Site Safe Hazard Identification NZ 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a pre-start safety check on equipment in NZ?
- To identify any faults or hazards before the equipment is used (Correct answer)
- To warm up the equipment for optimal performance
- To check if the equipment is under warranty
- To calculate the equipment's fuel consumption
Correct answer: To identify any faults or hazards before the equipment is used
Pre-start safety checks are conducted before equipment is used each shift to identify any faults, damage, or hazards that could make the equipment unsafe to operate.
Question 2: Under NZ regulations, what must be done before excavation work begins?
- Underground services must be located and identified, and a safe system of work established (Correct answer)
- Only a building consent is needed
- Workers just need to wear PPE
- The area must be photographed for records
Correct answer: Underground services must be located and identified, and a safe system of work established
Before excavation, underground services (gas, electricity, water, telecommunications) must be located and identified to prevent strikes. A safe system of work must be established for the excavation.
Question 3: What is a 'toolbox talk' or 'toolbox meeting'?
- A short, informal safety meeting held on site to discuss specific hazards and safe work practices (Correct answer)
- A formal annual health and safety audit
- A meeting to distribute tools to workers
- A training session that takes place off-site
Correct answer: A short, informal safety meeting held on site to discuss specific hazards and safe work practices
A toolbox talk is a short, informal meeting held regularly on site to discuss specific hazards, safe work methods, recent incidents, and other health and safety topics relevant to the work being done.
Question 4: What type of hazard does crystalline silica dust represent on a NZ construction site?
- A health hazard that can cause silicosis and lung cancer from prolonged inhalation (Correct answer)
- A slip hazard on smooth surfaces
- A fire hazard due to its combustible nature
- A noise hazard when it is being generated
Correct answer: A health hazard that can cause silicosis and lung cancer from prolonged inhalation
Crystalline silica dust is a serious health hazard. Prolonged inhalation can cause silicosis (a progressive, irreversible lung disease) and increase the risk of lung cancer.
Question 5: How should a hazard register be maintained on a NZ construction site?
- Updated regularly as new hazards are identified and reviewed when conditions change (Correct answer)
- Completed once at the start of the project and filed away
- Updated only after an accident occurs
- Maintained by WorkSafe, not the PCBU
Correct answer: Updated regularly as new hazards are identified and reviewed when conditions change
A hazard register is a living document that must be updated regularly as new hazards are identified, existing hazards change, or controls are found to be inadequate. It should be reviewed whenever site conditions change.
Question 6: What is a 'site-specific safety plan' (SSSP)?
- A plan that identifies hazards and controls specific to a particular work site (Correct answer)
- A generic safety template used across all sites
- An insurance document required by ACC
- A plan prepared by WorkSafe for each construction site
Correct answer: A plan that identifies hazards and controls specific to a particular work site
An SSSP is developed for a specific work site and identifies the particular hazards present, the controls in place, emergency procedures, and other safety information relevant to that site.
Site Safe Hazard Identification NZ 4
What is the purpose of a pre-start safety check on equipment in NZ?