CPC Health and Safety 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What should be included in a driver's first aid kit?
- Only plasters
- Dressings, bandages, disposable gloves, eye wash, guidance leaflet, and other items specified in the risk assessment (Correct answer)
- Just painkillers
- A first aid kit is not required
Correct answer: Dressings, bandages, disposable gloves, eye wash, guidance leaflet, and other items specified in the risk assessment
A driver's first aid kit should contain sterile dressings, bandages, adhesive plasters, disposable gloves, eye wash, a triangular bandage, safety pins, and a first aid guidance leaflet. The contents should be based on the risk assessment for the work being done.
Question 2: What is the main risk to drivers from diesel fumes?
- Diesel fumes are completely harmless
- Prolonged exposure to diesel exhaust can cause respiratory problems and is a potential carcinogen (Correct answer)
- Diesel fumes only smell bad but are not harmful
- Only petrol fumes are dangerous
Correct answer: Prolonged exposure to diesel exhaust can cause respiratory problems and is a potential carcinogen
Diesel exhaust emissions are classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the WHO. Prolonged exposure can cause respiratory problems, worsen existing conditions like asthma, and increase the risk of lung cancer. Drivers should minimise engine idling and ensure good ventilation.
Question 3: Why is driver fatigue a major safety concern?
- Fatigue has no effect on driving ability
- Fatigue impairs reaction time, judgement, and concentration, and can cause microsleeps at the wheel (Correct answer)
- Fatigue only affects drivers over 60
- Tired drivers actually drive more carefully
Correct answer: Fatigue impairs reaction time, judgement, and concentration, and can cause microsleeps at the wheel
Driver fatigue is a major killer on UK roads. It impairs reaction times, reduces concentration, affects judgement, and can cause 'microsleeps' where the driver briefly loses consciousness. Drivers' hours regulations exist specifically to prevent fatigue-related incidents.
Question 4: What is the correct procedure for coupling and uncoupling a trailer?
- Just back up and connect the air lines
- Follow the step-by-step procedure: check area, position unit, connect coupling, check security, connect airlines and electrics, release brakes, and perform a pull test (Correct answer)
- Coupling is automatic — no procedure needed
- Only mechanics should couple and uncouple trailers
Correct answer: Follow the step-by-step procedure: check area, position unit, connect coupling, check security, connect airlines and electrics, release brakes, and perform a pull test
Coupling and uncoupling must follow a systematic procedure to ensure safety. This includes checking the area is clear and level, positioning correctly, securing the coupling (fifth wheel or drawbar), connecting air lines and electrics, releasing trailer brakes, and performing a pull test.
Question 5: What PPE might a driver need when handling hazardous goods?
- No special PPE is needed
- Gloves, safety footwear, eye protection, and possibly a respirator, depending on the substance (Correct answer)
- Only a high-visibility vest
- A hard hat is sufficient for all hazardous goods
Correct answer: Gloves, safety footwear, eye protection, and possibly a respirator, depending on the substance
The PPE required depends on the hazardous substance being handled. This is specified in the Transport Emergency Card (Tremcard) and the Safety Data Sheet. Common requirements include chemical-resistant gloves, safety boots, eye protection, and sometimes respiratory protection.
Question 6: How should a driver manage stress to maintain road safety?
- Drive aggressively to release tension
- Plan journeys, take regular breaks, eat healthily, stay hydrated, and report excessive workload to management (Correct answer)
- Ignore stress — it is part of the job
- Take unregulated medication to cope
Correct answer: Plan journeys, take regular breaks, eat healthily, stay hydrated, and report excessive workload to management
Drivers should manage stress through proper journey planning, taking regular breaks, maintaining a healthy diet and hydration, getting adequate sleep, and communicating openly with management about unrealistic schedules or workloads.
CPC Health and Safety 2
What should be included in a driver's first aid kit?