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Operatives and Specialists – Environmental Awareness and Waste Control (2023)

Construction Test > Operatives and Specialists – Environmental Awareness and Waste Control (2023)

You need to answer at least 42 out of 47 questions correctly to pass the Environmental Awareness and Waste Control Test for Operatives and Specialists. 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. Where does the construction industry rank among other UK industries in terms of resource consumption? Give ONE answer
A It is among the top ten highest consumers
B It is among the top three highest consumers
C It is the highest consumer
D It is the second highest consumer
Correct Answer: C It is the highest consumer
Explanation: The construction industry is the highest resource-consuming industry in the UK.
2. Approximately what percentage of construction waste goes into landfill every year? Give ONE answer
A 2%
B 20%
C 50%
D 80%
Correct Answer: B 20%
Explanation: Around 100 million tonnes of waste are produced by the construction industry every year. About 20 million tonnes of this goes to landfill.
3. What is a MAJOR contributor to waste production on a construction site? Give ONE answer
A Incorrect waste disposal
B Poor resource and material management
C Processes that produce high amounts of waste
Correct Answer: B Poor resource and material management
Explanation: Large quantities of waste are produced when materials and resources are poorly managed.
4. What is the construction industry trying to improve regarding its environmental damage? Give ONE answer
A Cost effectiveness
B Legal liability
C Speed
D Sustainability
Correct Answer: D Sustainability
Explanation: The construction industry is increasingly focusing on sustainability.
5. Who must play a role in helping reduce the site's environmental impact? Give ONE answer
A Employees
B Everyone on site
C The employer
D The site's environmental manager
Correct Answer: B Everyone on site
Explanation: Everybody must contribute to helping reduce the site's environmental impact.
6. What are TWO factors that contribute to constructing a sustainable building? Give TWO answers
A Using low-cost materials
B Using materials from natural sources
C Using materials that blend in with natural surroundings
D Using materials that have a low impact on the environment
E Using materials with good resource efficiency
Correct Answer: D Using materials that have a low impact on the environment, E Using materials with good resource efficiency
Explanation: Resource-efficient materials with low environmental impact will help to make a building sustainable.
7. What are THREE examples of sustainable construction practices? Give THREE answers
A Constructing units away from the site
B Creating landfills local to the site
C Incinerating waste
D Using local labourers
E Using locally sourced materials
F Working as fast as possible
Correct Answer: A Constructing units away from the site, D Using local labourers, E Using locally sourced materials
Explanation: Locally sourced materials and labour will help reduce the project's carbon footprint. Building units off-site will also help design out waste.
8. What should a construction site be mindful of when sourcing timber? Give ONE answer
A It should come from forests that are sustainably managed
B That it can be responsibly stored on-site
C That it does not produce harmful smoke when burned
D That the wood comes from fast-growing species
Correct Answer: A It should come from forests that are sustainably managed
Explanation: Good environmental practice demands that timber be sourced from sustainably managed forests.
9. How should waste be disposed of on-site? Give ONE answer
A It should be removed by specialists for off-site sorting
B It should be safely burned
C It should be sorted into different types
D It should not be produced
Correct Answer: C It should be sorted into different types
Explanation: Waste should be sorted by type to allow different kinds of waste to be recycled or disposed of correctly.
10. Whilst demolishing an interior wall you come across some bats roosting. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Gently place them in a well-ventilated container and take them to the site office
B Gently transport them to a safe area
C Stop work and consult your supervisor
D Work quietly around them where possible
Correct Answer: C Stop work and consult your supervisor
Explanation: If you come across bats roosting, or disturb wildlife of any kind, you must stop work and ask for advice on how to proceed.
11. 5 litres of oil can contaminate an area of what size? Give ONE answer
A 5 cubic metres
B A hot tub
C Two football pitches
D Wales
Correct Answer: C Two football pitches
Explanation: Just 5 litres of oil spread extensively through the soil, surface water, and groundwater, affecting an area the size of two football pitches.
12. You are charged with hiring a company to transport waste off-site. What should you look for? Give ONE answer
A One that is environmentally certified
B One that is licensed and registered
C One that is locally sourced
D One that uses electric vehicles
Correct Answer: B One that is licensed and registered
Explanation: Waste transport companies contracted by your site should be licensed and registered.
13. Which THREE of the following are examples of pollution? Check ALL that apply
A Disposing of cardboard boxes in the recycling bin
B Disposing of plasterboard in the biodegradable waste bin
C Excessive noise
D Playing music in the canteen
E Sandwich wrappers blowing off-site
Correct Answer: B Disposing of plasterboard in the biodegradable waste bin, C Excessive noise, E Sandwich wrappers blowing off-site
Explanation: Pollution includes accidental spreading of waste, incorrect waste disposal, and things like excessive noise, light, and vibration.
14. In which TWO of the following ways might harmful substances enter watercourses? Give TWO answers
A Eutrophication
B They are transported off site by licensed contractors
C They are washed out of badly lined skips
D They run off-site into rivers
Correct Answer: C They are washed out of badly lined skips, D They run off-site into rivers
Explanation: Site run-off and incorrectly stored materials can result in substances entering watercourses (rivers, lakes, etc.)
15. You are using a solvent near a freshwater stream. What precaution should you take? Give ONE answer
A Cover part of the stream with a protective tarpaulin
B Dig a narrow gulley to divert any spills away from the stream
C If possible, maintain a minimum distance of 10 metres from the stream
D Place a ground-level barrier between yourself and the stream
Correct Answer: C If possible, maintain a minimum distance of 10 metres from the stream
Explanation: Maintain a distance of 10 metres from the stream where possible.
16. What environmental risk is created by a badly bunded storage area? Give ONE answer
A Animals may get in and become contaminated
B It will not properly contain harmful substance leaks
C It will require excessive amounts of energy
D Items inside may fall loose and leak
Correct Answer: B It will not properly contain harmful substance leaks
Explanation: Poor bunding will not properly contain any leaked or spilled substances
17. How will you know how to correctly use a spill kit? Give ONE answer
A Only licensed contractors can use spill kits
B You will be informed either during site induction, or sometime afterwards
C You will not need to use it, unless you are the designated individual
D You will refer to the spill kit manual
Correct Answer: B You will be informed either during site induction, or sometime afterwards
Explanation: All employees must be trained in emergency measures regarding environmental issues. This will happen during or following your induction.
18. What is ONE reason that pollutants become a problem if they reach the groundwater? Give ONE answer
A Groundwater is used to clean civic spaces
B Groundwater sometimes becomes drinking water
C Groundwater sometimes ends up in medical saline solution
D This is not a problem
Correct Answer: B Groundwater sometimes becomes drinking water
Explanation: Groundwater will sometimes be used for drinking water.
19. Who should refuel a site vehicle? Give ONE answer
A An accredited person
B An authorised person
C The environmental manager
D The person driving the vehicle
Correct Answer: B An authorised person
Explanation: You must be authorised to carry out vehicle refuelling.
20. Which of the following is the best location for refuelling a vehicle? Give ONE answer
A A controlled area surfaced in concrete
B A controlled area surfaced with temporary planks
C A controlled area with a sandy surface
D A controlled area with rocky ground
Correct Answer: A A controlled area surfaced in concrete
Explanation: Controlled areas with flat, hard surfaces are best to avoid fuel leaking into the ground.
21. If you cannot find an appropriate place to refuel, what TWO measures must be in place when you refill? Give TWO answers
A You must be no closer than 10 metres from drains or watercourses
B You must catch any spillages by laying an absorbent mat or drip tray underneath
C You must cordon off the area
D You must keep a record of the incident
E You must use a leak-proof siphon
Correct Answer: A You must be no closer than 10 metres from drains or watercourses , B You must catch any spillages by laying an absorbent mat or drip tray underneath
Explanation: Mitigate the risks of pollution by remaining distant from water sources and drains, and laying ground protection underneath.
22. What TWO pieces of equipment can help prevent spills and over-filling? Give TWO answers
A Automatic cut-off nozzle
B Bucket
C Drip tray
D Funnel
E Plant nappy
Correct Answer: A Automatic cut-off nozzle, D Funnel
Explanation: To help prevent over-filling, you can use special nozzles and funnels where necessary.
23. Which of the following statements is TRUE about drains on site? Give ONE answer
A All drains must be fitted with filtration devices
B Drains must be cleared of debris following each shift
C Drains must be monitored daily for harmful substances
D Not all liquids can go down all drains
Correct Answer: D Not all liquids can go down all drains
Explanation: Specific liquids may not be permitted down specific drains.
24. How will you know which fluids are allowed down which drains? Give ONE answer
A All liquids apart from solvents are allowed down drains
B There will be appropriate signage
C They will be appropriately colour-coded
D You will be told during induction
Correct Answer: C They will be appropriately colour-coded
Explanation: Drains on site must be colour-coded.
25. What are the three colour codings you may see on drains? Give ONE answer
A Red, Blue, Green
B Red, Red 'C', Blue
C Red, Red 'C', yellow
D Red, Yellow, White
Correct Answer: B Red, Red 'C', Blue
Explanation: Red, red 'C', and blue are the three drain colours.
26. You are washing out a ready-mix concrete lorry. What pollutant risk must you watch out for? Give ONE answer
A Fumes being emitted into the atmosphere
B Hazardous dust
C Residue clinging to your hands
D Washout water leaking into the ground
Correct Answer: D Washout water leaking into the ground
Explanation: Washout water from cement and concrete is highly polluting.
27. You notice roadworks are causing unnecessary congestion. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Consult your colleagues and make improvements
B Nothing, as this will have a knock-on effect on other safety measures
C Redirect traffic in a more efficient way
D Talk to your supervisor about improvements
Correct Answer: D Talk to your supervisor about improvements
Explanation: Talk to your supervisor if you think an unnecessary nuisance is being caused.
28. You notice sewage running down a red drain. What do you do? Give ONE answer
A Inform the site manager - this is not permitted.
B Nothing - this is correct.
C Use a drain cover to block the opening
D Use a spill kit to stop the flow of liquid
Correct Answer: B Nothing - this is correct.
Explanation: Sewage is permitted down both red and red 'C' drains.
29. Which of the following is NOT an example of hazardous waste? Give ONE answer
A Contaminated spill kits
B Mastics
C Silty water
D Tubing from fluorescent lights
Correct Answer: C Silty water
Explanation: Silty water is not a hazardous substance - it is a pollutant.
30. Concrete and cement washout water is highly polluting. Why? Give ONE answer
A It emits toxic fumes
B It is very acidic
C It is very alkaline
D It leaves toxic residue
Correct Answer: C It is very alkaline
Explanation: Concrete and cement washout is highly alkaline.
31. You have leftover liquid from a task that is marked as environmentally harmful. What should you do FIRST? Give ONE answer
A Check if anyone else can use it
B Dispose of it according to the site's COSHH guidelines
C Dispose of it down the appropriate drain
D Record it in site documentation
Correct Answer: A Check if anyone else can use it
Explanation: Always check if spare hazardous liquid can be used elsewhere on site. This will reduce the amount of harmful waste produced.
32. You are removing silty water from an excavation. What should be done with the water? Give ONE answer
A It can be discharged in the nearest ditch or watercourse, as the silts are naturally occurring and local
B It must be discharged into a fast-running watercourse
C It must be stored in a lined skip
D Silty water must always be treated before it is discharged
Correct Answer: D Silty water must always be treated before it is discharged
Explanation: Silty water is a pollutant, and must be treated before it can be safely discharged.
33. What must you be aware of when working on a brownfield site? Give ONE answer
A That it can only be used for industrial purposes
B That it is a site of archaeological interest
C That it may contain hazardous substances
D That it may contain protected species of wildlife
Correct Answer: C That it may contain hazardous substances
Explanation: Brownfield sites are sites that have been previously used for industry, or previously built on. Hazardous substances may still be present.
34. What kind of liquid is permitted down a blue drain? Give ONE answer
A Fuel run-off
B Sewage
C Silty run-off
D Surface water
Correct Answer: D Surface water
Explanation: Blue drains are for surface water.
35. Why might concrete washout be placed in a lined skip? Give ONE answer
A So it can be efficiently removed
B To allow solids to separate from the liquid
C To keep the substance well ventilated
D To reduce the risk of leakage
Correct Answer: B To allow solids to separate from the liquid
Explanation: This is to allow the sediment and liquid to separate, and be disposed of separately.
36. You are involved in a chemical spill. What should be your FIRST action? Give ONE answer
A Assess the risk
B Locate the appropriate PPE
C Raise the alarm
D Try to safely contain the spill
Correct Answer: A Assess the risk
Explanation: You must always assess the risk involved before taking further action.
37. What may be done with the settled sediment once cement washout has been allowed to sit? Give ONE answer
A The aggregate may be extracted for reuse
B The aggregate may be extracted for use as a chemical stripper
C The sediment may be stirred up again to make it safe
D The sediment may be used as a bulking agent
Correct Answer: A The aggregate may be extracted for reuse
Explanation: Aggregate from the sediment may be reclaimed and reused.
38. You are working on a brownfield site. What THREE substances would require you to stop work if found? Give THREE answers
A Clumps of fibres
B Plastic materials
C Rusting metal
D Soil that is oily
E Soil that is tinted blue
F Soil with a strange smell
Correct Answer: A Clumps of fibres, D Soil that is oily , F Soil with a strange smell
Explanation: Oily or strange smelling soil, and clumps of fibres, may both indicate hazardous substances.
39. What are the steps you must follow when involved in a chemical spill? Give ONE answer
A Evacuate, report, regroup
B Notify, contain, record
C Stop, contain, notify
D Stop, evacuate, notify
Correct Answer: C Stop, contain, notify
Explanation: Stop work, contain the incident, and notify your supervisor or manager.
40. Under what circumstances does an environmental incident NOT need to be reported to your supervisor? Give ONE answer
A If you have safely contained the threat
B If your supervisor is busy on a different site
C If your supervisor is not the designated environmental officer
D None - ALL incidents MUST be reported
Correct Answer: D None - ALL incidents MUST be reported
Explanation: You must report all environmental incidents. The consequences for failing to report an incident may be severe.
41. Your site is part of the Considerate Constructors Scheme. What does this mean? Give ONE answer
A It is committed to donating a percentage of proceeds to charitable causes
B It is committed to fair and equal pay
C It is committed to rigorous in-house grievance procedures
D It is committed to upholding respectful standards of conduct
Correct Answer: D It is committed to upholding respectful standards of conduct
Explanation: The Considerate Constructors Scheme ensures participating sites are respectful of the public and of neighbours.
42. What are TWO potential consequences of damaging protected plants during construction? Give TWO answers
A The species' rate of decline may increase
B You may be fined
C You may be imprisoned
D You may develop health problems from toxic plants
E Your employer may sue you
Correct Answer: A The species' rate of decline may increase, B You may be fined
Explanation: Plants may be protected if their species is in decline. Damaging them could result in fines for you or the company.
43. You need to dispose of water contaminated with chemicals - can you put it down a red drain? Give ONE answer
A Always
B Never
C No, you must put it down a BLUE drain
D Possibly
Correct Answer: D Possibly
Explanation: Never assume that red drains are suitable places to dispose of hazardous liquids. You must ALWAYS check.
44. What MUST you do before putting hazardous liquid in a drainage system? Give ONE answer
A Ensure the drainage system does not lead to groundwater supplies
B Notify the local/water authorities, and acquire a permit
C Treat the liquid to remove the hazardous substance
D Wear the appropriate PPE
Correct Answer: B Notify the local/water authorities, and acquire a permit
Explanation: You must always confer with, and acquire a permit from, local/water authorities before releasing hazardous liquids into a drainage system.
45. What symbol will you see on the container of hazardous substances that can harm aquatic life? Give ONE answer
A
B
C
D
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: You will see this sign: this is the shape of sign appropriate for hazardous substances.
46. Which of the following is TOP priority when it comes to managing a site's waste output? Give ONE answer
A Correctly disposing of waste
B Educating employees on sustainable practices
C Preventing the creation of waste
D Recycling waste for other uses
Correct Answer: C Preventing the creation of waste
Explanation: The best way to manage waste disposal is to not create waste in the first place. This should be a site's top waste priority.
47. Your are doing work in a heritage site of archaeological interest. Which of the following is NOT a control your employer might introduce? Give ONE answer
A Adding protection, like bubble wrap, to existing structures
B Defining a legal reporting process in case remains or treasure are found
C Ensuring an archaeologist is on site
D Testing employees on their understanding of the site's importance
Correct Answer: D Testing employees on their understanding of the site's importance
Explanation: These are all ways of reducing possible risks, and managing possible outcomes, associated with work on sites of archaeological or heritage interest.