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Waste and environmental responsibilities questions for the CSCS test

7 free questions on Waste and environmental responsibilities, from section A. Working environment. Every question is original and explains why each option is right or wrong.

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Question 1

Medium ·Link to this question (question 1)

Someone in a van stops at the site gate. They offer to take away a skip-load of waste for cash, much cheaper than the usual firm. They can't show any paperwork.

What should happen?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Turn them down; waste must go to a registered carrier
  2. B. Accept, as long as none of the waste is hazardous
  3. C. Accept, as long as they give you a receipt
  4. D. Accept, as the site is no longer responsible once it leaves
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. Anyone who produces waste has a legal "duty of care" to make sure it goes only to someone allowed to take it. Waste carriers must be registered with the environment regulator.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. The duty of care applies to all waste, not just hazardous waste. Ordinary waste that is fly-tipped is still illegal and still traced back to the site.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. A receipt is not proof that the carrier is registered. Waste should move with proper paperwork, such as a waste transfer note, to a registered carrier.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. The duty of care does not end at the gate. If waste is dumped illegally, the business that produced it can be held responsible.

Explanation

Waste must only be handed to a registered waste carrier, with the right paperwork. If someone offers to take waste away cheaply with no paperwork, say no and tell your supervisor.

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Question 2

Medium · choose 2 ·Link to this question (question 2)

Your site has separate skips for different kinds of waste, such as timber, metal, plasterboard and general waste.

Which two are good reasons for keeping waste separate? (Choose two.)

Choose two answers.

  1. A. Separated waste no longer needs any paperwork
  2. B. More of the waste can be reused or recycled
  3. C. Hazardous waste must be kept apart from other waste
  4. D. Separate skips mean the waste can be burnt on site
Show the answer and explanation

Answers: B, C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. All waste leaving the site needs the right paperwork, such as a waste transfer note, whether it is separated or not.
  • B. Right: Right. Clean, separated waste such as metal or timber can be recycled. Once it is mixed, much of it can only go to landfill.
  • C. Right: Right. Hazardous waste, such as oily rags or used solvent tins, must not be mixed with other waste. It needs its own storage and its own paperwork.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Waste should not be burnt on site. Burning can cause pollution and fire, and is generally not allowed.

Explanation

Separating waste means more of it can be recycled, and keeps hazardous waste apart so it can be dealt with safely. Put waste in the right skip, and ask if you are not sure which one.

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Question 3

Medium ·Link to this question (question 3)

A load of general waste leaves your site with a registered waste carrier. A waste transfer note is filled in and signed.

How long must the note be kept?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. 2 weeks
  2. B. Until the skip is emptied
  3. C. It doesn't need keeping once it is signed
  4. D. 2 years
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. That is far too short. The note shows where the waste went if questions are asked later.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. The note must be kept for 2 years after the waste leaves.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Both businesses must keep a copy and show it if asked.
  • D. Right: Right. GOV.UK says keep a paper or electronic copy of the waste transfer note for 2 years.

Explanation

Every load of non-hazardous waste leaving the site needs a waste transfer note. Both sides keep a copy for 2 years.

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Question 4

Easier ·Link to this question (question 4)

You are stripping out the second floor of a building. The skip is in the yard below.

How should the waste get down to the skip?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Through a waste chute, or in bins taken down safely
  2. B. Throw it out of the window into the skip
  3. C. Pile it at the top of the stairs for collection later
  4. D. Drop it over the scaffold guard-rail
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says plan how waste will be moved out of the building, for example with wheeled bins or chutes.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Throwing waste from height can hit people below and spread dust. Use a chute.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Waste on stairs blocks escape routes and is a trip and fire hazard.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Dropping waste from a scaffold puts people below at risk. Use a chute or take it down.

Explanation

Never throw waste from height. Use a chute or take it down safely, and keep stairs and escape routes clear.

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Question 5

Medium ·Link to this question (question 5)

While clearing the ground for a new road, your gang finds a large patch of Japanese knotweed.

What should you do?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Move the soil to another part of the site
  2. B. Stop work in that area and tell your supervisor
  3. C. Dig it out and put it in the general waste skip
  4. D. Strim it down and carry on, as it will die off
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Moving soil with knotweed in it spreads the plant across the site.
  • B. Right: Right. NetRegs says you must avoid moving or spreading invasive species on and off site. Knotweed roots stay alive underground all year, so it needs a plan.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Knotweed must not be put in general waste. It can spread to wherever the waste ends up.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Cutting the top off does not kill the roots, and fragments can spread the plant.

Explanation

Invasive plants like Japanese knotweed must not be spread. Stop work in that area and report it so it can be dealt with properly.

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Question 6

Medium ·Link to this question (question 6)

Your gang is about to clear a hedge at the edge of site in May. You notice a bird sitting on a nest in it.

What should you do?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Move the nest to another bush and carry on
  2. B. Carry on, as birds are only protected in nature reserves
  3. C. Stop and tell your supervisor
  4. D. Clear the hedge quickly so the bird moves somewhere else
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Moving the nest is still disturbing it. Stop and get advice.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Wild birds are protected wherever they are, including on building sites.
  • C. Right: Right. Wild birds are protected. NetRegs says you may be committing an offence if you disturb a protected animal, and noise and light can disturb nesting birds.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Destroying or disturbing a nest in use can be an offence.

Explanation

Wildlife such as nesting birds is protected by law. If you find nesting birds or other wildlife, stop and tell your supervisor.

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Question 7

Easier ·Link to this question (question 7)

On a dry, windy day, dust from your site is blowing across the road onto people's houses and cars.

What should happen?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Nothing, as dust outside the site is the council's problem
  2. B. Wait until someone complains
  3. C. Keep working faster to finish the dusty job sooner
  4. D. Tell your supervisor so the dust can be controlled
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Dust from the site is the site's responsibility.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Deal with it before it becomes a problem for neighbours.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Working faster can make more dust. It needs controlling.
  • D. Right: Right. NetRegs advises dust monitoring next to other buildings and talking to neighbours before problems arise. Dust should be controlled at the source.

Explanation

Construction sites must control dust and noise that can affect neighbours. Report a problem so it can be dealt with.

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