Series 4-5: Fire Extinguishers

The “Fire Extinguishers” section of the Alberta School Bus Knowledge Test evaluates a driver’s understanding of fire safety and proper use of fire extinguishers.

Alberta School Bus Test - SERIES 4-5: Fire Extinguishers

1 / 12

For maximum protection when using an extinguisher, where should you try to position yourself?

Directly over the fire

With your back to the fire

Downwind from the fire

Upwind from the fire

2 / 12

After a fire appears to be out, what should you do?

Spray water on the area and leave

Continue watching for flashback until the area has completely cooled

Assume it is safe and resume normal operations

Turn your back and leave immediately

3 / 12

What must be done after a fire extinguisher has been discharged?

Leave it on the floor near the driver

Refill it yourself

Put it back in the bracket, even if empty

Replace it with a fully charged extinguisher before the bus is used again

4 / 12

What is the typical range of a dry chemical extinguisher carried on a school bus?

Ten to twelve metres

One to two metres

Four to five metres

Eight to ten metres

5 / 12

What type of fire extinguisher is used on a school bus?

Dry chemical extinguisher

Carbon dioxide extinguisher

Water extinguisher

Foam extinguisher

6 / 12

Approximately how long will a typical school bus dry chemical extinguisher take to fully discharge?

One to two minutes

Two to three seconds

Eight to ten seconds

Twenty to thirty seconds

7 / 12

From what distance should you aim the discharge apparatus at the base of the fire?

Any distance, it does not matter

Ten metres away

Approximately two to three metres (six to eight feet) away

Less than half a metre away

8 / 12

How often is it advisable to remove the fire extinguisher from its bracket and shake it during pre-trip inspections?

Only after use

Every day

Once a month

Once a week

9 / 12

When using a fire extinguisher, what must you ensure in relation to your escape route?

Always stand with the exit behind the fire

Block the exit with the extinguisher

Turn your back on the exit to face the fire

Don’t allow the flames to come between you and the exit

10 / 12

What is the first step in operating a fire extinguisher on the bus?

Aim at the fire

Sweep side to side

Remove it from the bracket

Squeeze the handle

11 / 12

Where should you direct the discharge of the extinguisher when fighting a fire?

Away from the fire

At the top of the flames

Above the fire

At the base of the fire

12 / 12

In the PASS acronym for extinguisher use, what does the “P” stand for?

Press the handle

Prevent the fire

Position yourself downwind

Pull the pin

Your score is

Drivers are required to know the types of extinguishers approved for school buses, how to inspect them for readiness, and the correct procedures for using them during an emergency. The test also covers safe evacuation procedures and the importance of remaining calm in a fire situation. Mastery of this section ensures drivers can respond quickly and efficiently to a fire, minimizing risks to students and preventing the spread of fire on or near the school bus.