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Signing, lighting and guarding questions for the Highway works (HIW) specialist test

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

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Question 1

Medium ·Link to this question (question 1)

You are setting out signs and cones for works in the road.

What may be placed in the safety zone?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Spoil from the trench, if it is kept tidy
  2. B. The works van, if its hazard lights are on
  3. C. Spare cones and barriers, kept ready for later in the day
  4. D. Nothing: no materials, equipment or vehicles
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Nothing may be placed in the safety zone.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Vehicles must not be placed in the safety zone.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Nothing may be placed in the safety zone.
  • D. Right: Right. The street works code says materials, equipment and vehicles must not be placed in the safety zone.

Explanation

Keep the safety zone clear of materials, equipment, vehicles and people.

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Question 2

Medium ·Link to this question (question 2)

A new starter asks why there is a gap between the cones and the trench.

What is the safety zone for?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. To protect workers and traffic from each other
  2. B. To give the gang a place to take breaks
  3. C. To store tools and spoil close to hand
  4. D. To park the supervisor's van out of the way of traffic
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. The street works code says the safety zone protects you from traffic and protects the traffic from you.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. People should not stand or sit in the safety zone.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Nothing may be stored in the safety zone.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Vehicles must not be parked in the safety zone.

Explanation

The safety zone is a buffer that protects workers from traffic, and traffic from the works.

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Question 3

Medium ·Link to this question (question 3)

Your works take up part of a pavement for several days.

How must pedestrians be protected from the works?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Nothing, if a sign says the path is closed
  2. B. A continuous line of barriers
  3. C. A few cones with gaps between them
  4. D. Tape strung between two signs
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Pedestrians must still be protected by barriers.
  • B. Right: Right. The street works code says at all static works, pedestrians must be protected by a continuous system of barriers.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Gaps let people walk into the works.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Tape is not a barrier.

Explanation

At static works, protect pedestrians with a continuous system of barriers, set up to the maker's instructions.

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Question 4

Harder ·Link to this question (question 4)

A footway has to be narrowed to get past your works.

Under the 2013 street works code, what is the narrowest it may be?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. 75 centimetres
  2. B. There is no limit
  3. C. 1 metre
  4. D. 50 centimetres
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. The absolute minimum is 1 metre.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. The footway must never be narrower than 1 metre.
  • C. Right: Right. The code says the footway width must in no circumstances be reduced below 1.0 metre, and ideally it is 1.5 metres.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. That is far too narrow for wheelchairs and buggies.

Explanation

Never narrow a footway below 1 metre. Ideally keep it at least 1.5 metres, so wheelchairs and buggies can pass.

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Question 5

Medium ·Link to this question (question 5)

Road works on a 40 mph road will be left in place overnight.

What does the street works code say they must have?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Nothing, as drivers have headlights
  2. B. Only a sign saying "road works"
  3. C. Reflective tape on the works van
  4. D. Warning lights
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Works on 40 mph roads must have warning lights.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Warning lights are needed too.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. The works themselves need warning lights.
  • D. Right: Right. The code says all street and road works on roads with a speed limit of 40 mph or more must have warning lights.

Explanation

Works on roads with a limit of 40 mph or more must have warning lights.

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Question 6

Medium ·Link to this question (question 6)

Your gang has to leave a road works site unattended until the next morning.

What should you do before you go?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Remove as many hazards as you can
  2. B. Leave it as it is until the morning
  3. C. Take the signs away so they aren't stolen
  4. D. Leave the trench open so it can dry
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. The code says if you have to leave a site unattended, remove as many hazards as you can before leaving. HSE also says secure the site at the end of each day.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Remove hazards and secure the site first.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Signs and barriers must stay to protect the public.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Open trenches must be covered or guarded.

Explanation

Before leaving a site unattended, remove what hazards you can and leave it secure, signed and guarded.

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