Fire Safety and Emergency Response
What the domain covers
This domain tests fire prevention, extinguisher selection, evacuation and emergency roles. You must know the fire triangle, fire classes, PASS technique, evacuation principles and the guard's limited but critical duties before the fire service arrives.
Core rules and concepts
- Fire needs fuel, heat and oxygen. Removal of any one side prevents or stops combustion. Prevention includes good housekeeping, no smoking in prohibited areas, safe electrical use and clear exits.
- Fire classes: A ordinary combustibles (wood, paper, cloth); B flammable liquids; C flammable gases; D combustible metals. Electrical equipment is a special hazard; use CO2 or dry powder and isolate power when safe.
- PASS: Pull the pin, Aim at the base, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side. Use only on a small, incipient fire with a clear escape route.
- Emergency response: raise the alarm, call fire service 101 or emergency 112, evacuate by stairs, guide people to the assembly point, keep access clear for emergency vehicles and account for people without re-entering.
- Never use lifts during fire evacuation. Do not open a hot door. If smoke is present, stay low and use a protected route.
Worked example
A small wastebasket fire starts in an office. The guard confirms it is small, raises the alarm, calls the control room, and uses a CO2 extinguisher because a computer and wiring are nearby. He keeps his back to the exit. If the fire spreads to curtains or ceiling, he stops, evacuates and leaves the building to the fire service. Reasoning: extinguisher use is only for incipient fire, and electrical equipment makes water unsafe.
Traps that cost marks
Do not choose water for electrical or flammable-liquid fires. Do not say guards should re-enter to save property. Do not allow lifts as an evacuation route. Do not delay the alarm while trying to fight a growing fire.