CPCS Plant Operator Safety & PUWER 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which regulation specifically requires that guards are fitted to dangerous parts of construction plant?
- PUWER Regulation 11 (Correct answer)
- COSHH Regulation 7
- LOLER Regulation 4
- CDM Regulation 13
Correct answer: PUWER Regulation 11
PUWER Regulation 11 requires that dangerous parts of machinery are guarded to prevent contact, with a hierarchy of protective measures.
Question 2: What is the hierarchy of measures for guarding dangerous parts under PUWER?
- Fixed guard, then interlocked guard, then protection appliances, then information/training (Correct answer)
- Information first, then guards, then training
- Personal protective equipment first, then guards
- Training first, then guards, then signage
Correct answer: Fixed guard, then interlocked guard, then protection appliances, then information/training
PUWER sets a strict hierarchy: fixed guarding is preferred, followed by interlocked guards, then protection appliances such as trip devices, and finally information, instruction and training as a last resort.
Question 3: A plant operator notices a guard is missing from the plant they have been asked to operate. What should they do?
- Report it immediately and refuse to operate the plant until it is repaired (Correct answer)
- Operate carefully without the guard as the work is urgent
- Fit any available guard themselves without reporting
- Continue working and report it at the end of the shift
Correct answer: Report it immediately and refuse to operate the plant until it is repaired
Missing guards are a PUWER non-compliance and a serious safety hazard. The operator must report immediately and must not operate the plant until the guard is properly replaced.
Question 4: Under PUWER, what must accompany any construction plant that poses specific risks?
- A written risk assessment addressing those specific risks (Correct answer)
- A daily log completed by the manufacturer
- A weekly checklist signed by a director
- An annual PUWER certificate
Correct answer: A written risk assessment addressing those specific risks
PUWER requires that where specific risks exist, a written risk assessment is produced and control measures are implemented and documented.
Question 5: Which body enforces PUWER on construction sites in Great Britain?
- The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) (Correct answer)
- The Environment Agency
- The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)
- The Health and Safety at Work Tribunal
Correct answer: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the primary enforcement authority for PUWER and other health and safety legislation on construction sites in Great Britain.
Question 6: What does PUWER require regarding the stability of construction plant during use?
- Plant must be positioned and stabilised to prevent unintended movement (Correct answer)
- Plant must always be on level ground with no exceptions
- Stability is only required during lifting operations
- The operator must manually hold the plant steady
Correct answer: Plant must be positioned and stabilised to prevent unintended movement
PUWER requires that work equipment, including plant, is stabilised as necessary during use to prevent unintended movement that could create risk.
CPCS Plant Operator Safety & PUWER 2
Which regulation specifically requires that guards are fitted to dangerous parts of construction plant?