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Air, gases and confined spaces questions for the Tunnelling (TUNN) specialist test

6 free questions on Air, gases and confined spaces, from section E. Specialist: Tunnelling. 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)

A worker collapses at the bottom of a shaft that is a confined space. Two workmates want to climb straight down to help.

What does HSE warn?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. They will be fine if they hold their breath
  2. B. They should go in one after the other
  3. C. Rescuers can be overcome too
  4. D. The quicker they go in, the safer it is
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. That is not a safe rescue.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Follow the planned emergency arrangements.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE gives the example of two people who went in to save a worker and were both overcome. Don't enter until you are sure it is safe.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Bad air can overcome rescuers in seconds.

Explanation

Don't rush in to rescue someone from a confined space. Use the planned rescue arrangements.

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Question 2

Medium ·Link to this question (question 2)

You are planning emergency arrangements for work in a sewer tunnel.

What does HSE say about relying on the emergency services?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. It is all that is needed
  2. B. It is fine if the site is near a fire station
  3. C. Only the client needs to plan for emergencies
  4. D. It isn't enough on its own
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. They may not arrive in time.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Plan your own rescue arrangements.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Those in control of the work must plan for emergencies.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says you should have emergency arrangements, and relying on the emergency services is not enough.

Explanation

Plan your own emergency and rescue arrangements. Don't rely only on the emergency services.

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Question 3

Easier ·Link to this question (question 3)

A job could be done by sending someone into a confined space in a tunnel, or by using a camera from outside.

What does HSE say?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Avoid the confined space if you can
  2. B. Send someone in, as it is quicker
  3. C. Go in, as cameras are unreliable
  4. D. Send in the newest worker, so they can learn
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says wherever possible, avoid carrying out tasks in confined spaces.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Avoid entry where the job can be done another way.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Avoid entry where possible.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Inexperience adds to the risk.

Explanation

Avoid working in confined spaces where the job can be done another way.

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Question 4

Medium ·Link to this question (question 4)

You are assessing a confined space in a tunnel.

Which of these dangers does HSE list?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Only tripping over tools
  2. B. Lack of oxygen, fumes, flooding and fire
  3. C. Only the risk of getting dirty or wet clothing
  4. D. Only the cold
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. The main dangers are bad air, flooding and fire.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE lists reduced oxygen, noxious fumes, flooding, drowning and fire among confined space dangers.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Confined spaces can kill.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. The main dangers are bad air, flooding and fire.

Explanation

Confined space dangers include lack of oxygen, fumes, flooding and fire.

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Question 5

Medium ·Link to this question (question 5)

A new starter says the main tunnel is too big to count as a confined space.

What does HSE say about size?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Only spaces less than 2 metres high count
  2. B. Only spaces with one way in count
  3. C. It can be small or very large
  4. D. Only spaces you have to crawl into count
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. There is no size limit.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. HSE doesn't define it that way.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says a confined space may be small or very large. What matters is that it is enclosed and has a foreseeable specified risk.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Size doesn't decide it.

Explanation

A confined space can be any size. It is enclosed and has a foreseeable risk such as bad air, fire or flooding.

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Question 6

Medium ·Link to this question (question 6)

Entry into a confined space in a tunnel can't be avoided.

What must you do before anyone goes in?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Nothing, if the space was safe yesterday
  2. B. Just send in someone experienced who has done it before
  3. C. Leave the lights off to save power
  4. D. Assess the risks and plan the controls
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Conditions can change. Assess and plan each time.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Experience doesn't replace a plan.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. That doesn't control any of the risks.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says if entry is unavoidable, you must assess the risks of that confined space and plan how you will control them.

Explanation

If entry is unavoidable, assess the risks and plan how to control them before anyone goes in.

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