Health & Safety Law
What does HSE stand for?
Health and Safety Executive.
What is a hazard?
Something with the potential to cause harm.
What does PPE stand for?
Personal Protective Equipment.
What colour is the standard 110V site electrical connector?
Yellow.
What is a common piece of equipment used to access work at height?
A ladder.
What does the abbreviation HASAWA stand for?
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
Name two common hazards on a construction site.
Any two: trailing cables, slippery floors, dust, fumes, fire, faulty equipment, working at height or asbestos.
Who is responsible for providing suitable PPE to employees?
The employer.
What colour cylinder is for propane gas?
Red
What angle should a leaning ladder normally be positioned at?
75 degrees, using the 4-up-to-1-out rule.
What is the purpose of a risk assessment?
To identify hazards, assess risks and determine suitable control measures.
What does COSHH stand for?
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health.
Name three hazards that protective gloves may protect against.
Any three: cuts, abrasions, heat, punctures, chemicals or impact.
What is the purpose of a step-down transformer on a construction site?
To reduce a higher supply voltage, such as 230V, to a lower site supply voltage, commonly 110V.
Name two main hazards when working in trenches.
Collapse of the excavation and falling objects.
What is the difference between an Act of Parliament and an Approved Code of Practice
An Act is legally binding legislation. An ACOP provides practical guidance with special legal status on how to comply with legal duties.
Name three precautions to reduce exposure to hazardous substances.
Any three: suitable PPE, ventilation, risk assessment, method statements and safe systems of work.
Why should PPE not be relied upon as the only safety measure?
PPE protects the wearer but does not remove the hazard. Other controls should be used to reduce risks first.
Name four checks before using oxyacetylene equipment.
Inspect hoses, valves, gauges and threaded connectors for damage. Also check joints with suitable leak detection fluid.
Give three precautions when working in a trench.
Any three: suitable trench support or battering, safe ladder access, barriers, spoil stored away from the edge and vehicle stops.
Explain three responsibilities an employer has to protect workers under health and safety legislation.
Provide safe equipment and systems of work; provide suitable information, instruction, training and supervision; maintain a safe workplace and control risks to health.
A plumber is using flux in a poorly ventilated room. Identify three actions to reduce the risks.
Assess the risks and follow the COSHH information; improve ventilation; use appropriate PPE and safe working methods.
A worker suffers an injury after slipping on loose materials. Explain three actions that should follow.
Make the area safe; arrange suitable first aid and emergency help if required; report and record the accident under workplace procedures.
A plumber finds a damaged electrical cable near a wet working area. Explain the safe course of action.
Do not use or touch the damaged equipment; keep people clear; arrange safe isolation by a competent person; report the defect and ensure the equipment is repaired or replaced before use.
A plumber must enter a deep excavation to repair a water main. Explain four safety precautions required before entry.
Assess ground conditions; provide suitable trench support or battering; provide safe access and emergency escape; install edge barriers and keep spoil and vehicles away from the edge.