CSCS Ireland Excavations and Electrical Safety

Question 1

Before commencing excavation work on a construction site in Ireland, what must be done regarding underground services?

Accepted Answer

The location of all underground services (gas, electricity, water, telecoms) must be identified and marked before digging begins

Answer

Work can begin immediately if the area looks undisturbed

Answer

Only electricity cables need to be identified

Answer

The utility companies must physically be present on site

Question 2

What is the recommended minimum safe distance from an underground electrical cable when using a mechanical excavator?

Accepted Answer

0.5 metres — hand digging should be used within 0.5 m of a known cable

Answer

2 metres

Answer

5 metres

Answer

Any distance is acceptable if the cable is marked

Question 3

What must be provided at the edge of every excavation over 2 metres deep on a construction site?

Accepted Answer

Barriers or guardrails to prevent people and vehicles from falling in

Answer

A warning sign only

Answer

A rope barrier

Answer

Nothing, as workers are responsible for their own safety

Question 4

What is the primary risk of excavation collapse on a construction site?

Accepted Answer

Workers being buried alive or crushed, which can be fatal within minutes

Answer

Equipment falling into the excavation

Answer

Disruption to the project schedule

Answer

Groundwater flooding the excavation

Question 5

What is the safe voltage for portable electrical tools used in damp or confined conditions on Irish construction sites?

Accepted Answer

110 volts (centre-tapped to earth, with a maximum of 55 V to earth)

Answer

240 volts

Answer

415 volts

Answer

12 volts

Question 6

What colour are 110-volt cables and equipment typically marked on Irish construction sites?

Accepted Answer

Yellow

Answer

Blue

Answer

Red

Answer

Orange