Excavations And Confined Spaces
This quiz is a sample of questions from the excavations and confined spaces section of the health and safety test.
- 1.
An excavation must be supported if:
- A.
It is more than 5 metres deep
- B.
It is more than 1.2 metres deep
- C.
There is a risk of the sides falling in
- D.
Any buried services cross the excavation
Correct Answer
C. There is a risk of the sides falling inExplanation
If there is a risk of the sides falling in, an excavation must be supported. This means that if there is a chance of the soil or material surrounding the excavation collapsing or caving in, it is necessary to provide support to prevent accidents or injuries. This could be done through various methods such as shoring, bracing, or using retaining walls to ensure the stability and safety of the excavation.Rate this question:
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- 2.
When digging, you find a run of yellow plastic marker tape. What does this mean?
- A.
There are buried human remains and you must tell your supervisor
- B.
There is a buried service and further excavation must be carried out with care
- C.
The soil is contaminated and you must wear Respiratory Protective Equipment
- D.
The excavation now needs side supports
Correct Answer
B. There is a buried service and further excavation must be carried out with careExplanation
The presence of a yellow plastic marker tape indicates that there is a buried service in the area. This means that further excavation must be carried out with caution to avoid damaging the service. The tape serves as a warning to inform workers about the presence of the buried service and prompts them to take appropriate measures to prevent any potential damage.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Guard-rails are placed around the top of an excavation to prevent:
- A.
Toxic gases from collecting in the bottom of the trench
- B.
Anyone falling into the trench and being injured
- C.
The sides of the trench from collapsing
- D.
Rain water running off the ground at the top and into the trench
Correct Answer
B. Anyone falling into the trench and being injuredExplanation
Guard-rails are placed around the top of an excavation to prevent anyone falling into the trench and being injured. These guard-rails act as a physical barrier, creating a protective boundary around the excavation. By having these guard-rails in place, it helps to ensure the safety of workers and prevents accidents or injuries that may occur if someone accidentally falls into the trench.Rate this question:
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- 4.
If you need to dig near underground services, you should use:
- A.
A jack hammer
- B.
A spade or shovel
- C.
A pick and fork
- D.
An excavator
Correct Answer
B. A spade or shovelExplanation
When digging near underground services, it is important to use a spade or shovel because they allow for more precise and controlled digging. A jack hammer is not suitable as it is too powerful and can cause damage to the underground services. A pick and fork may be too heavy and may also cause damage. An excavator is too large and may not provide the necessary precision for digging near underground services. Therefore, a spade or shovel is the most appropriate tool for this task.Rate this question:
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- 5.
If you need to work in a confined space, one duty of the top man is to:
- A.
Tell you how to work safely in confined spaces
- B.
Enter the confined space if there is a problem
- C.
Start the rescue plan if needed
- D.
Supervise the work in the confined space
Correct Answer
C. Start the rescue plan if neededExplanation
The top man's duty is to start the rescue plan if needed. This means that if there is an emergency or someone is in danger within the confined space, the top man is responsible for initiating the necessary steps to rescue and ensure the safety of the workers. The top man may not necessarily enter the confined space themselves, but they play a crucial role in coordinating and overseeing the rescue operation.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of these is not a hazard in a confined space?
- A.
Toxic gas
- B.
A lack of carbon dioxide
- C.
A lack of oxygen
- D.
Flammable or explosive gas
Correct Answer
B. A lack of carbon dioxideExplanation
A lack of carbon dioxide is not a hazard in a confined space because carbon dioxide is a natural component of the atmosphere and is not typically found in high concentrations in confined spaces. The other options, toxic gas, a lack of oxygen, and flammable or explosive gas, are all potential hazards in confined spaces that can pose serious risks to the health and safety of individuals working in those environments.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Why is methane gas dangerous in confined space? Give two answers.
- A.
It can explode
- B.
It makes you hyperactive
- C.
You will not be able to see because of the dense fumes
- D.
It makes you dehydrated
- E.
You will not have enough oxygen to breathe
Correct Answer(s)
A. It can explode
E. You will not have enough oxygen to breatheExplanation
Methane gas is dangerous in a confined space because it can explode. Methane is highly flammable and can ignite when exposed to a spark or flame, causing an explosion. Additionally, being in a confined space with methane gas can lead to a lack of oxygen. Methane displaces oxygen in the air, reducing the available oxygen for breathing. This can result in asphyxiation and suffocation if the oxygen levels drop too low.Rate this question:
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- 8.
You are working in a confined space when your notice the smell of bad eggs. This smell is a sign of:
- A.
Hydrogen sulphide
- B.
Oxygen
- C.
Methane
- D.
Carbon dioxide
Correct Answer
A. Hydrogen sulpHideExplanation
The smell of bad eggs is a sign of hydrogen sulphide. Hydrogen sulphide is a colorless gas with a strong odor, often described as smelling like rotten eggs. It is commonly found in confined spaces such as sewers, swamps, and volcanic areas. Inhaling high levels of hydrogen sulphide can be toxic and even deadly, causing symptoms like headache, dizziness, nausea, and respiratory distress. Therefore, detecting the smell of bad eggs in a confined space is a warning sign to evacuate and take necessary safety precautions.Rate this question:
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- 9.
You are working in a confined space. If the Permit of Work runs out before you finish the job, you should:
- A.
Carry on working until the job is finished
- B.
Hand the permit over to the next shift
- C.
Ask your supervisor to change the date of the permit
- D.
Leave the confined space before the permit runs out
Correct Answer
D. Leave the confined space before the permit runs outExplanation
In a confined space, it is crucial to prioritize safety. If the Permit of Work runs out before completing the job, it is important to leave the confined space before the permit expires. This is because the permit ensures that necessary safety measures are in place and that the work can be conducted without endangering the worker's well-being. Continuing to work without a valid permit increases the risk of accidents or injuries. Therefore, leaving the confined space is the appropriate action to take in this situation.Rate this question:
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- 10.
You need to walk through sludge at the bottom of a confined space. Which of these is not a hazard?
- A.
The release of oxygen
- B.
The release of toxic gases
- C.
Slips and trips
- D.
The release of flammable gases
Correct Answer
A. The release of oxygenExplanation
The release of oxygen is not a hazard in this scenario because oxygen is not typically considered a harmful or dangerous substance. In fact, oxygen is necessary for human survival. The other options, such as the release of toxic gases, slips and trips, and the release of flammable gases, all pose potential risks and hazards in a confined space.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 19, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Jan 03, 2012Quiz Created by
Nickinono