Mixed Deck — All SAFE PASS Topics Flashcards

What colour band identifies a CO2 fire extinguisher in Ireland under EN 3 standards?

Answer: Black

CO2 extinguishers are identified by a black band or label on the red body, as per the EN 3 standard used in Ireland.

What should be done if a new hazard is identified during construction work?

Answer: Stop work, report it, assess the risk, and implement controls before resuming

When a new hazard is identified, work should stop immediately. The hazard must be reported, the risk assessed, and appropriate controls put in place before work can safely resume.

What should you never do during a site emergency evacuation?

Answer: Never use lifts, never go back for personal belongings, never re-enter until declared safe

During evacuation, never use lifts (they may fail), never return for personal belongings (it wastes time and risks your life), and never re-enter the site until the all-clear is given.

What is a trip hazard commonly found on construction sites?

Answer: Trailing cables and hoses across walkways

Trailing cables, hoses, and other materials left across walkways are common trip hazards on construction sites that can cause falls.

What is the purpose of a face shield?

Answer: To protect the entire face from flying particles, splashes, or harmful radiation

A face shield protects the entire face, including forehead and chin, from flying particles, chemical splashes, molten metal, and radiation from welding or cutting.

What hazard is created by unprotected openings in floors?

Answer: Fall hazard — workers could fall through to a lower level

Unprotected floor openings are a serious fall hazard that could result in workers falling to a lower level, potentially causing severe injury or death.

Why is team lifting more hazardous than individual lifting?

Answer: Coordination is difficult and the load sharing is often unequal

Team lifting introduces coordination challenges — members may lift at different times, carry unequal shares of the load, or have different heights, increasing the overall risk.

How often should emergency drills be conducted on a construction site?

Answer: At regular intervals, typically at least twice a year or when conditions change significantly

Emergency drills should be conducted at regular intervals (at least twice a year), when new workers join, when the site layout changes significantly, or when new hazards are introduced.

Under what circumstances can an employee refuse to work under Irish law?

Answer: When they reasonably believe there is a serious and imminent danger

An employee can refuse to work if they reasonably believe there is a serious and imminent danger that cannot be avoided, without being penalised.

What is fragile material in the context of working at height?

Answer: Material that would not support the weight of a person and any load, such as roof sheets or skylights

Fragile materials are surfaces like fibre-cement sheets, skylights, glass panels, or corroded metal that cannot safely support a person's weight.

What type of PPE is required for welding work?

Answer: A welding helmet with appropriate shade filter, leather gloves, apron, and safety boots

Welding requires a welding helmet with the correct shade filter for UV/IR protection, leather gloves, a leather apron or flame-resistant clothing, and safety boots.

What does a Safe Pass card certify in Ireland?

Answer: The holder has completed a one-day safety awareness programme

A Safe Pass card certifies that the holder has completed the SOLAS Safe Pass safety awareness training programme, which is a one-day course.

What should be done if the load has no handles or handholds?

Answer: Use gloves for better grip and consider re-packaging or using lifting aids

Loads without adequate handholds should be re-packaged if possible, or lifting aids used. If manual handling is necessary, gloves can improve grip and protect hands.

What is the maximum fine for a summary conviction under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005?

Answer: €3,000

A summary conviction under the 2005 Act can result in a fine of up to €3,000 and/or up to 6 months imprisonment.

What is the recovery position and when should it be used?

Answer: A stable side-lying position for unconscious persons who are breathing

The recovery position places an unconscious but breathing person on their side to keep the airway clear and prevent choking on vomit or other fluids.

Under Irish law, when should PPE be used?

Answer: As a last resort when risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means

PPE should be used as a last resort, after all other control measures (elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative) have been considered and implemented.

What is the limitation of PPE as a safety measure?

Answer: It only protects the individual wearing it and depends on correct use and maintenance

PPE only protects the individual wearer, relies on being correctly selected, fitted, worn, and maintained, and does not eliminate the hazard itself.

Why is it important that PPE is comfortable and fits well?

Answer: Workers are more likely to wear it correctly and consistently if it is comfortable

Poorly fitting or uncomfortable PPE is more likely to be worn incorrectly, adjusted improperly, or removed entirely, reducing its protective value.

What is the purpose of a toolbox talk?

Answer: To provide short, focused safety briefings on specific hazards or tasks

A toolbox talk is a short, informal safety meeting focused on a specific topic relevant to the day's work, keeping safety awareness high.

How often should a Safety Statement be reviewed in Ireland?

Answer: When there is a significant change or at least annually

A Safety Statement should be reviewed when there are significant changes in the workplace, after an accident, or at least annually.