Site Safe Site Hazards and Emergency Procedures 2

Question 1

What is the NZ approach to managing mobile plant and vehicle safety on construction sites?

Accepted Answer

Separate pedestrian and vehicle traffic, use spotters for reversing, maintain exclusion zones around operating plant, ensure operators are competent, and conduct pre-start checks

Answer

No specific controls are needed for vehicles on construction sites

Answer

Only dump trucks need safety controls — small vehicles do not

Answer

Vehicle safety is managed by the vehicle manufacturer, not the site

Question 2

What is a confined space in NZ construction and what special precautions are required?

Accepted Answer

An enclosed or partially enclosed space not designed for continuous human occupancy with a risk of hazardous atmosphere — requires a permit, atmospheric monitoring, rescue plan, and standby person

Answer

Any small room in a building

Answer

Only underground tanks and sewers

Answer

Confined spaces are defined solely by their size

Question 3

What is the NZ procedure for reporting a near miss on a construction site?

Accepted Answer

Report the near miss to the supervisor, complete an incident report form, investigate the cause, implement corrective actions, and share learnings with the team

Answer

Near misses do not need to be reported — only actual injuries

Answer

Report it to WorkSafe NZ only

Answer

Discuss it informally at the next team meeting but no written report is needed

Question 4

What are the NZ requirements for managing hot work (welding, cutting) on construction sites?

Accepted Answer

A hot work permit, fire extinguisher within reach, removal of combustible materials, fire watch during and 30 minutes after work, and no work near flammable atmospheres

Answer

No special requirements if the welder is qualified

Answer

Only a fire extinguisher is needed nearby

Answer

Hot work permits are only needed inside buildings

Question 5

What is the NZ earthquake preparedness requirement for construction sites?

Accepted Answer

Have an earthquake emergency procedure, identify safe zones and potential collapse risks, practise 'Drop, Cover, Hold' response, and have a post-earthquake site inspection procedure

Answer

Earthquake preparedness is not required for construction sites

Answer

Only sites in Wellington need earthquake procedures

Answer

Construction sites are inherently earthquake-proof

Question 6

In NZ construction, what is the procedure for isolating energy sources before maintenance (lockout/tagout)?

Accepted Answer

Identify all energy sources, isolate using locks and tags, verify isolation (test that the energy is off), perform the work, and remove locks/tags only when work is complete and safe

Answer

Simply switch off the machine and start working

Answer

Only electrical energy needs to be isolated

Answer

Lockout/tagout is optional if the maintenance takes less than 10 minutes