Site Safe Site Hazards and Emergency Procedures

Question 1

What are the NZ regulations regarding excavation safety on construction sites?

Accepted Answer

Excavations deeper than 1.5 metres must have benching, battering, or shoring, and excavations deeper than 1.5 metres are notifiable construction work

Answer

No special precautions are needed for excavations of any depth

Answer

Only excavations deeper than 5 metres need safety measures

Answer

Excavation safety is the responsibility of the excavator operator only

Question 2

On a NZ construction site, what is the safe approach distance for overhead power lines?

Accepted Answer

4 metres minimum for lines up to and including 110 kV — greater distances for higher voltages — in all cases, contact the lines company before working near them

Answer

You can work right up to the lines as long as you don't touch them

Answer

2 metres is sufficient for all power lines

Answer

Only electricians need to worry about safe approach distances

Question 3

What is the NZ Site Safe procedure for an emergency evacuation on a construction site?

Accepted Answer

Follow the site emergency plan, proceed to the designated assembly point, account for all workers using the sign-in register, and do not re-enter the site until authorised

Answer

Run to the nearest exit and leave the site

Answer

Continue working until the foreman tells you to leave

Answer

Evacuations are only required during earthquakes in NZ

Question 4

What are the NZ requirements for managing asbestos on construction sites?

Accepted Answer

An asbestos management plan is required, only licensed removalists can remove asbestos, workers must not disturb suspected asbestos without testing, and specific PPE is required

Answer

Asbestos is no longer present in NZ buildings so no precautions are needed

Answer

Any worker can remove asbestos as long as they wear a dust mask

Answer

Asbestos is only dangerous if you eat it

Question 5

On a NZ construction site, what is the procedure when underground services (pipes, cables) need to be located before excavation?

Accepted Answer

Use 'beforeUdig' to request service plans, use cable locating equipment to confirm positions, hand-dig within the tolerance zone, and have a spotter when using machinery near services

Answer

Just start digging carefully and stop if you hit something

Answer

Underground services are always deeper than any construction excavation

Answer

Only water pipes need to be located — cables are always deeper than 2 metres

Question 6

What is the NZ requirement for first aid on construction sites?

Accepted Answer

A risk assessment determines first aid needs — at minimum, a stocked first aid kit, trained first aiders, and emergency communication must be available

Answer

A first aid kit somewhere on site is sufficient

Answer

First aid is only required on sites with more than 50 workers

Answer

The nearest hospital serves as the site's first aid facility