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Exclusion zones, debris and the public questions for the Demolition (DEM) specialist test

6 free questions on Exclusion zones, debris and the public, 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 reviewing a demolition plan.

What must the plan show?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Only where the skips will go
  2. B. Only the site cabin layout
  3. C. Only the client's parking spaces and the site entrance
  4. D. The safe working zones, exclusion zones and debris zones
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Zones that keep people safe must be shown too.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. The plan must show the safety zones.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. The plan must show exclusion and debris zones.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says plans should show where the planned safe working zones, exclusion zones and debris zones are.

Explanation

Demolition plans show safe working zones, exclusion zones and debris zones.

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Question 2

Medium ·Link to this question (question 2)

A site is too small for the exclusion zone that the planned demolition method needs.

What does HSE say to do?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Choose a different technique
  2. B. Make the zone smaller and carry on
  3. C. Put up a sign asking people to keep clear
  4. D. Do the demolition at night
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says debris must stay within the exclusion zone if a collapse occurs. Where space is limited, choose a different technique.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. A smaller zone may not contain the debris.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. A sign won't stop falling debris.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Timing doesn't make the zone big enough.

Explanation

If the site is too small for the exclusion zone a method needs, use a different method.

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Question 3

Medium ·Link to this question (question 3)

A demolition site is next to a busy shopping street.

What should the plan make sure of if part of the building collapses?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. The shops close for an hour
  2. B. Debris stays inside the site
  3. C. Shoppers are told to walk faster
  4. D. The street is swept clean once the work is finished
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. The plan must contain debris whatever happens.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says plan the work so debris remains within a defined area, and a collapse can't breach the site boundary.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. The plan must keep debris inside the site.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Debris must not reach the street at all.

Explanation

Plan demolition so debris from a planned or accidental collapse can't leave the site.

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Question 4

Medium ·Link to this question (question 4)

Dust is drifting from your demolition site onto nearby homes.

What does HSE say?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Only work when it is windy so the dust blows away
  2. B. Ask the neighbours to keep their windows shut, and carry on
  3. C. Limit the escape of dust and debris
  4. D. Dust doesn't matter outside the site
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Wind spreads dust further.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Control the dust at source.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says you should limit the escape of dust and debris.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Dust can harm neighbours and the public.

Explanation

Limit the escape of dust and debris, for example by damping down and using screens.

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Question 5

Medium ·Link to this question (question 5)

A demolition site is in a confined space between other businesses.

What must the plan address?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Only the contractor's own staff
  2. B. Nothing extra, as small sites are lower risk
  3. C. Only the start and finish dates for the neighbours
  4. D. Protecting neighbours from collapse
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Neighbours and the public must be protected too.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Confined sites can make collapse more dangerous for neighbours.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Safety must be planned.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says protect nearby people and businesses, and address the collapse risk where the site is confined.

Explanation

On confined sites, plan to protect neighbours and the public from collapse and debris.

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Question 6

Harder ·Link to this question (question 6)

A demolition plan uses one exclusion zone size for every method on the job.

What is wrong with this?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Zone size depends on the method
  2. B. Nothing, as one size suits all methods
  3. C. Zones are only needed for explosives
  4. D. Zones should always be exactly 5 metres
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says exclusion and debris zones depend on the demolition technique.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Different methods throw debris different distances.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Every demolition method needs exclusion zones.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. There is no fixed size.

Explanation

Size each exclusion zone for the method being used.

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