CITB Specialists Working in Occupied Premises

Question 1

What does 'working in occupied premises' mean for a specialist contractor?

Accepted Answer

Carrying out construction or maintenance work while the building is being used by its normal occupants or business

Answer

Working on residential properties only

Answer

Working on any live construction site

Answer

Working in a building that has electricity and water supplies connected

Question 2

What additional CDM 2015 duty is triggered when working in occupied premises?

Accepted Answer

The client's duty to ensure appropriate management arrangements and that vulnerable persons are considered in the risk assessment

Answer

No additional duties — the same rules apply

Answer

The contractor must apply for a special occupied premises permit

Answer

The HSE must be notified of all occupied premises work

Question 3

What dust control measures should a specialist contractor implement when working in an occupied building?

Accepted Answer

Erect dust screens and hoarding, use vacuum extraction on tools, damp down, and ensure clean-up before areas reopen

Answer

Only open windows for ventilation

Answer

Only work during non-occupied hours — no dust controls during working hours

Answer

Place a warning sign on the door to the work area

Question 4

What must a specialist contractor do before drilling or chasing in walls in an occupied building?

Accepted Answer

Check for buried services using cable and pipe detectors before drilling or chasing

Answer

Only test the wall with a voltage tester

Answer

No checks are needed if the work is away from visible sockets and switches

Answer

Only the site manager needs to check for services

Question 5

How should a specialist contractor manage their access to occupied residential properties?

Accepted Answer

Agree access times in advance, carry identity cards, explain the work, protect furnishings, and leave areas clean

Answer

Access any time with written notice

Answer

Only with permission of the local authority

Answer

Residential access rules only apply to larger contractors

Question 6

What is the noise obligation of a specialist contractor working in occupied premises?

Accepted Answer

Avoid or minimise noisy work during agreed quiet hours and warn occupants in advance of particularly noisy activities

Answer

There is no legal restriction on noise during working hours

Answer

Only inform the local council — no obligation to warn occupants

Answer

Noisy work must always be done outside normal hours