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Specialist Activities – Tunnelling

Construction Test > Specialist Activities – Tunnelling

You need to answer at least 47 out of 56 questions correctly to pass the Tunnelling Specialist Activities Test. Answers may be reviewed after each question or at the end of the test. Good luck!

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List of questions in above test (quick view). Click question box to reveal correct answer.
1. What is the greatest danger created by suspended loads during a sinking operation? Give ONE answer
A Asphyxiation
B Miscalculation of the operation
C Striking underground services
D The load failing and/or objects falling
Correct Answer: D The load failing and/or objects falling
Explanation: Suspended loads create the danger of falling objects, or loading failures.
2. You are in a shaft constructing rings from a platform. What is the MOST important piece of PPE you must wear? Give ONE answer
A Full face respirator
B Hard hat
C High visibility clothing
D Safety harness
Correct Answer: D Safety harness
Explanation: You must wear a safety harness.
3. When should supports be installed in excavations? Give ONE answer
A Before the working team enters
B Immediately
C When heavy rain or dry weather is forecast
D When the excavation has reached its designated depth
Correct Answer: B Immediately
Explanation: Supports must be installed immediately when excavating to constantly maintain the stability of the structure.
4. How can you prevent water entering a tunnel during construction? Give ONE answer
A Avoiding groundwater reserves
B Compressed air
C Securely lining the tunnel
D Siphoning water out
Correct Answer: B Compressed air
Explanation: Compressed air should be used to prevent water entering a tunnel under construction.
5. What is the MOST important reason for storing tunnel segments safely? Give ONE answer
A To avoid damaging the segments
B To avoid disturbing plant life
C To ensure the efficiency of the tunnelling job
D To prevent falling or instability
Correct Answer: D To prevent falling or instability
Explanation: Safe storing of segments is crucial to avoid instability and falling.
6. When must you use water spray curtains? Give ONE answer
A When hotworks are in operation
B When the temperature is at risk of reaching dangerous levels
C When the walls of the excavation are becoming dry
D When there is a risk of smoke moving through the tunnel
Correct Answer: D When there is a risk of smoke moving through the tunnel
Explanation: Water spray curtains help stop smoke moving along tunnels.
7. What is the result of oxygen cylinders coming into contact with grease? Give ONE answer
A They may corrode
B They may explode
C They will be properly cleaned
D They will become dangerously slippery to handle
Correct Answer: B They may explode
Explanation: Grease should never come into contact with oxygen cylinders, as this created an explosion risk.
8. What item of PPE MUST all locomotive operators and track maintenance staff wear? Give ONE answer
A Ear protectors
B Face masks
C Full body protective clothing
D High visibility clothing
Correct Answer: D High visibility clothing
Explanation: High visibility clothing must be worn by all employees working around or operating locomotives.
9. Which of the following statements MUST be TRUE about the power supply for equipment used in communications? Give ONE answer
A It must be battery powered
B It must be part of the mains power supply
C It must be separate from the mains power supply
D It must be switched off during breaks
Correct Answer: C It must be separate from the mains power supply
Explanation: The mains and communications power supplies must run independently.
10. When is lone working permitted in tunnels? Give ONE answer
A Always, so long as the worker receives regular checks
B Never
C When the worker can access a minimum of two forms of communication equipment
D When the worker is the only qualified person who can complete a job
Correct Answer: B Never
Explanation: Lone workers should never operate in tunnels.
11. What is the MINIMUM height that safety barriers around the entrance of a shaft must be? Give ONE answer
A 1.2m
B 1.5m
C 2m, with an entrance gate
D 30cm
Correct Answer: A 1.2m
Explanation: Barriers must be a minimum of 1.2m high.
12. You notice a tear in the ventilation ducting of a tunnel you are working in. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Monitor it for further damage
B Patch it immediately
C Report this immediately to your supervisor
D Set up a gas level monitoring device
Correct Answer: C Report this immediately to your supervisor
Explanation: Any damaged or defective equipment must be immediately reported.
13. What is the purpose of a tally system? Give ONE answer
A To keep track of dangerous incidents in the tunnel
B To keep track of materials being transported into the tunnel
C To keep track of the number of people in a tunnel
D To keep track of the progress of the construction
Correct Answer: C To keep track of the number of people in a tunnel
Explanation: A tally system is used to count the number of people coming in and out of a tunnel.
14. What must be TRUE about your available escape routes when working in a shaft? Give ONE answer
A You must be able to pull yourself out of the shaft in cases of emergency
B You must determine at least 2 viable escape routes for yourself before you begin
C You must have a minimum of 2 pre-designated escape routes or methods
D You must have at least 1 pre-designated escape route or method
Correct Answer: C You must have a minimum of 2 pre-designated escape routes or methods
Explanation: There must be at least 2 escape routes for workers in a shaft, at every point where work is in operation.
15. You have just passed a refuge point in a STRAIGHT tunnel. How far away, at MOST, will the next one be? Give ONE answer
A 10m
B 25m
C 50m
D 75m
Correct Answer: C 50m
Explanation: Safe refuges in a straight tunnel should be no more than 50m apart.
16. When fitting a vertical ladder for shaft access, at what interval must landings be installed? Give ONE answer
A Every 15m
B Every 6m
C Every 9m
D There is no specified interval
Correct Answer: B Every 6m
Explanation: There must be a landing, or resting place, installed every 6m for vertical shaft access ladders.
17. Why is lone working prohibited in tunnels? Give ONE answer
A The person may become incapacitated and therefore be unable to call for help
B The tunnel may collapse without adequate supervision
C The worker may become claustrophobic
D The worker will have nobody to supervise the quality of their work
Correct Answer: A The person may become incapacitated and therefore be unable to call for help
Explanation: Lone work is not permitted because if a worker is incapacitated they may be unable to communicate their situation.
18. What is the maximum permitted distance between safe refuge points on a CURVED section of a tunnel? Give ONE answer
A 10m
B 25m
C 50m
D 75m
Correct Answer: B 25m
Explanation: Along a curved section of tunnel, safe refuge points must come at intervals of no more than 25m.
19. What MUST be used to prevent people leaning out or falling whilst being transported with lifting equipment? Give ONE answer
A An alarm system
B Safety harnesses
C Sliding doors or safety nets
D Warning tape
Correct Answer: C Sliding doors or safety nets
Explanation: Nets and doors must be used to prevent people being hurt or falling whilst being lifted with equipment such as hoists and cages.
20. You are using a self-rescue set to exit a tunnel in an emergency. What should you be aware of if you are running? Give ONE answer
A The kit will become unstable when you are running
B The vibrations may cause further damage to the tunnel
C This will deplete the oxygen supply faster
D You become harder for teams above ground to track
Correct Answer: C This will deplete the oxygen supply faster
Explanation: Running when using a self-rescue kit will deplete the air supply faster.
21. What is the MAXIMUM time you should expect the oxygen supply in a self-rescue kit to last? Give ONE answer
A 1 hour
B 20 minutes
C 5 minutes
D It purifies air, so does not run out
Correct Answer: B 20 minutes
Explanation: You should expect the air supply in a self-rescue kit to last no longer than 20 minutes.
22. What should you do if you hear the ventilation system failure alarm sound? Give ONE answer
A Call the emergency services
B Exit the tunnel immediately
C Investigate the fault
D Report the failure to your supervisor
Correct Answer: B Exit the tunnel immediately
Explanation: If the ventilation system failure alarm sounds, you must leave the tunnel immediately.
23. After carrying out hot works in a tunnel, how long should a fire watch be maintained? Give ONE answer
A At least 1 hour
B At least 10 minutes
C At least 30 minutes
D Continuously for the remainder of the shift
Correct Answer: A At least 1 hour
Explanation: Fire watches must be maintained for at least 60 minutes following the completion of hot works in a tunnel.
24. Your team is entering a tunnel by way of a lifting cage. How will you know the number of people permitted in the cage at any one time? Give ONE answer
A A red light will flash if the cage is overloaded
B A supervisor will be present to monitor lift access
C No more than three people are permitted in lifting cages
D There will be signage
Correct Answer: D There will be signage
Explanation: Lifting cages will indicate their maximum capacity by way of signs or labels.
25. What problem is created if water in the base of a tunnel is allowed to exceed the level of rails? Give ONE answer
A Legionella may breed
B This indicates a dangerous leak in the tunnel construction
C This is a maintenance issue
D This will create health hazards for workers
Correct Answer: C This is a maintenance issue
Explanation: The build-up of water above rails will create a maintenance issue.
26. What hazard do lead-acid batteries create when charging in confined spaces? Give ONE answer
A A combustion risk
B An electrocution risk
C They may explode
D Toxic fumes
Correct Answer: A A combustion risk
Explanation: Lead-acid batteries produce flammable gas when being charged, which is a combustion risk.
27. Which TWO of the following things are NOT permitted within 10m of lead-acid battery charging areas and diesel fuel points? Give TWO answers
A Corrosive liquids
B High-vibration tools
C Hot works
D LPG cannisters
E Naked flames
Correct Answer: C Hot works, E Naked flames
Explanation: These charging and refuelling areas present combustion risks, so hot works and naked flames cannot be present within 10m of them.
28. You are working in a tunnel, and the main lighting goes out. What should happen now? Give ONE answer
A The emergency lighting should be activated
B You should be wary of the build-up of toxic gases
C You should exit the tunnel immediately
D You should use your head torches to continue work
Correct Answer: A The emergency lighting should be activated
Explanation: Emergency lighting should be present as a backup if the main lighting system fails.
29. What voltage should hand tools running from the mains use in tunnels? Give ONE answer
A 110 volts
B 240 volts
C 40 volts
D 480 volt
Correct Answer: A 110 volts
Explanation: Powered hand tools (that do not use batteries) should use a 110 volt supply.
30. What is "intrinsically safe" equipment? Give ONE answer
A Equipment that does not have sharp components
B Equipment that does not involve kinetic energy
C Equipment that does not produce hazardous substances when used
D Equipment that does not produce sparks
Correct Answer: D Equipment that does not produce sparks
Explanation: Equipment that is "intrinsically safe" does not produce sparks.
31. What kind of fire extinguisher system MUST plant powered by diesel/electricity be fitted with? Give ONE answer
A A FIXED system
B A PORTABLE system
C A SOLAR POWERED system
D A WET FOAM system
Correct Answer: A A FIXED system
Explanation: These types of plant must come with a fire extinguishing system that is fixed.
32. Breathlessness from lack of oxygen will occur when the level of oxygen in the air falls below a certain point. What is this point? Give ONE answer
A 0.15
B 0.19
C 0.21
D 0.24
Correct Answer: B 0.19
Explanation: An atmosphere with less than 19% oxygen will begin causing respiratory problems.
33. What is the primary danger associated with carbon monoxide exposure? Give ONE answer
A It can cause blindness
B You may suffer nerve damage
C You may suffer respiratory paralysis
D Your body will be less able to take in oxygen
Correct Answer: D Your body will be less able to take in oxygen
Explanation: High levels of carbon monoxide exposure makes it harder for your body to take in oxygen.
34. You enter a tunnel to begin work, and the immediate smell of rotten eggs begins to recede. Why should you be wary of this? Give ONE answer
A Ammonia in the atmosphere may have begun to dissipate
B No reason - you have quickly acclimatised to the presence of harmless hydrogen sulphide in the atmosphere
C The nerve endings in your nose may have been paralysed by carbon monoxide in the atmosphere
D The nerve endings in your nose may have been paralysed by hydrogen sulphide in the atmosphere
Correct Answer: D The nerve endings in your nose may have been paralysed by hydrogen sulphide in the atmosphere
Explanation: Hydrogen sulphide smells of rotten eggs, and will paralyse the nerve endings in your nose. This may make it seem that it has dissipated, when it has not.
35. If you are in a tunnel, and asked to use a piece of equipment that is powered by a petrol internal combustion engine, what MUST you be aware of? Give ONE answer
A Such equipment must NEVER be used in tunnelling work
B You must ALWAYS wear a full-mask respirator
C You must ALWAYS wear gloves
D You must NEVER work in a high-temperature atmosphere
Correct Answer: A Such equipment must NEVER be used in tunnelling work
Explanation: You must never use petrol-powered internal combustion engines in tunnelling operations.
36. What is the primary danger associated with nitrogen oxide exposure? Give ONE answer
A It can cause respiratory issues
B It may cause nerve damage in your nose
C It may cause skin rashes
D It may cause you to lose your sense of taste
Correct Answer: A It can cause respiratory issues
Explanation: Nitrogen oxide gas can cause respiratory issues.
37. What happens when methane is exposed to the air? Give ONE answer
A It combines with carbon dioxide and a toxic gas is created
B It combines with moisture to create a heavy gas
C It combines with oxygen and an explosive mixture is created
D It dissipates rapidly
Correct Answer: C It combines with oxygen and an explosive mixture is created
Explanation: Methane creates an explosive mixture when mixed with oxygen, which is found in the air.
38. What should happen upon hearing and seeing the ventilation failure alarm? Give ONE answer
A An immediate evacuation
B An immediate risk assessment
C An immediate switch to back-up ventilation equipment
D An immediate use of full-face respirators for the duration of the task
Correct Answer: A An immediate evacuation
Explanation: Evacuation should be immediate when the alarm is sounded or seen.
39. Where on site are you MOST at risk of being exposed to nitrogen oxide? Give ONE answer
A Near diesel-powered equipment
B Near exposed asbestos
C Near metalworks
D Near wet cement
Correct Answer: A Near diesel-powered equipment
Explanation: Diesel-powered tools and equipment produce nitrogen oxide.
40. Which TWO of the following describe why you must NEVER use petrol-powered internal combustion engines in a tunnel? Give TWO answers
A They are usually too heavy
B They emit hydrogen sulphide
C They may create a flammable atmosphere
D They may get stuck inside the tunnel
E They may increase the carbon monoxide levels
Correct Answer: C They may create a flammable atmosphere, E They may increase the carbon monoxide levels
Explanation: Internal combustion engines powered by petrol should never be used in tunnels - they increase both the carbon monoxide levels, and the flammability, of the atmosphere.
41. What is DCI? Give ONE answer
A Decompression illness
B Depth construction insurance
C Direct communications intercom
D Double-cable intersection
Correct Answer: A Decompression illness
Explanation: Decompression illness is sometimes shortened to DCI.
42. How must crush zones for slewing plant be signalled? Give ONE answer
A Cones
B It is your responsibility to understand the size of the crush zone
C Markings on the floor
D Warning lights and barriers/signage
Correct Answer: D Warning lights and barriers/signage
Explanation: Lights and signage/barriers must be used to signal crush zones.
43. What must all concrete batching plants have? Give ONE answer
A Calibrated multi-gas monitor
B Dust extraction device
C Eyewash station
D Roll over protection structure
Correct Answer: C Eyewash station
Explanation: There must be an eyewash station at every plant involved in batching cement and concrete.
44. What must happen before a conveyor belt begins to move? Give ONE answer
A An alarm must sound
B The atmosphere must be tested for methane gas
C The belt must be cordoned off
D The operator must ensure nobody is near the belt
Correct Answer: A An alarm must sound
Explanation: An alarm must sound before a conveyor belt begins to move.
45. What safeguard must be in place for inclined conveyor belts? Give ONE answer
A Anti roll-back devices
B Calibrated multi-gas monitor
C Secondary power supply
D Wheel stop blocks
Correct Answer: A Anti roll-back devices
Explanation: If power is lost on an inclined conveyor belt, an anti roll-back device is necessary to prevent it running in reverse.
46. Operators of tunnel boring machines will have restricted lines of sight. What is the best way to overcome this? Give ONE answer
A Additional signallers
B An additional control point
C CCTV
D Operators must never work if their line of sight is restricted
Correct Answer: B An additional control point
Explanation: An additional control point is the recommended way of working with the operator's reduced line of sight.
47. What must you do when a vehicle is approaching in a tunnel? Give ONE answer
A Immediately go to your nearest refuge or hop-up
B Move immediately to the side of the tunnel
C Signal to the operator that you are present
D Sound the nearest alarm
Correct Answer: A Immediately go to your nearest refuge or hop-up
Explanation: You must use hop-ups and refuges to stay safe when vehicles are approaching and passing.
48. Which TWO of the following describe the CORRECT light configuration for locomotives? Give TWO answers
A Red light at the front
B Red light at the rear
C White light at the front
D White light at the rear
Correct Answer: B Red light at the rear, C White light at the front
Explanation: Locomotive lights must be white at the front and red at the rear.
49. When MUST rolling stock have secondary couplings fitted? Give ONE answer
A Always
B When conditions are wet
C When it is loaded
D When it is un-braked
Correct Answer: D When it is un-braked
Explanation: Un-braked rolling stock must be fitted with secondary couplings.
50. What is the MAXIMUM emergency braking distance permitted for locomotives? Give ONE answer
A 100m
B 10m
C 30m
D 60m
Correct Answer: D 60m
Explanation: The emergency braking distance for locomotives must be no more than 60m.
51. Which THREE of the following describe the CORRECT meaning of coloured signal lights in a tunnel? Give THREE answers
A Amber: out bye
B Amber: slow
C Green: go
D Green: in bye
E Red: empty tunnel
F Red: stop
Correct Answer: A Amber: out bye, D Green: in bye, F Red: stop
Explanation: Coloured traffic lights in tunnels signal stop, out bye, and in bye.
52. What must flexible hose connections be fitted with? Give ONE answer
A Calibrated multi-gas monitor
B Dust extraction devices
C Protective wrapping
D Whip checks
Correct Answer: D Whip checks
Explanation: Hose connections on pressurised tools must be fitted with whip checks.
53. What must happen immediately if a grouting hose becomes blocked? Give ONE answer
A Full-face respirators must be put on
B The blockage must be cleared
C The pressure must be released
D The tunnel must be evacuated
Correct Answer: C The pressure must be released
Explanation: Pressure must immediately be released if a hose used in grouting or spraying concrete becomes blocked.
54. What may happen is a grouting pipeline is NOT cleaned after use? Give ONE answer
A It may become unusable
B It may burst when used next
C It may create noxious gas when used next
D It may damage the pipeline
Correct Answer: B It may burst when used next
Explanation: Grouting pipelines that are not properly cleaned are liable to burst the next time they are used.
55. What does swelling in a hose indicate? Give ONE answer
A Nothing in particular
B That it is being used beyond its capacity
C That it is damaged
D That it is in use
Correct Answer: C That it is damaged
Explanation: If a hose is swelling, it is likely that it is damaged. It must be replaced.
56. True or false: if the correct sized hose cannot be found, you may locate one of a similar size with different markings? Give ONE answer
A FALSE
B TRUE
Correct Answer: A FALSE
Explanation: Hoses with different markings to the one that must be used may have different uses, capacities, or sizes. You must not substitute them in.