CITB Managers Site Management Responsibilities 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A site manager discovers that a subcontractor has erected scaffolding without a scaffold inspection certificate. The site manager should:
- Allow use of the scaffold as it appears stable
- Immediately prohibit use of the scaffold, require it to be inspected by a competent person, and not allow it to be used until a valid inspection certificate is in place (Correct answer)
- Allow the subcontractor to produce the certificate at their convenience
- Note the issue and raise it at the next site meeting
Correct answer: Immediately prohibit use of the scaffold, require it to be inspected by a competent person, and not allow it to be used until a valid inspection certificate is in place
Any scaffold must be inspected by a competent person and a written record kept before it is first used. Using uninspected scaffolding is a legal breach and a serious safety risk. The site manager must enforce this immediately — not at their convenience.
Question 2: What is the site manager's responsibility regarding competence of workers on site?
- Workers are responsible for demonstrating their own competence
- The site manager should ensure that all workers are competent to carry out the tasks they are assigned — checking qualifications, card schemes, and experience as appropriate, and providing adequate supervision for those less experienced (Correct answer)
- Competence is the responsibility of the subcontractor only
- Only statutory qualifications (CSCS cards) need to be verified
Correct answer: The site manager should ensure that all workers are competent to carry out the tasks they are assigned — checking qualifications, card schemes, and experience as appropriate, and providing adequate supervision for those less experienced
The principal contractor (and by extension the site manager) has a CDM 2015 duty to ensure that all workers are competent for the work they are undertaking. This means checking relevant qualifications, experience, and card scheme registrations, and providing appropriate supervision.
Question 3: A site induction must be provided to all workers before they commence work on site. What should it cover?
- Only the site layout and where to park
- Site rules, emergency procedures and first aid arrangements, identified hazards and controls, welfare facility locations, who to report issues to, environmental responsibilities, and any specific site hazards (Correct answer)
- Only the health and safety policy
- Only PPE requirements
Correct answer: Site rules, emergency procedures and first aid arrangements, identified hazards and controls, welfare facility locations, who to report issues to, environmental responsibilities, and any specific site hazards
A comprehensive site induction covers: site rules, emergency procedures (fire, first aid), identified significant hazards and their controls, welfare facility locations, reporting procedures, environmental requirements, and any project-specific risks. It must be project-specific, not just generic.
Question 4: A site manager is responsible for ensuring that plant and equipment on site is fit for purpose and safely maintained. Which regulation requires this?
- The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) (Correct answer)
- The CDM Regulations 2015
- The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
Correct answer: The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
PUWER 1998 requires that all work equipment is suitable for its intended use, maintained in a safe condition, used only by persons who have received adequate information, instruction, and training, and inspected where appropriate.
Question 5: The principal contractor must ensure that only authorised persons enter the site. What measures support this?
- A sign on the gate saying 'Authorised Personnel Only'
- Site fencing, a controlled access system (such as a turnstile or gate with security), a signing-in register, and induction records for all workers — all supported by active enforcement (Correct answer)
- Simply asking workers to report unauthorised persons
- Only securing the site at night
Correct answer: Site fencing, a controlled access system (such as a turnstile or gate with security), a signing-in register, and induction records for all workers — all supported by active enforcement
Effective site access control requires: perimeter fencing, a controlled entry point, a signing-in/out system, induction records confirming all entrants have been inducted, and active enforcement. Signs alone do not prevent unauthorised entry.
Question 6: A site manager must ensure that work is carried out in accordance with the Construction Phase Plan. How should this be monitored?
- By reviewing the CPP once at the start of the project
- Through regular site inspections and observations, tool box talks, briefings before high-risk tasks, and review of method statements — with non-conformances corrected promptly (Correct answer)
- By instructing workers to comply without further monitoring
- Only by reviewing the CPP when an incident occurs
Correct answer: Through regular site inspections and observations, tool box talks, briefings before high-risk tasks, and review of method statements — with non-conformances corrected promptly
CPP compliance must be actively monitored through: regular site inspections (checking controls are in place), pre-task briefings (ensuring workers understand the requirements), review of RAMS, and prompt correction of any non-conformance. Passive compliance checking is insufficient.
CITB Managers Site Management Responsibilities 1
A site manager discovers that a subcontractor has erected scaffolding without a scaffold inspection certificate.
The site manager should: