Exams / HS&E Operatives / Pollution and spillages / Question 6
HS&E Operatives practice question: Pollution and spillages (6 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
Lorries leaving site are dropping mud on the road, so a wheel wash is being set up.
Where should the dirty water from the wheel wash go?
Choose one answer.
A A. Into the nearest surface water drain in the roadB B. Straight into the ditch at the edge of the siteC C. Anywhere, as mud is naturalD D. Into a contained system, not a drainShow the answer and explanation Answer: D
A. Wrong: Wrong. Surface water drains go straight to rivers and streams, so the mud would pollute them.B. Wrong: Wrong. Ditches often lead to watercourses. The dirty water must be contained and treated.C. Wrong: Wrong. Silt from mud can harm wildlife in rivers and streams.D. Right: Right. NetRegs says never carry out wheel washing where the run-off goes directly into surface water drains or watercourses.Explanation Wheel wash water is polluted with silt. Keep it out of surface water drains and watercourses.
Study Keep practicing Answer questions with a score at the end, or practice just this topic with the explanation after each one. No sign-up needed.