Fire marshal quiz: 13 practice questions on the Fire Safety Order (UK)
by Quizhat · 13 questions · Updated · CC BY
SafetyEnglish
Fire marshal and fire warden revision in 13 questions: the responsible person, nominated competent persons, the fire risk assessment, escape routes and exits, drills and training. Free quiz with instant feedback and a short explanation citing the rule for every answer. Based on the law of England and Wales (Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005) and GOV.UK guidance; Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own fire safety rules. Practice material written by Quizhat: these are not the questions of any official test, course or assessment, and Quizhat is not affiliated with the Home Office, the fire and rescue authorities, HSE or any fire safety training provider. Sources: Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, arts 3, 9, 13, 14, 15, 21 and 23; GOV.UK, Fire safety in the workplace.
Under the Fire Safety Order, who is the «responsible person» for a workplace?
The local fire and rescue authority for the area
The employer in control of the workplace
The most senior fire marshal on site
Whoever discovers the fire first
Question 2 · Single choice · 60s · 1 pt
Who must the responsible person nominate to carry out the evacuation procedures?
Exactly one person per floor, whatever the building
Only the trained first aiders
Volunteers chosen by a staff vote
A sufficient number of competent persons
Question 3 · Single choice · 60s · 1 pt
When is a fire marshal «competent» in the sense of the Order?
With enough training, experience or knowledge to do the job
Only once they hold a certificate issued by the fire brigade
After one year with the employer
Only if they hold a management post
Question 4 · Single choice · 60s · 1 pt
Since 1 October 2023, which fire risk assessments must be recorded in England and Wales?
Only in premises where five or more employees work regularly
Only in buildings over 18 metres tall
Every assessment and review, whatever the staff numbers
Only when the fire service asks for one
Question 5 · Single choice · 60s · 1 pt
When must the fire risk assessment be reviewed?
Only when a fire safety notice is served
Every five years, on the anniversary date of the first assessment
Regularly, and when it may no longer be valid or things change
Only after a real fire has broken out
Question 6 · Single choice · 60s · 1 pt
Which way must emergency doors open?
In the direction of escape
Inwards, into the room
Either way, if they are signed
Sideways, as sliding doors
Question 7 · Single choice · 60s · 1 pt
What does the Order require for the routes to emergency exits?
They are cleared before each drill
They can hold stock if it is signed
They are kept clear in office hours
They are kept clear at all times
Question 8 · Single choice · 60s · 1 pt
How may an emergency exit door be fastened?
With a key held by the fire marshal
So that anyone can open it easily and at once
With a keypad code that only members of staff know
With a padlock checked every morning
Question 9 · Single choice · 60s · 1 pt
What lighting do escape routes need where they require illumination?
Emergency lighting that works if the mains fail
Torches kept in the fire marshal's office for each floor
Glow-in-the-dark floor paint only
Ordinary lights left on all night
Question 10 · Single choice · 60s · 1 pt
What does the Order say about portable fire-fighting equipment such as extinguishers?
It must be locked in cabinets so that it cannot be misused
It must be easy to reach, simple to use and signed
It must be kept in the marshal's office
It must be replaced every single year
Question 11 · Single choice · 60s · 1 pt
In serious and imminent danger, what must the procedures allow people to do?
Finish the task they are doing first
Wait for a manager's permission before they leave the area
Collect their belongings before leaving
Stop work and go straight to a place of safety
Question 12 · Single choice · 60s · 1 pt
How often should a workplace hold a fire drill, according to GOV.UK guidance?
Only when new members of staff join
Once every five years is enough
At least once a year, recording the results
Every week, as the Order itself fixes for all premises
Question 13 · Single choice · 60s · 1 pt
A colleague notices a fire exit blocked by pallets. What does the Order expect them to do?
Nothing: checking exits is only the fire marshal's job
Tell the employer or the person in charge of safety
Wait for the next fire risk assessment
Prop the fire door open to make space
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