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HS&E Operatives practice question: Pollution and spillages (2 of 7)

A. Working environment A free question from our original HS&E Operatives practice exam. Try it, then open the answer to see why each option is right or wrong.

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At the end of the day, a concrete mixer needs washing out. The nearest drain is a surface water drain at the edge of the road.

Can the wash water go down that drain?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Yes, as long as the water company is told afterwards
  2. B. No, because these drains lead straight to rivers and streams
  3. C. No, because only water from the welfare cabins can go down it
  4. D. Yes, because the concrete is diluted by the water
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Telling someone afterwards does not undo pollution. Concrete wash water must be collected and dealt with properly, not put down a surface water drain.
  • B. Right: Right. Surface water drains carry rainwater straight to a watercourse. Concrete wash water must be collected in a sealed container and dealt with properly.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Waste water from welfare cabins goes to the foul sewer, not to a surface water drain. Surface water drains should only carry clean rainwater.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Dilution does not make concrete wash water safe. It can still kill fish and plants in the river or stream the drain leads to.

Explanation

Never put concrete wash water, or anything other than clean rainwater, down a surface water drain. Wash out in the area set aside for it on site.

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