SSSTS: Environment
The 4 topics in this module of the SSSTS syllabus, with sample questions. The full bank has 18 questions on this module.
Topics
- Environmental awareness
- Pollution
- Waste materials
- Nuisance
Sample questions
Sample question 1 of 3
During strip-out of an old barn roof on a site in England, a roofer tells you he has seen bats in the roof void. As the supervisor, what is the most appropriate response?
- A Carry on with the work but ask the team to avoid touching any bats they can see
- B Ask the roofers to move the bats to a nearby tree before work continues
- C Stop the work affecting the roof void and tell your manager so that advice from a qualified ecologist can be obtained
- D Wait a few days to see whether the bats leave by themselves, then carry on
Show the answer
Answer C. All bat species are European protected species. Capturing, disturbing or injuring them (on purpose or by not taking enough care) and damaging or destroying a resting place, even accidentally, are offences. The guidance says a qualified ecologist should assess the site where protected species may be present.
Source: GOV.UK: Construction near protected areas and wildlife (England)
Sample question 2 of 3
On a site in England, a colleague says clearing a pond margin cannot be an offence because nobody knew great crested newts were resting there. Which statement is correct?
- A Damaging or destroying a breeding or resting place of a European protected species is an offence even if it is accidental
- B It is only an offence if the damage is deliberate
- C It is only an offence if the species is rare in the local area
- D It is only an offence once the contractor has received a written warning
Show the answer
Answer A. The guidance states that damaging or destroying a breeding or resting place of a European protected species is an offence even if accidental.
Source: GOV.UK: Construction near protected areas and wildlife (England)
Sample question 3 of 3
Excavated soil on your site in England is found to contain Japanese knotweed. What is the correct way to handle it?
- A Mix it with other surplus soil so that the knotweed is diluted
- B Offer it to another site to use as topsoil
- C Spread it thinly at the edge of the site so it dries out
- D Keep it separate from other surplus soil and arrange disposal through a registered waste carrier to a permitted facility
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Answer D. The guidance says not to mix knotweed waste with other surplus soil or sell contaminated soil as topsoil. It says to use a registered waste carrier and a permitted disposal facility, because the soil may be classed as controlled waste.
Source: GOV.UK: How to stop Japanese knotweed from spreading
Practise the whole paper
Modules are mixed together on the real paper. The free mock test gives you a score for each one.