Element 7:- Construction Activites Hazards and Control

Site Precautions for children

Fencing
Security
Cameras
Warning signs
Visit schools
Take children to site on visits
Lock away vehicle keys
Lock away hazardous chemicals
Remove ladders
Cover holes
Reduce heights of materials

Hazards for repair of Flat Roof

Falling off
Falling through
Access
Hot bitumen
Burning gases
Fumes
Fire
Manual handling

Ladders
Hazards in use

Falling off
Overreaching
Carrying up materials
Unsuitable ladder
Ladder not properly secured
Incorrect angle
Not reaching above landing place
Aluminium ladders near electrical lines

Scaffolding

Draw and label key parts of an independent Tied Scaffold

Inspection checking the above are correct Plus

Staggered joints
Not overloaded
Suitable access

Show how scaffold is attached to the building

Mobile Tower Scaffold

Precautions

Erected by competent persons

Pre use inspections
Positioned on firm ground
Correct height to width ratio 3.5 x Narrowest side
Use of outriggers to broaden base
Tying in to adjacent structure
People and materials removed before moving
Handrails and toeboards
Suitable work platform
Not overloaded

Hazards opposite of above

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms

Hazards

People falling or being thrown

Materials falling
Crushing between carrier and a fixed structure

Collapse or overturning of MEWP caused by

Equipment failure
Unsuitable ground conditions
Defective or unused outriggers
Overloading of the carrier
Struck by load
Struck by another vehicle
 Interference with controls

Precautions opposite of above

Suspended access cradles and platforms

Precautions

Pre-use inspections
Supports to building of adequate strength
Suitably maintained
Safe access and egress
Not exceed safe working load
Guard rails and toeboards fitted
Safety harnesses worn
Limitations on use in strong winds

Excavations

Main hazards

Undermining foundations
Collapse
Underground services
Persons falling in
Vehicles close to edge
Access and egress
Hazardous atmospheres
Flooding
Contamination
Type of soil
Removal of soil

Precautions for above

Precautions for underground services

Plan job
Locate cables
 Avoid cables
Safe digging procedures

Hazards of Demolition

Underground and over head services

Falls from height
Fall of materials
Premature collapse
Health hazards
Gases and vapours
Noise
Vibration
Ionising radiations
Biological hazards

Precautions opposite of above plus

Exclusion zones
Safe method of demolition
PPE
 Test ( 7 )

Outline the precautions that should be taken to reduce the risk

of injury when work is carried out on a pitched (sloping) roof

This question sought to test candidates knowledge of the

precautions that should be taken to reduce the risk of
injury when working on sloping roofs
The majority provided reasonable answers & referred to
many of the relevant precautions such as
The provision of safe access to the roof & roof edge
protection
The use of crawling boards or roof ladders
Identifying & covering roof lights
Arrangements for moving tools & materials to & from the
roof
The issue of wearing of PPE such as helmets, footwear &
harnesses
The employment of a trained & competent workforce
& the need to stop the work activity during adverse
weather conditions

(b) Outline the main hazards associated with demolition

work

Part (b) of the question was generally well answered by most

candidates
 The main hazards associated with this type of work
include
Falls from a height
Falling debris & premature collapse
Use of explosives
Contact with noise from equipment & heavy plant
Dust (possibly including asbestos)
& the possible presence of services such as electricity, gas
& water

Outline EIGHT precautions that may be taken to ensure the

safety of children who might be tempted to gain unauthorised
access to a construction site

This question was generally well answered with the majority of

candidates able to outline a hierarchy of measures that started
with precautions to prevent entry by the
Use of fencing
Warning against the dangers by means of signs
& monitoring using security patrols or CCTV
This was followed by reference to the need, should entry
be gained to make the site itself safe by
Isolating services
Reducing heights of materials
Covering or fencing excavations as well as removing
ladders & denying access to scaffolding
Better candidates also considered further precautions such
as securing

Tools
Chemicals
Equipment
& vehicles
& working with the community including visits to schools
Some candidates again did not take careful note of the
question & outlined the hazards instead of the precautions
 There were also a few examples of candidates referring
to very similar precautions as separate issues, which did not
always provide the breadth of answer expected

Outline the precautions that should be taken to reduce the

risk of injury when work is carried out on a pitched
(sloping) roof.

the provision of safe access to the roof & roof edge

protection,
the use of crawling boards or roof ladders,
identifying & covering roof lights,
arrangements for moving tools & materials to & from the
roof,
the issue of wearing of PPE such as helmets, footwear &
harnesses,
the employment of a trained & competent workforce,
& the need to stop the work activity during adverse
weather conditions.

Outline the main precautions to be taken when carrying out

excavation work

Ensuring no collapse of the excavation,

Identify buried services
Isolate buried services if possible
Prevent ingress of water,
Prevent build-up of fumes
Preventing falling materials
Safety whilst using excavation machinery
 Do not undermine adjacent structures
Prevent vehicles falling in to excavation
Prevent people falling into excavations.

Identify EIGHT safe practices to be followed when using a

skip for the collection & removal of waste from a
construction site.

ensuring the integrity of the skip,

locating the skip on firm, level ground away from
excavations,
ensuring clear access for filling & for removing from site
by vehicle,
filling by chute or by mechanical means unless items are
to be placed in the skip by hand,
introducing controls to prevent overfilling,
Control the tipping of incompatible wastes,
Netting or sheeting when the skip is full
fire hazards created by the skips & the probable need to
site away from buildings & to protect against arson.

Outline the main hazards that may be present during the

demolition of a building

Struck by falling debris, masonry

Premature collapse of building
Falls from height or same level
Underground and overhead services
Explosion and fire Use of explosives
 Chemical and biological contamination
Asbestos
Manual handling
Plant Collisions and toppling over
Noise:

Mobile tower scaffolds should always be used on stable, level

ground. List Eight additional points that should be
considered to ensure safe use.

ensuring the correct ratio between the height & base

dimensions of the tower;
the use of diagonal bracing;
the use of stabilisers;
the provision of toe boards & guard rails;
ensuring that wheels are locked;
ensuring that the scaffold is not overloaded;
& ensuring that it is not moved when loaded with persons
&/or materials.
Other possibilities relate to a secure means of access &
maintaining safe distances between the tower & overhead
power lines.

Identify the main dangers associated with excavation work

on construction sites.

who might be harmed by a collapse of the excavation,

contact with buried services,
ingress of water,
build-up of fumes
 being struck by falling materials
dangers associated with the excavation machinery
(e.g. contact with overhead lines),
the effect on adjacent structures
the possibility of vehicles or people falling into
unprotected excavations.

a) Identify by means of a labelled sketch the component

parts of an independent tied scaffold
COUPLINGS
PLATFORM GUARD RAILS

TOE BOARD
STANDARDS

LEDGERS

BASE
PLATES

TRANSOMS
SOLE BOARDS BRACING

MUST SHOW INTERNAL STANDARDS

b) Outline the precautions that should be taken to prevent
materials falling from a scaffold whist work in being carried
out

1. Toe boards prevent items kicked from platform

2. Mesh guards prevent items through guard rails
3. Catch nets/debris chutes prevent items falling to ground

a) Explain the meaning of the term hazard

Something with the potential to cause harm

b) Outline the main hazards that may be present during the

demolition of a building

Struck by falling debris, masonry

Premature collapse of building
Falls from height or same level
Underground and overhead services
Explosion and fire Use of explosives
Chemical and biological contamination
Asbestos
Manual handling
Plant Collisions and toppling over
Noise:

Outline EIGHT precautions that may be taken to ensure the

safety of children who might be tempted to gain
unauthorised access to a construction site
 Fencing
Security
Cameras
Warning signs
Visit schools
Take children to site on visits
Lock away vehicle keys
Lock away hazardous chemicals
Remove ladders
Cover holes
Reduce heights of materials

a) Outline four ways in which a person may be injured when

using a ladder at work

Could fall off the ladder

Ladder could fall due to incorrect angle
Ladder could be struck by a vehicle
Manual handling injury erecting the ladder
Using aluminium ladder near electricity

b) List the precautions that should be taken to ensure the

safe use of ladders at work

Ladder at correct angle ratio of 1 out : 4 up

Extends above landing point (1.05 metres)
Tied at top or footed
Placed on secure level ground
Visible/in a safe position e.g.: access
Protected at base (vehicle collision)
Suitable for purpose (single span/limited
Length/ Non metal near electricity)
Pre-inspection/ladder register/maintained in good
 condition
Assistance when removing/erecting ladder
Not used for carrying excess loads/2 hands free/1 person

(a) outline FIVE factors that may contribute to the collapse

of an independent tied scaffold

1. Damaged/corroded scaffold components

2. Insufficient ties
3. Unstable ground/no sole boards
4. High winds
5. Inadequate bracing

(b) outline precautions that could be taken to prevent

materials falling from a scaffold whilst work is
being carried out

1. Toe boards prevent items kicked from platform

2. Mesh guards prevent items through guard rails
3. Catch nets/debris chutes prevent items falling to ground

Outline EIGHT health and safety precautions that should be

taken during demolition work

Identification and isolation of services.

Barriers and fences.
Restricted access.
Means of preventing falls from height.
Use of Elephant Trunks for debris removal.
Competent staff.
Means of suppressing dust.
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Identification and correct removal of hazardous
[Link] premature collapse (building and
adjoining buildings).
Properly maintained equipment.
Sequence of demolition followed.
Responsibilities understood.

A contractor is to be selected to drain & clear a section of

canal.

(i) Identify the information that might be

required to establish the suitability of the contractor.

Previous experience with the type of work

Reputation amongst previous or current clients
Content and quality of Health and Safety policy
Content and quality of risk assessments
Training and qualifications of staff
Accident/enforcement history
Membership of approved accreditation bodies
Records of maintenance of equipment
Method statements

(ii) Describe the hazards associated with the draining &

cleaning operation.
 falls into the water;
entrapment in silt or mud;
collapse of the canal sides;
flooding;
hazards arising from the use of equipment;
health hazards such as leptospirosis (Weils disease).

(iii) Outline suitable controls to minimise the risk from the

hazards identified.

buoyancy aids & rescue equipment,

access equipment,
appropriate protective equipment,
appropriate personal protective equipment,
edge protection
shoring of the canal banks,
pumps against the risk of flooding,
information to employees on the risks to their health & the
precautions to be taken.

Outline the precautions to be taken when carrying out

repairs to the flat roof of a building

Harness/edge protection
Netting/toe boards/demarcation area
Survey roof/crawling boards
Safe scaffolding/ladders
Limit job in advers weather
Clothing/sun cream
Manual handling assessment
Hoist/lift for materials
Exclusion zone
 PPE/monitoring

Outline the precautions to be taken when using a mobile

elevated work platform (MEWP) to reach a high point such
as a streetlight

Ensure competent workers

Outriggers in place/brake secured
Avoid overhead electrical cables
Wear harness
Do not overload (SWL)/suitable for task
do not over-reach
Suitable ground conditions
Warning signs/barriers
Checks before use
Maintained
Suspend use in adverse weather

Identify ways in which accidents may be prevented when

using ladders as a means of access.

the ladder is of the correct length/type & that it is sound

(e.g. not painted or damaged). the ladder must be placed
the right way up, on firm ground & at the correct angle,
securely footed &/or tied, & positioned to avoid over-
reaching or contact with live [Link] base of the ladder
should be protected from collisions by people or vehicles.
users of the ladder should have suitable footwear free from
mud or grease & be provided with means of keeping their
hands free (e.g. tool belts).

Outline the possible risks to health & safety associated with

laying paving slabs in a busy high street.
 trapped fingers, foot injuries & musculoskeletal problems
from handling slabs;
the possibility of being struck by traffic;
injuries from the use of cutting discs (e.g. contact with the
disc & being struck by flying particles);
the effects of exposure to noise, vibration, dust & wet
cement;
& the increased likelihood of tripping.

(a) Outline the possible causes of a dumper truck to

overturn.

overloading or uneven loading of the bucket,

cornering at excessive speed,
hitting obstructions,
driving too close to the edges of embankments or
excavations,
mechanical defects,
inappropriate tyre pressures,
driving across slopes.

(b) Identify TWO design features of the vehicle

intended to minimise the consequences of an overturn.

rollover protection & seat belts.

the width of the wheelbase & the position of the centre of
gravity of the truck.
Damaged corrugated roofing sheets on a single storey
factory are to be replaced. Access to the roof will be via a
mobile tower scaffold.

(i) Identify the hazards that are likely to be

encountered during such work.

working at height,
falls of material
exposure to extreme weather conditions.
work equipment (including access equipment),
manual handling,
work on or near fragile material
contact with hazardous substances, particularly
the possibility of asbestos.

(ii) Outline the precautions needed to ensure the

safe use of the mobile tower scaffold.

ensuring that the ratio of the height of the tower to its base
dimensions is appropriate;
the provision of adequate diagonal bracing;
a fully boarded working platform with toe-boards &
guardrails in place;
safe means of access to the platform;
means for locking the wheels of the tower when work is in
operation;
the use of outriggers;
checking that the condition of the ground on which the
tower is sited is suitable (e.g. level & firm) & the erection
& inspection of the scaffold by competent persons.

(iii) Outline the further precautions that may be

required to control the hazards identified in (i).
 The provision & use of roof ladders, crawling boards,
protection at roof edges & voids, & harnesses;
the provision of hoists, chutes & covered skips for the
removal of material being stripped from the roof;p
protection for those working below (e.g. barriers, netting,
signs, safety helmets);
isolation of overhead services or ensuring safe distances;
the use of reduced low voltage or residual current devices
for portable electrical tools;
& protection against extreme weather conditions.
Particular precautions would be required if asbestos were
involved, including the avoidance of breaking the sheets,
the provision of respiratory protection & overalls, the need
for damping down, & ensuring the safe disposal of waste.

Identify the hazards associated with the use of a cement

mixer & explain how they should be controlled.

manual handling (which might be controlled by the use of

mechanical aids, reduced weight of loads, the siting of
materials to reduce twisting &/or the provision of
training);
the corrosive & irritant properties of cement (which could
be countered by the provision & use of appropriate
personal protective equipment, safe systems of work &
good hygiene practices);
 inhalation of the cement dust (against which masks might
be provided);
& machinery hazards such as moving parts, ejection of
materials & noise (where the control measures would
include, where appropriate, the provision of guarding,
goggles & hearing protection).

Also relevant are hazards associated with the power supply

to the mixer.
If petrol-driven, requirements would include storage
facilities for the fuel to protect against the risk of fire,
training in refuelling procedures, & the prohibition of the
use of the mixer in confined areas to protect employees
against inhalation of fumes.
If electrical, a similar system of regular inspection &
testing of the equipment, & the use of residual current
devices to minimise the risk of shock, should be in place.