CITB Specialists Specialist Safety Regulations 2

Question 1

A specialist contractor is required to work with materials containing lead. Under the Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002, what is the employer's primary obligation?

Accepted Answer

Carry out a risk assessment, prevent or control exposure, and provide health surveillance

Answer

The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 require employers to assess the risk of lead exposure, prevent exposure where reasonably practicable or adequately control it, and arrange appropriate health surveillance including blood lead level monitoring for exposed workers.

Question 2

When must a specialist contractor provide a specific method statement for high-risk activities under CDM 2015?

Accepted Answer

Before the high-risk work commences, as part of the construction phase plan

Answer

Method statements for high-risk activities must be prepared and agreed upon before work commences. They form part of the construction phase plan under CDM 2015 and detail how the work will be carried out safely, including the sequence of operations, equipment, and emergency procedures.

Question 3

What is the legal requirement for welfare facilities on a specialist construction site under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015?

Accepted Answer

Adequate welfare facilities must be provided from the start of the construction phase

Answer

CDM 2015 Schedule 2 requires that adequate welfare facilities (toilets, washing facilities, drinking water, changing rooms, rest areas) are available from the start of the construction phase. There is no minimum worker threshold — even a single worker is entitled to adequate welfare provision.

Question 4

A specialist supervisor identifies that a young person (under 18) has been assigned to operate a demolition excavator. What action should they take?

Accepted Answer

Prevent the young person from carrying out the work as it is prohibited

Answer

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, young persons must not be employed for work that is beyond their physical or psychological capacity, or involves harmful exposure to hazardous substances or conditions. Operating demolition equipment is prohibited for under-18s regardless of certification or supervision.

Question 5

What does the term 'competent person' mean in the context of UK health and safety legislation for specialist construction work?

Accepted Answer

A person with sufficient training, experience, knowledge, and other qualities to carry out the task safely

Answer

UK HSE defines a competent person as someone who has sufficient training, experience, knowledge, and other qualities that allow them to assist in undertaking the protective and preventive measures required. This is task-specific — competence for one activity does not automatically confer competence for another.

CITB HS&E Specialists Practice Test

CITB HS&E Specialists Practice Test

CITB Specialists Specialist Safety Regulations 2