Exams / HS&E HIW / Finding buried services / Question 1
HS&E HIW practice question: Finding buried services (1 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 October 2026 against HSE guidance and the law ·How we write our questions
You are about to break out a footway to dig a trench.
What should you get before digging?
Choose one answer.
A A. Nothing, as you will see cables as you digB B. A list from passers-by of what is thereC C. Only the weather forecast for the weekD D. Plans of the buried services in the areaShow the answer and explanation Answer: D
A. Wrong: Wrong. Cables are often hard to see until it is too late.B. Wrong: Wrong. Get proper plans from the service owners.C. Wrong: Wrong. You need plans of the buried services.D. Right: Right. HSE says obtain plans or other suitable information about all buried services before excavating.Explanation Before digging, get plans of buried services, then use a locator and dig carefully.
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.