Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs): Fire Protection, Fire Safety, Fire Prevention, Basic Fire Safety, Fire Extinguishers
Fire protection, safety, and prevention are critical aspects of safeguarding lives and property. This FAQ section covers essential topics such as basic fire safety measures, the correct use of fire extinguishers, and tips for preventing fires in homes and workplaces. Whether you’re curious about the types of fire extinguishers, how to respond in an emergency, or ways to reduce fire hazards, this guide provides clear and concise answers. Stay informed and prepared to ensure safety for yourself and those around you.
FAQs: Basic Fire Safety
What is the first step you should take when you notice a fire?
Answer: Raise an alarm and evacuate immediately.
What does the acronym "PASS" stand for in fire extinguisher usage?
- Pull the safety Pin.,
- Aim at Base of Fire
- Squeeze the Valve of Extingusiher
- Sweep around the BAse of Fire
Which class of fire involves electrical equipment?
According to IS:15683 of Indian Standard, Fire in Electricity stands in Class “E” Fire.
What is the most common cause of household fires?
Cooking Appliance, Air Conditioners and Electrical Short Circuit
What should you do if your clothes catch on fire?
Stop, Drop, and Roll over
Which color coding is used for a water-based fire extinguisher?
RED
What should you never use to extinguish a grease fire?
Water type
Which gas is often released in large quantities during a fire and is dangerous to inhale?
Carbon Die Oxide
What is the safe distance you should maintain from a fire when using a fire extinguisher?
6 to 8 feet.
How often should smoke alarms be tested in your home?
Monthly
FAQs: Fire Protection Systems
What is the purpose of a fire sprinkler system?
To automatically suppress or extinguish fires.
What does a fire alarm system do?
 It detects fire and alerts occupants to evacuate.
What is the primary function of a fire door?
 To prevent the spread of fire and smoke.
What type of fire extinguisher is best suited for electrical fires?
 CO2 extinguisher.
What is the role of a fire hydrant in fire protection?
To provide water supply for firefighting.
Which system uses a combination of water and foam to suppress fires?
Foam suppression system.
What is a fire suppression system that uses chemicals instead of water called?
Clean agent fire suppression system.
How often should fire protection systems be inspected?
Annualy
Which device is used to detect the presence of smoke in a building?
Smoke Detector
What is the standard color for fire safety signs?
Red
FAQs: Fire Extingusihers
What type of fire extinguisher is used for flammable liquids?
Class “B” Extinguishers ,Foam Based and Powder Based
How long should you hold down the handle of a fire extinguisher when using it?
Until the fire is completely out or the extinguisher is empty.
What symbol represents a Class A fire extinguisher?
a green triangle with the letter A inside
Can aABC/ powder fire extinguishers be reused after partial use?
No, it should be recharged or replaced immediately even after Partial Use.
What type of fire extinguisher should be used for a kitchen grease fire?
Class K Kitchen FiresÂ
What color is a CO2 fire extinguisher for Identification?
Black stripe
What is the recommended maintenance frequency for fire extinguishers?
Annualy
Which extinguishing agent is used in a Class D fire extinguisher?
TEC Dry powder.
FAQs: Emergency Procedures
What should you do if you are trapped in a room during a fire?
Seal the door gaps with wet cloth and signal for help.
Where should your family meet after evacuating your home during a fire?
A pre-designated meeting spot outside the home.
What number should you dial in case of a fire emergency in most countries?
India- 112
USA – 911
If you are in a smoke-filled room, how should you move?
Crawl low to the ground to avoid smoke inhalation.
What should you use to cover your mouth and nose to prevent smoke inhalation?
A cloth, preferably wet.
What should you never use during a fire evacuation?
Elevators or Lifts
How often should fire drills be conducted in schools and workplaces?
At least Twice in a year
What should you do if you discover a small fire in your home?
Use a fire extinguisher if safe, otherwise evacuate and call emergency services.
Why is it important to close doors behind you when escaping a fire?
To slow the spread of fire and smoke.
What should you do after evacuating a building during a fire?
Stay out and do not re-enter until authorities declare it safe
FAQs: Fire Hazards in the Home
Which appliance is a common source of electrical fires in homes?
- Answer: Space heaters.
What is a major fire hazard in the kitchen?
- Answer: Unattended cooking.
Why should you not overload electrical outlets?
- Answer: It can cause overheating and start a fire.
How often should you clean the lint filter in your dryer?
- Answer: After every use.
What should you avoid placing near a heat source?
- Answer: Flammable materials like curtains or paper.
What is a common fire hazard associated with candles?
- Answer: Leaving them unattended.
How should you store flammable liquids in your home?
- Answer: In a cool, dry place, away from heat sources.
What should you do with frayed electrical cords?
- Answer: Replace them immediately.
What is the safe distance to keep flammable items from a space heater?
- Answer: At least 3 feet.
Why is it important to install smoke alarms in bedrooms?
- Answer: To alert you in case of a fire while you sleep.
FAQs: Fire Safety at Work
What is the first thing you should do if you hear a fire alarm at work?
- Answer: Evacuate the building immediately.
Where should fire extinguishers be located in the workplace?
- Answer: In easily accessible and visible locations.
How should you store combustible materials at work?
- Answer: In designated storage areas away from ignition sources.
What is the role of a fire warden in the workplace?
- Answer: To lead evacuation efforts and ensure everyone is accounted for.
Why is it important to keep exit routes clear at work?
- Answer: To ensure a quick and safe evacuation during an emergency.
How often should fire safety training be conducted in the workplace?
- Answer: Annually.
What is the purpose of a fire drill at work?
- Answer: To practice evacuation procedures and improve response times.
Why should you avoid using elevators during a fire evacuation at work?
- Answer: Elevators can become inoperative or expose you to smoke.
What should be done if someone is missing after a fire evacuation at work?
- Answer: Inform emergency services immediately and do not re-enter the building.
Why is it important to report fire hazards in the workplace?
- Answer: To prevent potential fires and ensure a safe work environment.
FAQs: Prevention Measures
What is the best way to prevent kitchen fires?
- Answer: Never leave cooking unattended.
How can you reduce the risk of electrical fires at home?
- Answer: Regularly inspect and maintain electrical appliances.
Why should you avoid smoking indoors?
- Answer: Smoking is a leading cause of home fires.
What is the purpose of a fire-resistant building material?
- Answer: To slow the spread of fire.
Why is it important to create a fire escape plan?
- Answer: To ensure everyone knows how to evacuate safely during a fire.
What should you do with matches and lighters to keep children safe?
- Answer: Keep them out of reach.
How can you prevent a dryer fire at home?
- Answer: Clean the lint trap and vent regularly.
What is a key fire prevention measure in public buildings?
- Answer: Installing and maintaining fire alarms and sprinkler systems.
Why should you avoid using portable heaters with extension cords?
- Answer: It can cause overheating and lead to a fire.
How often should you replace the batteries in your smoke alarm?
- Answer: At least once a year.
FAQs: Firefighter Equipment
What protective clothing do firefighters wear to shield themselves from fire?
- Answer: Turnout gear or bunker gear.
What breathing apparatus do firefighters use in smoky environments?
- Answer: Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).
What tool do firefighters use to break through doors and windows?
- Answer: Halligan bar.
What type of helmet do firefighters wear?
- Answer: Firefighter helmet with heat-resistant materials.
What vehicle do firefighters use to respond to emergencies?
- Answer: Fire engine or fire truck.
What is the purpose of a fire hose in firefighting?
- Answer: To deliver water to extinguish the fire.
What device helps firefighters communicate during emergencies?
- Answer: Two-way radio.
What is the primary tool used by firefighters to ventilate a building?
- Answer: Ax or mechanical ventilation fan.
What equipment is used by firefighters to rescue people from high places?
- Answer: Ladder.
Why do firefighters wear gloves during firefighting operations?
- Answer: To protect their hands from heat, sharp objects, and chemicals.
FAQs: Fire Regulations & Codes
What is the purpose of fire codes?
- Answer: To establish safety standards and reduce the risk of fires.
What agency is responsible for enforcing fire safety codes in the U.S.?
- Answer: The Fire Department or local Fire Marshal’s office.
What is the purpose of a fire escape plan in buildings?
- Answer: To provide a safe evacuation route in case of a fire.
How often should fire exits be inspected?
- Answer: Monthly.
What does NFPA stand for?
- Answer: National Fire Protection Association.
Why is it important to have fire-resistant doors in public buildings?
- Answer: To slow the spread of fire and protect occupants.
What is the maximum time allowed for evacuating a building during a fire drill?
- Answer: 2 to 3 minutes.
What should be done with outdated fire safety equipment?
- Answer: Replace it with new, compliant equipment.
What is a fire lane, and why is it important?
- Answer: A designated area for fire trucks and emergency vehicles to access during a fire.
How often should fire safety inspections be conducted in commercial buildings?
- Answer: Annually or as required by local regulations.
FAQs: Fire Science
What is the fire triangle?
- Answer: A model explaining the three elements needed for fire: heat, fuel, and oxygen.
What happens during the combustion process?
- Answer: Fuel reacts with oxygen, producing heat and light.
What type of reaction is fire classified as?
- Answer: Exothermic chemical reaction.
What is flashover in a fire?
- Answer: A stage where all combustible materials in a room ignite simultaneously.
What is the ignition temperature?
- Answer: The minimum temperature at which a substance catches fire.
Why is ventilation important during firefighting?
- Answer: To release smoke and heat, making it safer for firefighters to operate.
What is the role of oxygen in a fire?
- Answer: Oxygen supports the combustion process, allowing fire to burn.
What is pyrolysis in the context of fire?
- Answer: The decomposition of materials due to heat.
How does water extinguish a fire?
- Answer: By cooling the fire and removing heat from the fire triangle.
What is the significance of the fire point?
- Answer: The temperature at which a material can sustain a continuous flame.