Example question

paper and Examiners

feedback on expected
answers (FC1)

Example question paper and

Examiners feedback on
expected answers
NEBOSH NATIONAL CERTIFICATE IN
FIRE SAFETY AND RISK MANAGEMENT
UNIT FC1:
FIRE SAFETY AND RISK MANAGEMENT

CONTENTS

Introduction

General comments

Comments on individual questions

NEBOSH, Dominus Way, Meridian Business Park, Leicester LE19 1QW

tel: 0116 263 4700

fax: 0116 282 4000

email: info@nebosh.org.uk

website: www.nebosh.org.uk

The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health is a registered charity, number 1010444

Introduction
NEBOSH (The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) was formed in 1979 as
an independent examining board and awarding body with charitable status. We offer a comprehensive
range of globally-recognised, vocationally-related qualifications designed to meet the health, safety,
environmental and risk management needs of all places of work in both the private and public sectors.
Courses leading to NEBOSH qualifications attract around 50,000 candidates annually and are offered
by over 600 course providers, with exams taken in over 110 countries around the world. Our
qualifications are recognised by the relevant professional membership bodies including the Institution
of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and the International Institute of Risk and Safety
Management (IIRSM).
NEBOSH is an awarding body that applies best practice setting, assessment and marking and applies
to Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) regulatory requirements.
This report provides guidance for candidates which it is hoped will be useful to candidates and tutors in
preparation for future examinations. It is intended to be constructive and informative and to promote
better understanding of the syllabus content and the application of assessment criteria.
NEBOSH 2014

Any enquiries about this report publication should be addressed to:

NEBOSH
Dominus Way
Meridian Business Park
Leicester
LE19 1QW
tel:
0116 263 4700
fax:
0116 282 4000
email: info@nebosh.org.uk

General comments
Many candidates are well prepared for this unit assessment and provide comprehensive and relevant
answers in response to the demands of the question paper. This includes the ability to demonstrate
understanding of knowledge by applying it to workplace situations.
There are always some candidates, however, who appear to be unprepared for the unit assessment
and who show both a lack of knowledge of the syllabus content and a lack of understanding of how key
concepts should be applied to workplace situations.
Course providers and candidates will benefit from use of the Guide to the NEBOSH National
Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management which is available via the NEBOSH website. In
particular, the Guide sets out in detail the syllabus content for Unit FC1 and tutor reference documents
for each Element.
Some candidates may over rely on knowledge of health and safety gained through their own work
experience. While practical experiences can sometimes be helpful they are not a substitute for tuition
and study of the syllabus content, to the breadth and depth indicated in the Guide referred to above.
In order to meet the pass standard for this assessment, acquisition of knowledge and understanding
across the syllabus are prerequisites. However, candidates need to demonstrate their knowledge and
understanding in answering the questions set. Referral of candidates in this unit is invariably because
they are unable to write a full, well-informed answer to one or more of the questions asked.
Some candidates find it difficult to relate their learning to the questions and as a result offer responses
reliant on recalled knowledge and conjecture and fail to demonstrate a sufficient degree of
understanding. Candidates should prepare themselves for this vocational examination by ensuring
their understanding, not rote-learning pre-prepared answers.
Candidates should therefore note this Report has not been written to provide sample answers but to
give examples of what Examiners are expecting and more specifically to highlight areas of
underperformance.
Common weaknesses and suggestions to assist providers and candidates
It is recognised that many candidates are well prepared for their assessments. However, recurrent
issues, as outlined below, continue to prevent some candidates reaching their full potential in the
assessment.
Weakness in examination technique

Many candidates fail to apply the basic principles of examination technique and for some
candidates this means the difference between a pass and a referral

Candidates need to plan their time effectively. Some candidates fail to make good use of their
time and give excessive detail in some answers leaving insufficient time to address all of the
questions.

In some instances, candidates do not attempt all the required questions or are failing to
provide complete answers. Candidates are advised to always attempt an answer to a question
even when the question is on an unfamiliar topic. At the risk of stating the obvious, an
unattempted question will gain no marks. Questions or parts of questions missed can also
indicate a weakness in time management

Some candidates fail to answer the question set and instead provide information that may be
relevant to the topic but is irrelevant to the question and cannot therefore be awarded marks.
The comment below about rote learning may be relevant also.

Some candidates fail to separate their answers into the different sub-sections of the questions.
These candidates could gain marks for the different sections if they clearly indicated which part
of the question they were answering (by using the numbering from the question in their
answer, for example). Structuring their answers to address the different parts of the question
can also help in logically drawing out the points to be made in response.

Candidates benefit from the chance to practice answering questions in examination like conditions.
This should assist them to become familiar with the need to read questions carefully, consider, plan
their answer and then begin to write. By examination like conditions, practicing their answers within
appropriate time limits should help candidates with time management within the examination.
Feedback to candidates on their answers to questions is a key part of these practice activities.
Lack of attention to command word
-

Many candidates fail to apply the command words (eg describe, outline, etc). Command words
are the instructions that guide the candidate on the depth of answer required. If, for instance, a
question asks the candidate to describe something, then few marks will be awarded to an
answer that is an outline. Similarly, the command word identify requires more information
than a list.
The most common weakness is the provision of too little content in an answer to meet the
requirement of the command word. This is an unfortunate error as it can mean that a
candidate who knows the topic, and correct points to include in their answer, misses out on
marks.

There is good guidance available to candidates and providers Guidance on command words and
question papers which can be accessed on the NEBOSH website. This guidance will assist
candidates to see and understand what is required in an answer when the different command words
are used in questions. Some candidates miss out on marks by spending too long writing about one or
two points when the answer requires more points to be covered. The chance to practice questions with
a range of command words and to receive feedback on the quality of their answers will benefit
candidates.
Rote learning
-

Some candidates appear to have answered a question they hoped to see in the question paper
rather than the question actually asked. This error can lead to all the available marks for a
question being missed, with the consequent impact on the likelihood of reaching a pass
standard.
The weakness described can be due to rote learning but may also relate to the need to read
and consider the question commented upon above

Other weaknesses observed

Candidates should also be aware that Examiners cannot award marks if handwriting is
illegible.

Candidates should note that it is not necessary to start a new page in their answer booklet for
each section of a question.

Unit FC1
Fire safety and risk management
Question 1

A company has been instructed by its insurers to install a fire alarm and
detection system in its premises.
BS5839 Part 1 and Part 6 classifies fire alarm and detection systems into
P, L and M systems.
(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

Give the meaning of the terms:

(i)

P systems;

(1)

(ii)

L systems;

(1)

(iii)

M systems.

(1)

(i)

Outline the differences between P1 and P2 systems.

(3)

(ii)

Outline the differences between L1, L2 and L3

systems.

(3)

Identify THREE types of automatic detectors that will detect

products of combustion AND, in EACH case, give an example of
where they may be typically located.

(6)

Outline the general requirements for BOTH daily inspection AND

weekly testing of fire alarm systems.

(5)

In answer to part (a), Examiners are looking for a statement to show the meaning of
the terms in each sub-section. These should include that a P system is an
automatically activated fire detection system designed to protect property, an L
system is an automatically activated system designed to protect life while an M
system encompasses all manually operated systems.
In part (b) (i) brief detail of the difference between P1 and P2 systems is expected. In
P1 systems detectors are installed throughout the building including escape routes
while in P2 the detectors are installed only in high risk areas and as such do not cover
escape routes and may not protect life.
As for the different L systems, an L1 detector is installed throughout a building
including escape routes, an L2 detector in high risk areas, along escape routes and in
other areas where fire would cause a high risk to life while an L3 system is installed
along escape routes only and in areas where free passage is required to protect life.
In part (c) Examiners are expecting the naming of three types of automatic detector
with an example given of where they might be located for each of them. Types of
automatic detector include optical, ionisation or beam smoke detectors; fixed rate or
rate of temperature rise heat detectors; and flame detectors. They could be located on
escape routes, on stairways and in rooms, voids and plant rooms, heat detectors could
be particularly used in commercial kitchens and welding bays, smoke detectors in
open warehouses and storage facilities and flame detectors in car parks and open
spaces.
For part (c) Examiners are looking for some detail to show that the candidates
understand the requirements of daily inspection and weekly testing of fire alarm
systems. The purpose of the daily inspection is to check for any fault that might be
shown on the indicator and to inform the designated person of any fault that is found.

The weekly test involves resetting the panel to ensure that all indicators show;
operating a call point or detector to test the system; checking that the sounder
operates and that all call points and detectors are free from obstruction; resetting the
fire alarm panel and making a record of the result of the test.

Question 2

Outline the powers of inspectors under the Regulatory Reform (Fire

Safety) Order 2005 OR, alternatively, under the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005.

(8)

In this question Examiners are looking for brief detail of the powers of inspectors under
the RRFSO 2005 or the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005. These powers include the power to
enter any premises at any reasonable time and to inspect the whole or any part of
them; to ascertain whether there is compliance with the provisions of the Order and to
identify the responsible person in relation to the premises; to require the production
and copies of any records or plans required to be kept by virtue of a provision of the
Order such as the fire risk assessment; to take samples of articles or substances
found in the premises to test their flammability or fire resistance and to serve
alteration, enforcement and prohibition notices.

Question 3

Give the meaning of the following terms:

(a)

flashpoint;

(2)

(b)

auto-ignition temperature;

(2)

(c)

upper flammable limit (UFL);

(2)

(d)

lower flammable limit (LFL).

(2)

This question is designed to assess candidates understanding of certain relevant

terms associated with fire science by giving a definition of each term.
For flashpoint an acceptable definition would have been the minimum temperature at
which there is sufficient vaporisation of a substance to ignite momentarily when a heat
source is applied. Auto-ignition temperature is the minimum temperature at which,
under specified conditions, a substance or material will ignite spontaneously and burn
without the presence of a source of piloted ignition. The upper flammable limit of a
substance is the highest concentration of vapour in air that will just support a selfpropagating flame (above this limit the mixture is too rich to burn) while the lower
flammable liquid is the lowest concentration of vapour in air that will support a flame
(below this limit the mixture is too lean to burn).

Question 4

A manufacturing company is concerned with the risk of an explosion

occurring in the production area.
(a)

(b)

Outline conditions that need to be present for an explosion to

occur.
(i)

(ii)

(4)

Outline procedural control measures that could prevent

an explosion from occurring.

(2)

Outline control measures in relation to the equipment

that could prevent an explosion from occurring.

(2)

In part (a) Examiners are looking for some detail of the conditions necessary for an
explosion to occur in order for the candidate to demonstrate their understanding of the
subject, a simple statement of the three elements of the fire triangle would not be
sufficient to gain credit. The conditions necessary include fuel, which needs to be
combustible, an ignition source with sufficient energy to ignite the fuel and a source of
oxygen, for example, from the surrounding air.
For part (b) Examiners are expecting some detail of relevant procedural control
measures in (i) and more practical controls used on equipment in (ii). Relevant
procedural measures include the control of ignition sources, for example, hot work
permits to work; zoning; planned preventative maintenance and good housekeeping.
Practical control measures on equipment include the use of intrinsically safe or nonspark tools and the earth bonding of metalwork; the insulation of hot surfaces; the use
of an efficient dust extraction system; and the introduction of inerting gas where this is
possible.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Question 5

(a)

(b)

Give the meaning of the term risk in relation to the occurrence of

fire in a workplace.

(2)

Outline the types of physical harm that could be caused by a

workplace fire.

(6)

In part (a) Examiners are looking for a definition of the term risk as it applies to fire
safety such as the likelihood of a fire occurring and its potential consequences for the
persons involved.
For part (b) examples of the types of physical harm that should have been outlined
included being burned by heat, flames or explosion; smoke inhalation that can burn
the lining of the lungs and trigger existing conditions such as asthma; suffocation or
respiratory difficulties through the depletion of oxygen; and poisoning from inhalation
of toxic gases. There is also the possibility of injury from falling or collapsing
structures. Any of these can result in any degree of injury and potentially can be fatal.

Question 6

Outline management control measures that could minimise the risks of a

fire occurring in a workplace.

(8)

Examiners are expecting detail of procedural control measures rather than practical
ones. Such relevant controls include the introduction of safe systems of work for the
various processes and operations which are carried out at the workplace which might
include, for example, the use of permits-to-work for instance when hot work is to be
involved and the introduction of programmes of planned preventative maintenance for
the machinery and equipment. Others are the need to give sufficient information and
training in any control measures that are introduced to employees and it would be
essential to introduce a programme of regular inspections to monitor compliance with
the laid down procedures.

Question 7

In relation to fire safety, outline the factors that may influence the choice
of building materials used in construction work.

(8)

This question assesses candidates knowledge of fire-related properties of building

materials and other factors relating to the building that could have a bearing on which
materials are chosen for the construction. Relevant factors include the design, layout
and size of the building together with its intended use and type of occupancy; the fire
resistance of the material proposed for the construction and its rating and, if it will
burn, its ignitability and flammability, the speed of the spread of flame across its
surface and the behaviour of the material when burning with regard to the likely
amount of heat and smoke release.

Question 8

Give reasons why a person may be slow to evacuate a building when the
fire alarm has been activated.

(8)

Examiners are expecting a number of reasons as to why people may be slow to

evacuate a building without any lengthy explanations. Such reasons include a poor
perception of the danger involved; a lack of understanding of the hazards from smoke
or how the fire might spread; the fact that people do not generally respond to a single
stimulus and often wait for others to respond. Some people may be unaware of the
significance of and even misinterpret alarms and ignore the fire alarm, for example, if
there have been a number of false alarms previously. Other reasons are people
moving towards the fire to gain a view of it through curiosity and taking time to finish a
task and collect belongings, family members or colleagues resulting in a delay in
responding to the alarm. In other cases, fright and panic can be of such a magnitude
that people tend to freeze, particularly if their vision is obscured by smoke and they are
unfamiliar with the exit routes and actions to be taken.

Question 9

Outline the issues that should be considered by the Fire and Rescue
Service before starting an investigation following a serious fire at a
workplace.

(8)

In this question Examiners are expecting detail of a range of issues to be considered

before a fire investigation starts. Any issues detailing how the investigation should be
conducted and measures to take once the investigation is complete are not relevant to
the questions. Such issues include to preserve the fire scene and secure it by
restricting access to unauthorised persons and to make the site safe by ensuring the
isolation of electricity and gas supplies and additionally by taking account of, for
example, the condition of walls, floors and ceilings and the possible presence of
chemicals. A decision would have to be taken both as to who should form part of the
investigation team dependent on the particular skills that would be needed and the
equipment that would be required such as excavation tools and cameras. Witnesses
would need to be identified and preparations considered for how and when they would
be interviewed. Also arrangements should be considered for communicating with the
public and the media and for liaising with other interested bodies such as the police,
HSE, the Environment Agency and the Local Authority.

Question 10

Refurbishment work is being carried out on an existing building.

Outline the factors that should be considered in a revised fire risk
assessment.

(8)

Examiners are looking for candidates understanding of the sort of issues that should
be considered when assessing the fire risk arising from refurbishment work whilst it is
being carried out in a workplace. Factors that should be considered include the
induction training to be given to contractors including reference to means of access
and egress bearing in mind that they will have little knowledge of the fire hazards
present; the possible obstruction or loss of fire exits and escape routes; the
introduction and use of flammable building materials; an increase in ignition sources
together with an increase in and accumulation of flammable waste; the possibility of
fire doors being wedged or propped open; the possibility that fire resistant structures
may be compromised perhaps by making holes for services; the fact that detection
systems could be disabled or covered and fixed fire fighting systems disconnected;
overloading of existing electrical circuits and the possibility that access for the fire
service may be blocked.

Question 11

A fire training session for employees could include information on the fire
triangle, classes of fire, fire risk assessment and fire legislation.
Outline EIGHT additional topics that could be included in a fire safety
training session for employees.

(8)

Examiners are looking for relevant topics in a fire training session other than the ones
mentioned in the scenario. Such topics include the action to be taken on discovering a
fire including the method of raising the alarm, the action to be taken when the alarm is
sounded and the arrangements for contacting the emergency services; the means of
escape from the building together with the location of refuges and the final assembly
point; the role of fire marshals; the need for periodic fire drills to ensure that all
employees are well versed in the evacuation procedures; the fire prevention measures
on site together with an explanation of the types of fire extinguishers available; and the
shutdown procedures for machinery and services that should be followed in the event
of a fire.

The National Examination

Board in Occupational
Safety and Health
Dominus Way
Meridian Business Park
Leicester LE19 1QW
telephone 0116 263 4700
fax 0116 282 4000
email info@nebosh.org.uk
www.nebosh.org.uk