SMSTS Equipment and Tools Knowledge 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under PUWER 1998, how frequently must work equipment be formally inspected when used in construction environments with high levels of use and wear?
- Every 5 years
- At intervals determined by risk assessment and manufacturer guidance (Correct answer)
- Monthly regardless of usage
- Only when a defect is reported
Correct answer: At intervals determined by risk assessment and manufacturer guidance
PUWER requires inspection frequency to be determined by risk assessment and manufacturer recommendations, not a fixed universal interval.
Question 2: A mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) is being used near overhead power lines. What is the primary hazard to control?
- Noise from the engine
- Electrocution from contact or flashover (Correct answer)
- Ground pressure on the subgrade
- Hydraulic fluid contamination
Correct answer: Electrocution from contact or flashover
MEWPs near overhead lines carry a severe electrocution risk because electricity can arc before physical contact occurs.
Question 3: Which document must accompany a lifting accessory such as a chain sling when it first enters service on a UK construction site?
- LOLER thorough examination report
- Declaration of conformity and test certificate (Correct answer)
- Safe system of work permit
- Insurance schedule
Correct answer: Declaration of conformity and test certificate
Lifting accessories must have a declaration of conformity and a test certificate demonstrating they meet the required safe working load.
Question 4: When setting up a tower scaffold, at what height-to-base ratio should stabilizers or outriggers typically be deployed for outdoor use?
- When height exceeds 2× the minimum base dimension
- When height exceeds 3× the minimum base dimension (Correct answer)
- When height exceeds 4× the minimum base dimension
- Only when the manufacturer specifies in writing
Correct answer: When height exceeds 3× the minimum base dimension
PASMA guidance indicates stabilizers are required outdoors when the height exceeds 3 times the minimum base dimension.
Question 5: A site manager notices a power tool's double-insulation symbol (two concentric squares) is damaged and the outer casing is cracked. What action is required?
- Continue use if the tool functions normally
- Tag it out of service and remove it from site (Correct answer)
- Apply insulating tape to the crack and re-inspect weekly
- Reduce voltage supply to 110 V before continuing
Correct answer: Tag it out of service and remove it from site
A damaged casing on a double-insulated tool compromises the second layer of protection; the tool must be taken out of service immediately.
Question 6: Which of the following is a legal requirement under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998 for crane lifts?
- All lifts must be performed before noon
- Lifting operations must be properly planned, supervised, and carried out safely (Correct answer)
- A banksman must hold a CPCS card for all lifts
- Cranes must not exceed 75% of their safe working load
Correct answer: Lifting operations must be properly planned, supervised, and carried out safely
LOLER Regulation 8 requires every lifting operation to be properly planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised, and carried out safely.
Question 7: What is the main purpose of a pre-use check on construction plant and equipment?
- To fulfill insurance policy terms
- To identify defects before they cause injury or damage (Correct answer)
- To log the operating hours for maintenance billing
- To confirm the operator's driving licence is valid
Correct answer: To identify defects before they cause injury or damage
Pre-use checks detect faults before operation begins, preventing incidents caused by known defects.
SMSTS Equipment and Tools Knowledge 2
Under PUWER 1998, how frequently must work equipment be formally inspected when used in construction environments with high levels of use and wear?