Site Safe Emergency Procedures NZ 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'hazardous substance emergency' on a NZ construction site?
- A spill, leak, or uncontrolled release of a hazardous substance that poses an immediate risk to health, safety, or the environment (Correct answer)
- Running out of cleaning supplies
- A delivery of new chemicals to the site
- Finding an expired container of paint
Correct answer: A spill, leak, or uncontrolled release of a hazardous substance that poses an immediate risk to health, safety, or the environment
A hazardous substance emergency occurs when a dangerous substance is spilled, leaked, or released in an uncontrolled manner, creating an immediate risk to people's health and safety or to the environment.
Question 2: What should be the first action in a chemical spill emergency?
- Move away from the spill, evacuate the area, and prevent others from entering the contaminated zone (Correct answer)
- Try to clean up the spill immediately
- Identify the chemical by smelling it
- Pour water on the spill to dilute it
Correct answer: Move away from the spill, evacuate the area, and prevent others from entering the contaminated zone
The first priority is personal safety: move upwind and away from the spill, evacuate the area, and prevent others from entering. Do not attempt to clean up or identify the substance without proper training and equipment.
Question 3: What information from a Safety Data Sheet is most important during a hazardous substance emergency?
- Section 4 (First Aid Measures), Section 5 (Firefighting Measures), and Section 6 (Accidental Release Measures) (Correct answer)
- Section 1 (Product Identification) only
- Section 16 (Other Information) only
- The date the SDS was printed
Correct answer: Section 4 (First Aid Measures), Section 5 (Firefighting Measures), and Section 6 (Accidental Release Measures)
During an emergency, the most critical SDS sections are: Section 4 (first aid measures for exposure), Section 5 (firefighting measures if the substance is burning), and Section 6 (measures for accidental spill or release).
Question 4: What is the purpose of a spill kit on a NZ construction site?
- To contain and clean up small hazardous substance spills using absorbent materials and protective equipment (Correct answer)
- To clean up food and drink spills in the break room
- To mop up rainwater that enters the building
- To collect soil samples for testing
Correct answer: To contain and clean up small hazardous substance spills using absorbent materials and protective equipment
A spill kit contains materials for containing and cleaning up small hazardous substance spills, including absorbent pads/granules, containment booms, PPE (gloves, goggles, respirator), disposal bags, and instructions.
Question 5: What does an earthquake warrant on a NZ construction site after the shaking stops?
- A thorough check of structures, scaffolding, and utilities for damage before resuming work, and preparation for aftershocks (Correct answer)
- Immediate resumption of work
- Everyone going home for the day
- Calling WorkSafe to report the earthquake
Correct answer: A thorough check of structures, scaffolding, and utilities for damage before resuming work, and preparation for aftershocks
After an earthquake, a thorough inspection of all structures, scaffolding, excavations, and utilities must be carried out before work resumes. Workers should be prepared for aftershocks and the site must be declared safe by a competent person.
Question 6: What is a 'muster point' or 'assembly area'?
- A designated safe location where workers gather after an evacuation so they can be accounted for (Correct answer)
- A place where construction materials are stored
- The main entrance to the construction site
- A meeting room in the site office
Correct answer: A designated safe location where workers gather after an evacuation so they can be accounted for
A muster point (assembly area) is a pre-designated safe location, clear of the building and hazards, where all workers gather during an evacuation. Head counts are conducted here to ensure everyone is accounted for.
Site Safe Emergency Procedures NZ 4
What is a 'hazardous substance emergency' on a NZ construction site?