Fire Safety & Emergency Procedures
AS 2444 extinguisher types and RACE procedure
Practice this topic →Last reviewed June 2026 by the White Card Practice AU editorial team.
About this topic
Fires can start fast on a construction site, hot works, fuels, and electrical faults are all around. The White Card (CPCWHS1001) covers how fires start, how to choose the right extinguisher, and what to do in an emergency. Getting these basics right can save lives, including your own.
The fire triangle
A fire needs three things to burn: heat, fuel and oxygen. Together these make up the fire triangle. Remove any one of them and the fire goes out, this is the principle behind every method of putting out a fire.
Matching the extinguisher to the fire
Using the wrong extinguisher can make a fire worse, especially with electricity. Common types include:
- Water – for wood, paper and fabric. Never use on electrical or fat/oil fires.
- Dry chemical powder (ABE) – a versatile all-rounder, suitable for many fire types including electrical.
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) – ideal for electrical fires, leaves no residue.
- Foam – for flammable liquids.
- Wet chemical – for cooking oils and fats.
The golden rule: never put water on an electrical fire, water conducts electricity and you could be electrocuted.
Emergency procedures
Know your site's emergency plan before anything happens: where the exits and assembly point are, how the alarm is raised, and who the wardens are. If a fire starts, raise the alarm first, only attempt to fight a small fire if it is safe to do so, and never use a lift during an evacuation, always use the stairs.
Key facts to remember
- Fire needs heat, fuel and oxygen, the fire triangle. Remove one to put it out.
- Never use water on an electrical fire, water conducts electricity.
- CO2 and dry powder extinguishers are suited to electrical fires.
- Raise the alarm first; only fight a fire if it is small and safe to do so.
- Never use a lift during an evacuation; know your assembly point.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fire triangle?
The three things a fire needs to burn: heat, fuel and oxygen. Removing any one of them will put the fire out.
Which extinguisher should I use on an electrical fire?
A carbon dioxide (CO2) or dry chemical powder extinguisher. Never use water on an electrical fire, because water conducts electricity.
What should I do if a fire starts on site?
Raise the alarm first and alert others. Only attempt to fight a small fire if it is safe. Otherwise evacuate via the stairs to the assembly point.
Can I use a lift during a fire evacuation?
No. Never use a lift during an evacuation, always use the stairs, as lifts can fail or open onto the fire.
Sample exam questions
Try these example questions, then practise the full set with our free quiz.
Q. What are the three elements of the fire triangle?
- A) Heat, fuel and oxygen
- B) Water, foam and CO2
- C) Smoke, heat and light
- D) Wood, paper and gas
Answer: A. Fire needs heat, fuel and oxygen; remove any one to put it out.
Q. Which extinguisher should you use on an electrical fire?
- A) Water
- B) CO2 or dry chemical powder
- C) Foam
- D) Wet chemical
Answer: B. Never use water on an electrical fire; use CO2 or dry powder, which don't conduct electricity.
Q. What should you do first if a fire starts on site?
- A) Try to fight it
- B) Raise the alarm and alert others
- C) Use the lift to leave
- D) Keep working
Answer: B. Raise the alarm first; only fight a small fire if it is safe, and never use a lift to evacuate.
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