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Special Site Hazards

Mock Tests > Special Site Hazards

You need 14 out of 16 to pass the Special Site Hazards ECS Test. There is no time limit for this test. You can review your answer after each question or wait until the end of the test for your result. Good luck!

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1. When working in a confined space, such as a sewer, what danger may occur? Give one answer
A Boredom
B Build up of harmful gases
C Getting wet through
D Not enough time for the job to be done
Correct Answer: B Build up of harmful gases
Explanation: Sewer gases can be inflammable and suffocating.
2. To determine the safety of the atmosphere in an excavation, which of the following is essential Give one answer
A Looking for toxic gases
B Only entering for a short period to enable a quick escape
C Sniffing the atmosphere after entry
D Using a gas detector
Correct Answer: D Using a gas detector
Explanation: Use a suitable detector. Many dangerous gases have no smell, and cannot be seen. Workers can be overcome in seconds in dangerous atmospheres.
3. Before entering an excavation to start work, it must first be: Give one answer
A Covered over and left overnight
B Filled with water then drained
C Inspected by a competent person
D Inspected by the HSE
Correct Answer: C Inspected by a competent person
Explanation: Excavation work is hazardous. A competent person, knowledgeable about how to reduce risks, notably from collapse of the walls, must inspect the excavation first.
4. What is the purpose of using a 'permit to work' system? Give one answer
A To enable tools and equipment to be properly checked before the commencement of work
B To ensure that the client will pay for the work
C To ensure the job is carried out by the quickest method
D To help ensure a safe system of work
Correct Answer: D To help ensure a safe system of work
Explanation: 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.
5. Why may young people be more at risk on site? Give one answer
A There is no requirement to provide PPE to young people
B There is no specific legislation applying to them
C They are inexperienced and may not recognize danger
D They are usually left to work alone to gain experience
Correct Answer: C They are inexperienced and may not recognize danger
Explanation: Health and Safety guidance lists young people as often being 'at particular risk', due to their lack of practical experience.
6. 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? Give one answer
A Ask your mate to stand-by at the top of the manhole with a length of rope
B Do not enter the manhole until a rescue plan and rescue equipment are in place
C Just get on and do the job, it will probably be alright
D Plan to carry out the job in short bursts
Correct Answer: B Do not enter the manhole until a rescue plan and rescue equipment are in place
Explanation: 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.
7. 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? Give one answer
A Just get on with the job, and accept the risks
B Look into the manhole to see if you can see any harmful gases
C Sniff the atmosphere in the manhole to see if you can smell harmful gases
D Tell your supervisor that you will need RPE, and if necessary, training in confined space working
Correct Answer: D Tell your supervisor that you will need RPE, and if necessary, training in confined space working
Explanation: 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.
8. 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? Give one answer
A The area has a high water-table and precautions must be taken to prevent an in-rush of water
B The excavation has reached a depth where the sides must now be supported
C There is a buried electrical cable and further excavation must be carried out with care
D There is contaminated soil below the level of the marker tape and all excavation must stop
Correct Answer: C There is a buried electrical cable and further excavation must be carried out with care
Explanation: The coloured tape indicates that there are buried services below the route of the tape.
9. A Cable Avoidance Tool (C.A.T.) and a 'Genny' (generator) can be used successfully to locate underground cables by whom: Give one answer
A A competent person after training
B Any electricity company employee
C Anyone
D The site foreman
Correct Answer: A A competent person after training
Explanation: Equipment used to locate buried services must only be used by people who have been trained to use it.
10. When exposing underground power cables, which method of excavation should you use? Give one answer
A A 360 degree excavator with rubber tyres
B A kango hammer
C A pickaxe
D Hand digging
Correct Answer: D Hand digging
Explanation: 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.
11. When do special precautions need to be taken when working near overhead electric power lines? Give one answer
A Only if cranes etc. are being used
B Only if plant has to pass under the lines
C Only if someone could touch a line with their bare hands
D Whenever work areas will be near or beneath the lines
Correct Answer: D Whenever work areas will be near or beneath the lines
Explanation: 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.
12. When working alone: Give one answer
A Don't bother anyone if you have a problem, always sort it out yourself
B Make sure someone responsible knows where you are
C Wear headphones, it will make the day go more quickly
D You can do away with protective equipment
Correct Answer: B Make sure someone responsible knows where you are
Explanation: 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.
13. 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: Give one answer
A Have word with the drivers
B Jump on the back of a vehicle if you can, it's safer than walking
C Tell your supervisor about the danger
D Walk around the edges of the site to keep out of the way
Correct Answer: C Tell your supervisor about the danger
Explanation: 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.
14. A mobile plant operator can let you ride in the machine: Give one answer
A At any time
B If it is designed to carry passengers
C If it is raining
D If you have a long way to go
Correct Answer: B If it is designed to carry passengers
Explanation: Don't hitch rides on vehicles unless safe seating is provided.
15. Why may a confined space be dangerous to work in? Give one answer
A Air in the space may be unbreathable due to poisonous gas
B All of the hazards mentioned
C Temperature and poor ventilation may affect the worker
D There may not be sufficient working space
Correct Answer: B All of the hazards mentioned
Explanation: There can be a range of hazards associated with confined spaces, and these can include all of those mentioned
16. What must be considered first when planning to carry out work in a confined space? Give one answer
A Can the work be done from the outside
B Has sufficient manpower been allocated
C Has the job been priced properly
D Have the correct tools been arranged
Correct Answer: A Can the work be done from the outside
Explanation: Working outside will remove the risks of working in the confined space.