CSCS Ireland Construction Safety Ireland 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under Irish Construction Regulations 2013, what must be prepared before construction work begins on a project with more than one contractor?
- Only a building permit
- A Safety and Health Plan prepared by the Project Supervisor for the Construction Stage (PSCS) (Correct answer)
- A fire evacuation plan only
- No documentation is required
Correct answer: A Safety and Health Plan prepared by the Project Supervisor for the Construction Stage (PSCS)
The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013 require a preliminary Safety and Health Plan to be prepared before construction begins on projects with more than one contractor. The PSCS must develop and maintain this plan throughout the project, coordinating safety among all contractors on site.
Question 2: What is the AF2 form used for in Irish construction?
- An application for planning permission
- A notification form sent to the HSA before construction work begins on notifiable projects (Correct answer)
- A tax clearance certificate
- A quality assurance checklist
Correct answer: A notification form sent to the HSA before construction work begins on notifiable projects
The AF2 form is used to notify the Health and Safety Authority before construction work commences on projects that are expected to last more than 30 working days or involve more than 500 person-days of work. The PSCS or client must submit this form, and a copy must be displayed on site.
Question 3: Under Irish law, what are the duties of an employee regarding workplace safety?
- Employees have no legal safety duties
- To take reasonable care of their own safety and others, cooperate with the employer, report hazards, use PPE provided, and not engage in improper conduct that could endanger anyone (Correct answer)
- Only to wear a hard hat
- Only to follow supervisor's instructions
Correct answer: To take reasonable care of their own safety and others, cooperate with the employer, report hazards, use PPE provided, and not engage in improper conduct that could endanger anyone
Under Section 13 of the 2005 Act, employees must: take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others, cooperate with the employer on safety matters, report defects or hazards, not be under the influence of intoxicants, use PPE and safety equipment provided, and not engage in improper conduct that could endanger people.
Question 4: What is a safety representative and what rights do they have under Irish law?
- A safety representative is appointed by the HSA only
- An employee selected and appointed by workers to represent them in safety matters; they have the right to inspect, investigate, receive information, make representations to the employer, and accompany HSA inspectors (Correct answer)
- A contractor hired to manage all safety on site
- A government official stationed on construction sites
Correct answer: An employee selected and appointed by workers to represent them in safety matters; they have the right to inspect, investigate, receive information, make representations to the employer, and accompany HSA inspectors
Under Section 25 of the 2005 Act, workers may select a safety representative from among themselves. The safety representative has rights to: inspect the workplace, investigate accidents, receive information from the employer, make representations on safety matters, accompany HSA inspectors, and receive time off with pay for training.
Question 5: What penalties can be imposed for breaches of health and safety law in Ireland?
- A verbal warning only
- On summary conviction: fines up to €5,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment; on indictment: fines up to €3,000,000 and/or 2 years imprisonment (Correct answer)
- Only a fine of €500
- No penalties exist for construction safety breaches
Correct answer: On summary conviction: fines up to €5,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment; on indictment: fines up to €3,000,000 and/or 2 years imprisonment
The 2005 Act provides for significant penalties: summary conviction (District Court) can result in fines up to €5,000 and/or up to 6 months imprisonment. On indictment (Circuit/Higher Court), fines can reach €3,000,000 and/or up to 2 years imprisonment. Directors and managers can be personally prosecuted.
Question 6: What is a risk assessment and what are the five steps to carrying one out?
- A financial assessment of project risks
- A systematic process: (1) identify hazards, (2) identify who might be harmed, (3) evaluate the risks and decide on controls, (4) record findings and implement controls, (5) review and update regularly (Correct answer)
- A review of weather risks only
- An assessment carried out only after an accident
Correct answer: A systematic process: (1) identify hazards, (2) identify who might be harmed, (3) evaluate the risks and decide on controls, (4) record findings and implement controls, (5) review and update regularly
A risk assessment is a careful examination of what could cause harm on site and whether sufficient precautions are in place. The HSA recommends five steps: identify hazards, determine who is at risk and how, evaluate the level of risk and decide on controls (eliminate, reduce, protect), record and implement findings, and review and update the assessment regularly.
CSCS Ireland Construction Safety Ireland 2
Under Irish Construction Regulations 2013, what must be prepared before construction work begins on a project with more than one contractor?