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HS&E Operatives practice question: Waste and environmental responsibilities (5 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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While clearing the ground for a new road, your gang finds a large patch of Japanese knotweed.

What should you do?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Move the soil to another part of the site
  2. B. Stop work in that area and tell your supervisor
  3. C. Dig it out and put it in the general waste skip
  4. D. Strim it down and carry on, as it will die off
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Moving soil with knotweed in it spreads the plant across the site.
  • B. Right: Right. NetRegs says you must avoid moving or spreading invasive species on and off site. Knotweed roots stay alive underground all year, so it needs a plan.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Knotweed must not be put in general waste. It can spread to wherever the waste ends up.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Cutting the top off does not kill the roots, and fragments can spread the plant.

Explanation

Invasive plants like Japanese knotweed must not be spread. Stop work in that area and report it so it can be dealt with properly.

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