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Planning demolition questions for the Demolition (DEM) specialist test

6 free questions on Planning demolition, from section E. Specialist: Demolition. 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)

You are planning the demolition of a four-storey office block.

Who must write the demolition method?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Nobody, as experienced gangs don't need a written method
  2. B. A competent person
  3. C. The first machine driver to arrive on site that morning
  4. D. The client's office manager, who knows the building best
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. The method must be written down.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says the demolition method must be written by a competent person and account for all hazards and risks.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. The method must be planned and written before work starts.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Knowing the building isn't the same as being competent to plan its demolition.

Explanation

Demolition must be planned, and the method written by a competent person, before the work begins.

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Question 2

Medium ·Link to this question (question 2)

The demolition method for a job has been written.

What must happen to it?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. It is only shown to the client, who signs it off
  2. B. It is thrown away once work starts
  3. C. It goes in the plan of work and the team is told
  4. D. It is kept in the director's office in case HSE asks
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. It must be communicated to the whole contract team.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. The team works to it throughout.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says the method must be fully documented in the plan of work and communicated to the contract team.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. The people doing the work need to know the method.

Explanation

Write the demolition method into the plan of work and make sure the whole team knows it.

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Question 3

Medium ·Link to this question (question 3)

A client is about to award a demolition contract for a complex structure.

What does HSE advise the client to do first?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Choose the cheapest price and leave the rest to the contractor
  2. B. Ask the neighbours which contractor they like
  3. C. Nothing, as clients have no duties for demolition
  4. D. Get advice from a competent demolition engineer
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Clients should take competent advice and appoint people with the right skills.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Choose on competence, with engineering advice.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Clients have duties, including appointing competent contractors.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says clients should get advice from a competent demolition engineer before awarding a contract.

Explanation

Clients should take advice from a competent demolition engineer and appoint contractors with the right skills.

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Question 4

Medium ·Link to this question (question 4)

Part of a demolition job needs workers at height to take down a tall structure.

What does HSE suggest to reduce work at height?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. A high-reach machine with a protected cab
  2. B. Workers standing on the walls with hammers
  3. C. Ladders leant against the walls being taken down
  4. D. Doing the high work first, by hand, to get it out of the way
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says reduce work at height by using a high-reach machine with a protected cab.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Standing on walls being demolished is extremely dangerous.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. The walls could collapse with the ladder on them.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Plan the work to avoid people working at height where possible.

Explanation

Use remote methods, such as a high-reach machine with a protected cab, to keep people off the structure.

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Question 5

Medium ·Link to this question (question 5)

You are supervising a demolition gang.

What does HSE say about how the workers should work?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. They only follow the method if HSE is on site
  2. B. They are supervised and work safely
  3. C. They work unsupervised to get the job done faster
  4. D. They decide the order of work as they go along
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Safe working practice must be followed at all times.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says make sure workers are supervised and are following safe working practice.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Demolition workers need supervision.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. The sequence is set in the written method.

Explanation

Demolition workers must be supervised and follow the planned, safe method.

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Question 6

Harder ·Link to this question (question 6)

A demolition plan uses a top-down method on a building near other properties.

What does HSE say top-down demolition gives?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. A way to avoid any written method
  2. B. Permission to skip the asbestos survey
  3. C. Greater control over stability and debris
  4. D. A faster job with no need for exclusion zones
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Every method must be written down.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. The survey is still needed.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says top-down demolition gives greater control over stability and debris.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Exclusion zones are still needed.

Explanation

Top-down demolition gives greater control over stability and debris, but still needs planning and exclusion zones.

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