Site Transport, Plant & Lifting Operations

What is the most effective way for a site manager to protect pedestrians from site vehicles?

• AFit every site vehicle with a reversing alarm and rear camera
• BIssue every pedestrian with high-visibility clothing on site
• CBrief pedestrians at induction to keep watch for site vehicles
• DSegregate pedestrians from vehicles with physical barriers✓

Answer: HSG144 puts physical segregation at the top of the hierarchy because it removes the possibility of contact rather than relying on people noticing each other. High-visibility clothing, alarms, cameras and briefings all help but depend on human attention and are secondary measures once routes have been separated.

A site manager wants to reduce the amount of reversing by delivery vehicles. Which layout measure achieves this?

• AA one-way system with drive-through delivery areas✓
• BA trained signaller stationed at the site entrance
• CA lower site speed limit with more warning signs
• DA ban on deliveries during the busiest working hours

Answer: Reversing is a major cause of vehicle deaths, and a one-way route with drive-through or turning areas removes the need for it at the design stage. Speed limits, signs, signallers and delivery timing manage the risk of the reversing that still happens rather than reducing how often vehicles must reverse.

Under LOLER, how often must lifting accessories such as chains, slings and shackles be thoroughly examined?

• AAt least every 6 months✓
• BAt least every 12 months
• CAt least every 3 months
• DAt least every 24 months

Answer: LOLER sets a six-month maximum interval for lifting accessories and for equipment used to lift people, because these items are most likely to deteriorate and their failure has the most serious consequences. Twelve months applies to other lifting equipment, and three or twenty-four months are not LOLER default intervals.

A telehandler fitted with forks is used only to lift materials. Which LOLER thorough-examination interval applies where there is no written scheme?

• A24 months, as it is a hired-in machine
• B3 months, as it works on rough ground
• C12 months, as it does not carry people✓
• D6 months, as it is a mobile machine

Answer: LOLER requires lifting equipment that is not used to lift people to be thoroughly examined at least every 12 months, unless a competent person has drawn up a written scheme setting different intervals. The six-month period is for people-lifting equipment and accessories, and being mobile, on rough ground or hired does not change the statutory interval.

Under LOLER, who must plan a crane lift on site?

• AA competent appointed person✓
• BThe crane operator once on site
• CThe crane hire firm's transport manager
• DThe principal designer for the project

Answer: LOLER requires every lifting operation to be properly planned by a competent person, and BS 7121 gives that role to the appointed person who produces the lift plan and method statement. The operator carries out the lift rather than plans it, a transport manager arranges delivery, and the principal designer has no LOLER planning duty.

A load slung beneath a tower crane starts to swing in a breeze. Which control should the lift plan have included to steady it?

• ATag lines held by the slinger from a safe position✓
• BA second crane hooked to the load to hold it still
• CThe crane operator swinging the jib against the wind
• DAn operative steadying the load by hand beneath it

Answer: Tag lines let the slinger control rotation and swing while staying clear of the load path, which is why they feature in lift plans for long or bulky loads. Placing a person beneath the load to steady it by hand puts them in the crush zone, a second crane creates an unplanned tandem lift, and slewing against the wind adds momentum rather than removing it.

What is the basic rule for everyone on site while a load is suspended from a crane?

• AKeep a hand on the load to stop it from turning
• BKeep eye contact with the operator while walking under
• CKeep a hard hat on when passing beneath the load
• DKeep out of the exclusion zone beneath the load✓

Answer: Nobody should walk or work under a suspended load; the lift plan sets an exclusion zone and the signaller keeps it clear until the load is landed. Touching the load, relying on a helmet or watching the operator all place a person in the drop zone, where a dropped load or failed sling would be fatal regardless of PPE.

Before a mobile crane sets up on site, what must the site manager confirm about the position?

• AThe crane is in view of the site office
• BA fire point is within 10 metres of it
• CThe ground will bear the outrigger loads✓
• DThe fence is 2 metres from the crane

Answer: Crane overturns are usually caused by ground failure under an outrigger, so the appointed person needs the bearing capacity confirmed and spreader mats or a prepared pad provided where necessary. Distances to fences, fire points and the site office are not planning criteria for crane stability.

How should a site manager verify that a telehandler operator arriving on site is competent?

• AAsk the hire company for a written reference on the operator
• BAccept a verbal assurance of previous telehandler experience
• CWatch the operator drive the machine around the yard first
• DCheck a current CPCS or NPORS card for the right category✓

Answer: A current plant operator card in the correct category is documentary evidence of tested competence, and the site should also check it matches the machine and attachments in use. Watching a short drive, accepting a verbal claim or relying on a hire firm's reference gives no assurance that the operator has been assessed against a recognised standard.

A dumper is left unattended at the end of a shift. What should the operator have done with it?

• ARemoved the key and immobilised the machine✓
• BLeft the engine idling so it restarts easily
• CLeft the key in it so the next shift can move it
• DParked it across the haul road as a barrier

Answer: Unattended plant must be immobilised with the key removed so that it cannot be started by an untrained or unauthorised person, including trespassing children. Leaving the engine running or the key in place invites unauthorised use, and parking across a haul road obstructs traffic and emergency access.

A lorry arrives with a load of pallets. What must the site manager ensure before the driver is allowed onto the site?

• AThe driver holds a CSCS card for the trade being supplied
• BThe driver is inducted and shown the unloading area✓
• CThe driver has held an HGV licence for at least two years
• DThe driver signs to accept liability for damage on site

Answer: Delivery drivers are among the people most often hurt on sites, so HSG144 expects them to receive a site briefing covering routes, rules and the controlled unloading area. Length of licence, liability paperwork and a trade CSCS card are not conditions for site entry and do nothing to control the risk during the delivery itself.

What must a signaller directing a reversing lorry on site be provided with?

• AA CPCS card for the type of vehicle being directed
• BTraining in agreed hand signals and hi-vis clothing✓
• CA radio link to the site office and a safety helmet
• DA permit to work signed by the site manager each day

Answer: The Safety Signs and Signals Regulations specify the hand signals a signaller uses, so they must be trained in them, agree them with the driver and be clearly visible in high-visibility clothing. A signaller does not need an operator card for the vehicle, and a radio to the office or a daily permit is not a requirement for the role.