Special Site Hazards Flashcards
Why may a confined space be dangerous to work in?
A: There may not be sufficient working space
B: Air in the space may be unbreathable due to
poisonous gas
C: Temperature and poor ventilation may affect
the worker
D: All of the hazards mentioned
Right Answer: D
There can be a range of hazards associated with
confined spaces, and these can include all of those
mentioned
What must be considered first when planning to
carry out work in a confined space?
A: Has the job been priced properly
B: Have the correct tools been arranged
C: Has sufficient manpower been allocated
D: Can the work be done from the outside
Right Answer: D
Working outside will remove the risks of working in
the confined space.
When working in a confined space, such as a sewer,
what danger may occur?
A: Getting wet through
B: Boredom
C: Not enough time for the job to be done
D: Build up of harmful gases
Right Answer: D
Sewer gases can be inflammable and suffocating.
To determine the safety of the atmosphere in an
excavation, which of the following is essential
A: Sniffing the atmosphere after entry
B: Using a gas detector
C: Only entering for a short period to enable a
quick escape
D: Looking for toxic gases
Right Answer: B
Use a suitable detector. Many dangerous gases
have no smell, and cannot be seen. Workers can
be overcome in seconds in dangerous atmospheres.
Before entering an excavation to start work, it must
first be:
A: Inspected by a competent person
B: Covered over and left overnight
C: Filled with water then drained
D: Inspected by the HSE
Right Answer: A
Excavation work is hazardous. A competent
person, knowledgeable about how to reduce risks,
notably from collapse of the walls, must inspect the
excavation first.
What is the purpose of using a ‘permit to work’ system?
A: To ensure the job is carried out by the
quickest method
B: To help ensure a safe system of work
C: To ensure that the client will pay for the work
D: To enable tools and equipment to be properly
Right Answer: B
A permit to work is a written system used to control
certain types of hazardous work. They allow work
to start only when site procedures have been
clarified.
Why may young people be more at risk on site?
A: There is no specific legislation applying to
them
B They are usually left to work alone to gain
experience
C: There is no requirement to provide PPE to
young people
D They are inexperienced and may not
recognise danger
Right Answer: D
Health and Safety guidance lists young people as
often being ‘at particular risk’, due to their lack of
practical experience.
You have to enter a manhole in which you know
there are toxic gases. You have all the PPE but there
does not appear to be a rescue plan in place. What should you do?
A: Just get on and do the job, it will probably be
alright
B: Plan to carry out the job in short bursts
C: Do not enter the manhole until a rescue plan
and rescue equipment are in place
D Ask your mate to stand-by at the top of the
manhole with a length of rope
Right Answer: C
A rescue plan must be in place before anyone enters
a confined space. This is one of the requirements of
the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997.
You have to enter a manhole in which you believe
there could be toxic gases. You have not been
provided with any Respiratory Protective Equipment
(RPE). What should you do?
A: Tell your supervisor that you will need RPE,
and if necessary, training in confined space
working
B: Sniff the atmosphere in the manhole to see
if you can smell harmful gases
C: Look into the manhole to see if you can see any harmful gases
D: Just get on with the job, and accept the risks
Right Answer: A
An employer must provide all necessary personal
protective equipment and respiratory protective
equipment when an employee is required to enter a
confined space. This is one of the requirements of
the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997.
While digging a trench, you uncover a length of
yellow marker tape at a depth of about 150mm.
What does the presence of the marker tape mean?
A: The area has a high water-table and
precautions must be taken to prevent an
in-rush of water
B: There is a buried electrical cable and further
excavation must be carried out with care
C: There is contaminated soil below the level of
the marker tape and all excavation must
stop
D: The excavation has reached a depth where the sides must now be supported
Right Answer: B
The coloured tape indicates that there are buried
services below the route of the tape.
A Cable Avoidance Tool (C.A.T.) and a ‘Genny’
(generator) can be used successfully to locate
underground cables by whom:
A: Anyone
B A competent person after training
C: Any electricity company employee
D The site foreman Special Site Hazards
Right Answer: B
Equipment used to locate buried services must only
be used by people who have been trained to use it.
When exposing underground power cables, which
method of excavation should you use?
A: A 360 degree excavator with rubber tyres
B: A pickaxe
C: Hand digging
D: A kango hammer
Right Answer: C
Hand-held power tools and mechanical excavators
should not be used too close to underground
services and hand digging should be carried out
with care.
When do special precautions need to be taken when
working near overhead electric power lines?
A: Only if cranes etc. are being used
B: Only if someone could touch a line with their
bare hands
C: Only if plant has to pass under the lines
D: Whenever work areas will be near or beneath the lines
Right Answer: D
Actual contact with a power line is not necessary to
result in an electric shock as a close approach may
allow ‘flashover to occur. HSE publication GS6
gives advice on procedures to avoid such danger.
When working alone:
A: Make sure someone responsible knows
where you are
B: You can do away with protective equipment
C: Don’t bother anyone if you have a problem,
always sort it out yourself
D Wear headphones, it will make the day go
more quickly
Right Answer: A
Employees should adhere to safe working
arrangements put in place by their employer. When
working alone, such arrangements should include
informing a responsible person of your location
periodically.
You have to walk across a site several times a day,
but have to dodge a lot of site traffic. The first thing
you should do is:
A: Have word with the drivers
B: Walk around the edges of the site to keep
out of the way
C: Tell your supervisor about the danger
D: Jump on the back of a vehicle if you can, its
safer than walking
Right Answer: C
Pedestrian routes should have been set up to keep
people and vehicles apart, so inform your employer
if the system is not working. Don’t hitch rides on
vehicles unless safe seating is provided.
