Element 2 Construction site hazards

Question 1

Outline the factors that should be addressed when carrying out an initial site assessment

Answer 1

The previous and current use of the site is important, there could be contaminated land which needs addressing, underground storgae, mines or wells. Is the site a greenfield or brownfield site, greenfield sites generally pose less issues than brownfield sites. Brownfield sites are usually commercial or industrial and may contain asbestos or other environmental contaminent.

Are there any existing or occupied presmises, it would be important to research and establish what the premises were previously used for.

Knowing the history of the site is of paramount importance for many reason as many hazards both visable or hidden may be present, such as buried services such as gas, electric or water

Are there any restructions because of its location, residential areas may have restricted working hours or noise levels. Traffic could be restructed due to close proximity of schools.

The topography f the site is important especially the types of ground or soil that is to be built upon.

Nature of the surrondings, you will need to take into account:

• ​Proxiity to roads and footpaths
• Positions of trees and tree preservation orders. Tree roots can undermine structures
• Oerhead powerlines need to be known and marked to prevent accidental contact

Question 2

Outline control measures to be taken to reduce the risk to pedetrians from the movemen of vehicles and plant​

Answer 2

The safest option when dealing with pedestrians and vehicles is to segregate them, this can be achieved by having designated walkways which have barriers alongside and separate access for pedestrians when entering or exiting buildings.

If this cannot be achieved ensure all staff have relevant training for using vehicles, and issue information and instruction to all workers. Have safe working procedures inplace ensuring all vehicles are in good working order especially the brakes. You could put speed limits in place and have vehicles fitted with reversing lights and cameras and sirens. Ensure vehicles use horns when enetering / leaving buildings or driving around blind corners, mirrors could be fitted at strategic places or corners so both vehicles and pedestrians can see what is coming.

Ensure areas are well lit and hi-viz clothing is worn

Question 3

A waste management plan is the responsibility of the client and Principle contractor and should be in place before any construction starts. There is a legal duty to complete a site waste plan if the construction project is estimated at a cost greater than £300,000 ​

Identify elements that need to be planned

Answer 3

The waste of a construction site needs to be:

• planned
• Clearly identified
• Stored securely
• Transferred to an authorised waste carrier
• Recorded when it is transferred to a waste acrrier for disposal
• Contained within skips if appropriate

Question 4

Identify ways of controlling slips trips and falls

Answer 4

• Store goods safely
• Dispose of waste materials safely
• Keep work areas clear of obstacles
• Do not have trailing cables
• Good housekeeping
• Non slip flooring
• good lighting
• risk assessment
• signs
• guarding or fencing
• appropriate footwear
• Information, instruction, supervision and training