CITB Specialists Plant and Equipment Operations

Question 1

What certification must a specialist plant operator hold to operate a 360-degree excavator on a UK construction site?

Accepted Answer

A valid CPCS or NPORS card for the specific category of machine being operated

Answer

Operators of construction plant in the UK must hold a valid CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme) or NPORS (National Plant Operators Registration Scheme) card for the specific category of machine. For 360-degree excavators, this is CPCS Category A59. The card must be current and the operator must also hold a valid CSCS-affiliated card for site access.

Question 2

Before a specialist contractor starts using any item of plant equipment at the beginning of a shift, what checks must be carried out?

Accepted Answer

A documented pre-use inspection covering safety-critical items including hydraulics, brakes, warning devices, guards, lights, and structural integrity

Answer

PUWER 1998 requires that work equipment is maintained in a safe condition. Pre-use checks must cover all safety-critical systems including hydraulic hoses and connections, brakes, steering, warning devices (reversing alarms, beacons), mirrors, guards, lights, tyres/tracks, cab safety (ROPS/FOPS), and any visible structural damage. Results must be recorded.

Question 3

Under LOLER 1998, how often must a specialist lifting accessory (slings, shackles, eyebolts) undergo thorough examination?

Accepted Answer

At least every 6 months

Answer

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 require that lifting accessories (slings, shackles, chains, eyebolts) undergo thorough examination by a competent person at least every 6 months. Lifting machines (cranes, hoists) require examination every 12 months, or every 6 months if used to lift people. A current report of thorough examination must be available on site.

Question 4

A specialist supervisor is planning a lifting operation using a mobile crane near overhead power lines. What is the minimum safe clearance that must be maintained from power lines up to 33kV?

Accepted Answer

6 metres (or 9 metres if voltage is unknown)

Answer

HSE guidance (GS6) specifies minimum safe clearances from overhead power lines. For lines up to 33kV, the minimum clearance is 6 metres from the nearest cable. If the voltage is unknown, a distance of 9 metres must be maintained. For lines over 33kV, the clearance increases to 15 metres. These distances account for cable sag and wind-induced movement.

Question 5

What is the purpose of a Thorough Examination scheme for specialist plant and equipment under PUWER and LOLER?

Accepted Answer

To provide a systematic, independent assessment that the equipment remains safe for continued use, identifying defects before they cause harm

Answer

A Thorough Examination is a detailed, systematic inspection by a competent person (typically an insurance engineering surveyor or competent engineer) that goes beyond routine maintenance. It identifies defects, wear, or deterioration that could lead to danger, and results in a formal written report. Any defects posing an immediate risk must be reported to the HSE.

CITB HS&E Specialists Practice Test

CITB HS&E Specialists Practice Test

CITB Specialists Plant and Equipment Operations