02 Site Safety

Question 1

What are the main areas of risk when working on a construction site?

Answer 1

1. Falls from height
2. Falling objects
3. Excavations and confined spaces
4. Asbestos
5. Chemical and biological agents (dusts/fibres, fumes, moulds etc.)
6. Slips and trips
7. Fire
8. Work equipment (crushing, cutting etc.)
9. Noise
10. Vibration
11. Electricity
12. Radiation
13. Manual handling

Question 2

If you are attending a new site what procedures do you follow?

Answer 2

1. Make presence apparent at site office
2. Sign in
3. Attend site induction
4. Ensure appropriate PPE is worn at all times
5. Proceed with care around site, looking out for hazards
6. Make presence apparent upon entering each working area
7. Take note of signs and notices (e.g. ‘do not enter’, ‘wear ear defenders’ etc.)
8. Sign out upon leaving

Question 3

What personal protective equipment might you need when visiting a construction site?

Answer 3

1. Safety helmet
2. High visibility clothing (vest, jacket etc.)
3. Safety boots
4. Gloves
5. Eye protection
6. Ear defenders
7. Face mask
8. Temporary/task lighting

Question 4

What RICS guidance is there on H&S when visiting site?

Answer 4

RICS ‘Surveying Safely’ Guidance Note 2011

Question 5

What would you consider prior to carrying out a survey on a derelict property?

Answer 5

1. Collect as much information from client as possible (condition, asbestos survey, unsafe areas etc.)
2. Carry out risk assessment before visiting site
3. Ensure necessary PPE is taken
4. Consider access equipment needed - ladder, Mobile Elevated Working Platform (MEWP) etc.
5. Consider travel arrangements - length of journey, time of day, parking arrangements
6. Lone working producers implemented (if applicable)
7. Check weather conditions will be suitable - wind, rain, snow, light levels etc.

Question 6

What would you consider whilst carrying out a survey on a derelict property?

Answer 6

1. Review original risk assessment and be alert of others hazards (do not continue if uncomfortable)
2. Ensure appropriate PPE is worn at all times
3. Walk the perimeter, assessing potential hazards
4. Assess the structural stability - leaning walls, rotten floors, corroded metal fire escapes etc.
5. Look for sharp objects - needles, broken glass etc.
6. Be careful of slip, trip and fall hazards
7. Low head heights
8. Lighting levels
9. Danger from live and unsecured services
10. Unsafe atmospheres - confined spaces, damaged asbestos, moulds etc.
11. Other people/animals on the property
12. Roofs (i.e. working at height)

Question 7

On a site visit you notice someone working in an unsafe manner. What action should you take?

Answer 7

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Question 8

What are the dangers of working in and around excavations?

Answer 8

1. Collapse of the sides
2. Objects/equipment falling on workers in the excavation
3. Falls of people and/or vehicles into excavation
4. Influx of ground or surface water and entrapment in mud
5. Contact with underground services
6. Lack of oxygen
7. Weils disease (from rat urine - can cause kidney, liver or gall bladder damage)

Question 9

How can the risks of working in and around excavations be mitigated?

Answer 9

1. Perform CAT scan of the area to identify services
2. Check weather forecast before works
3. Angle trench walls or use shoring to prevent collapse
4. Use a banksman when vehicles are involved
5. Install railings, toe boards and stop blocks around trench edges
6. Use a safety harness when working in deep trenches
7. Ensure a suitable escape route is maintained
8. Monitor air (e.g. gas detection) before and during entry
9. Wear suitable PPE (e.g. gloves, overalls, full breathing apparatus etc.)
10. Full training provided to anyone working in or around excavation

Question 10

Who is responsible for health and safety on a construction site?

Answer 10

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Question 11

Who is responsible for health and safety if there are two main contractors working on the same site under separate contracts?

Answer 11

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