building construction Paper 2 WASSCE (SC), 2018

Question 2

 

.    (a)   (i) List two utility services required on a construction site

  • State one reason for each of the services mentioned in 2(a)(i).

       (b)      State one safety measure each to be observed on site when:
(i) excavating deep foundation trenches manually;
(ii) erecting metal scaffold;

  • using a concrete mixer.

(c)   what is meant by the term site clearing?
A good number of candidates were able to:
-  State one safety measure each to be observed on site when:

      • excavating deep foundation trenches manually;
      • erecting metal scaffold;
      • using a concrete mixer.

-           explain what is meant by the term site clearing.

Observation

 

However, many of them failed to list the utility services required on a construction site.
The expected response to question 2 is as given below:
(a)  (i) Utility services needed on a construction site:        
            -           telephone;
            -           electricity;
            -           water;      
            -           gas.                                                                                         
                        (ii) One reason for the provision of the services:
            -           telephone – for communication with head office and suppliers or any authorized
                        communication;
            -           electricity – for supply of power to site for power tools and lighting;
            -           water – for supply of fresh water for drinking, for construction work and washing.
            -           gas  -  for heating purposes.
(b)        Safety measure to be observed on site when:

(i)Excavating deep foundation trenches manually:

-           keep heavy equipment away from trench-edges;
-           inspect trenches at the start of each shift;
-           keep surcharge loads at least 0.6m away from trench edges.
-           batter the sides of the trench.
-           support the sides of the trench.                                                                                 

(ii)Erecting a metal scaffold:

-           sound materials should be used for the construction;
-           standard should rest on a base plate;
-           transoms should be properly secured to the standards;
-           it should be well braced;
-           provision of toe board to prevent tools from falling off;
-           provision of guard rail;
-           platforms should be closely boarded. 

(iii)       Using a concrete mixer:

-           the mixer should be on a flat and level surface to prevent tipping rolling or falling;
-           the mixer should be inspected before use;
-           it should not be used in wet location;
-           protective clothing should be worn;
-           the drum should not be overloaded beyond its capacity;
-           it should be operated by a competent person.

(c)        The term site clearing:
The act of demolishing existing structures, grubbing out of bushes and trees and the removal of soil to reduce levels.