Construction site hazards and control
What the domain tests
This domain tests recognition of construction hazards and selection of proportionate controls: work at height, excavations, plant and vehicles, lifting, electricity, hazardous substances, noise, vibration, dust, asbestos, confined spaces and welfare.
Core rules
- Work at height: avoid it where possible; prevent falls with guardrails and working platforms; mitigate consequences with nets or airbags. Scaffolds need inspection before first use, every 7 days and after alteration or adverse weather.
- Excavations: locate buried services before digging; prevent collapse by battering, benching, shoring or trench boxes; provide safe access; keep spoil and plant back from edges; inspect by a competent person at the start of shift, after events and at least every 7 days.
- Plant and vehicles: segregate pedestrians and vehicles, use one-way routes, banksmen, exclusion zones and trained operators. Lifting needs a planned lift, competent personnel and LOLER examination.
- Electricity: use 110V reduced low voltage where practicable, RCD protection, isolation and lock-off.
- Health hazards: silica dust from cutting concrete needs water suppression or extraction plus RPE; asbestos survey before refurbishment; noise and HAVS controls follow the relevant regulations.
Worked example
Workers are laying drainage in a 2.5 m deep trench. The sides are vertical and unsupported, spoil is at the edge and a mini-excavator is tracking beside the trench. Before entry, the trench needs a design: batter, shore or use a trench box. Services must be located. Spoil and plant must be set back. A competent person must inspect and record it. Access by ladder must be secure. If gas or confined-space conditions are possible, entry needs a permit and gas testing. The correct order is to stop entry, control collapse and vehicle loading, then allow work.
Traps that cost marks
PPE is last, not first. A daily inspection is not the legal minimum for excavations; the competent person inspection is at the start of shift and after events, with weekly records. Do not treat asbestos as general dust.