HS&E Operatives practice question: Fire prevention and response (1 of 7)
A. Working environment A free question from our original HS&E Operatives practice exam. Try it, then open the answer to see why each option is right or wrong.
Your site has fire points with different types of fire extinguisher. HSE guidance says the right type depends on what is burning.
Match each fire to the best type of extinguisher.
Match each item to one answer. An answer can be used more than once, and some may not be used.
Items
Burning timber offcuts and cardboard
Spilt diesel that has caught fire
A fire in an electrical distribution board
Answers
AA. Water
BB. Foam
CC. Carbon dioxide (CO2)
DD. Wet chemical
Show the answer and explanation
Correct matches
Burning timber offcuts and cardboard: A. Water
Spilt diesel that has caught fire: B. Foam
A fire in an electrical distribution board: C. Carbon dioxide (CO2)
About each answer
A. Water is for fires in solid materials such as wood, paper and cloth. Never use it on electrical fires or burning liquids.
B. HSE lists foam (or dry powder) for flammable liquids, such as diesel or petrol. Foam smothers the burning liquid.
C. HSE lists carbon dioxide for electrical fires. It does not conduct electricity and leaves no residue.
D. Wet chemical extinguishers are made for cooking oil and fat fires, such as a chip pan in a kitchen. They are not the best choice for any of these fires.
Explanation
Water for wood, paper and cloth. Foam or dry powder for flammable liquids. Carbon dioxide for electrical fires. Only use an extinguisher if you have been trained and it is safe to do so.