Site Card Test
Course menuHS&E HIW

Exams / HS&E HIW / Excavations in the highway / Question 3

HS&E HIW practice question: Excavations in the highway (3 of 6)

E. Specialist: Highway works A free question from our original HS&E HIW practice exam. Try it, then open the answer to see why each option is right or wrong.

Last verified against HSE guidance and the law ·How we write our questions

Spoil from a trench is piled right next to its edge, where people are working below.

What does HSE say?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Pile it higher so it takes up less room
  2. B. Nothing, as spoil can't roll back in
  3. C. Wet it down so that it sticks together and stays put
  4. D. Stop it falling in, for example with toe boards
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. A higher pile adds weight and more can fall in.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Loose material can fall into the trench.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Wet spoil is heavier and can still slip.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says loose material can fall from spoil heaps into the excavation. Toe boards or projecting trench sheets can stop it, and head protection should be worn.

Explanation

Keep spoil and materials back from the edge and stop them falling in, with toe boards or raised trench sheets.

Study

Keep practicing

Answer questions with a score at the end, or practice just this topic with the explanation after each one. No sign-up needed.

Take the free HS&E HIW practice examPractice Excavations in the highwayAll Excavations in the highway questions