Exams / HS&E MAP / Excavations and underground services / Question 4
HS&E MAP practice question: Excavations and underground services (4 of 4) D. High risk activities A free question from our original HS&E MAP practice exam. Try it, then open the answer to see why each option is right or wrong.
Last verified October 2026 against HSE guidance and the law ·How we write our questions
Your team is working near buried cables that have been located and marked.
What should they use when digging close to them?
Choose one answer.
A A. The excavator, with the driver taking careB B. A pick, as it is lighterC C. Insulated hand toolsD D. A breaker, to get through quicklyShow the answer and explanation Answer: C
A. Wrong: Wrong. Machines can easily damage cables.B. Wrong: Wrong. Picks and spikes can pierce cables.C. Right: Right. HSE says trial holes should be dug by hand near cables, using suitable insulated tools.D. Wrong: Wrong. Breakers can strike cables.Explanation Near buried cables, dig trial holes by hand with insulated tools.
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