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HS&E HIW practice question: Excavations in the highway (5 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.

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A trench next to a busy footway will be left open overnight.

What should you do?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Leave a ladder in it so people can climb out
  2. B. Cover it, or put strong barriers round it
  3. C. Leave a cone at each end
  4. D. Put tape across the top
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. HSE says remove access ladders, so children can't climb in.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says protect excavation edges with substantial barriers and remove access ladders. The street works code says consider temporary covers or enhanced barriers.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Cones won't stop someone falling in.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Tape won't stop a fall.

Explanation

Guard open excavations near the public with covers or substantial barriers, and take ladders out.

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