CSCS Environmental Awareness

Question 1

What is the correct order of the waste hierarchy as defined by the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011?

Accepted Answer

Prevention, reuse, recycling, other recovery (e.g. energy recovery), and disposal — in descending order of preference

Answer

The Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 implement the EU Waste Framework Directive and establish the waste hierarchy in order of preference: prevention (avoiding waste creation), preparing for reuse, recycling, other recovery (such as energy recovery), and disposal (landfill) as the last resort. Construction sites must demonstrate compliance with this hierarchy.

Question 2

What is a Waste Transfer Note and when is it required on a construction site?

Accepted Answer

A Waste Transfer Note must accompany every transfer of non-hazardous controlled waste and must include a description of the waste, the quantity, the carrier's details, and the destination — it must be kept for at least 2 years

Answer

Under Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011, a Waste Transfer Note (WTN) must be completed for every transfer of non-hazardous waste. It must include a written description of the waste, SIC code, quantity, container type, and details of both parties. WTNs must be retained for a minimum of 2 years. Hazardous waste requires consignment notes kept for 3 years.

Question 3

What are the legal requirements for storing fuel oil on a construction site to prevent pollution?

Accepted Answer

Oil must be stored in a suitable container within a secondary containment (bund) capable of holding at least 110% of the largest container's capacity, on an impermeable base, with no drainage valve in the bund

Answer

The Oil Storage Regulations 2001 (applying in England) and equivalent regulations across the UK require that oil be stored in suitable containers within secondary containment (bunding) capable of holding at least 110% of the capacity of the largest container. Bunds must have an impermeable base and walls with no drainage valve. On construction sites, additional spill kits and drip trays should be used under refuelling areas.

Question 4

During what hours are construction sites typically permitted to carry out noisy work in residential areas under local authority controls?

Accepted Answer

Typically Monday to Friday 08:00-18:00, Saturday 08:00-13:00, with no noisy work on Sundays or Bank Holidays — though exact hours vary by local authority

Answer

Under Section 60 and 61 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974, local authorities can impose conditions on construction site noise including permitted working hours. While hours vary by authority, the typical standard is Monday to Friday 08:00-18:00, Saturday 08:00-13:00, with no noisy work on Sundays or Bank Holidays. Prior consent under Section 61 can be sought for work outside these hours.

Question 5

What is the legal duty of care regarding waste management that applies to construction site managers?

Accepted Answer

Under Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, anyone who produces, imports, carries, keeps, treats, or disposes of controlled waste has a duty of care to ensure it is managed properly, only transferred to authorised persons, and does not escape or cause pollution

Answer

Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 imposes a duty of care on all parties in the waste chain. Construction site managers must ensure waste is properly described, securely stored, transferred only to authorised carriers with valid waste carrier licences, and that the receiving facility holds the appropriate environmental permit. The duty continues even after waste has left the site — fly-tipping by a carrier can result in prosecution of the waste producer.

CSCS Green Card Practice Test

CSCS Green Card Practice Test

CSCS Environmental Awareness