Exams / HS&E Operatives / Plant and site transport / Question 3
HS&E Operatives practice question: Plant and site transport (3 of 8) D. High risk activities 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
The excavator driver has just changed the bucket using a semi-automatic quick hitch.
What must happen before digging starts again?
Choose one answer.
A A. Nothing, as the hitch locks itselfB B. The driver taps the bucket on the ground to see if it falls offC C. A banksman stands under the bucket to watch itD D. The safety pin is put in and the bucket checked as lockedShow the answer and explanation Answer: D
A. Wrong: Wrong. A semi-automatic hitch does not fully lock itself. The pin must be fitted.B. Wrong: Wrong. This is not a proper check, and anyone nearby is at risk if it does fall.C. Wrong: Wrong. No one should stand under or near a bucket that might not be secure.D. Right: Right. Semi-automatic hitches need a pin inserted to lock the connection. If it isn't, the bucket can fall off and kill someone nearby.Explanation After changing an attachment, make sure the quick hitch is properly locked, with any safety pin fitted, before work starts. Stay clear of the bucket.
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