M4: Fire Protection in Buildings

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What is a critical aspect in building construction and design to prevent fire spread?

Providing ample natural lighting

Ensuring adequate fire compartmentation (correct)

Incorporating sustainable materials

Installing high-end interior finishes

Which of the following is NOT an example of an early warning system for fire detection?

Smoke detectors

Flame detectors

Heat detectors

Sprinkler systems (correct)

What is one of the key considerations when selecting fire extinguishing methods for process risk?

The color of the extinguisher

The location of the nearest fire station

The weight of the extinguisher

The cost of the extinguishing agent (correct)

Why is ensuring access for the fire service important in building design?

To facilitate quick and easy entry for emergency response Signup and view all the answers

Which measure is crucial to life safety in buildings during a fire emergency?

Providing clear evacuation routes and exits Signup and view all the answers

What are some factors that influence the choice of building materials for manufacturing premises?

The design, layout, and size of the building Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method of minimizing external fire spread between buildings?

Constructing external walls from highly flammable materials Signup and view all the answers

What type of occupancy poses a higher risk in terms of fire safety?

A hospital with immobile patients Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a factor related to fire properties of building materials?

Flammability and ignitability Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration when designing external walls to prevent fire spread?

Choosing materials that reduce surface ignition risk Signup and view all the answers

How can external drenchers help protect nearby buildings in case of a fire?

By reducing radiant heat exposure Signup and view all the answers

What are the main requirements for fire resistance of elements of structure?

Resistance to collapse, integrity, insulation, and effective fire resistance of fire doors Signup and view all the answers

How can internal fire growth be increased within a building?

By using fire-resistant building lining materials Signup and view all the answers

How can external fire spread be prevented around buildings?

By considering the construction of external walls and roofs, distance between buildings, and activities undertaken at the premises Signup and view all the answers

Why is compartmentation important in inhibiting the spread of fire within buildings?

It limits the movement of smoke and flames through a building Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical factor in preventing transfer of excessive heat during a fire?

Insulation as a part of fire resistance measures Signup and view all the answers

What does fire resistance for structural elements include?

Maintaining load-bearing capacity and preventing heat conduction Signup and view all the answers

In building design, what affects the degree of Compartmentation needed?

Building height to the top floor Signup and view all the answers

Why are openings in compartment walls limited to certain features like doors and pipes?

To maintain the fire resistance of the compartment Signup and view all the answers

What is a purpose of fire-stopping materials in building construction?

To restrict the progression of fire and smoke Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to poor effectiveness of compartmentation in a building?

Damaged or missing intumescent seals Signup and view all the answers

What are protected shafts in building construction mainly used for?

To enclose features like stairways and service shafts Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential for compartments to form a complete barrier to fire?

To minimize fire spread between different areas Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of compartmentation in building design?

To reduce the rate of fire spread and keep fires relatively small Signup and view all the answers

What is the principal means of controlling fire spread in concealed spaces?

Use of cavity barriers Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by a class number concerning resistance to surface spread of flame in lining materials?

Ignitability Signup and view all the answers

Which type of linings are mentioned as a particular fire hazard?

Cellular plastic linings Signup and view all the answers

What is the treatment required for combustible roof coverings in terms of distance from the boundary?

At least 6 meters from the boundary Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following materials is considered an example of a low-risk surface lining material for fire safety?

Plasterboard and skim Signup and view all the answers

In which case may non-load bearing external walls have variable levels of fire resistance?

Greater than 1 meter from the boundary Signup and view all the answers

What factor affects the likelihood and consequences of fire spread between buildings?

Distance between buildings and size of the building Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is crucial for internal fire growth but not directly related to building materials?

'Content of fixtures and fittings' Signup and view all the answers

What is a key principle of means of escape in building design?

Ensuring alternative escape routes Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is essential for ensuring the effectiveness of the means of escape?

Adequate number of escape routes Signup and view all the answers

What is a requirement for managing the effectiveness of the means of escape?

Regular inspection and testing Signup and view all the answers

For whom might evacuation lifts and refuges, way-finding systems, and PEEP plans be particularly important?

People with disabilities Signup and view all the answers

What does an effective means of escape aim to achieve in terms of safety during a fire?

Getting people to a place beyond the building for safety Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to have alternative means of escape?

To provide options in case one route is blocked Signup and view all the answers

What should be the initial escape route for an escaping person in a building?

Protected area followed by an unprotected area Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an acceptable means of escape?

Stairways Signup and view all the answers

Why are dead-end corridors not normally acceptable as escape routes?

They are often blocked by fire Signup and view all the answers

What is a consideration for determining the width of escape stairs in a building?

The number of floors served Signup and view all the answers

Why might a single stair be acceptable in some premises?

Due to constraints imposed by horizontal escape route requirements Signup and view all the answers

What type of building would necessitate independent stairs due to different fire risks?

Mixed occupancy buildings Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential factor in determining the width of escape stairs in a building?

$30$m descent over stairs Signup and view all the answers

What should internal escape stairs generally be protected within?

Fire-resisting enclosure Signup and view all the answers

When might additional protection like a protected lobby be necessary for internal escape stairs?

For phased evacuation systems Signup and view all the answers

What type of areas are refuges in building construction?

Fire-protected areas offering temporary relative safety Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Graphical escape route signage supplemented with specific designs for people with disabilities?

To help visually impaired individuals navigate during an emergency Signup and view all the answers

What is the main requirement for Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEP)?

To be specific to the individual with a disability Signup and view all the answers

How can tactile emergency exit signs help individuals with visual impairment?

By providing Braille text and relief pictograms Signup and view all the answers

Why are evacuation lifts different from normal lifts in buildings?

They are fitted with an override control for disabled access Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of audible way-finding systems?

To localize sounds for better navigation during evacuations Signup and view all the answers

Why might a fire-resisting door not provide adequate protection during a fire?

The door is wedged open. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reason for reduced fire integrity of a fire-resisting door?

Repeated wedging of the door open. Signup and view all the answers

Where should emergency escape lighting be positioned to enhance safety during evacuations?

Along corridors and at intersections. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of emergency escape signage in buildings?

To clearly mark the escape routes. Signup and view all the answers

In what scenarios is progressive horizontal evacuation typically employed?

Residential care homes and hospitals. Signup and view all the answers

What is the intended end location when evacuating through a final exit in a building?

A place outside the building away from harm. Signup and view all the answers

Why should regular inspections of escape routes be conducted?

To verify clear pathways for evacuation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum headroom required for door frames in passageways and corridors?

2.5 m Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following items should NOT be located on protected escape routes?

Upholstered furniture Signup and view all the answers

What slope should ramps be designed with to comply with requirements for access for disabled people?

Less than 20 Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of doors along escape routes concerning their opening direction?

They should open in the direction of escape and to at least 90 Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum fire resistance required for fire doors?

45 minutes Signup and view all the answers

Why should dead-end corridors exceeding 4.5 m be separated from the main corridor with self-closing fire doors?

To prevent smoke from blocking both alternatives Signup and view all the answers

What component should be correctly fitted into the corridor or protected stairwell when dealing with fire-resistant doors?

Door closer Signup and view all the answers

Why should fire doors be regularly inspected and maintained?

To ensure their continued effectiveness Signup and view all the answers

What do fire-resistant doors prevent the spread of, besides fire?

Smoke Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum width requirement for escape stairs in a building with a descent of 30 meters or more?

1400 mm Signup and view all the answers

In what circumstances are basements and small premises allowed to have a single escape stair?

If independent stairs are not required and specific conditions are met Signup and view all the answers

Why should escape stairs not reduce in width at any point on the way to the final exit?

To avoid bottleneck situations during evacuation Signup and view all the answers

When determining the number of escape stairs required in a building, what factor is considered regarding different use areas with varying fire risks?

Whether independent stairs are required Signup and view all the answers

For internal escape stairs in a multi-story building, what additional protection measure may be necessary if only one stairway is present?

Protected lobby or corridor Signup and view all the answers

Why should gas service pipes not typically be incorporated into protected stairways?

To maintain the stairway's fire protection integrity Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of weather protection for external escape stairs exceeding 6 meters in height?

To protect against fire spread Signup and view all the answers

Why must basement escape stairs be separated from upper storey escape routes?

To avoid smoke filling the stairs during an emergency Signup and view all the answers

What is the basis for fire detection?

Sensitivity to temperature rise, smoke, or radiation Signup and view all the answers

How are alarm and detection systems categorized?

By the objective of the system such as protection of life or property Signup and view all the answers

What role does zoning play in fire detection systems?

It divides a building into smaller areas to help locate the seat of a fire Signup and view all the answers

What factors are considered when selecting fire detection and fire alarm systems?

Life risk, process risk, behavioral issues, and social behavior Signup and view all the answers

How are alarms classified in terms of their activation?

Audible or visual, manual or automatic systems Signup and view all the answers

Why is automatic fire detection deemed essential in sleeping accommodation or care facilities?

To alert the public quickly to evacuate in case of a fire Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor in reducing the number of false alarms?

Routine maintenance/servicing Signup and view all the answers

Why might a 'staff' evacuation system be required in certain situations?

To help staff get to positions and then assist the public during a general alarm Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of incorporating false alarm filtering systems?

To prevent unintentional activation by preventing stray signals Signup and view all the answers

How often should fire alarm systems be routinely serviced based on fire risk assessment guidelines?

Every 6 months Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for conducting periodic inspections of fire alarm systems every six months?

To test operation of backup power supply Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of zoning in a fire alarm system?

To divide a building into distinct areas for different response requirements. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for all alarm signals to be the same throughout a building?

To avoid creating misunderstandings or confusion. Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of relying solely on audible alarms in a workplace?

May be difficult to hear over background noise. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of an Alarm Receiving Center (ARC) in fire safety?

Receive fire alarm activations and alert the fire service. Signup and view all the answers

Why are manual call points commonly located near exits and hazards in workplaces?

To ensure they are easily reachable in case of fires. Signup and view all the answers

What influences the selection of an appropriate fire detection and alarm system in a building?

The level of risk associated with life and process within the building. Signup and view all the answers

Why should alarms requiring mains power have a backup power supply?

In case power is cut off during a fire emergency. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of having an Alarm Receiving Center (ARC) for fire alarms?

'No on-site presence is required' to quickly alert the fire service. Signup and view all the answers

What is one disadvantage of relying solely on visual alarms in a workplace?

May not be visible to everyone from their position. Signup and view all the answers

Why are manual call points often supplemented with automatic systems in larger establishments?

To ensure that alarms are raised regardless of occupancy. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of automatic fire detection systems?

To alert occupants to the presence of a fire Signup and view all the answers

Which type of automatic heat sensor operates by a contained metal, air, or liquid sensor expanding to trigger an alarm?

Expansion sensor Signup and view all the answers

What do slow, smoldering fires emit detectable levels of before smoke that can be identified by an electrochemical cell?

Carbon monoxide Signup and view all the answers

Which type of automatic smoke/fumes detector works by ionizing the air in a chamber to detect smoke particles?

Ionization device Signup and view all the answers

In which category of alarm and detection systems are manual systems reliant on people discovering the fire and using manual 'break glass' call points and sounders?

Category M (Manual Alarm Systems) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Category L1 automatic fire detection systems?

Protect throughout the entire building Signup and view all the answers

Which type of alarm and detection system aims to protect people from loss of life or injury?

Category L (Life Protection) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between ionization and optical automatic smoke detectors?

The method of detecting smoke particles Signup and view all the answers

Which type of alarm and detection system is reliant on occupants discovering the fire and manually activating call points and sounders?

Category M (Manual Alarm Systems) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor determining the provision of portable fire-fighting equipment and fixed installations?

Floor area and fire loading of the premises Signup and view all the answers

Why should water and some foam fire extinguishers not be used on live electrical equipment?

They may cause electric shock due to conductivity Signup and view all the answers

What is the mode of operation of extinguishing media based on?

Fire triangle Signup and view all the answers

Why are openings in compartment walls typically limited to certain features like doors and pipes?

To prevent excessive heat transfer Signup and view all the answers

What should never be done to live electrical equipment in case of a fire?

Use water extinguishers Signup and view all the answers

Why should users be trained in operating portable fire-fighting equipment?

To ensure effective and safe usage Signup and view all the answers

What type of water supply do dry fire mains typically contain?

No water under normal circumstances Signup and view all the answers

Why can hose reels be heavy to pull and move, impacting their usage during emergencies?

Long hose length Signup and view all the answers

Which factor may render sprinkler systems ineffective?

Incorrect system installation Signup and view all the answers

In small buildings without a fire main, what percentage of the perimeter should be accessible for pump appliances?

15% Signup and view all the answers

What type of fire main is permanently charged with pressurized water?

Wet fire main Signup and view all the answers

What type of protection may be needed for high-rise buildings in case of a fire?

"Fireman's shaft" Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of foam as an extinguishing agent?

To chemically inhibit the combustion mechanism Signup and view all the answers

Why are halons being phased out in many countries since 1994?

They harm the environment and are ozone-unfriendly Signup and view all the answers

Which extinguishing agent is NOT recommended for use on electrical equipment or flammable liquids?

Water Signup and view all the answers

What is a drawback of using dry powder as an extinguishing agent?

It offers little or no cooling effect Signup and view all the answers

Why are fire blankets critical in specific scenarios?

To exclude oxygen and smother flames Signup and view all the answers

Which feature makes wet chemical a suitable extinguishing agent for Class F fires?

Production of a soapy layer to trap vapors and exclude oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes carbon dioxide (C02) as an extinguishing agent for live electrical equipment?

Its ability to penetrate inside equipment Signup and view all the answers

Where should portable fire extinguishers be located in a multi-storey building?

At a similar location on each floor Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for avoiding placing fire extinguishers in locations with extremes of temperature or corrosive environments?

To avoid damage to the extinguisher Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended interval for testing the intended operation of a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher through a discharge test?

Every 10 years Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of training individuals in how to use fire extinguishers?

To emphasize using the correct type of extinguisher Signup and view all the answers

Why are fixed systems typically installed in high-risk situations?

To meet regulatory requirements Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario might gas flooding systems be preferentially used over water or foam sprinkler systems?

To protect valuable archives or equipment Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of drencher systems in a building?

To protect building parts from radiant heat Signup and view all the answers

Why are hose reels permanently connected to a water supply in buildings?

To provide additional firefighting capabilities Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of having independent, sealed discharge heads in sprinkler systems?

To ensure only necessary sprinklers are activated in case of fire Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of gas flooding systems displacing oxygen with inert gas during a fire?

To reduce the concentration of oxygen required for combustion Signup and view all the answers

What determines the number of fire-fighting shafts required in a building?

Building height and presence of automatic sprinklers Signup and view all the answers

In what situations are wet systems required for buildings with a fire-fighting shaft?

Storey floors >60 m above the vehicle access level Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a Nominated Officer in liaising with the fire service?

Overall control of the scene in a fire situation Signup and view all the answers

Where should smoke vents or outlets be installed in basements without windows or doors?

Ceiling level in basement compartments Signup and view all the answers

What must emergency plans include regarding liaison with the fire service?

Arrangements for nominated persons to liaise with the fire service Signup and view all the answers

When are fire-fighting lifts required in a building?

Floors situated more than 18 m above or 10 m below the vehicle access level Signup and view all the answers

What determines whether wet or dry systems are acceptable in buildings with a fire-fighting shaft?

>60 m above the vehicle access level Signup and view all the answers

What features are smoke vents relying on convection currents set at in basement compartments?

$3(4 + 6)$ at ceiling level Signup and view all the answers

Mechanical smoke extraction' systems should only be permitted in basements if what condition is met?

$8 - 3$ rooms are protected by sprinkler systems Signup and view all the answers