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 in occupied premises means performing construction, installation, or maintenance work in buildings that continue to be used by occupants (residents, office workers, retail customers, etc.) at the same time as the works are taking place.

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

When working in occupied premises, the client and contractor must specifically consider the safety of building occupants (who may include vulnerable people — the elderly, children, or those with disabilities) and ensure the construction work does not create risks for them.

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

Dust management in occupied premises requires physical barriers (hoarding), dust screens, vacuum extraction on tools, damp-down techniques, and thorough clean-up before occupied areas are reopened. Occupants, especially those with respiratory conditions, must be protected.

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

Before any drilling, chasing, or cutting in walls, ceilings, or floors in occupied buildings, cable avoidance tools (CATs) and pipe detectors must be used to locate buried electrical cables, gas pipes, and water pipes to prevent electrocution, gas leaks, or flooding.

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 to occupied residential properties requires pre-agreed times, identity card presentation, clear explanation of the work to be done, protection of furnishings and belongings, and restoration of cleanliness before leaving. Respect for occupants' homes is both a legal and professional requirement.

CITB HS&E Specialists Practice Test

CITB HS&E Specialists Practice Test

CITB Specialists Working in Occupied Premises