CSCS Environmental Awareness 4

Question 1

What is the purpose of a spill kit on a construction site and what should it contain?

Accepted Answer

A spill kit is designed to contain and clean up accidental spills of oil, fuel, chemicals, or other pollutants before they reach drains or watercourses — it should contain absorbent granules, pads, booms, disposal bags, and PPE

Answer

Spill kits are an essential pollution prevention measure on construction sites. They must be readily available wherever oil, fuel, or chemicals are stored or used. A typical kit contains absorbent granules, absorbent pads and rolls, containment booms (for watercourses), drain mats or covers, heavy-duty disposal bags, and PPE (gloves, goggles). All operatives should be trained in their use. This supports compliance with the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016.

Question 2

What are the requirements for storing hazardous waste on a construction site before collection?

Accepted Answer

Hazardous waste must be stored separately from non-hazardous waste in clearly labelled, secure, and appropriate containers, on an impermeable surface with secondary containment, and collected by a registered hazardous waste carrier within a reasonable timeframe

Answer

Under the Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005 and the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016, hazardous waste on construction sites must be: stored separately from other waste types; in suitable, sealed, and clearly labelled containers; on an impermeable surface with secondary containment to prevent leaks; secured against unauthorised access; and collected by a registered hazardous waste carrier with the appropriate consignment documentation.

Question 3

What is the maximum noise level at which hearing protection must be provided on a UK construction site?

Accepted Answer

Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, hearing protection must be provided at the lower exposure action value of 80 dB(A) daily exposure and must be worn at the upper exposure action value of 85 dB(A) — the exposure limit value is 87 dB(A) taking account of hearing protection

Answer

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 set three levels: Lower Exposure Action Value (80 dB(A) LEPd) — employers must provide hearing protection on request and give information on risks; Upper Exposure Action Value (85 dB(A) LEPd) — hearing protection must be worn, hearing protection zones designated and signed; Exposure Limit Value (87 dB(A) LEPd taking account of hearing protection) — must never be exceeded.

Question 4

What must a construction site manager check about a waste carrier before allowing them to remove waste from site?

Accepted Answer

The carrier must hold a valid waste carrier registration issued by the Environment Agency, have appropriate vehicle insurance, and provide a correctly completed Waste Transfer Note — the registration can be verified on the Environment Agency's public register

Answer

Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Controlled Waste (Registration of Carriers and Seizure of Vehicles) Regulations 1991, anyone transporting controlled waste must be registered with the Environment Agency. The site manager must verify the carrier's registration (checkable online on the EA public register), ensure a complete Waste Transfer Note is produced, and confirm the waste is going to an appropriately permitted facility. Using an unregistered carrier is an offence.

Question 5

What is the purpose of wheel washing facilities at the exit of a construction site?

Accepted Answer

To remove mud, dirt, and debris from vehicle tyres and bodies before they enter the public highway, preventing the deposit of material on roads which is an offence under the Highways Act 1980 and a source of dust nuisance

Answer

Wheel washing prevents mud and debris from being carried onto public roads, which is an offence under Section 148 of the Highways Act 1980 (depositing material on a highway) and can cause road safety hazards and dust nuisance. Planning conditions often require wheel washing facilities. Road sweeping should also be employed. Failure to prevent mud on roads can result in enforcement action by the local authority and highway authority.

CSCS Green Card Practice Test

CSCS Green Card Practice Test

CSCS Environmental Awareness 4