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Finding buried services questions for the Highway works (HIW) specialist test

6 free questions on Finding buried services, from section E. Specialist: Highway works. Every question is original and explains why each option is right or wrong.

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

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Question 1

Easier ·Link to this question (question 1)

You are about to break out a footway to dig a trench.

What should you get before digging?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Nothing, as you will see cables as you dig
  2. B. A list from passers-by of what is there
  3. C. Only the weather forecast for the week
  4. D. Plans of the buried services in the area
Show 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

Question 2

Medium ·Link to this question (question 2)

You have utility plans for a street you are about to dig up.

How far can you rely on them?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. They are only a guide
  2. B. They are exact to the centimetre
  3. C. They always show every cable
  4. D. They mean no locator is needed
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says plans give only an indication of the location, configuration and number of services.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Plans are only an indication.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Some services may be missing or wrongly shown.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Use plans together with a locator.

Explanation

Plans only show roughly where services are. Use a locator as well, and dig trial holes.

Study

Question 3

Medium ·Link to this question (question 3)

Your gang has a cable locator for a day's trench digging.

When should it be used?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Never, if you have plans
  2. B. Often, all through the work
  3. C. Once, at the start of the day
  4. D. Only if the plans are missing
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Plans are only a guide.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says locators should be used frequently and repeatedly during the work.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Use it again and again as the dig goes on.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Use it with the plans, not instead of them.

Explanation

Use a cable locator frequently and repeatedly as the dig goes on.

Study

Question 4

Medium ·Link to this question (question 4)

The locator shows a cable running across your trench line. You are hand digging to expose it.

How should you dig?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. With a pick, to break through quickly
  2. B. By probing the ground with a long metal bar
  3. C. Alongside the cable, not on top of it
  4. D. Straight down onto it to find it fast
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. A pick can pierce a cable.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. A metal bar could pierce a live cable.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says excavate alongside the service rather than directly above it, using insulated tools near electric cables.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. You could strike the cable.

Explanation

When exposing a cable, dig alongside it, not directly above, and use insulated tools.

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Question 5

Medium ·Link to this question (question 5)

You have plans and have used a locator, but you need the exact position of a service before digging near it.

What does HSE say to do?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Guess from the plans and dig
  2. B. Use the machine to find it
  3. C. Ask the driver where it is
  4. D. Dig trial holes to find it
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Plans are only a guide.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. A machine bucket can strike the service.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Confirm the position with trial holes.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says trial holes should be dug to identify the exact positions of services.

Explanation

Use plans and a locator, then dig trial holes to find the exact position of each service.

Study

Question 6

Harder ·Link to this question (question 6)

You can't get any information about buried services for a small dig in an old street.

How should you go ahead?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. As though there are services there
  2. B. As though there are no services
  3. C. With a bigger machine to dig faster
  4. D. Only after dark when it is quieter
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says if information can't be obtained, carry out the work as though there are buried services in the area.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Assume services are there.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Speed raises the risk of striking a service.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. The time of day doesn't change the risk.

Explanation

With no information on services, work as though buried services are there.

Study

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