🚜 Site Transport & Lifting Operations (LOLER)

1. What is the single most effective way to prevent vehicles from striking pedestrians on a construction site?

1. Keep pedestrians and vehicles physically apart using separate routes
2. Ask drivers to sound their horn at every corner
3. Require all pedestrians to wear ear defenders
4. Reduce the site speed limit to 20 mph

The most effective control is to keep pedestrians and vehicles apart by providing separate, physically segregated routes wherever possible. Source: Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992; HSE guidance HSG144 Workplace Transport

2. On a busy site, what is the main purpose of a pedestrian barrier alongside a vehicle route?

1. To create a physical separation that keeps people out of the vehicle area
2. To provide a place for operatives to lean and rest
3. To mark the site boundary with the public road
4. To support temporary lighting cables

Barriers provide a physical separation, stopping pedestrians straying into areas where vehicles and plant are moving. Source: HSE guidance HSG144 Workplace Transport in Construction

3. You need to cross a vehicle route to reach the welfare cabin. A designated pedestrian crossing point is provided about 20 metres away. What should you do?

1. Walk to the designated crossing point and use it
2. Cross at the nearest point because it is quicker
3. Wait for someone else to cross with you anywhere
4. Climb over the barrier at the closest gap

Designated crossing points are positioned where drivers expect pedestrians and visibility is best, so you should always use them. Source: HSE guidance HSG144 Workplace Transport; Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

4. A reversing dumper is approaching and you are not sure the driver has seen you. What is the safest action?

1. Stay well clear, stop, and make sure you are out of the vehicle's path
2. Walk quickly behind the dumper to get past
3. Wave your arms and keep walking towards it
4. Assume the driver has seen you and carry on

Drivers have large blind spots, especially when reversing, so you must keep well clear until you are certain it is safe. Source: HSE guidance HSG144 Workplace Transport; PUWER 1998

5. What is the main reason that vehicle routes on site should be one-way wherever it is practicable?

1. It reduces the need for vehicles to reverse, which is a major cause of incidents
2. It allows vehicles to travel at higher speeds safely
3. It removes the need for any pedestrian routes
4. It means drivers do not need mirrors fitted

Reversing is a leading cause of workplace transport deaths, so one-way systems are designed to minimise the need to reverse. Source: HSE guidance HSG144 Workplace Transport in Construction

6. Why is a banksman (signaller) sometimes used when a large vehicle is reversing on site?

1. To guide the driver safely and keep people out of the danger area
2. To carry tools for the driver
3. To refuel the vehicle while it moves
4. To record the vehicle's mileage

A trained banksman directs the reversing vehicle and keeps pedestrians clear of the blind-spot danger zone. Source: HSE guidance HSG144 Workplace Transport; PUWER 1998

7. You are acting as banksman and you lose sight of the driver in the vehicle's mirrors. What should you do?

1. Signal the driver to stop until eye contact and clear signals are re-established
2. Keep giving hand signals and hope the driver sees them
3. Move closer behind the vehicle to be seen better
4. Let the vehicle continue and walk away

If the driver cannot see the banksman, the vehicle must stop, because the signaller's instructions can no longer be safely received. Source: HSE guidance HSG144 Workplace Transport in Construction

8. Which feature on a site vehicle route is specifically designed to slow vehicles and protect pedestrians?

1. Speed humps or other traffic-calming measures
2. A wider load-bearing surface
3. An extra fuel storage point
4. A taller perimeter hoarding

Traffic-calming features such as speed humps reduce vehicle speed, lowering the risk and severity of pedestrian collisions. Source: HSE guidance HSG144 Workplace Transport in Construction

9. You notice a section of pedestrian barrier has been knocked over, leaving a gap into the vehicle route. What should you do first?

1. Report it and prevent people using the gap until it is made safe
2. Step over it and carry on with your work
3. Leave it for the next shift to deal with
4. Use the gap as a quicker route yourself

A damaged barrier removes the protection between people and vehicles, so it should be reported and the area controlled until repaired. Source: HASAWA 1974 s.7; HSE guidance HSG144 Workplace Transport

10. Under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, traffic routes must be organised so that:

1. Pedestrians and vehicles can both move safely and without risks to health
2. Vehicles always have priority over pedestrians
3. Pedestrians use the same surfaces as vehicles to save space
4. Only managers may use the routes

The regulations require traffic routes to be organised so that pedestrians and vehicles can circulate safely without risks to health. Source: Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, Regulation 17

11. A delivery lorry arrives and the only route to the unloading area crosses a pedestrian walkway with poor visibility. What is the best control to put in place?

1. Use a banksman and stop pedestrian movement while the lorry crosses
2. Tell pedestrians to run across quickly before the lorry
3. Allow the lorry to cross at speed to reduce the time of risk
4. Remove the walkway signs so people stay away

Where segregation is not possible, a banksman controlling both the vehicle and pedestrian movement provides safe separation in time. Source: HSE guidance HSG144 Workplace Transport; Workplace (HSW) Regulations 1992

12. Plant such as a 360 excavator is slewing (rotating) near a pedestrian route. What is the safest behaviour?

1. Stay outside the slewing radius and the exclusion zone at all times
2. Walk close to the machine to pass it quickly
3. Tap the cab to let the operator know you are there
4. Stand directly behind the counterweight where it is quiet

The slewing body and counterweight can crush anyone within the radius, so pedestrians must keep outside the exclusion zone. Source: HSE guidance HSG144 Workplace Transport; PUWER 1998

13. Why should vehicle routes on site be kept well lit and free of obstructions?

1. So drivers can see pedestrians and hazards clearly and stop in time
2. So the site looks tidy for visitors
3. So vehicles can be parked on the route overnight
4. So fewer signs are needed

Good lighting and clear routes improve a driver's ability to see and react to pedestrians and obstacles, reducing collisions. Source: HSE guidance HSG144 Workplace Transport in Construction

14. You are walking on site and a high-visibility waistcoat is provided. Why is wearing it important around moving plant?

1. It helps drivers and operators see you against the site background
2. It protects you from falling objects
3. It keeps you warm in cold weather
4. It shows which trade you belong to

High-visibility clothing makes pedestrians more conspicuous to drivers and plant operators, an important last line of defence. Source: PPE at Work Regulations 1992; HSE guidance HSG144 Workplace Transport

15. What does the abbreviation SWL stand for on a lifting accessory?

1. Safe Working Load
2. Standard Weight Limit
3. Site Workload Level
4. Sling Wire Length

SWL stands for Safe Working Load, the maximum load the accessory is certified to lift safely. Source: Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998

16. You pick up a chain sling and you cannot find any marking showing its safe working load. What should you do?

1. Do not use it and report it; only use accessories that are clearly marked
2. Estimate a safe load and use it carefully
3. Use it only for light loads
4. Use it once and then check it afterwards

Lifting accessories must be clearly marked with their SWL; unmarked equipment must not be used until checked by a competent person. Source: LOLER 1998, Regulation 7 (marking of lifting equipment)

17. Before each use, what should you do with a sling or chain you are about to use for a lift?

1. Carry out a visual check for damage, wear and defects
2. Weigh it on the site scales
3. Repaint its colour code
4. Soak it in oil to keep it flexible

A pre-use visual inspection helps identify damage such as cuts, cracks or wear before the accessory is put under load. Source: LOLER 1998; PUWER 1998 (pre-use checks)

18. Under LOLER 1998, how often must lifting accessories such as slings and chains normally be thoroughly examined by a competent person?

1. At least every 6 months
2. At least every 5 years
3. Only when they are bought
4. Only after they break

LOLER requires lifting accessories to be thoroughly examined at least every 6 months because of the higher risk associated with their failure. Source: LOLER 1998, Regulation 9 (thorough examination)

19. Under LOLER 1998, lifting equipment used for lifting people must normally be thoroughly examined at least how often?

1. Every 6 months
2. Every 12 months
3. Every 2 years
4. Every 5 years

Equipment for lifting people must be thoroughly examined at least every 6 months because failure could cause death or serious injury. Source: LOLER 1998, Regulation 9

20. Under LOLER 1998, lifting equipment that is NOT used for lifting people must normally be thoroughly examined at least how often?

1. Every 12 months
2. Every 6 months
3. Every 3 years
4. Every 5 years

Lifting equipment not used to lift people generally requires thorough examination at least every 12 months under LOLER. Source: LOLER 1998, Regulation 9

21. While slinging a load you notice the chain sling has a link that is stretched and slightly bent. What should you do?

1. Take it out of use, label it and report it; do not use it
2. Use it but lift the load more slowly
3. Bend the link back straight and carry on
4. Use it for this one lift only

A stretched or distorted link indicates the sling has been overloaded or damaged and must be withdrawn from use immediately. Source: LOLER 1998; HSE guidance on lifting accessories

22. A crane is lifting a load near your work area. Where should you position yourself?

1. Well clear of the load and never underneath a suspended load
2. Directly under the load to guide it
3. Beside the load holding it steady by hand
4. Sitting on the load to add weight

You must never stand or work under a suspended load, as a failure or slip of the load could cause fatal injuries. Source: LOLER 1998; HSE guidance on safe use of cranes

23. A load to be lifted is heavier than the marked safe working load of the available sling. What is the correct action?

1. Do not lift; obtain a correctly rated sling for the load
2. Lift it slowly to avoid sudden strain
3. Use two of the same undersized slings doubled over
4. Lift it and watch for signs of failure

Never exceed the marked safe working load; an accessory rated for the load weight must be used to lift it safely. Source: LOLER 1998, Regulation 4 (strength and stability)

24. Under LOLER 1998, who must plan a lifting operation involving a crane?

1. A competent person such as an appointed person
2. Any operative who is available
3. The site visitor or client
4. The vehicle's delivery driver

LOLER requires lifting operations to be properly planned by a competent person, typically an appointed person for crane lifts. Source: LOLER 1998, Regulation 8 (organisation of lifting operations)

25. Wind speeds are rising and the crane manufacturer's limit is being approached during a lift. What is the correct decision?

1. Stop the lift until conditions are within safe limits
2. Continue but lift faster to finish sooner
3. Lower the load only halfway and leave it suspended
4. Carry on as long as the load is not too heavy

Lifting in wind above the safe limit risks loss of control of the load and crane instability, so the lift must be stopped. Source: LOLER 1998; HSE guidance on safe use of cranes (BS 7121)

26. What is the purpose of a tag line (hand line) attached to a load being lifted by a crane?

1. To control and steady the load from a safe distance
2. To increase the lifting capacity of the crane
3. To measure the weight of the load
4. To replace the need for a sling

A tag line lets an operative guide and steady the load while keeping a safe distance and avoiding standing underneath it. Source: LOLER 1998; HSE guidance on safe use of cranes

27. When a thorough examination of lifting equipment reveals a defect that could cause danger, what must the competent person do?

1. Notify the responsible person immediately and report serious defects to the enforcing authority
2. Wait until the next scheduled examination
3. Repair it themselves and say nothing
4. Only note it in their private records

Under LOLER the competent person must report defects to the dutyholder, and a defect of imminent danger must also be reported to the enforcing authority. Source: LOLER 1998, Regulation 10 (reports and defects)

28. What is the main role of a banksman (signaller) on a construction site?

1. To direct the safe movement of vehicles and plant, especially when reversing
2. To refuel all site vehicles at the start of each shift
3. To carry out daily mechanical repairs on plant
4. To check the qualifications of every visiting driver

A banksman is a trained signaller whose job is to guide drivers and protect people during vehicle movements, particularly reversing where the driver's vision is limited. Source: HSE guidance HSG144 (The safe use of vehicles on construction sites)

29. Why is reversing vehicles considered one of the most dangerous activities involving site transport?

1. The driver's view to the rear is restricted, so people on foot can be struck unseen
2. Reversing always damages the vehicle's gearbox
3. Reversing uses far more fuel than driving forwards
4. Reversing is only allowed at night when visibility is poor

Most people killed or injured by site vehicles are struck during reversing because the driver cannot see directly behind, which is why reversing should be avoided or strictly controlled. Source: HSE guidance HSG144 (The safe use of vehicles on construction sites)

30. You are acting as banksman and you lose sight of the driver while guiding a reversing lorry. What should you do?

1. Signal the driver to stop immediately
2. Keep signalling and hope the driver can still see you
3. Walk behind the lorry to get a better view
4. Wave the lorry on quickly to finish the manoeuvre

If the banksman and driver lose sight of each other the agreed rule is to stop the vehicle at once, because the signaller can no longer safely control the movement. Source: HSE guidance HSG144 (The safe use of vehicles on construction sites)

31. A driver is reversing and can no longer see the banksman in the mirrors. What must the driver do?

1. Stop the vehicle straight away
2. Continue reversing until reaching the wall
3. Sound the horn once and carry on
4. Get out and move the banksman somewhere visible

The driver must stop immediately whenever they lose sight of the signaller, as continuing without a clear signal could lead to striking a person or object. Source: HSE guidance HSG144 (The safe use of vehicles on construction sites)

32. Where should a banksman stand when directing a reversing vehicle?

1. In a safe position where they can see the whole manoeuvre and be clearly seen by the driver
2. Directly behind the vehicle in line with the reversing path
3. Inside the cab next to the driver
4. As far away as possible so they are out of danger

The banksman must stay in a safe, clearly visible position out of the vehicle's path while keeping a full view of the area being reversed into. Source: HSE guidance HSG144 (The safe use of vehicles on construction sites)

33. What colour of high-visibility clothing arrangement helps a banksman be most easily distinguished from other workers on a busy site?

1. A different-coloured hi-vis tabard or markings so the driver can pick them out
2. No hi-vis at all so the driver looks harder
3. The same hi-vis as everyone else for fairness
4. Dark clothing so they stand out against the ground

Giving the banksman distinctive high-visibility clothing helps the driver identify the one person authorised to give signals among everyone else on site. Source: HSE guidance HSG144 (The safe use of vehicles on construction sites)

34. The best way to reduce the risk from reversing vehicles on site is to:

1. Eliminate the need to reverse, for example by using one-way systems and drive-through loading
2. Reverse faster to spend less time doing it
3. Rely only on the vehicle's reversing alarm
4. Allow any worker to give reversing signals

The first control in the hierarchy is to remove the need to reverse using site layout measures such as one-way systems and turning areas, before relying on banksmen or alarms. Source: HSE guidance HSG144 (The safe use of vehicles on construction sites)

35. You have not been trained as a banksman, but a lorry driver asks you to guide him back because no one else is around. What should you do?

1. Refuse and find a trained, authorised banksman before the vehicle reverses
2. Do your best to signal as you have watched others do it
3. Stand behind the lorry and shout instructions
4. Tell the driver to reverse slowly without any signaller

Only trained and authorised signallers should act as banksmen; an untrained person directing a reversing vehicle puts themselves and others at serious risk. Source: HSE guidance HSG144 (The safe use of vehicles on construction sites)