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Other hazards on plumbing jobs questions for the Plumbing (JIB) (PLUM) specialist test

6 free questions on Other hazards on plumbing jobs, from section E. Specialist: Plumbing (JIB). 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

Medium ·Link to this question (question 1)

You are replacing old heating pipes in a 1970s school. The pipes have old lagging on them.

What should you do?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Strip it off quickly and bag it
  2. B. Wet it down and carry on cutting it out carefully
  3. C. Carry on, as lagging is never asbestos
  4. D. Stop, as the lagging may contain asbestos
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Disturbing asbestos releases fibres.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Stop and find out what it is first.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Pipe lagging is a common place for asbestos.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE lists lagging on plant and pipework as a place asbestos may be found. If you think a material may contain asbestos, stop work.

Explanation

Old pipe lagging may contain asbestos. Stop and check before disturbing it.

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Question 2

Easier ·Link to this question (question 2)

You are quoting for plumbing work in several older buildings.

Which buildings may contain asbestos?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Any built or refurbished before 2000
  2. B. Only buildings built before 1950
  3. C. Only factories and power stations
  4. D. Only buildings with a flat roof or a boiler house
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says any building built or refurbished before 2000 may contain asbestos.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Asbestos was used until 1999.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Homes, schools and offices can contain it too.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Roof shape has nothing to do with it.

Explanation

Any building built or refurbished before 2000 may contain asbestos.

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Question 3

Medium ·Link to this question (question 3)

A blockage needs clearing in a deep, unventilated drainage chamber.

What does HSE say first?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Go in if you can't smell anything
  2. B. Avoid going in if it can be done from outside
  3. C. Send in the smallest worker, with a torch and a rope
  4. D. Go in quickly and hold your breath
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Dangerous gases and lack of oxygen can't always be smelled.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says avoid entering a confined space if the work can be done another way, for example from outside.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Size doesn't protect against gas or lack of oxygen.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Bad air can overcome you in seconds.

Explanation

Avoid entering confined spaces where you can. If entry is needed, follow a safe system of work.

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Question 4

Medium ·Link to this question (question 4)

You are working on drains where there are signs of rats.

What should you do to protect yourself from leptospirosis?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Leave cuts open to the air
  2. B. Rinse your hands in the drain water before you eat
  3. C. Cover cuts and wash hands before eating
  4. D. Eat your lunch in the trench
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Cover cuts so infection can't get in.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Drain water may carry the infection.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says cover cuts and grazes and wash your hands before eating, drinking or smoking.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Eat only after washing, away from the work.

Explanation

Around rats and drains: cover cuts, wear gloves, and wash before eating, drinking or smoking.

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Question 5

Medium ·Link to this question (question 5)

You need to get a full-size hot water cylinder up a flight of stairs.

What should you do?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Carry it up alone to save time
  2. B. Lift it with your back bent
  3. C. Drag it up the stairs on its side, one step at a time
  4. D. Plan it, and use help or a lifting aid
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. A heavy, awkward load can injure you.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Keep your back straight and use your legs.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. That risks losing control of it.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says avoid hazardous manual handling where you can, and reduce the risk with lifting aids or team handling.

Explanation

Plan heavy lifts: use lifting aids or team handling, and avoid carrying awkward loads alone.

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Question 6

Medium ·Link to this question (question 6)

You are storing lengths of copper and plastic pipe on a site next to a primary school.

What does HSE say?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Store them so they can't roll or topple
  2. B. Lean them against the site fence
  3. C. Leave them on the pavement for delivery
  4. D. Stack them as high as you can to save space on site
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says store materials such as pipes so they cannot topple or roll, and keep children out of the site.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. They could fall onto people outside.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. They could trip or injure the public.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. High stacks can topple.

Explanation

Store pipes and materials so they can't roll or topple, and keep the site secure from children.

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