CSCS General Site Safety 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What types of work typically require a permit to work on a construction site?
- General labouring and carrying materials
- Hot work, confined space entry, electrical work on live systems, and work involving asbestos (Correct answer)
- Painting and decorating
- Taking tea breaks
Correct answer: Hot work, confined space entry, electrical work on live systems, and work involving asbestos
Permits to work are typically required for high-risk activities including hot work (welding, burning, grinding), confined space entry, work on or near live electrical systems, excavation near buried services, work involving asbestos, work on pressurised systems, and any task where a specific safe system of work must be followed.
Question 2: What is the minimum height for perimeter fencing around a construction site to prevent unauthorised access?
- 1.0 metre
- 1.5 metres
- 2.0 metres (Correct answer)
- 3.0 metres
Correct answer: 2.0 metres
HSE guidance recommends that perimeter fencing around construction sites should be at least 2 metres high to deter unauthorised access. Fencing must be maintained in good condition, regularly inspected, and any damage repaired promptly. Gates must be lockable and secured when the site is unattended.
Question 3: What must be included in a construction phase plan under CDM 2015?
- Only the project cost estimate
- The arrangements for managing health and safety during the construction phase, including site rules, specific safety measures, and the management structure (Correct answer)
- Only the project completion date
- Just the names of all workers on site
Correct answer: The arrangements for managing health and safety during the construction phase, including site rules, specific safety measures, and the management structure
Under CDM 2015 Regulation 12, the construction phase plan must set out the arrangements for managing health and safety during the construction work. It must include site rules, arrangements for induction and welfare, specific safety measures for high-risk work, emergency procedures, and the management structure for health and safety.
Question 4: What are the banksman's standard hand signals for directing a vehicle to stop?
- Waving both arms overhead
- One arm extended with the palm facing the driver, or both arms raised with palms facing the driver (Correct answer)
- Pointing at the ground
- Clapping hands together
Correct answer: One arm extended with the palm facing the driver, or both arms raised with palms facing the driver
The standard stop signal is one or both arms raised with the palm(s) facing the driver. These signals are standardised under BS 6736 and must be clearly understood by both the banksman and the operator. All banksmen must be trained in the correct use of signals before being deployed on site.
Question 5: What should happen if the conditions specified in a permit to work change during the task?
- Continue working regardless
- Work must stop, the permit must be cancelled, and a new permit must be issued reflecting the changed conditions (Correct answer)
- Only tell the workers verbally about the changes
- Wait until the end of the shift to update the permit
Correct answer: Work must stop, the permit must be cancelled, and a new permit must be issued reflecting the changed conditions
If conditions change (e.g., unexpected hazard discovered, change in scope, adverse weather), work must stop immediately. The existing permit must be cancelled and a new risk assessment carried out. A new permit reflecting the changed conditions must be issued before work can resume.
Question 6: Under CDM 2015, what welfare facilities must be provided before construction work starts on site?
- None; welfare facilities can be set up later
- Toilets, washing facilities, drinking water, rest facilities, and changing rooms must be available from day one (Correct answer)
- Only a portable toilet
- Only drinking water
Correct answer: Toilets, washing facilities, drinking water, rest facilities, and changing rooms must be available from day one
CDM 2015 Schedule 2 requires that suitable and sufficient welfare facilities are available from the start of the construction phase. This includes sanitary conveniences, washing facilities (with hot and cold water, soap, and towels), drinking water, changing rooms, rest facilities with seating, and means for heating food and boiling water.
CSCS General Site Safety 3
What types of work typically require a permit to work on a construction site?