Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

According to the Factory Mutual Engineering Corp, what are three leading causes of fire in the United States?

1. Electrical, excessive heat, broken machinery

2. Smoking, hot surfaces, chemical reactions

3. Electrical, smoking, hot surfaces

4. Ignition sources, chemical spills, poor housekeeping

The correct answer is: Electrical, smoking, hot surfaces

The identification of electrical, smoking, and hot surfaces as three leading causes of fire aligns with the findings of the Factory Mutual Engineering Corp, which emphasizes critical risk factors in various settings. Electrical issues are a significant concern because faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and malfunctioning equipment can easily ignite a fire. Smoking is another prevalent cause, particularly in environments where it is permitted; discarded cigarette butts or improper disposal of smoking materials can lead to hazardous situations. Hot surfaces, which may include machinery, heating equipment, or other heated elements, can pose a fire risk if flammable materials come into contact with them or if they overheat due to malfunction or misuse. This combination of causes provides a comprehensive overview of common fire hazards, highlighting both human behavior (like smoking) and the reliance on electrical systems, which underscores the need for vigilant safety practices and regular maintenance to mitigate these risks.