CITB Specialists Working in Occupied Premises 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What safeguarding consideration applies when a specialist contractor works in a school?
- All workers must have a valid DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check before working unsupervised in areas where children are present (Correct answer)
- DBS checks are only required for teachers — contractors are exempt
- A signed visitor book entry is sufficient
- Only the contractor's supervisor needs a DBS check
Correct answer: All workers must have a valid DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check before working unsupervised in areas where children are present
When working in schools or other settings with children or vulnerable adults, all workers who may have unsupervised access to those individuals must hold a valid DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. This is a legal safeguarding requirement.
Question 2: What should a specialist contractor do if they discover suspected asbestos while working in an occupied building?
- Stop work immediately, seal the area, report to the site manager/client, and arrange for a licensed asbestos analyst (Correct answer)
- Continue carefully and avoid disturbing the material
- Remove the material carefully wearing a dust mask
- Only report at the end of the working day
Correct answer: Stop work immediately, seal the area, report to the site manager/client, and arrange for a licensed asbestos analyst
If asbestos-containing material is discovered unexpectedly, work must stop immediately to prevent disturbance and exposure. The area should be sealed off, the find reported to the principal contractor and client, and a licensed asbestos analyst engaged before work can resume.
Question 3: What is a 'Permit to Work' system and when is it used in occupied premises?
- A formal documented authorisation system for higher-risk work, used for hot works, confined spaces, electrical isolation, and working at height in occupied buildings (Correct answer)
- A system for obtaining client permission to park on site
- A permit for bringing tools into an occupied building
- A document proving contractor insurance
Correct answer: A formal documented authorisation system for higher-risk work, used for hot works, confined spaces, electrical isolation, and working at height in occupied buildings
A Permit to Work (PTW) is a formal documented control for higher-risk activities, ensuring that all necessary precautions are in place before work starts. In occupied premises, PTW systems are particularly important for hot works, electrical isolation, and confined space entry.
Question 4: What welfare consideration must a specialist contractor make when working in an occupied care home?
- Minimise disruption to residents, manage dust and noise, maintain clear fire escape routes, and conduct a specific vulnerable persons risk assessment (Correct answer)
- Standard site welfare provisions are sufficient
- Only the care home manager needs to be informed
- Weekend working is prohibited in care homes
Correct answer: Minimise disruption to residents, manage dust and noise, maintain clear fire escape routes, and conduct a specific vulnerable persons risk assessment
Occupied care homes present heightened welfare considerations as residents are particularly vulnerable. Works must minimise noise and dust, fire escape routes must remain clear at all times, and a specific risk assessment must consider the needs of residents with mobility, cognitive, or respiratory conditions.
Question 5: When working in an occupied building, who must be briefed on the emergency evacuation procedure?
- All specialist contractors on site — they must know the evacuation route, assembly point, and alarm signal (Correct answer)
- Only the principal contractor's employees
- Only site management
- Briefing is only required at the start of the project
Correct answer: All specialist contractors on site — they must know the evacuation route, assembly point, and alarm signal
All workers in an occupied building must be briefed on the specific emergency evacuation procedure, including the alarm system, assembly point, and evacuation routes. This is particularly important in occupied buildings where routes may differ from a conventional construction site.
Question 6: What is the contractor's obligation regarding reinstatement after work in an occupied building?
- Reinstate the area to its pre-existing condition or better, removing all debris, tools, and waste before handing back (Correct answer)
- Reinstatement is the client's responsibility
- Only remove large items — small debris can be left for the client's cleaner
- Reinstatement is only required at project completion, not after daily work
Correct answer: Reinstate the area to its pre-existing condition or better, removing all debris, tools, and waste before handing back
Specialist contractors must reinstate work areas to at least their pre-existing condition after work each day, particularly in occupied buildings. This includes removing all waste, tools, dust, and hazards so occupants can safely use the area.
CITB Specialists Working in Occupied Premises 2
What safeguarding consideration applies when a specialist contractor works in a school?