Construction Safety

What is CDM 2015?

• AConstruction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 governing H&S throughout project lifecycle✓
• BA building code for structural design
• CA standard for construction materials
• DA guide for site layout

Answer: CDM 2015 requires integrated H&S management from design phase through to demolition.

Who are the key duty holders under CDM 2015?

• AClient, principal designer, principal contractor, and all contractors✓
• BOnly the main contractor
• COnly the site manager
• DOnly the project architect

Answer: CDM assigns specific responsibilities to all parties: client, designers, principal designer and contractors.

What is the client's role under CDM 2015?

• AEnsuring H&S is properly managed, obtaining pre-construction information, appointing competent principal designer and contractor✓
• BSupervising daily work activities
• COnly approving budgets
• DArranging insurance

Answer: The client must ensure proper H&S governance, provide information, appoint competent persons and allow time and resources.

What is a 'principal designer'?

• AThe designer (organisation or individual) appointed by the client to manage H&S in the design phase✓
• BThe main architect
• CThe project manager
• DThe structural engineer

Answer: Principal designer has responsibility for managing H&S risks that arise from design decisions.

What is a 'principal contractor'?

• AThe contractor appointed to manage the construction phase and coordinate H&S of all workers✓
• BThe organisation that undertakes construction work
• CThe building owner
• DThe site foreman

Answer: Principal contractor plans, manages and coordinates H&S during the construction phase.

What is 'construction work'?

• AConstruction, demolition, maintenance, repair and similar work on buildings and structures✓
• BOnly new building construction
• COnly demolition
• DOnly structural changes

Answer: Construction work includes building, demolition, renovation, maintenance and emergency repairs above a threshold.

What must a 'construction phase plan' include?

• AH&S arrangements, site rules, emergency procedures, welfare facilities, site induction✓
• BOnly site layout
• COnly building design
• DOnly budget information

Answer: The plan details H&S management, site induction, welfare, communication, coordination and emergency procedures.

What is 'pre-construction information'?

• AInformation about the site and project provided by client to principal designer and contractors to inform design and planning✓
• BDesign drawings only
• CBudget estimates
• DSite photographs

Answer: Pre-construction information includes site history, hazards, environmental factors and information from previous works.

What is a 'scaffold' in construction?

• AA temporary elevated structure supporting workers and materials during construction or maintenance✓
• BA permanent structure
• CA roof system
• DA foundation system

Answer: Scaffolds are temporary structures that must be properly designed, erected, inspected and maintained.

What are the key requirements for safe scaffolding?

• ACompetent design, proper erection by trained persons, regular inspection, proper maintenance, guardrails✓
• BJust ensuring it looks stable
• CUsing any materials available
• DNo specific requirements

Answer: Scaffolds must be designed, erected and inspected by competent persons using appropriate materials and practices.

What is 'excavation' hazard in construction?

• ATrenches and holes that can collapse, flood or expose buried utilities✓
• BJust digging in soil
• COnly for building foundations
• DNormal site activity

Answer: Excavation hazards include collapse, water ingress, unstable soil and damage to underground services.

What controls are needed for safe excavation?

• AShoring/support, slopes, inspections, competent supervisor, locating utilities, competent persons✓
• BJust barriers around site
• COnly PPE for workers
• DWarning signs

Answer: Excavations require structural support, safe slopes, monitoring and competent supervision to prevent collapse.