H&S

Question 1

How do you ensure your own safety when undertaking inspections?

Answer 1

I follow Surveying Safely guidance, undertake risk assessments, and use lone working systems. For example, at Old Street, I verified guardrail certification, logged my location, and maintained communication throughout.

Question 2

How do you manage H&S compliance from others?

Answer 2

At Reading Shopping Centre, I reviewed tenant fit-out documentation and withheld consent to trade until full compliance with H&S documentation was achieved.

Question 3

How do you manage health and safety when undertaking inspections?

Answer 3

I undertake a risk assessment prior to attending site, reviewing available documentation and identifying hazards. For example, at Old Street I verified guardrail certification, planned my access, and used lone working procedures to ensure my safety.

Question 4

Tell me about a time you identified a health and safety risk.

Answer 4

At Brent Cross, I identified loose metal copings at roof level creating a falling hazard. I immediately notified the client, and the issue was rectified the same day, removing the risk to the public.

Question 5

How do you ensure others comply with health and safety?

Answer 5

At Reading Shopping Centre, I reviewed tenant fit-out documentation and ensured all H&S information was submitted before granting consent to trade. Non-compliance would have been escalated to the client.

Question 6

What steps do you take before visiting a site alone?

Answer 6

I carry out a risk assessment, inform colleagues of my location, log details in my calendar, and use lone working systems like Stay Safe.

Question 7

What is the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974?

Answer 7

The primary UK legislation placing duties on employers and employees to ensure health, safety, and welfare at work.

Question 8

What are the key duties under CDM Regulations 2015?

Answer 8

CDM sets out duties for:
• Client
• Principal Designer
• Principal Contractor
• Contractors

To ensure health and safety is managed throughout the project lifecycle.

Question 9

What is the role of the Client under CDM?

Answer 9

To ensure suitable arrangements are in place, appoint competent duty holders, and ensure adequate time and resources are allocated.

Question 10

What is the role of the Principal Designer?

Answer 10

To plan, manage, and coordinate health and safety during the pre-construction phase.

Question 11

What is the role of the Principal Contractor?

Answer 11

To manage health and safety during the construction phase and prepare the Construction Phase Plan.

Question 12

What is a risk assessment?

Answer 12

A process of identifying hazards, evaluating risks, and implementing control measures.

Question 13

What is a method statement?

Answer 13

A document outlining how work will be carried out safely, including sequencing and control measures.

Question 14

How do you apply CDM in your role?

Answer 14

I ensure appropriate duty holders are appointed, review pre-construction information, and consider H&S risks during design and tender stages.

Question 15

What is Pre-Construction Information (PCI)?

Answer 15

Information provided to designers and contractors about the project, including risks, site conditions, and existing hazards.

Question 16

What is a Construction Phase Plan?

Answer 16

A document prepared by the contractor outlining how health and safety will be managed during construction.

Question 17

What is the Health and Safety File?

Answer 17

A document prepared at project completion containing information for future maintenance and works.

Question 18

What would you do if you saw unsafe practices on site?

Answer 18

I would stop the works if there is immediate danger, inform the contractor, and escalate to the relevant duty holder. Safety takes priority over programme.

Question 19

What if stopping the works causes delay and cost to the client?

Answer 19

Health and safety takes precedence over cost and programme. I would clearly explain the risks and legal obligations to the client.

Question 20

What would you do if a contractor refuses to follow H&S procedures?

Answer 20

I would escalate the issue to the Principal Contractor and client, and ensure the works do not proceed until compliance is achieved.

Question 21

What if your client asks you to ignore a safety issue?

Answer 21

I would refuse and explain legal responsibilities. If necessary, I would escalate or withdraw from the instruction to maintain professional integrity.

Question 22

How do you ensure safe roof inspections?

Answer 22

By assessing access, verifying safety systems (e.g. guardrails), using appropriate PPE, and avoiding unsafe areas.

Question 23

What is an F10 and when is it required?

Answer 23

An F10 is a notification to the HSE under CDM Regulations 2015. It is required when a project:
• exceeds 30 working days with 20+ workers on site, OR
• exceeds 500 person-days

Question 24

Who is responsible for the F10 and what does it include?

Answer 24

The Client is responsible (often delegated). It includes:
• project details
• key duty holders (Client, Principal Designer, Principal Contractor)
• programme duration and workforce

Question 25

What is your role regarding an F10 as a surveyor?

Answer 25

To recognise if a project is notifiable and ensure the client has made appropriate CDM arrangements, including submitting the F10.

Question 26

What would you do if an F10 has not been submitted on a notifiable project?

Answer 26

Advise the client immediately to submit it and ensure CDM compliance is in place before continuing works.

Question 27

Does an F10 ensure health and safety on a project?

Answer 27

No — it is only a notification. Safety is achieved through proper planning, management, and compliance with CDM duties.