtaining CCTV footages, records of attendances, records of entries of any visitors to the site Liaising with other enforcement agencies e.g. police and HSE and insurance company

Obtaining information about any past vandalism on the site, site history, police activity etc. to establish the connectioand motives for the current incident.

Analysis of all the collected evidences to determine the causes and reporting.

Question 7:

a) Identify two bodies for enforcement of Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

b) State the documents fire inspector may require during his inspection

a)1. Fire & Rescue Authority.2. Health & Safety Executive

3. Local Authorities.b) Fire inspector may require following documents during course of his inspection;

Fire Risk Assessments

Fire safety policies

Records of Fire Drills

Emergency floor plans

Emergency evacuation plans and procedures

Staff Fire/evacuation awareness trainings records

Inspection & servicing records for fire detectors, fire alarms and fire extinguishing equipments.

Copies of records of fire incident/near misses

Records of previous inspections and evidences of remedial actions takens

Question 9 (a) Describe the active role that the Environment Agency may take during a tire incident. (2)


3/29

(b) Outline practical factors that should be taken into account when considering minimizing the potentialenvironmental impact of a fire at a major chemical plant (6)Also appeared as Question 6 in March 2010

a) It will work in combination with the Fire and Rescue Service in an attempt to prevent pollution resulting from the fire. Theymight give advice to the Service both on pollution at the site of the fire and on flooding and flood risk in the area. Additionallythey might supply pollution control equipment and materials if necessary and available.

b)Practical factors that should be taken into account when considering the potential environmental impact of a fire at a majorchemical plant include;

the location and quantities of chemicals and materials on site

the properties of the chemicals and materials and the availability of neutralizing agents;

the location of man-made or natural water sources and surface water drains;

water table levels on site;

the existing primary methods of containing materials such as tanks and building and the location of shut off valves;

the lie of the land and the expected flow pattern of run-off water;

the location of interceptors and means of isolation if foam is to be used in fighting the fire;

the location of areas which would be suitable for use in containing fire fighting run-off water and the proximity ofneighboring plants and the community.

December 2008

Question 10 (a) Identify THREE pathways by which pollutants from the site of a fire can enter the water ecosystem.

(3)(b) Identify FIVE means that can be employed to contain fire fighting water run off produced at the site of a fire. (5)Also appeared in Question 10 of December 2009a)

1. By means of the surface water drainage system on site;

2. through the foul drainage system contaminating the sewage works beds;

3. by water run off to ground and into brooks, streams and rivers and4. by airborne contaminants deposited in precipitation.

b)Control measures that could be used to contain fire fighting water run off produced at the site of a fire include;

1. bunds; drain covers, mats and sand bags;2. interceptors; by the provision of a sacrificial area and /or trenches;

3. by diverting and directing the flow of water taking full advantage of the lie of the land;4. by the use of a secondary containment reservoir or lagoon and5. by the use of portable containers ortanks.

Question 11. On a routine inspection of a business premises an enforcement officer has identified that the emergencyevacuation procedure and the means of escape could pose a significant risk to persons in the event of fire.Describe the possible enforcement actions that the officer may take under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order2005. (8)

1. If the officer decides that the premises constitute a serious risk to persons, or may do so if either a change is made tothem or the use to which they are put, he may serve an alteration notice.

2. He has the further option of serving an enforcement notice if the responsible person or any other person mentioned inarticle 5(3) of the RRFSO has failed to comply with any provision of the Order

3. He may further serve a prohibition notice if the use of the premises involves or will involve a risk to persons so serious

that use of the premises should be prohibited or restricted.4. Finally, he may decide that prosecution is the appropriate action in cases where there has been a failure to comply with

an enforcement/prohibition notice or following a serious infringement of the requirements of the RRFSO.

March 2009

Question 7 Outline the key elements of a fire safety management system. (8)

the key elements of a fire safety management system are;1. the fire policy2. organising,3. planning and implementing,4. Monitoring performance against agreed standards and

5. reviewing and auditing the management system.


4/29

As far as the content of each element was concerned,1. the fire policy should set out the commitment of senior management to fire prevention and clearly identify who has

responsibility for fire safety management.

2. Organising includes;o the appointment of competent persons to undertake specific fire safety roles such as fire assessors, and fir

marshals/wardens;o arranging for effective cooperation and communication between the appointees;

o arranging for sufficient consultation to take place with employees on fire safety matters

o and providing means for implementing fire safety arrangements such as the allocation of responsibilities, th

provision of protection systems and the preparation of written procedures.

3. Planning and implementing element should include;

o the identification of hazards and the assessment of the associated risks;o an evaluation of current prevention and protection measures with the preparation of an action plan for

introducing additional controls where they are deemed to be necessary;o the preparation of procedures for fighting fire together with arrangements for controlling dangerous materia

or substances;o the preparation of written fire instructions;

o and the provision of training, instruction and information to employees, contractors and visitors.

4. The monitoring element is concerned with checking performance against agreed policy and procedures and will refto the various proactive and reactive monitoring methods that are to be used.

5. Reviews will be necessary at periodic intervals and after incidents to assess whether changes need to be made tothe existing arrangements while the purpose of a regular audit by a competent internal or external auditor is toexamine each part of the fire safety management system and assess its effectiveness and its compliance not onlywith the organisations fire safety standards but also with industry best practice.

Question 11. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person has a duty tomaintain tire safety within the workplace.Identify the items that should be included on a fire safety inspection checklist. (8)

A fire safety inspection checklist should refer to items such as;

the exit routes and gangways clear and the necessary signage in place and visible,

fire doors working correctly and neither damaged or blocked;

fire extinguishers located in their correct place and fully charged;

call points accessible;

assembly points unobstructed and clearly identified;

goods appropriately stored so as not to impede fire fighting;

hot work permits used where required;

electrical equipment used safely;

fire safety training provided for staff

and evidence of regular testing and maintenance of fire safety provision.

June 2009

Question 2 (a) Identify the three types of notice, th an example in EACH case, that an Enforcement Officer may servon the responsible person who has failed to comply with the duties under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Orde2005. (6)(b) Outline the process of appealing against a notice that has been issued by an Enforcement Officer (2)

a)

1)Alteration Notice:Alteration notice may be served by enforcement officer on responsible person under RRO2005 he considers that the premises constitute a serious risk to relevant persons or may do so if either change is made tthem or to the use to which they are put.

2) Enforcement Notice: Enforcement notice is served when the officer believes that the responsible person or anyother person mentioned in article 5(3) of the RRFSO has failed to comply with any provision of the Order.

3)Prohibition Notice: Prohibition notice is served if the use of the premises involves or will involve a risk to persons sserious that the use of the premises should be prohibited or restricted.

b)

If a person wishes to appeal against a notice, they may do so by way of complaint for an order at a Magistrates Court with21 days from the date that the notice was served. When the appeal process is started, both alteration and enforcementnotices are suspended until hearing whereas the prohibition notice remains in force while the appeal is considered. Thecases may be referred to Crown Court if the appellant is not content with the decision of the Magistrates court.


5/29

Question 6 Outline the issues that should be considered by the Fire and Rescue Service before starting an investigationfollowing a serious fire at a workplace. (8)

An important initial issue that would need to be considered would be to preserve the fire scene and secure it by restricting accesto unauthorised persons. Then it would be necessary to make the site safe, ensuring the isolating of electricity and gas suppliesand taking into consideration, for example, the condition of walls, floors and ceilings and the possible presence of chemicals.

A decision would have to be taken both as to who should form part of the investigation team dependent on the particular skillsthat would be needed and the equipment that would be required such as excavation tools and cameras. Witnesses would have tbe identified and interviewed and a study made of available CCTV footage. Arrangements should be made for communicatingwith the public and the media and for liaising with other interested bodies such as the police, HSE, the Environment Agency and

the Local Authority.

September 2009

Question 8

(a)Describe the circumstances that would require an employer to report a fire-related incident under theReporting of Injuries Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995.

(b)Outline the process the employer should follow when reporting a fire-related incident AND to whom theemployer should make the report.

a)An employer would be required to report under RIDDOR if the fire has resulted in;

1) Fatality or major injuries e.g. fracture, amputation, loss of sight etc.2) An injury or ill health due to which an employee is away from work or unable to resume his normal work duties fomore than 3 days.3) Dangerous occurrence such as explosion etc which has suspended the operations for more than 24 hours.

b) In case of a fatality or major injury or hospitalization more than 24 hours, the employer must;

1) Notify the incident immediately to Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or local authorities through Incident ContacCentre by telephone or other quickest mean.

2) Follow up by completing a form F2508 within 10 days

In case of an over 3 days injury or dangerous occurrence the employer must report the same at Health and SafetyExecutive (HSE) or local authorities by completing F2508 within 10 days.

March 2010

Question 3: Give the possible actions that an Enforcement Officer may serve on the responsible person under theRegulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 AND, in EACH case, outline the reasons for the action.

Depending on the degree of the risk involved, an Enforcement officer may;

Provide, in first instance, advice, guidance and direction either verbally or via written letter.

Serve an alteration notice on responsible person if he considers that the premises constitute a serious risk to relevapersons or may do so if either change is made to them or to the use to which they are put.

Serve enforcement notice if the responsible person or any other person mentioned in article 5(3) of the RRFSO hasfailed to comply with any provision of the Order.

Serve Prohibition Notice if the use of the premises involves or will involve a risk to persons so serious that the use othe premises should be prohibited or restricted.

Prosecute the organisation if there has been a failure to comply with a enforcement/prohibition notice or following aserious infringement of the requirement of RRFSO2005.

Question 8. Outline the typical content of an arrangements section of a fire safety policy. (8)

The content of the arrangements section of a fire safety policy might typically include;

procedures for the identification of hazards and assessment of risks;

the current measures for prevention and protection and an action plan for introducing additional control measuresfound to be required;


6/29

the information to be provided to employees and others;

procedures for keeping a fire safety log and for reporting incidents;

arrangements for controlling dangerous substances;

procedures for fighting fire;

arrangements for the provision of fire safety training and for carrying out fire drills;

details of evacuation procedures should a fire occur;

a description of the roles of those with specific duties such as responsible persons and fire marshals;

and in a multi-occupancy building, arrangements for cooperation and coordination between the various occupiers.

June 2010

Question 8 With respect to the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005:(a) give the meaning of the term responsible person; (2)(b) outline the main duties of the responsible person under the Order. (6)

a)The responsible person is the person who has to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Order and may be theemployer if the workplace is under their control, or if this is not the case, the person who has control of the premises whethethe occupier or owner.b)

to appoint competent persons to assist in complying with the requirements of the Order;

to make a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment, reviewing it when necessary to keep it up to date; .

to make arrangements for the planning, organisation, control, monitoring and review of the preventative andprotective measures and make a record of the arrangements;

to ensure that suitable detection and alarm systems are installed in the premises, that it is equipped with appropriatefire fighting equipment and that training in fire fighting is provided to the employees where required;

to ensure there are adequate emergency escape routes and that training and information on their use is given to theemployees; and to cooperate with other responsible persons where premises are shared.

Lesson 2: Principles of Fire and Explosions

March 2008

Question 2 Describe the THREE main stages of combustion.(a) Induction.(b) Growth.

(c) Decay.

a) Induction: Induction is the precursor to ignition where the preheating, distillation and slow pyrolysis are in progress.Minute gas particles are generated and transported away from source due to diffusion, air movement and weak convectionmovement.

b) Growth (smoulder and flame):The smoldering stage is a region of fully developed pyrolysis that begins with ignition and includes the initial stage ofcombustion. Invisible aerosols and smoke particles are generated and transported away from the source by modernconvection patterns and background air movement. The flaming stage is a region of rapid reaction that covers the period ofinitial occurrence of flame to fully developed fire. Heat transfer from the fire occurs predominately from radiation andconvection from the flame.c) Decay:In this stage the combustion is coming to end, the fire is reducing in heat in constant manner; the fire is burning itself out. Th

decay stage eventually occurs naturally to every fire but fire fighting is about getting the decay as quickly as possible.

Question 3 Identify FOUR classes of fire AND, in EACH case, give an example of the associated fuel source.Also appeared in June 2009 Question 11.Class A: Fire usually involves solid of organic nature e.g. paper, wood, textile etc.Class B: Fires involving flammable liquids or liquefied solids e.g. petrol, grease and paint etc.Class C: Fire involving gases or liquefied gases e.g. LPG, methane, propane etc.Class D: Fire Involving metals e.g. lithium, magnesium etcClass F: Fires involving cooking oils and fats e.g. olive oil, sunflower oil etc.Electrical Fire: Fires involving electrical equipments e.g. photocopier, computers etc.

Question 8 (a) Define the following terms:(i)upper explosive limit; (2)

(ii) lower explosive limit. (2)


7/29

(b) Describe the conditions required for a gas explosion to occur.

a) A flammable mixture will only explode in air if the mixture lies between certain limits.i. The upper explosive limit is the highest amount of flammable vapour in air that will just support an explosionii. while the lower explosive limit is the lowest amount of flammable vapour in air that will have the same effect.

b)1) the presence of a combustible gas which must be capable of becoming airborne and mixing with air;2) the concentration of the gas in air falling between its upper and lower explosive limits;3) the atmosphere containing sufficient oxygen to support combustion and4) an ignition source present of sufficient heat energy to ignite the gas.

June 2008

Question 9 Identify possible ignition sources in the workplace that could cause accidental fires.Also appeared in (December 2008) Question 1 aAlso appeared in March 2010 Question 7

Smoking material e.g. burning match, un-extinguished cigarette butts etc. Electric faults e.g. arcing, overloaded circuits, overheated cables etc Hot processes e.g. welding, cutting, grinding etc. Gas equipments /Generators/Boilers/Engines etc. Machinery Chemical reactions Static Electricity Lighting equipments e.g. halogen lamps Gas, Oil or Electric Heaters Hot surfaces e.g. steam pipelines etc. Frictions e.g. from jammed bearing or drive belts etc.

September 2008

Question 2 Identify FOUR methods by which heat may be transferred during a fire AND explain how EACH can causthe fire to spread.Also appeared in September 2009 Question 4.

The four methods of heat transfer during fire are;1) Conduction: This normally occurs in solids. Conduction is intermolecular heat transfer in solid materials in which heat istransferred from hot place to cold place.

As a result of conduction, heat generated from fire can be transferred from one location to another where it can act as sourc

of ignition. For example steel grider in buildings, if heated at one location can convey this heat to other location in the buildinand can spread the fire there.2) Convection: Convection usually occurs in liquids and gases. When liquids/gases are heated they expand and becomeless dense and therefore rise to top and the cooler liquid or gas is drawn in to replace it creating a current.Convection current can convey hot gasses produced in a fire upward in stairwells, open lifts and service shafts and thus canspread fire to upper parts of the building.3) Radiation: Radiation is the mode of heat transfer where heat does not require intervening medium and it travels in form orays or waves. When fire breaks out, it emits high and intense radiated heat which travels inform of waves and could igniteany nearby combustible material to spread fire.4) Direct Burning: This isthe most common reason of fire spread in the building and occur when a substance/material comin contact with a flame of a nearby burning material.

December 2008

Question 1 (a) Outline EIGHT common causes of fire in the workplace. (8)(b) In relation to the ignition of metals, identify:(I) in what form a metal is likely to ignite: (1)(ii) the classification associated with a metal fire; (1)iii) THREE appropriate extinguishing agents for metal fires; (3,)(iv) THREE combustible metals. (3)(C) In relation to basic chemical reactivity, outline what is meant byan:(I) endothermic reaction; (2)(ii) exothermic reaction. (2)

a) Answered in June 2008 Question 9

b)


8/29

i) Powder and/or swarfii) Class Diii) Dry Special powders such as M28 or L2; dry sand or earth; graphite powder; sodium carbonate and salt and/or talc.iv) Sodium, magnesium, potassium, lithium, aluminum

c)Exothermic Reaction: Chemical reaction between two substances which gives out energy in form of heat, light or sound.Explosion is also a exothermic reaction which instantly releases huge amount of energy during combustion process.Examples of exothermic reactions include air-fuel mixture ignition in internal combustion engines which releases energy anda simple example of striking a match which gives light flame during the process.Endothermic Reactions: These are chemical reactions which require energy for substances to react and constantabsorption of energy to sustain the reaction.

A good example of this type of reaction during fire is use of CO2 fire extinguisher. When CO2 is sprayed in liquid form itabsorbs heat from surrounding often from burning material to evaporate into gas.

Question 5 Give the meaning of the following tetms:(a) flashpoint; (2)(b) auto-ignition temperature, (2)(c) (i) upper flammable limit (UFL); (2)

(ii) lower flammable limit (LFL). (2)

a) Flashpoint: The lowest temperatures at which a substance produces sufficient vapours to flash across its surface,momentarily, when a flame is applied.b) Auto-ignition temperature: The lowest temperature at which a substance or material will ignite and burn spontaneouslywithout the presence of a pilot source of ignition.

c) Upper flammable Limit (UFL): UFL of a substance is the highest concentration of vapours in air which will just support aself propagating flame (above this the mixture is too rich to burn).d) Lower flammable Limit (UFL): LFL of a substance is the lowest concentration of vapours in air which will support a flam(below this the mixture is too lean to burn).

March 2009

Question 3 A dust explosions occurred at a bakery and was rapidly followed by a larger explosion causing extensivstructural damage to an external wall.(a) Explain why the bakery may have suffered two explosions in close succession. (4)(b) Outline measures to be taken to minimize the risk of a recurrent dust explosion. (4)

a) For primary explosion, there would need to have been a concentration of flour dust in air which fell within the explosive

range and a source of sufficient heat energy to ignite the dust. Air turbulence from the initial explosion would have dischargedust from all horizontal surfaces causing an airborne suspension of combustible dust throughout the building which wasignited by either by initial ignition source or by the combustion by-products of the primary explosion. The secondary explosiois generally more destructive in nature.b)

1) Sealing joints on flour handling systems to prevent escape of dust2) The provision of exhaust ventilation on dust filters and enclosing open bag dust collecting filter units.3) Regular maintenance of plant4) High standard of housekeeping including the use of vacuum cleaner to reduce the accumulation of dust on

floors and high ledges to bare minimum.5) Insulation of hot surfaces e.g. by lagging pipes6) Ensuring the surface temperature of electrical equipment is kept below that required to cause ignition.7) Using intrinsically safe electrical equipment and bonding all metal work to earth.

Question 8 (a) Outline FIVE measures that can be taken to minimise the risk of fire from electrical equipment. (5)(b) Identify TWO suitable extinguishing agents that should be used on fires involving electricity AND explain whywater should not be used in such circumstances. (3)Also appeared in December 2009 as Question 6a)

I. Ensuring installations comply with relevant standards.II. Ensuring that systems and equipment are suitable for the tasks to be performed andIII. Ensuring equipments are regularly tested, Inspected and maintained by competent person,IV. Preventing the overloading of circuits,V. Ensuring that the correct rating of fuses and thermal cut outs are fitted,VI. Cables and extension leads are not damaged, frayed or nakedVII. Switching off when is not in use.VIII. Is not stored, switched on in proximity of flammable/combustible materials.


9/29

b)Dry Powder, CO2 and Eclectically Approved Foam Extinguishers can be used to extinguish electric fires.Water should not be used for such fires as water is a very good conductor of electricity and the use of water for extinguishercan cause electrocution of the fire fighting person.

June 2009

Question 9 Describethe conditions in which a flashover may occur.A flashover can occur when a fire is free burning in a room. For this to happen there must be a good supply of air wither frothe large dimensions of the room, an open door, open window or ventilation system.

As the item that was initially ignited burns and the fire grows the radiated heat heats up all the other materials in the roomuntil they reach their spontaneous ignition temperature.Items in the room will then instantly ignite, creating the impression that the fire has flashed from one side of the room to otheQuestion 11. Identify FOUR classes of fire AND, in EACH case, give an example of the associated fuel source.Answered in Question 3 March 2008

September 2009

Answered in Question 2 September 2008

Question 5 Foam spray and carbon dioxide extinguishers have been fitted within new multi-storey office premises.(a) Oulilne the types of fires that EACH of the extinguishers can safely extinguish and give their mode of action, (4)(b) Ourline advantages AND limitations of EACH of the extinguishers. (4)

a) A foam spray extinguisher can be used on Class A fires, such as those involving wood and paper for example and onClass B fires where flammable liquids are involved. The spray from the extinguisher is directed onto the fire, smothers and

cools it and inhibits oxygen from reaching it. A carbon dioxide extinguisher can also be used on Class B fires involvingflammable liquids and on live electrical equipment. Its mode of action is to smother the fire and inhibit oxygen from reachingit.(b)The advantage of a foam spray extinguisher is that it is a multi-purpose extinguisher but its limitation is that it is water basedand as such cannot be used on electrical equipment or on fires involving metals such as sodium, magnesium and many mepowders.

The advantages of a carbon dioxide extinguisher are that it is non-conducting, is gaseous and can thus penetrate insideequipment and causes little damage. Its limitations are that it disperses quickly, has an asphyxiating effect in small confinedspaces, has a negligible cooling effect and thus may offer the chance of re-ignition, is noisy and might alarm the untrainedoperator, has a freezing effect on the discharge horn and has to be discharged in close proximity to the fire.

Question 10(a) Other than an ignition source outline TWO conditions needed for a dust explosion to occur. (2)


10/29

(b) Describe the mechanism of a dust explosion (6)

a)A dust explosion is reliant upon five simultaneous conditions.1) Combustible dust (which must be of sufficiently small particle size to be a fuel).2) Oxygen (air)3) Dispersion of dust into the air; forming an explosive cloud,4) A confined environment (such as building or ceiling)5) Ignition Source e.g. spark or flame

b)

The mechanism of a dust explosion could be described in terms of: the quantity of dust accumulated on machinery,equipment and work surfaces and the ignition of the contact dust with combustion rapidly occurring through the contact layeleading to and causing the primary explosion. The primary explosion dislodges accumulated dust from all horizontal surfacewithin the affected parts of the building and causes an airborne suspension of combustible dust. This dust may then beignited either by the initial ignition source, the combustion products of the primary explosion or any other ignition source withsufficient heat energy, resulting in a secondary explosion of high energy.

December 2009

Question 5 (a) Identify the components of the fire triangle. (3)(b) Explain the conditions required for the combustion process to be maintained. (5

a) Fuel, oxygen and a source of ignition, heat or energy that must be present for combustion to occur.

b)The existence of three elements, fuel, heat and oxygen, must continue for the combustion process to be maintained.Combustible fuel must be present and its amount, chemical composition and physical state determines the susceptibility forthe fire to continue. The presence of heat, whether from an external source, the exothermic nature of the combustion procesor radiated from combustion products enables un-burnt fuel to be heated and ultimately ignited. Finally there must be asupply of oxygen whether from surrounding air or from oxidising agents or oxygen cylinders to react chemically with the fuel

March 2010Question 4 Describe the following main stages of combustion.(a) induction,(b) growth;

(C) steady state,(d) decay.

InductionThe induction stage represents the early stages of a fire when there is evidence that the combustion process is starting. Thimay often be a slow process such as in a smouldering fire where the chemical decomposition of a material and the heat buiup to ignition point may take a considerable time.

GrowthThe growth stage involves the rapid development of the fire as burning materials act as a further source of ignition. The leveof burning and growth is determined by the level of oxygen and fuel present. Large volumes of smoke and heat may beproduced and there may be spontaneous combustion of the room contents. The growth rate and temperature will ultimatelyreach a plateau.

Steady State

Following the growth stage, the fire enters its steady state and continues to burn consuming oxygen and fuel as a number ochemical reactions take place. In this stage the fire is characterised by massive flames and high temperatures. Itscontinuation is controlled by the amount of oxygen available.

Decay

The final stage of combustion is decay where the room becomes starved of oxygen and the available fuel is consumed. Theheat output decreases and the fire dies down.


11/29

Answered in June 2008, Question 9

June 2010

Question 3 Outline the mechanism of a boiling liquid expanding vapour explosion (BLEVE). (8)

The presence of an appropriate liquid such as LPG in a vessel and an external heat source, an increase in pressure withinthe vessel leading to the expulsion of vapour through a relief valve and its ignition resulting in a sudden drop in pressureinside the vessel. This causes the liquid to boil leading to a rise intemperature of the vapour space and vessel walls above the liquid surface. The development of overpressure causes thevessel to rupture with the emission of ignited boiling liquid and vapour resulting in a fireball producing substantial thermalradiation with the potential for debris from the vessel to become missiles.

Lesson 3: Causes & Prevention of Fires

March 2008

Question 1 Construction and maintenance work is to be undertaken within an existing multi-storey office building.(a) Give reasons why this work can increase the risk of fire. (10)(b) Outline measures that should be taken to minimize the risk of a fire occurring in the multi- storey office buildingwhile the work is being carried out (10)

a)There are a number of reasons why carrying out construction and maintenance work in an existing building may increase thrisk of fire such as

the stockpiling of combustible materials;

the accumulation of combustible rubbish exacerbated by the overfilling of skips;

an increase in the amount of materials such as paints, solvents and adhesives that may be present in the building;

work processes which may produce ignitable dusts or which require volatile materials such as LPG or acetylenecoupled with poor storage facilities for the materials;

temporary electrical installations with exposed electric cabling and control panels and damage to existing services;

a reduction in security leading to an increased risk of arson;

the possibility that the work could interfere with the integrity of compartmentation in the building

and the use of transient contractors who would not be fully aware of the fire hazards in the building.

b)These would include;

keeping the storage of combustibles on site to a minimum;

arranging for the regular removal of waste and for the management of skips;

minimizing the use of flammable products on site and using local exhaust ventilation where practicable to control anreduce dust emissions;

introducing procedures and permits for hot work;

ensuring that electrical equipment in use is regularly inspected and tested;

arranging for the installation of temporary compartmentation when the integrity of the original installation had beenaffected;

ensuring the pre-selection, training and briefing of contractors and arranging for the regular inspection and monitori

of the work in progress.

June 2008Also appeared in June 2009 Q 7

Question 4. Outline precautions that should be taken to minimise the risk of fire and explosion when undertakingoxyacetylene welding in a workplace.

Completing user checks on the system before starting the operation

The use of regulator (gas cylinder heads) to the appropriate standard

Using hoses that are as short as possible

Using colour coded hoses e.g. red for oxyacetylene and blue for oxygen

Fitting the torch unit with non-return valves

Fitting flashback arrestors to the outlet of the regulators


12/29

Using crimped hose connections instead of jubilee clamps.

Ensuring the cylinders were not heated by the flame or by stray arcs from adjacent electrical equipment

Minimising the amount of combustion material in area of the welding operation

Closing cylinders at the valve when not in use

Using trained and competent staff

Storing acetylene and oxygen cylinders upright in well ventilated area away from sources of heat and sparks.

September 2008Question 8. Outline the appropriate design features of a separate outdoor building used to store more than 50 litreof a flammable liquid in drums. (8)

Single Storey building with lightweight roof for explosion relief, constructed with non-combustible materials. Adequate separation distance from other buildings and the site boundary

If fire separation is not possible then construction of fire wall

Sufficient ventilation of enclosed store by airbricks, vents, forced ventilations

Door sill and perimeter bunding for containment with the volume of upto 110% of the capacity of the largest containeor 25% of the total storage capacity.

Use of electrical equipments designed for use in flammable atmospheres

Space storage of stocks from eachother within storage compound

Ullage (air gap above stores liquid) control

Appropriate mean of fire detection, build-up detection and fire extinguishing should be provided

March 2009

Part b also appeared in June 2010 Question 7 and March 2008 Question 7

Question 6 (a) Give TWO reasons why fires started deliberately normally cause more damage than those startedaccidentally. (2)(b) Outline the precautions that should be in place to reduce the risk of arson. (6)a)Fires started deliberately normally cause more damage than those started accidentally because;

Accelerants are used to maximize the spread of fire;

fire detection systems are defeated;

windows and doors are left open to fuel the fire;

and they are started in unprotected areas which gives little time for their discovery.

b)Ways of reducing the risk of arson include;

securing the perimeter of the premises and all entry points to buildings;

providing external security lighting and CCTV systems;

removing automatic entry rights from staff who have been dismissed;

arranging for the regular removal of all combustible rubbish;

securing rubbish bins and skips in a separate compound and ensuring they are not placed adjacent to buildings;

securing flammable liquids in a separate compound, if possible away from buildings;

ensuring the security alarm and fire detection system is regularly monitored and acted upon;

restricting and monitoring entrance to isolated and secure storage areas;

managing the issue of access keys;

fitting secure metal letter boxes to buildings to ensure containment of burning materials;

prohibiting the parking of vehicles or storage of goods or materials next to windows or doors;

and encouraging staff to report incidents of people acting in a suspicious manner.

June 2009

Question 3 Outline practical measures that should be considered to reduce the risk from storage of flammable liquids inthe workplace. (8)

Practical measures to reduce the risk from storage of flammable liquids would include

limiting the quantity actually stored inside the working area, for example to a maximum of 50 litres;

using suitable metal containers with non spill caps for the liquids;

Keeping the containers in a bin or cabinet made of fire resisting material with separate storage for incompatiblesubstances and protecting the cabinet from external damage such as from impact from a fork lift truck.

Quantities in excess of 50 litres would need to be kept in a secure, well ventilated and clearly marked storage area

outside the workplace and sited at a safe distance away from other buildings.


13/29

Arrangements should be made for storing empty containers separately from full ones.

No likely sources of ignition should be allowed in the storage area with only intrinsically safe electrical equipment beingused.

Appropriate fire fighting equipment should be provided both in the workplace and for the storage area

And procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency would have to be drawn up and brought to the attention ofall employees.

September 2009

Question 9 (a) Identify the circumstances in which a hot work permit would be required in the workplace AND givean example of the type of work where it might be needed (2)(b) Outline the fire precautions that may be included in a hot work permit (6)Also appeared in Dec 2008 Question 2a)

A hot work permit would be required when activities that produce, heat, flames or sparks are to be undertaken in an area this not designed for such work. The types of work that would necessitate the issue of a permit include welding, grinding, flamcutting, burning and the use of hot air paint strippers or blow torches.

b)Precautions that may be included in a hot work permit include;

the removal of loose combustible material and covering up the material that cannot be moved,

screening the work area to contain sparks;

ensuring that gas cylinders that are to be used are fitted with regulators and flashback arrestors;

ensunng that floor andior wall openings are covered and air ducts closed; restricting access to unauthorised person

ensuring the availability of fire fighting equipment, a working fire alarm system and fire evacuation procedures the use of competent persons

and the provision of fire resistant personal protective equipment;

providing a fire watch during the hot work and carrying out a check of the work area at a reasonable period after thework has been completed

December 2009

Question 9 Identify possible causes of accidental fires in a restaurant kitchen.

Naked flames on gas hobs;

hot surfaces on ovens and hot plates;

poor maintenance of gas heated equipment resulting in the escape of gas;

sparks from faulty electrical equipment; equipment overheating because of faults or improper use;

overloaded electrical circuits;

food and/or cooking equipment left unattended;

spillage of cooking fats or oils near ignition sources;

combustible materials such as cloths and towels left in close proximity to ignition sources;

spillage of water or other liquids into electrical equipment or fittings;

poor housekeeping including a failure to clean extraction units

and the lack of competence or training of the staff.

March 2010

Question 1 A fire risk assessment in a school textiles classroom identifies that small quantities of flammable liquidssuch as paints, varnishes and adhesives are being used.(a) Give the meaning of the term flashpoint. (2)(b) Give the meaning of the term auto ignition temperature. (2)(c) Outline the practical measures that should be considered to reduce the risk from the storage of the flammableliquids. (10)(d) Identify the ways in which the occupants of the school could be at risk of harm from fire. (6)

a)flashpoint; the lowest temperature at which there is sufficient vaporisation of a substance capable of producing a flashmomentarily when a heat source is applied.

(b), auto-ignition temperature is the lowest temperature at which a substance or material will ignite spontaneously and burn

without the presence of a source of ignition.


14/29

c)Practical measures to reduce the risk from the safe storage of flammable liquids would include;

limiting the quantity actually stored inside the working area;

using suitable metal containers with non spill caps for the liquids;

keeping the containers in a bin or cabinet made of fire resisting material with separate storage for incompatiblesubstances;

and ensuring containment of any spillage.

If the flammable liquids are stored outside, they would need to be kept in a secure, well ventilated and clearlymarked storage area, sited at a safe distance away from other buildings.

Arrangements should be made for storing empty containers separately from full ones.

No likely sources of ignition should be allowed in the storage area with only intrinsically safe electrical equipment

being used. Appropriate firefighting equipment should be provided both in the classroom and for the storage area and

procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency would have to be drawn up and brought to the attention of occupants of the school.

d) Ways in which occupants of the school could be at risk of harm from fire include

being burned by heat or flames; smoke inhalation which could cause respiratory difficulties and even suffocation;

poisoning through inhalation of toxic gases;

being struck and injured by parts of a collapsing structure;

slipping, tripping and falling because of poor visibility caused by smoke or by crushing in the inevitable panic;

being injured by broken and flying glass

and in the longer term from the effects of mental trauma.

June 2010

Question 9 Outline types of activities that are typically carried out on construction sites that could increase the riskof fire and/or explosion. (8)

excavating near to underground services such as gas or electricity;

using and storing LPG and acetylene;

using bitumen boilers when fixing felt to flat roofs;

paint stripping using blow torches;

welding and grinding work causing sparks;

using elevated equipment near to overhead lines;

demolition activities using explosives; filling and decanting operations resulting in the spillage of fuel;

the careless disposal of smoking materials and inadequate procedures for managing and controlling waste resultingin the inevitable bonfires for burning rubbish.

Lesson 4: Fire Protections in Buildings

March 2008Question 4:a) Identify two ways in which fire can spread externally between buildingsb) When planning the construction of the building, outline the issues which should be addressed to minimize theexternal fire spread between buildings and Explain how Each can help to reduce the fire spread.a)

Flame Spread Radiated heat

Burning brands and embers

Effects of wind

b)

5) The distance between the buildings, this can increase resistance to radiated heat. The critical distance is 1 m andif space separation is less than 1 m the building code requires specific type and nature of materials to be used in thebuilding.

6) External walls being constructed with the material that prevents or reduce the risk of ignition from an external sourcand limit the spread of fire over their surfaces.

7) Roof Coverings, using fire resistant foams blocks etc, which offer fire protection to increase their resistance toradiated heat and burning embers.


15/29

8) The limitations of number of unprotected openings in adjacent buildings to reduce the amount of thermalradiation that can pass through the wall and affect the adjacent buildings.

9) The provision of external drenchers to protect nearby buildings against radiated heat.

Question 5: Outline the features of fire resisting door set.

Fire resistance and integrity of the door set with the door providing a good fit for the frame and closing correctly;

The door fitted with three hinges to maintain integrity

The door fitted with a positive self closing device and fitted with mandatory sign at eye level indicating that it shouldbe kept closed;

The provision of a color coded identification device such as a rawl plug or label;

The fitting of intumescent strips and smoke seals to prevent the passage of the products of combustion; If the door contains a window it should be made of Georgian wire or insulated glass.

June 2008

Question 2: Automatic fire detection systems are designed to detect fire without human intervention;a) Give Two types of smoke detectors and in Each case outline how they detect product of combustions;b) Give Two types of heat detectors and in Each case outline how they detect product of combustions;Also appeared in Question 4 of June 2010a) Optical, beam, ionizing

Optical Smoke Detector: There is a constant beam of light in a detector head with a light sensitive cell off set from the lightbeam. In the absence of smoke, the light passes in front of the detector head in a straight line. When smoke enters the optic

chamber into the path of the light beam, some light is scattered by the smoke particles and this is detected by the diodesensor initiating the alarm.

Beam Detector: The beam detector operates on a transmitter/receiver system. A unit on a wall sends out a beam which iseither received by a receiver or reflected back via a mirror. When a beam is less visible to the eye of the sensor because ofsmoke its sends an alarm signal to the fire alarm control panel.

Ionizing Detector: The chamber of an ionizing detector has two plates set apart, one charged negatively and the otherpositively. A tiny mass of americium 241, a source of alpha radiation, ionized the chamber. When smoke enters the chambeit absorbs the alpha particles, reducing the ionization and the interrupting the current and setting off the alarm

b)

Fixed Temperature Heat Detector: It has a sensing element fixed at a particular temperature. By means of a thermocoupleor similar arrangement, it detects when the predetermined temperature is reached.

Rate of Rise Heat Detector: A rate of rise heat detector is set to detect a fixed rise in temperature over a given period. It wirespond to rapid rises in temperature usually by means of electronic or thermistors

Question 3 The type of material used for wall and ceiling surface linings can affect the spread of fire and its rate ofgrowth.(a) State the properties of surface lining materials that may increase the risk of fire spread and its growth. (2)(b) Outline the significance of surface lining materials in minimizing risk from fire. (4)(c) Give TWO examples of surface lining materials that could be used to reduce the risk of fire spread and its growt(2)Also appeared in December 2009 as Question 4a)

Ignitability

Their rates of surface flame spread and heat relase,

The amount of smoke produced when ignited

Their tendency to produce flaming droplets.

b)Surface lining material with resistance to ignition and with low rates of surface flame spread and heat release would help tolimit the spread of fire, the production of smoke and the rate of fire growth and would maximize the time available for escaperoutes to be used safely.

c)

Exposed brickwork

Exposed blockwork Mineral fiber board


16/29

Wood wool slabs

Plasterboards and skim

Intumescent linings

Fire resistant glass and concrete

Stone or ceramic tiles

Question 8: Describe the effects of fire on the following building materials used in construction;a) Concreteb) Steel

Concrete: The effects of fire on concrete would be to cause it to dehydrate, crumble and collapse. Its surface will spall at

temperatures exceeding 300 degrees Celsius and this effect would be increased in the presence of steel reinforcement. Incooling, the concrete would lose its structural integrity.

Steel: The effects of fire on steel would cause expansion, conduction of heat, loss of strength as the temperature increasesand deformation though the material would regain its strength on cooling but its properties may have changed.

September 2008

Question 1. A large multi-storey shopping complex is being planned in an out-of-town location.(a) Smoke, beam and heat detectors may be used in the complex;(I) identify the types of area where each detector would be used;(ii) outline the factors that determine whether areas are appropriate for a detector.

(b) Identify the main features of a fire alarm system that would be appropriate for the complex AND outline thefunction of EACH of them.(c) Outline factors that should be considered to provide suitable access and facilities for the Fire and RescueService in the event of a fire.

a)i)General Smoke Detector: Corridors, stores, shops and officesBeam Detector: Large open spaces or atriumsHeat Detector: Kitchens and the areas where there was a steamy environment or where little smoke was generated.

ii)

The product to be detected, either heat or smoke

The size of the area to be covered The potential risk of false alarm

The appropriateness of the environment for the detector

The characteristics of the heat generated from the fire and its rate of rise rating

Whether the area is populated or notb)

Manual Call Points: It allows manual operation if a fire alarm by breaking the glass of the point. Its perquisite is the presencof a person to detect the fire and activate the alarm by using it.Automatic Fire Detection System: It detects fire automatically and activates the alarm.Alarm Sounders: It provides audible warning of activation of the fire alarm either by siren or pre-recorded message.Flashing Beacons: It provides visual warning of activation of the fire alarm.Alarm Zones: Division of the complex into different zones in order to enable quicker location of the position of the fire and

allow staged evacuation.Fire Panel: It provides information to the fire service of the location of the alarm activation and an automatic link to a callcentre, control room or monitoring centre with would result in a speedy response to the outbreak of fire.

c)

Enabling sufficient access for fire appliances

Keeping roadways clear by the use of marshals

Having someone to give access to the building for firefighting personnel including a key holder available for out ofwork hours and person with knowledge of the site

The provision of wet/dry risers, fire mains and fire fighting lifts

The provision of adequate water supply

The availability of plans of the building

The provision of mimic panel and

The provision of venting for heat and/or smoke for basement fires


17/29

Question 3 (a) Outline suitable locations where portable fire extinguishers should be sited on a fire escape route.(b) Outline the requirements necessary to ensure the adequate maintenance of portable fire extinguishers.

a)

Close to an exit from a room, either inside or outside walls, or floor or final exit

In conspicuous and identical position on each floor.

Where the persons dont have to travel more than 30 meters to reach an extinguisher.

Placed on dedicated floor stand or hung on a wall at a height no more than 1 meter from the floor for ease ofhandling.

Accessible and unobstructed but should not obstruct the flow of people

Away from elements and extreme temperatures such as hot processes etc.

b)Weekly or Monthly inspection

Located in correct position. Not discharged or tempered with. Correct pressure. No obvious damage.

Annual Inspection A thorough inspection of extinguishers should be carried out by a competent person on an annual basis.

This may include internal and external inspection, dependent upon the type of extinguisher, and its components sucas cartridges, hoses and seals.

All extinguishers should have a discharge test after 5 years except CO2 which is discharged after 10 years

Question 10 Outline reasons why the following should be provided within workplaces:(a) emergency lighting;(b) escape route signs.Also appeared as Question 2 in September 2009

a) Emergency Lightings: The provision is required by RRFSO and WHSW Regulations.

Operates to provide illumination in escape routes when main lighting circuits may have been shut down, or escaperoute have no natural or borrowed lights or to be used outside normal daylight hours.

Should be provided so the fire exit signs and escape routes are visible

To allow clear indication of fire safety equipments e.g. fire alarm call points, fire extinguishers etc.

To illuminate changes in direction or floor level. To prevent panic

Also required in large open plan areas or where it is necessary to shut down hazardous processes or plant.

b) Escape route signs

The provision is required by law. To help to identify the location of exits from any place within a building To indicate the safe direction of travel if the location of an exit is hidden or not obvious. To denote the route with the shortest travel distance when there is a choice of escape routes To identify the location of assembly points and refuge areas.

December 2008

Question 6: Following refurbishment work in a multi-storey factory it has been discovered that holes drilled into fireresisting walls to allow cables through have not been fire- stopped.(a) Outline the adverse effects this may have on the fire protection within the building. (3)(b) Outline other means by which the protection offered by compartmentation in the building may be compromiseda)

the reduction in the level of fire resistance of the wall to below its designed level;

the passage of heat and combustion products through the holes;

the potential for fire to spread easily between the fire compartments and

The potential for heat and combustion products to inhibit the employees escape.

b) There are a number of ways in which compartmentation in a building might be compromised including:

poorly maintained or badly fitting fire doors;


18/29

fire doors which have been wedged open;

the absence of or damage to smoke or intumescent seals;

the absence of or poorly maintained shutters in ducting;

poorly fitting or damaged ceiling tiles in fire resisting false ceilings;

the absence of or damage to fire resistant glazing

and the absence of or damage to cavity barriers.

Question 7 (a) Outline the benefits of a zoned fire alarm system. (2)(b) Identify TWO types of employee who would benefit from trembler alarms. (2)(c) Outline how the following devices assist in the early warning of fire in a noisy work environment:(i) audible warnings; (2)(ii) visual warnings. (2)

a)A zoned fire alarm system provides a quick means of identifying where a fire has started enables a swift location of the fire bythe Fire Authority and assists in the structured staged evacuation of the building.

b)

employees with impaired hearing;

those working in a high noise environment who might be wearing hearing protection;

those working remotely on a large site

Individuals who might be sleeping.

c)Audible Warnings:It can assist in the early warning of a fire in a noisy work environment

when the alarm sounders produce the same sound throughout the building to avoid confusion;

when they are clearly discernable from other audible alarms; when they are sufficiently loud to alert personnel for example at a minimum level of 65 dB or 5 dB above the background

noise.

Visual Warnings:

Visual alarms may assist in giving early warning; by supplementing audible alarms by alerting workers engrossed in their work activities; when they are discernable from other visual alarms; by alerting those wearing hearing protection; for alerting those with impaired hearing or deafness.

March 2009

Question 1. Fixed fire fighting systems play an important role in minimising the spread of fire and subsequentdamage caused(a) Outline FOUR types of sprinkler systems used in buildings. (8)(b) Outline the key features of a sprinkler system. (6)(C) Give reasons why a sprinkler system may be ineffective. (4)(d) Identify TWO alternative fixed fire fighting systems that could be installed in a building (2)

Also appeared in March 2010 as Question 2a)

1. Wet Pipe System: Commonly used in buildings where there is no risk of freezing. They are fast to react becausethere is always water in the supply pipes to the sprinklers.

2. Dry Pipe System: Pipes are filled with air under pressure while water is held back by a control valve which opens

and allow water into the pipe work when a sprinkler head opens causing a drop in air pressure.3. Alternate wet/dry System: In which pipes are full of water in summer but are drained down and filled with air unde

pressure for the winter.

4. Pre-Action System: Pipes are filled with air but water is let into the them when a detector, such as smoke detectoroperates.

b)

Sprinkler Head; the water supply feeding water into the system

Control Valve; normally kept in open position but shut once the fire is extinguished

Distribution Pipes; leading water to the sprinkler heads

Pressure Gauges; one toindicate the water pressure in mains and a second to record the pressure in installationsor in the case of a dry system the air pressure

Booster Pump; where the water pressure in insufficient.

c) There are number of reasons why a sprinkler system may be ineffective e.g.


19/29

Incorrect system has been installed There is no supply of water The mains water pressure is insufficient The sprinkler valves are turned off because maintenance work is being carried out Freezing of a wet pipe system The sprinkler heads are obscured or damaged The fire load is beyond the capacity of the system A failure in the power supply resulting in the pumps not working General lack of maintenance to the system

d)1. Hose reels2. Dry powder installation3. CO2 Flooding4. Fixed Foam Installations5. Inert Gas systems such as argon

Question 10: Outline those points that you would expect an assessor to consider, in determining adequacy of themeans of escape arrangements.

The number of persons to be evacuated

The length of time it will take for all occupants to escape to a place of safety and whether this time is reasonable

Whether there are enough exits in the right place

Whether all escape routes are easily identifiable, unobstructed and adequately illuminated

Whether the type and size of exits are suitable and sufficient for the number and type of persons who will use them

taking into account the presence of disabled personnel The availability of protected alternative routes for all locations

The designation of a safe assembly point

The provision of instructions to employees on the means of escape

The use of fire drills to train staff in using the means of escape

The adequacy of the arrangement for persons with disabilities

The inclusion of the means of escape arrangement in the emergency plan.

June 2009

Question 10 Fire resisting doors play a vital role in preventing the spread of fire and smoke.Identify reasons why a fire resisting door may not provide adequate protection in the event of a fire.(8)

the door being wedged open, perhaps with an extinguisher;

the original specification for the door was incorrect or it was badly fitted resulting in a gap round the door and frame

the smoke seals have been damaged or the intumescent strips removed or damaged;

the glazing has become damaged and replaced with glass that does not provide the required degree of fireresistance;

the door has become warped or does not close properly because of an obstruction or a damaged closure;

the fire integrity of the door has been reduced following unauthorised and poor alteration work such as the fitting ofkey pads;

the door hinges have failed through incorrect installation, poor workmanship and lack of maintenance;

the door, over time, may have been painted repeatedly with solvent based paints.

September 2009

Question 7 Explain the requirements for ensuring that access to premises and facilities for the fire service areprovided and maintained. (8)

keeping roadways and vehicle access for appliances clear; providing adequate space and turning circles around thperimeter of the premises;

arranging access for fire fighting personnel, for example with someone, preferably having a good knowledge of thesite appointed to let them into the building or having a key holder for the building during out of work hours;

providing venting for heat and smoke from basements or other areas;

providing fire fighting lifts and shafts;

providing a fire main and wet riser in tall buildings; access to an external mimic panel;

having plans of the building available and ensuring the provision of adequate water supplies.


20/29

Requirements for access and facilities contained in the Building Regulations and to the duty placed on theresponsible person by Article 38 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order to ensure that the access and facilitieprovided are maintained in an efficient state, efficient working order and in good repair.

December 2009

Question 2 (a) Identify FOUR products of combustion that may activate automatic fire detection systems. (4)(b) Outline reasons for installing an automatic fire detection system. (4)

a)

gases (for example carbon monoxide or sulphur dioxide),

flame, heat,

smoke,

the rate of temperature rise

Over-pressurisation.

b)

the detection of a fire at an early stage together with an indication of the location of its source;

the protection it provides for specific areas such as sleeping areas, kitchens and boiler rooms;

its operation without human intervention providing early warning to the occupants of a building of the existence of afire and thus enabling a controlled evacuation at an early stage;

its ability to obtain a rapid response from the fire service which might consequently result in damage limitation.

Question 7 Outline the factors to be considered when determining the adequacy of an escape route. (8)

the number of occupants to be evacuated;

the number of fire escape routes;

the length of time it will take for all occupants to escape to a place of safety and whether this time is reasonable;

whether all escape routes are easily identifiable, unobstructed and adequately illuminated;

whether the type and size of exits are suitable and sufficient for the number and type of persons who will use themtaking into account the presence of disabled personnel;

the protection of the escape routes including staircases;

the adequacy of the arrangements for persons with disabilities; and whether fire doors open in the direction of trave

March 2010

Question 5(a) Outline the functions of compartmentation in buildings. (4)(b) Identify practical ways of achieving an adequate level of compartmentation within a building. (4)

a)Compartmentation in buildings serves a number of purposes such as;

I. providing a physical barrier for fire and confining it to its zone of origin for a specified time;II. reducing the number of employees immediately at risk and the travel distance of those who need to escape to a pla

of relative safety;III. reducing the extent of the spread of smoke, heat and toxic gases and minimising the risk of them entering protected

escape routes;IV. enabling phased evacuations and offering the possibility of providing safe havens for vulnerable persons.b)

dividing it into discrete fire resisting zones;

using fire resisting elements such as brick walls for the structure;

protecting structural materials such as concrete and steel;

providing fire protection for floors for example by the use of low density concrete;

fitting fire resisting doors and fire resistant glazing;

sealing voids and enclosing lifts by compartment walls;

arranging for the compartmentation of roof voids for example by the use of fabric cavity-barriers;

and fitting fire dampers in duct work and fire stopping where services pass through compartments.

Question 11 Outline where emergency lighting should be fitted in a workplace. (8)

1) at each exit door intended to be used in an emergency;

2) near internal or external stairs so each tread receives direct light and near to any other level change;


21/29

3) where no natural light occurs or the workplace is used in hours of darkness;4) at each change of direction;5) along corridors and at intersections of corridors;6) outside and near to each final exit;7) near fire fighting equipment and fire alarm call points;8) at moving stairways and walkways;9) in large or disabled toilet facilities;10) in fire refuges;11) in generator, control and plant rooms and at exit routes from covered car parks

June 2010

Question 10 (a) Outline the purpose of a fire door. (3)(b) Outline the parts of a fire door that should be examined when making a visual check to ensure that they areadequate. (5)a)The purpose of a fire door is, when closed, to hinder the spread of heat, fire and smoke throughout a building and particularon to an escape route; to provide a minimum of thirty minutes resistance to fire, smoke and heat to a compartmentalized safarea and twenty minutes resistance to an enclosed corridor and to provide or increase the protection to storage areascontaining data or combustible materials andflammable substances. When open, they do, of course, provide a means of escape.b)

the way it fits into its frame to ensure there are no gaps;

the glazing, if any, for fire resistance and possible damage;

the hinges, three in number, are of steel, are not damaged and are securely fixed with all screws in place;

the door handles and latches are in good condition, are working correctly and are adequately maintained andlubricated;

and the smoke and intumescent seals fitted to the door or frame are in good condition.

Lesson 5: Safety of Peoples in Event of Fire

March 2008

Question 10 Human behaviour plays a significant role in how people react in a fire.Outline the factors that make people slow to respond in a fire. (8)Also Appeared in Dec 2008Question 8 Outline the factors that make people slow to respond in a fire. (8)

a poor perception of the danger involved, for example a lack of understanding of the hazards from smoke or how thfire might spread:

the fact that people do not generally respond to a single stimulus and often wait for others to respond;

some might be unaware of the significance of and even misinterpret alarms while if there had been a number of falsalarms, there would be a tendency to ignore them while others, from curiosity, would seek to gain a view of the firerather than take the necessary evasive action.

Additionally, a desire to finish a task and collect belongings would cause some people to delay their response to afire

while in other cases, fright and panic can be of such a magnitude that people tend to freeze, particularly if their visionwas obscured by smoke and they were unfamiliar with the exit routes and actions to be taken.

June 2008

Question1 A large do-it-yourseff (DIY) store with cafeteria facilities is to revise its fire safety procedures.(a) Give examples of the type of fuel sources that may be present in the store AND state the class of fire with whichEACH source is generally associated (6)(b)Outline the issues that should be addressed in the stores emergency procedures to help ensure the safeevacuation of employees and customers in the event of a fire. (14)

a)

wood, cardboard or paper (Class A);

paints, varnishes and thinners (Class B);

gases such as propane or butane (Class C);

lithium batteries causing metal tires (Class D)

Cooking fats and oils (Class F).


22/29

b)

type of alarm system to be installed, whether audible or visual, and the need for it to be distinctive as compared withother alarms used in the store;

the location and type of a fire detection system corresponding to the different types of risk in the store;

the installation of sprinkler systems especially in vulnerable areas where for example paints and gases might bedisplayed or stored;

the action to be taken on discovering a fire and the selection of persons to activate the alarm and call the emergencservices;

the number of persons to be evacuated including employees and customers and the type of evacuation to be carrieout, for example staged, dependent on the size and layout of the store and cafeteria;

the number of fire escapes/exits, the travel distances involved and the procedures to be adopted to ensure they weralways clear and free from obstructions;

the location and suitability of assembly points, the clarity of their signing, and their location particularly to avoidobstruction to the access of emergency services;

the allocation of responsibility to members of staff for escorting and directing customers including the disabled;

the appointment of trained wardens and marshals and the use of door marshals to prevent entry or re-entry in theevent of a fire;

the adequacy and regular maintenance of emergency lighting;

the provision and siting of fire extinguishers on escape routes and near to hazardous areas;

regular maintenance and testing of fire alarms and holding periodic fire drills and liaising with the emergency serviceto advise them of special risks including the storage in the building of highly flammable materials.

Question 11 Identify EIGHT items that should not be located on a protected route or in a corridor or stairwell that

serves as a sole means of escape from a workplace in the event of a fire. (8)

Items that should not be located on a protected route or in a corridor or stairwell that serves as the sole means of escapefrom a workplace in the event of fire include:

1. portable heaters, heaters with unprotected naked flames and heaters using a gas supply;2. cooking appliances;3. upholstered furniture;4. coat racks;5. electrical equipment such as photocopiers or gaming machines;6. lighting using naked flames;7. gas boilers, pipes or meters with some exceptions as contained in the Building Regulations and Gas Safety

Regulations;8. unprotected notice boards and display materials

9. and combustible items such as documents on open shelving.

September 2008

Question 5 A fire alarm was activated by an automatic detector in the kitchen area of a cafeteria during a busylunchtime period, while customers were either queuing or eating their meals.(a) Outline ways in which customers may react to the fire alarm in this situation. (4)b) Outline the issues to be addressed to assist in the safe evacuation of the customers from the cafeteria.(4)Also appeared in March 2010 as Question 9a)There are a number of ways in which customers might react to a fire alarm in the scenario described. Some might ignore thalarm either because they did not recognise it as such, believed it to be a false alarm, decided either to finish their meal ormaintain their place in the queue or out of curiosity attempted to investigate what was happening. Others who recognized thpurpose of the alarm might either comply with procedures and use the designated fire escape routes, await instructions, delaevacuation to collect their belongings or panic and attempt to leave the cafeteria by the way they had entered neglecting touse the designated escape routes

b)

ensuring that exit routes were clearly signed, provided with a good standard of lighting and kept free from obstructio

allocating particular responsibilities to individual members of staff for escorting and directing customers andparticularly the disabled;

appointing trained fire marshals

and ensuring that in the event of a fire, the catering areas were closed and clear instructions were given forevacuation, if possible over the loudspeaker system

December 2008


23/29

Question 4 (a) State the purpose of a fire log book. (2)(b) Identify the information that may be contained in a fire log book. (6)

a)The purpose of a fire log book is to record the testing and maintenance of fire safety features and the programme of fire safetytraining carried out in the organisation. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate that employers are using all due diligence andfollowing good practice in the prevention of fire and the provision of measures to be taken if one was to occur.

b)The information contained in a fire log book might include;

emergency phone numbers;

a list of competent persons and fire wardens; fire instructions and information on employee training;

a record of fire drills held;

a record of the frequency of fire alarm tests and of the location of call points;

information on false alarms and other occasions when alarms were activated;

records of the testing of emergency lighting and inspection of fire fighting equipment;

information on the inspection of and checks made on sprinkler systems;

a record of the visits made by the fire service and details of fire risk assessments that have been completed.

Question 9 During a shop fire the evacuation of personnel was delayed. The fire risk assessment was reviewed andidentified an absence of fire drills.Outline the purpose of conducting fire drills. (8)

The purpose of conducting fire drills which is;o to comply with the requirements of RRFSO;

o to ensure that employees are familiar with escape procedures to enable them to react calmly in the event of an

emergency and secure a rapid evacuation if a fire were to occur;o to ensure that evacuation procedures are effective particularly for visitors and the disabled;

o to test the physical adequacy of fire escape routes;

o to enable fire marshals and wardens to practice their roles;

o to enable the identification of mechanical or electrical deficiencies in the fire alarm system;

o and to enable comparisons to be made for example in response and evacuation times which may point to the need to

introduce more effective procedures.

March 2009

Question 5: An organisation uses the fire marshal system for the safe evacuation of the premises.c) Explain how a fire marshal system operates.

d) Outline the benefits with respect to human behavior.

a) With a Fire Marshal System, a building is split into small areas of responsibility and each area is allocated to aparticular fire marshal. The marshals are designated people who, in the event of a fire, search and check their allocatedarea and ensure that all people have left the building. Those who have not left the building are directed to an appropriafire exit and on to a safe assembly point. The marshal is finally expected to report that their area has been checked andclear.

b) The benefits of the system are that it uses people who are trained and familiar with the premises to evacuate otherpeople who may or may not be familiar with the premises and in so doing takes into account of any adverse humanbehaviour.

Question 9: Outline the factors to be considered when developing an evacuation procedure for a shared occupancyoffice building.Also appeared in December 2009 as Question 11

The number of peoples to be evacuated

The sufficiency of means of escape such as the number of available exits and the distance to be travelled

the location of the assembly points and the arrangements for the accounting of personnel;

the action to be taken on the discovery of a fire;

the arrangements for contacting the emergency services;

the possibility of arranging a phased evacuation;

the procedures for visitors and contractors and the liaison necessary with other occupiers;

the identification of facilities for the disabled such as lifts and refuges and the use of evacuation equipment;

the number of fire wardens to be appointed;


24/29

the clarity of the signage in all areas;

The training to be given to employees and the arrangements for testing fire alarms and practicing fire drills.

June 2009

Question 1 A recently developed multi-storey commercial building is to be occupied by a large business employingapproximately 500 employees.(a) Give reasons why it may be appropriate to develop a phased evacuation system for the building. (2)(b) Outline how a phased evacuation system might operate. (5)(c) Explain the issues to be addressed when determining the adequacy of the means of escape within the building. (8)(d) Outline additional provisions the business may consider in order to assist persons with sensory impairment and/orphysical disabilities to be evacuated safely in the event of fire. (5)

a)

allows a controlled evacuation of a large number of people,

helps reduce congestion and the panic that might be caused during the evacuation and

Ensures that those who are nearest to the fire and therefore most at risk can be the first to be evacuated.b)

the need for occupants on the first floor and the floor immediately above, to be alerted first and then evacuated whileoccupants on other floors would be alerted and kept on stand by and evacuated later dependant on how the firedeveloped and spread.

The system would be dependant on the use of different alarm systems to indicate evacuation or stand by and on the useof fire marshals to communicate the evacuation status to a senior marshal.

The success of the system would also depend very much on the provision of regular training and fire drills for theoccupants and fire marshals and on the design of each floor of the building as a separate fire compartment.

c)

Sufficiency both of the number of exits provided and that of alternative escape routes.

Escape routes would need to be suitably protected with compartmentation and/or fire resisting walls and ceilings,

Escape routes are easily identifiable and clearly marked and be of sufficient width for the number and type of

exams papers q & as

Documents