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Work in compressed air questions for the Tunnelling (TUNN) specialist test

6 free questions on Work in compressed air, 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 tunnel will be driven in compressed air to hold back groundwater.

Which regulations apply?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. The Work in Compressed Air Regulations
  2. B. Only the Noise at Work Regulations
  3. C. No regulations, as it is underground
  4. D. Only the client's own site rules and induction
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says these regulations apply to those doing tunnelling and other construction work in compressed air.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Compressed air work has its own regulations.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Work in compressed air is tightly regulated.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. The Work in Compressed Air Regulations 1996 apply.

Explanation

Tunnelling in compressed air is covered by the Work in Compressed Air Regulations 1996.

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Question 2

Medium ·Link to this question (question 2)

A compressed air contractor is setting up a new tunnel job.

Who must be appointed to give occupational health advice?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Nobody, as workers see their GP
  2. B. A Contract Medical Adviser (CMA)
  3. C. The site first aider
  4. D. The tunnel foreman
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. A Contract Medical Adviser must be appointed.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says the regulations require a Contract Medical Adviser to advise on all aspects of compressed air work.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. The regulations require a Contract Medical Adviser.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. The regulations require a Contract Medical Adviser.

Explanation

Compressed air work needs a Contract Medical Adviser for occupational health advice.

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Question 3

Harder ·Link to this question (question 3)

Workers are coming out of a compressed air working chamber at the end of a shift.

What do the rules now require during decompression?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Holding your breath
  2. B. Smoking to calm the nerves
  3. C. Breathing oxygen
  4. D. Coming out as fast as possible
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. That could cause serious injury.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Smoking has no place in decompression.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says oxygen breathing during decompression has been required since 2001.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Decompression follows approved procedures.

Explanation

Decompression from compressed air work uses oxygen breathing, a rule since 2001.

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Question 4

Medium ·Link to this question (question 4)

A contractor wants to use its own compression and decompression procedures.

What do the regulations say?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Any procedure is fine if it is written down
  2. B. The miners can agree their own times
  3. C. No procedure is needed for short shifts
  4. D. The procedures need HSE approval
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. The procedures need HSE approval.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Procedures are approved, not agreed on the day.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Every compression and decompression follows the procedures.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE lists compression and decompression procedures, including HSE approval of procedures, among the regulations' duties.

Explanation

Compression and decompression procedures need HSE approval.

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Question 5

Medium ·Link to this question (question 5)

A firm is about to start a job in compressed air.

Who must be told about the work?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. HSE
  2. B. Only the local newspaper
  3. C. Nobody outside the firm
  4. D. Only the workers' families
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE lists notification of the work to HSE among the duties under the regulations.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. HSE must be notified.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. HSE must be notified.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. HSE must be notified.

Explanation

Work in compressed air must be notified to HSE.

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Question 6

Medium ·Link to this question (question 6)

You are reviewing the plan for a compressed air tunnel.

What else do the regulations require because of the particular risks?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Nothing beyond normal tunnelling
  2. B. Emergency procedures for the extra risks
  3. C. A staff canteen in the air lock
  4. D. Music in the working chamber
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Compressed air work has extra requirements.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says the regulations include emergency procedures, because of the particular risks of compressed air work.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. HSE lists emergency procedures and health surveillance.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. HSE lists emergency procedures and health surveillance.

Explanation

Compressed air work needs emergency procedures and health surveillance, as well as approved procedures.

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