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HS&E Operatives practice question: Excavations and confined spaces (1 of 7)

C. Safety 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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You are about to start work in a trench that has supports along its sides.

When must a competent person inspect the trench supports?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Each shift, and after anything that affects them
  2. B. Once, when the trench is first dug
  3. C. Once a week, on the same day each week
  4. D. Only if someone notices a crack in the ground nearby
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says supports or battering must be inspected at the start of each shift and after any event that could affect their strength, such as heavy rain or a fall of material.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Ground conditions change. One check when the trench is dug is not enough.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Weekly is not often enough. Trench supports are checked at the start of every shift.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. A collapse can happen with no obvious warning. Inspections must be regular, not only when someone sees a problem.

Explanation

Excavations must be inspected by a competent person at the start of each shift and after any event that could affect their stability. No work until it is safe.

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