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Surveys and pre-demolition information questions for the Demolition (DEM) specialist test

6 free questions on Surveys and pre-demolition information, from section E. Specialist: Demolition. Every question is original and explains why each option is right or wrong.

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Question 1

Easier ·Link to this question (question 1)

A building built in 1975 is due for demolition.

What asbestos information must the client give the contractor?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. A note saying the building "probably" has no asbestos
  2. B. The original plans and the sales brochure from 1975
  3. C. Nothing, as the contractor will find it as they go
  4. D. A demolition survey by a competent surveyor
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. A guess is not a survey.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. That won't show where asbestos is.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Asbestos must be found before work starts.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says a refurbishment or demolition survey carried out by a competent surveyor must be given to the contractor.

Explanation

Before demolition, the client must provide a refurbishment or demolition survey by a competent surveyor.

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Question 2

Medium ·Link to this question (question 2)

A refurbishment and demolition survey is booked.

When should it find asbestos hidden within the building fabric?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Before any structural work begins
  2. B. Once the machines have started knocking walls down
  3. C. After the building is down, by sifting the rubble
  4. D. Only if workers see something that looks like asbestos
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says the survey must locate and identify asbestos, including what is hidden in the fabric, before any structural work begins.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. By then fibres could already be released.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. That is far too late.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Hidden asbestos must be found by the survey first.

Explanation

The survey must find asbestos, including hidden asbestos, before any structural work begins.

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Question 3

Medium ·Link to this question (question 3)

You are planning a demolition job.

What information about services does HSE say must be provided before work begins?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Only the location of the water meter
  2. B. Where live services are below ground in the work area
  3. C. Only the address of the electricity company
  4. D. Nothing, as demolition doesn't affect underground services
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. All live services in the work area matter.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says provide information on below-ground live services in the work area before work begins.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. You need to know where live services are.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Machines and falling debris can strike buried services.

Explanation

Before demolition, get information on live services below ground in the work area.

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Question 4

Medium ·Link to this question (question 4)

A building next to your demolition site shares a wall with it.

What information should you have before work starts?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Nothing, as the shared wall belongs to the neighbour
  2. B. Only who owns the wall and what colour it is painted
  3. C. How stable the site and nearby structures are
  4. D. The neighbours' opening hours only
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Your work could make it unstable.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Stability is what matters.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says information should be provided on the structural stability of the site and nearby structures.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. You need to know how the work could affect the neighbouring structure.

Explanation

Find out about the stability of the structure and any neighbouring structures before demolition starts.

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Question 5

Harder ·Link to this question (question 5)

A survey of a building to be partly demolished is being planned.

Which of these should the structural survey consider?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Only how much the scrap metal is worth
  2. B. Only the colour and condition of the brickwork
  3. C. Only the opening times of the local tip
  4. D. Its age, past use and how it was built
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. The survey is about safety and stability.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. The survey must look at how the structure stands up.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. That doesn't help assess the structure.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says the survey should consider the age of the structure, its previous use, the type of construction and any nearby buildings or structures.

Explanation

A structural survey considers age, previous use, type of construction and nearby structures.

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Question 6

Medium ·Link to this question (question 6)

During a demolition survey, the area being inspected needs destructive inspection.

What must happen?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. The area is vacated during the survey
  2. B. Workers carry on next to the surveyor
  3. C. Only the surveyor wears a dust mask
  4. D. The windows are opened and people stay
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says a refurbishment or demolition survey involves destructive inspection, so the area must be vacated.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Fibres could be released. The area must be empty.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. The area must be vacated.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Everyone must leave the area.

Explanation

Vacate the area during a refurbishment or demolition survey.

Study

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