CSCS General Site Safety 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of plant and pedestrian segregation on a construction site?
- To keep the site tidy
- To prevent collisions between moving plant/vehicles and pedestrians by establishing separate routes and exclusion zones (Correct answer)
- To ensure all workers get exercise by walking further
- To make deliveries faster
Correct answer: To prevent collisions between moving plant/vehicles and pedestrians by establishing separate routes and exclusion zones
Plant/pedestrian segregation is a critical safety measure to prevent workers on foot from being struck by moving plant and vehicles. This is achieved through physical barriers, designated walkways, separate access routes, exclusion zones, one-way systems, and appropriate signage.
Question 2: What is the role of a banksman on a construction site?
- Managing the site's bank account
- Guiding the movement of plant and vehicles using standardised hand signals or radios to ensure safe manoeuvring (Correct answer)
- Operating the crane
- Inspecting scaffolding
Correct answer: Guiding the movement of plant and vehicles using standardised hand signals or radios to ensure safe manoeuvring
A banksman (also called a signaller or marshaller) is a trained person who guides plant operators and vehicle drivers during manoeuvres where visibility is restricted. They use standardised hand signals or radio communication to direct reversing vehicles, crane operations, and other plant movements safely.
Question 3: What is good housekeeping on a construction site?
- Cleaning the site offices
- Maintaining a clean, tidy, and organised work area by removing waste, storing materials properly, keeping access routes clear, and managing trailing cables (Correct answer)
- Washing workers' overalls
- Decorating the welfare facilities
Correct answer: Maintaining a clean, tidy, and organised work area by removing waste, storing materials properly, keeping access routes clear, and managing trailing cables
Good housekeeping is essential for site safety and includes removing waste and debris, storing materials and equipment safely, keeping access routes and emergency exits clear, managing trailing cables and hoses, and maintaining adequate lighting. Poor housekeeping is a leading cause of slips, trips, and falls.
Question 4: Under CDM 2015, who is responsible for ensuring that a site induction is carried out for all workers?
- The client
- The designer
- The principal contractor (Correct answer)
- The Health and Safety Executive
Correct answer: The principal contractor
Under CDM 2015 Regulation 14, the principal contractor must ensure that every worker carrying out construction work on site receives a suitable and sufficient site induction. This includes employees, subcontractors, and visitors. The induction must cover site-specific hazards, rules, and emergency procedures.
Question 5: What is site security on a construction site primarily intended to prevent?
- Workers from leaving early
- Unauthorised access by members of the public, theft of materials, and vandalism (Correct answer)
- Rain from entering the site
- Noise from leaving the site
Correct answer: Unauthorised access by members of the public, theft of materials, and vandalism
Site security measures protect against unauthorised access (especially by children and vulnerable people), theft of plant and materials, vandalism, and arson. Measures include perimeter fencing (minimum 2m high), locked gates, security lighting, CCTV, and controlled access points with sign-in procedures.
Question 6: What information should a permit to work contain?
- Only the name of the contractor
- The task description, location, hazards identified, precautions required, authorised persons, time limits, and sign-off procedures (Correct answer)
- Only the date of the work
- Just a general statement that work can proceed
Correct answer: The task description, location, hazards identified, precautions required, authorised persons, time limits, and sign-off procedures
A permit to work must contain: a clear description of the work and its location, the identified hazards and risks, the specific precautions and controls required, the names of authorised and responsible persons, the duration and time limits, and sign-off procedures for both commencement and completion/cancellation of the work.
CSCS General Site Safety 2
What is the purpose of plant and pedestrian segregation on a construction site?