Fire Safety Basics Quiz

Fire Triangle

• The fire triangle is a model that illustrates the elements needed for combustion: heat, fuel, and oxygen.
• Removing any one of these elements will prevent a fire.
• The fire prevention triangle builds on the fire triangle and adds the fourth element: ignition source.
• Removing the ignition source prevents a fire.

Fire Safety Basics

• A hazardous atmosphere is defined by OSHA as an atmosphere with a dangerous concentration of chemicals, such as flammable gases, vapors, or dust.
• Ignition sources can be natural, like lightning or sparks; or man-made, such as matches or electrical equipment.
• A combustible material is any substance that will burn. This includes wood, paper, fabrics, and plastics.
• Air is composed of 21% oxygen, which is essential for combustion.
• Class C fires involve energized electrical components.
• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates workplace fire protection and prevention programs.
• Ignition sources can include any source of heat, like sparks, flames, hot surfaces, or friction.
• Class D fires are metal fires.
• The primary purpose of fire extinguishers is to suppress a fire by interrupting the chemical reaction of combustion.
• The best substance to put out a Class K fire, involving cooking oils and fats, is a wet chemical agent.
• Using the wrong fire extinguisher on a particular class of fire can potentially worsen the situation.
• Class K fires primarily involve cooking oils and fats.
• Dry chemical fire extinguishers are very effective at interrupting the chemical reaction of fire.
• Water fire extinguishers are only effective for Class A fires involving ordinary combustibles like wood and paper.
• One aim of implementing fire safety measures is to protect life and property from fire.
• Foam fire extinguishers can be ineffective when dealing with flammable liquids that have a lower density than water.
• The Building Regulations Act ensures the protection of occupants during a fire in buildings.
• Preventing the spread of smoke is not a primary goal of fire safety measures.
• Fire safety regulations require buildings to provide adequate and safe escape routes and fire-fighting equipment.
• A foam fire extinguisher is effective for Class A fires involving ordinary combustibles.
• A critical requirement for ensuring adequate fire safety is a comprehensive fire safety plan, especially in large and public buildings.
• A rational design for a fire installation must be provided by the owner if the local authority determines it necessary.
• If a rational design is deemed necessary, the owner must submit a complete plan layout for the design for approval.
• Fire installation compliance with SANS 10400-W must incorporate provisions for fire safety and the building's design.
• The primary cause of the Beirut explosion was the detonation of a large quantity of ammonium nitrate stored in a warehouse.

Building Regulations and Fire Safety

• Acceptable methods to ensure compliance with the Building Regulations Act include building specifications, standard plans as well as a rational design approach.
• Fire protection under the Building Regulations requires the installation of appropriate fire detection, suppression, and alarm systems.
• To comply with the Building Regulations, building owners should avoid using combustible materials in construction.
• The provision of adequate ventilation is not explicitly mentioned as a requirement for fire protection, although it is indirectly related to safety.
• Fire safety in parking garages requires the installation of fire sprinklers and fire alarm systems.
• The regulation regarding combustible materials states that they should be treated with fire retardant materials.
• Stairs along escape routes require sturdy construction and must be adequately wide to accommodate easy evacuation.
• The fire resistance of structural elements is crucial for ensuring safe evacuation and preventing the spread of fire.
• Fire-fighting equipment maintenance requires regular inspections, testing, and servicing.
• Exit signs in a building must provide clear and visible directions to escape routes.
• Functional escape routes depend on the presence of clear signage, accessible pathways, and well-maintained doors.
• Health care facilities are required to have specific fire safety plans and procedures in place to ensure patient safety.
• Offenses under the Building Regulations include neglecting to comply with fire safety requirements.
• Guest houses and bed and breakfast accommodations are now required to install fire alarms and fire extinguishers.