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Traffic, vehicles and working at the roadside questions for the Highway works (HIW) specialist test

6 free questions on Traffic, vehicles and working at the roadside, 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 planning traffic routes for a highway maintenance depot and its work sites.

What causes most construction transport accidents, according to HSE?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Vehicles that are washed too often
  2. B. Poor separation of people and vehicles
  3. C. Vehicles carrying too much fuel in their tanks
  4. D. Drivers using the radio in the cab
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Cleaning has nothing to do with it.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says most construction transport accidents come from inadequate separation of pedestrians and vehicles.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. HSE points to poor separation of people and vehicles.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. HSE points to poor separation of people and vehicles.

Explanation

Keep people and vehicles apart. Poor separation causes most construction transport accidents.

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Question 2

Medium ·Link to this question (question 2)

A tipper lorry keeps reversing along a closed lane to reach the gang.

What does HSE say about reversing?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Reversing is safe if the driver knows the road
  2. B. Reverse only with the cab window wound down
  3. C. Avoid the need to reverse where you can
  4. D. Reverse quickly so it is over sooner
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Reversing is a major cause of fatal accidents.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. HSE says design out reversing where you can.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says avoid reversing where possible, as it is a major cause of fatal accidents. One-way systems and turning areas help.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Speed makes reversing more dangerous.

Explanation

Reversing is a major cause of deaths. Plan the work so vehicles don't need to reverse.

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Question 3

Easier ·Link to this question (question 3)

A lorry needs guiding into a tight gap in the works.

Who may direct the vehicle?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Any worker who is free at the time
  2. B. Anyone wearing a hi-vis vest
  3. C. A passer-by who has offered to help
  4. D. A trained, authorised signaller
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Signallers must be trained and authorised.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Hi-vis doesn't make someone a trained signaller.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Only trained, authorised signallers should do this.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says people who direct vehicle movements (signallers) must be trained and authorised to do so.

Explanation

Only trained and authorised signallers should direct vehicles.

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Question 4

Medium ·Link to this question (question 4)

Your gang will be working at the side of a busy road.

What must the risk assessment look at in particular?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. The risks from other road users
  2. B. Only the weather forecast for the day
  3. C. Only the cost of the traffic control
  4. D. Only how long the job will take
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says make sure all risks, particularly from other road users, are properly assessed, and safe systems prepared.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Passing traffic is the main risk to assess.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Safety comes first, not just cost.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. The risks from traffic must be assessed whatever the length of the job.

Explanation

At the roadside, assess the risks from other road users and plan a safe system of work.

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Question 5

Easier ·Link to this question (question 5)

Your gang will be working at the side of a road in the rain.

What clothing should be provided and worn?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. A hi-vis vest only when the supervisor is there
  2. B. High-visibility clothing, boots and gloves
  3. C. Dark clothing, so drivers aren't distracted
  4. D. Whatever each worker brings from home
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. High-visibility clothing is worn all the time at the roadside.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says provide and use high-visibility or weatherproof clothing, including footwear and gloves.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Workers need to be seen by drivers.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Suitable high-visibility clothing must be provided.

Explanation

At the roadside, wear high-visibility clothing, with suitable boots and gloves.

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Question 6

Medium ·Link to this question (question 6)

Vehicles and workers share a route through the works after dark.

What does HSE say about lighting?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Lighting isn't needed, as vehicles have headlights
  2. B. Only light the welfare cabin and the site office
  3. C. Light it so drivers and walkers can see each other
  4. D. Turn site lights off to save fuel
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Headlights alone may not show people on foot.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Shared routes need lighting.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says lighting should let drivers and pedestrians on shared routes see each other easily.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Shared routes need lighting.

Explanation

Light shared routes so drivers and people on foot can see each other.

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