Work Environment Flashcards

Under the Workplace Regulations, what standard must traffic routes within a workplace meet?

Answer: They must be suitable for the people and vehicles using them, sufficient in number, in suitable positions, and of sufficient size

Regulation 17 requires traffic routes to be suitable for the persons or vehicles using them, sufficient in number, in suitable positions, and of adequate size. They must allow pedestrians and vehicles to circulate safely. Where vehicles and pedestrians share routes, sufficient separation must be provided.

A construction site will operate for 8 weeks with 30 workers. What level of welfare provision does CDM 2015 require?

Answer: Full Schedule 2 welfare provision including toilets, washing facilities, drinking water, changing, rest and drying facilities from the start of works

CDM 2015 requires full Schedule 2 welfare provision for ALL construction sites from the outset, regardless of project duration or workforce size. There is no exemption for short-duration or small projects. The principal contractor must plan for welfare facilities before work begins on site.

What is the purpose of emergency lighting under the Workplace Regulations?

Answer: To provide sufficient illumination to enable persons to safely evacuate the workplace if the primary artificial lighting fails

Regulation 8(3) requires emergency lighting to be provided where the failure of artificial lighting would expose persons to danger. Its purpose is to provide sufficient illumination for people to see clearly enough to evacuate safely, covering escape routes, stairs, and exit points.

The Workplace Regulations require that windows that can be opened should not pose a risk. What specific measures are required?

Answer: Windows must not open in a way that exposes any person to danger, and where open they must not project into areas where persons might collide with them

Regulation 15 requires that windows, skylights, and ventilators which can be opened must not pose a risk when open. They must not project into areas where people could walk into them, and where there is a risk of falling, restrictors or other safeguards must be provided.

What does the Workplace Regulations require regarding the cleaning of workplaces?

Answer: Every workplace and its furniture, furnishings and fittings must be kept sufficiently clean, and waste materials must not be allowed to accumulate except in suitable receptacles

Regulation 9 requires that every workplace, and the furniture, furnishings and fittings therein, are kept sufficiently clean. Floors and indoor traffic routes must be cleaned at least once a week. Waste materials must not accumulate in the workplace except in suitable receptacles.

An employer has workers on a remote outdoor site with no access to mains water. How must they comply with the drinking water requirements?

Answer: They must provide an alternative supply of wholesome drinking water such as bottled water, ensuring it is protected from contamination and available in sufficient quantities

Where mains water is not available, employers must still provide wholesome drinking water by alternative means such as bottled water, water bowsers, or other containers. The supply must be sufficient for the workforce, protected from contamination, and clearly marked. There is no exemption based on location.