Exams / HS&E Operatives / Pollution and spillages / Question 3
HS&E Operatives practice question: Pollution and spillages (3 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.
Last verified October 2026 against HSE guidance and the law ·How we write our questions
A 205-litre drum of diesel is being stored on site.
How should it be stored to stop pollution if it leaks?
Choose one answer.
A A. In a bund that holds 110% of the drum's contentsB B. On bare ground, as the soil will soak up any leakC C. Next to a drain, so leaks can be washed awayD D. In a bund that holds half of the drum's contentsShow the answer and explanation Answer: A
A. Right: Right. NetRegs says secondary containment for single drums should hold 110% of the container's volume.B. Wrong: Wrong. Diesel soaking into the ground pollutes the soil and groundwater.C. Wrong: Wrong. Diesel in a drain can reach a river or stream and cause serious pollution.D. Wrong: Wrong. A bund that only holds half would overflow if the drum split. It needs to hold 110%.Explanation Store oil and fuel in secondary containment, such as a bund that holds 110% of the container, away from drains and watercourses.
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