Working Near Services & Site Hazards Flashcards
6 cards from real CPCS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Working Near Services & Site Hazards flashcards as text
What is an exclusion zone on a construction site and who can enter it?
Answer: A defined area from which unauthorised persons are excluded — only those directly involved in the relevant task may enter
An exclusion zone is a clearly defined, controlled area from which unauthorised persons are excluded. Only those directly involved in the specific task — such as a lifting operation — may enter, with appropriate controls.
What hazard do compressed-air services underground present if struck by plant?
Answer: High-pressure air blast that can cause injury and throw debris, as well as dislodging nearby ground
Striking a compressed-air service releases high-pressure air that can cause a violent blast, injuring nearby workers and dislodging debris or ground material unexpectedly.
What must a plant operator do if they are unsure whether a service has been correctly identified and isolated before excavation?
Answer: Stop work and contact the supervisor — do not proceed until confirmation is received
If there is any uncertainty about service identification or isolation, work must stop and the supervisor informed. Proceeding without confirmation risks striking a live service with potentially fatal consequences.
What is the danger of working plant near a fuel storage tank?
Answer: Risk of fire or explosion if the tank is struck or if plant creates sparks near leaked fuel
Fuel storage tanks contain flammable or combustible liquids. If struck by plant or if leaked fuel contacts ignition sources such as sparks, fire or explosion can result. Exclusion zones must be maintained around fuel tanks.
What action should be taken if plant accidentally severs a water main?
Answer: Stop work, isolate the water supply if possible, report to the supervisor and contact the water authority
A severed water main causes flooding, ground saturation, and potential undermining of ground stability, creating additional hazards. Work must stop, supply isolated if possible, and the water authority contacted immediately.
What does the term 'trial hole' mean in the context of service location?
Answer: A small, carefully hand-dug excavation to expose and visually confirm the location and depth of a service
A trial hole is a carefully hand-dug excavation — never with plant — used to expose and visually confirm the exact position, depth, and type of an underground service before machine excavation proceeds nearby.