CSCS Environmental Awareness 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary environmental concern when demolishing a building that contains asbestos?
- Asbestos fibres released into the air can contaminate the surrounding environment and harm human health (Correct answer)
- Asbestos debris increases the weight of waste going to landfill
- Demolishing asbestos buildings generates excessive heat
- Asbestos can corrode the teeth of excavator buckets
Correct answer: Asbestos fibres released into the air can contaminate the surrounding environment and harm human health
Airborne asbestos fibres are a serious health and environmental hazard; they must be removed by licensed contractors before demolition begins.
Question 2: Which of the following is classed as a statutory nuisance that a local authority can take enforcement action against?
- Excessive construction noise that unreasonably interferes with the use or enjoyment of nearby property (Correct answer)
- The use of electric machinery instead of diesel-powered equipment
- Storing clean fill material in covered containers on site
- Running a welfare unit on a generator during working hours
Correct answer: Excessive construction noise that unreasonably interferes with the use or enjoyment of nearby property
Excessive noise constitutes a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act, giving local authorities powers to serve noise abatement notices.
Question 3: What is an ecological survey used for on a construction site?
- To identify protected species or habitats that could be affected by construction work (Correct answer)
- To measure soil compaction levels before foundations are laid
- To assess how much topsoil will be needed for landscaping
- To calculate the carbon footprint of the construction project
Correct answer: To identify protected species or habitats that could be affected by construction work
Ecological surveys identify protected species (e.g., great crested newts, bats) and habitats so that appropriate mitigation can be planned.
Question 4: What should be done with topsoil stripped from a construction site before work begins?
- Store it separately in designated bunds so it can be reused for reinstatement or landscaping (Correct answer)
- Mix it with subsoil to create a larger stockpile
- Dispose of it off site as it will be contaminated by construction activity
- Spread it across the site to prevent dust generation
Correct answer: Store it separately in designated bunds so it can be reused for reinstatement or landscaping
Topsoil is a valuable resource containing organic matter and seeds; storing it separately preserves its quality for later reuse.
Question 5: Which gas produced by diesel construction equipment is a major contributor to air pollution and climate change?
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂) (Correct answer)
- Nitrogen (N₂)
- Argon (Ar)
- Water vapour (H₂O)
Correct answer: Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
Diesel engines emit CO₂, a greenhouse gas that is the primary driver of climate change, along with NOₓ and particulate matter.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a spill kit on a construction site?
- To quickly contain and absorb accidental releases of fuel, oil, or chemicals before they spread (Correct answer)
- To provide first aid supplies for workers injured in chemical accidents
- To store spare containers for hazardous liquids
- To measure the volume of liquid that has been spilled
Correct answer: To quickly contain and absorb accidental releases of fuel, oil, or chemicals before they spread
Spill kits contain absorbent materials, booms, and gloves that enable rapid containment of liquid spills to prevent environmental contamination.
Question 7: What is 'land drainage consent' and when is it required on a construction project?
- Permission from the relevant authority to carry out works that could affect the flow of water in ordinary watercourses (Correct answer)
- Approval from the site owner to install underground drainage pipes
- A permit to abstract groundwater for use in concrete mixing
- Consent from neighbouring landowners to direct surface water onto their land
Correct answer: Permission from the relevant authority to carry out works that could affect the flow of water in ordinary watercourses
Land drainage consent is required before modifying or culverting ordinary watercourses to ensure water flow is not adversely affected.
CSCS Environmental Awareness 4
What is the primary environmental concern when demolishing a building that contains asbestos?