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HS&E Operatives practice question: Excavations and confined spaces (5 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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A deep trench runs next to a footpath that workers use to get to the canteen.

What should be along the edge of the trench?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. A line of traffic cones
  2. B. A sign asking people to be careful
  3. C. Nothing, as people can see the trench
  4. D. Substantial barriers
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Cones mark an area, but they won't stop someone falling into a trench.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. A sign alone won't stop someone falling in, especially in poor light.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. People can trip, slip or not notice the edge. Barriers are needed.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says excavation edges should be protected with substantial barriers where people could fall into them.

Explanation

Put substantial barriers along excavation edges where people could fall in, and keep spoil and plant back from the edge.

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