Fire Safety

Question 1

What is the primary legislation governing fire safety in non-domestic buildings in the UK?

Answer 1

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Question 2

True or False: All non-domestic buildings must have a fire risk assessment.

Answer 2

True.

Question 3

Fill in the blank: The person responsible for fire safety in a workplace is known as the __________.

Answer 3

Responsible Person.

Question 4

What is the main purpose of a fire risk assessment?

Answer 4

To identify hazards and implement measures to reduce the risk of fire.

Question 5

Which document outlines the general fire safety duties of employers?

Answer 5

The Fire Safety Risk Assessment Guide.

Question 6

What must be kept up to date according to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005?

Answer 6

The fire risk assessment.

Question 7

True or False: Fire safety measures in non-domestic buildings are optional.

Answer 7

False.

Question 8

What should be included in a fire safety management plan?

Answer 8

Emergency procedures, training, and maintenance of fire safety equipment.

Question 9

What is the minimum number of fire exits required in a non-domestic building?

Answer 9

At least two, depending on the size and layout of the building.

Question 10

Fill in the blank: Fire doors should be __________ to prevent the spread of fire.

Answer 10

self-closing.

Question 11

What type of fire extinguisher is suitable for electrical fires?

Answer 11

CO2 extinguisher.

Question 12

True or False: Employees must receive training in fire safety.

Answer 12

True.

Question 13

What does the acronym ‘PPE’ stand for in the context of fire safety?

Answer 13

Personal Protective Equipment.

Question 14

What is the recommended frequency for fire drills in non-domestic buildings?

Answer 14

At least once a year.

Question 15

What is the role of a fire warden?

Answer 15

To assist in fire safety management and evacuation procedures.

Question 16

Fill in the blank: Fire safety signage should be __________ and easily visible.

Answer 16

clear.

Question 17

What should be done with flammable materials in a workplace?

Answer 17

They should be stored safely and away from ignition sources.

Question 18

What is the purpose of fire drills?

Answer 18

To ensure that everyone knows how to respond in the event of a fire.

Question 19

Multiple Choice: Which authority enforces fire safety regulations in the UK?

Answer 19

The local fire and rescue authority.

Question 20

What is the significance of fire safety training for employees?

Answer 20

It prepares them to act safely and effectively in case of a fire.

Question 21

Fill in the blank: Fire safety equipment must be __________ regularly.

Answer 21

maintained.

Question 22

True or False: It is acceptable to block fire exits in non-domestic buildings.

Answer 22

False.

Question 23

What should be done if a fire risk assessment identifies a high risk?

Answer 23

Implement immediate corrective actions to mitigate the risk.

Question 24

What is the purpose of a fire safety log book?

Answer 24

To record fire safety checks, maintenance, and training activities.

Question 25

Compartmentation - What is it and what does it do

Answer 25

Compartmentation is the practice of dividing a building into fire-resisting sections (compartments) to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. 🧱 Typical fire-resisting walls and floors are rated for 30, 60, or 120 minutes of fire resistance. 🎯 Purpose: To protect escape routes, limit fire spread, and aid firefighting efforts.

Question 26

Fire Doors - Purpose

Answer 26

Fire doors are specially constructed doors that prevent the spread of fire and smoke between compartments. 🚪 They are rated (e.g., FD30, FD60) to resist fire for a specific duration in minutes. 🔒 Must be kept shut or self-closing and properly maintained. 🔥 Essential for maintaining compartmentation.

Question 27

Escape Distances - What are they

Answer 27

Escape distances refer to the maximum travel distance to a place of safety (like an exit). 📏 These vary depending on building use, risk level, and number of escape routes. - 18m (single direction) and 45m (two directions) in offices. - May be shorter in high-risk areas or buildings with vulnerable occupants.

Question 28

Two key Fire Safety Regulations

Answer 28

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 – applies to all non-domestic premises. Requires a responsible person to carry out a fire risk assessment. Building Regulations Approved Document B – sets out fire safety guidance for new buildings and alterations. Covers means of escape, spread of fire, and structural integrity.

Question 29

Fire Door components

Answer 29

Door Leaf – The main solid panel, fire-rated (e.g., FD30, FD60). Frame – The fire-resistant frame that houses the door leaf. Intumescent Seals – Expand when heated to seal gaps and block fire spread. Smoke Seals – Brush or rubber seals that prevent smoke leakage (often combined with intumescent). Fire-Rated Hinges – Typically 3 or more steel hinges to hold the door under high heat. Door Closers – Automatically close the door to maintain compartmentation. Glazing (if present) – Fire-rated glass with intumescent glazing seals. Latches/Locks – Must be fire-rated; often with a release mechanism for safe egress. Signage – Clear signs such as “Fire Door – Keep Shut” are required. Threshold/Drop Seals – Seals at the bottom of the door to limit smoke spread.

Question 30

Approved Document B

Answer 30

Practical guidance on meeting the requirements of the BR 2010 as came into force on 1st December 2022 Compliance with recognised guidance/codes is not mandatory but is expedient.

Question 31

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

Answer 31

A legal framework for fire safety in non-domestic premises in England and Wales. Amended by the FSA 2021 - Key focus: Risk-based fire safety management. - Places responsibility on the "Responsible Person" (e.g. employer, building owner, occupier) to ensure fire safety. Main Duties: 🔍 Conduct a Fire Risk Assessment 📝 Identify fire hazards and people at risk 🚪 Ensure safe escape routes and fire detection 🧯 Provide fire-fighting equipment and training 📄 Maintain and review fire safety arrangements Applies to: Workplaces Public buildings (schools, hospitals, shops) Communal areas of flats Hotels, guest houses, and B&Bs

Question 32

Fire Safety Act

Answer 32

An amendment to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, clarifying that external walls and flat entrance doors in multi-occupied residential buildings must be included in fire risk assessments. Applies to: 🏢 Multi-occupied residential buildings (e.g., blocks of flats). Key Points: 🧱 External walls (including cladding, balconies, and windows) must be assessed for fire risk. 🚪 Flat entrance doors (from a dwelling into communal areas) are included in the fire safety scope. 🔍 Places responsibility clearly on the Responsible Person to manage and assess these risks. 👩‍🚒 Gives Fire and Rescue Services more enforcement powers where fire risk assessments fail to include these areas. Why It Matters: Introduced after Grenfell Tower tragedy to improve safety and accountability. Lays groundwork for stricter enforcement and the Building Safety Act 2022. Effective: April 2021 (England and Wales) Applies alongside the 2005 Order, not instead of it.

Question 33

Buildings prior to occupation - requirements

Answer 33

Works are required to comply with the requirements of The Building Regulations 2010 (as amended) (the Building Regulations).

Question 34

B1 – Means of Warning and Escape

Answer 34

Ensures there are adequate means for people to be alerted and escape safely in the event of fire. ✅ Fire alarms and detection systems ✅ Safe and sufficient escape routes ✅ Emergency lighting and signage ✅ Suitable escape provisions for vulnerable people

Question 35

B2 – Internal Fire Spread (Linings)

Answer 35

Focuses on controlling the spread of flame and smoke on internal surfaces. ✅ Surface finishes on walls/ceilings must meet fire resistance standards (Class 0 or Euro Class B-s3, d2) ✅ Limits the contribution to fire growth from materials

Question 36

B3 - Internal Fire Spread (Structure)

Answer 36

Aims to maintain structural stability and prevent internal fire spread. ✅ Compartmentation (e.g., fire-resisting floors, walls, doors) ✅ Fire-stopping of service penetrations ✅ Adequate load-bearing capacity during fire ✅ Protection of key structural elements (e.g., steelwork)

Question 37

B4 – External Fire Spread

Answer 37

Prevents fire from spreading across the external envelope of the building. ✅ Fire-resistant external walls, cladding, and roofs ✅ Limits fire spread between adjacent buildings ✅ Requirements especially strict for buildings over 18m (due to cladding risks)

Question 38

B5 – Access and Facilities for the Fire Service

Answer 38

Ensures that firefighters can access and operate safely within and around the building. ✅ Access routes for fire appliances ✅ Firefighting shafts and lobbies ✅ Dry or wet risers ✅ Ventilation for firefighting ✅ Fire mains and hydrant access

Question 39

Simultaneous Evacuation

Answer 39

Everyone evacuates at once when the alarm sounds. ✅ Most common in smaller/simple buildings (e.g., offices, schools, shops). ✅ Fastest way to clear a building. ⚠️ Requires good alarm audibility and clear escape routes.

Question 40

Staged Evacuation

Answer 40

Evacuation happens in stages, usually floor by floor. ✅ Used in large/complex buildings (e.g., hospitals, care homes). ✅ Priority given to areas most at risk. 🚪 Requires compartmentation and staff to manage the process. 🧍 Often supported by voice alarm systems and trained fire wardens.

Question 41

Phased Evacuation

Answer 41

Typically used in high-rise buildings. 1️⃣ People on the fire floor and floor above evacuate first. 2️⃣ Others wait in safe zones and evacuate later if needed. ✅ Based on the building being well compartmented and protected. 🧯 Firefighting lifts, alarm zoning, and smoke control systems are critical. ⚠️ Depends heavily on good fire safety design and emergency plans.