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Hot work, fire and solder fume questions for the Plumbing (JIB) (PLUM) specialist test

6 free questions on Hot work, fire and solder fume, from section E. Specialist: Plumbing (JIB). Every question is original and explains why each option is right or wrong.

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Question 1

Easier ·Link to this question (question 1)

You need to solder a joint with a blowtorch next to timber joists and dust sheets.

What should you do first?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Nothing, as dust sheets don't burn
  2. B. Clear combustible materials from the area
  3. C. Work faster so the joint is done quickly
  4. D. Open the windows so the heat and fumes can escape
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Dust sheets and timber can catch fire.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE lists clearing the area of combustible materials as a hot work precaution.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Speed doesn't reduce the fire risk.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Air can feed a fire.

Explanation

Before hot work, clear combustible materials, or shield what can't be moved.

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Question 2

Easier ·Link to this question (question 2)

You are about to start brazing pipework.

What should you have close by?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. A spare blowtorch
  2. B. A can of spray lubricant
  3. C. A suitable fire extinguisher
  4. D. A bucket of sand for your tea
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. A spare torch doesn't put out a fire.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Aerosols are flammable.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE lists suitable fire extinguishers as a hot work precaution.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Have a suitable extinguisher ready.

Explanation

Keep a suitable fire extinguisher at hand during hot work.

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Question 3

Medium ·Link to this question (question 3)

You are soldering joints along a ceiling void for most of the morning.

What does HSE say you should do during the work?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Leave the area between joints to let the smoke clear
  2. B. Turn off the fire alarm
  3. C. Prop the fire doors open
  4. D. Keep a careful watch for fire
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Keep watch all through the work.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Alarms must stay on.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Fire doors slow the spread of fire.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says maintain a careful watch throughout hot work.

Explanation

During hot work, keep a careful watch for fire throughout.

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Question 4

Medium ·Link to this question (question 4)

A large project has many trades doing hot work in different areas.

What can help manage the risk?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. A permit to work system
  2. B. Letting each trade decide for itself
  3. C. Doing all hot work at the weekend
  4. D. Banning extinguishers, to keep exits clear
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says a permit to work system can help manage the hot work risk on larger projects.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Hot work needs to be controlled across the project.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. The timing doesn't control the risk.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Extinguishers are needed.

Explanation

On larger projects, a permit to work system helps control hot work.

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Question 5

Harder ·Link to this question (question 5)

An acetylene cylinder has been heated in a fire on site.

What does HSE say to do?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Cool it with a hose, then put it back in the van
  2. B. Clear 200 m around it and call 999
  3. C. Carry it outside so it can cool down
  4. D. Open the valve to let the pressure out before it bursts
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Keep clear and leave it to the fire service.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says evacuate 200 metres around a heated acetylene cylinder, call the Fire and Rescue Service straight away, and don't try to move it.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. HSE says don't try to move it.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. HSE says don't try to vent it.

Explanation

A heated acetylene cylinder: clear 200 metres, call the fire service, and don't move or vent it.

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Question 6

Medium ·Link to this question (question 6)

A plumber is soldering in a small room using a rosin-based flux.

What in the fume can cause serious health problems?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Dust from the floor
  2. B. Paint and dust burnt off the walls and joists nearby
  3. C. Rosin in the flux
  4. D. Steam from the wet pipe
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. HSE points to the rosin in the flux.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. HSE points to the rosin in the flux.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says serious health problems can come from rosin (also called colophony) in solder fluxes.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. HSE points to the rosin in the flux.

Explanation

Rosin (colophony) in solder flux fume can cause serious health problems. Control the fume, for example with extraction.

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