Statutory legislation — Level 2 Communications & Career Practice

Sample questions

1. 01Which of the following is statutory legislation?

   • AThe Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
   • BThe manufacturer's installation instructions
   • CThe IET On-Site Guide to BS 7671
   • DBS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations)

   Why: HASAWA 1974 is an Act of Parliament — statutory law. BS 7671 and the IET guides are non-statutory standards (they become enforceable when cited via Building Regs Approved Doc P or contracts).

2. 02BS 7671 is best described as:

   • AA statutory instrument made under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and enforced directly by HSE inspectors
   • BA European directive that became UK law automatically on a fixed transition date after 2016 and still applies today
   • CAn Act of Parliament that is directly enforceable by HSE inspectors through the criminal courts in England and in Wales today
   • DA non-statutory British Standard that is widely cited and referenced by Approved Document P of the Building Regulations

   Why: BS 7671 is a voluntary standard, but Approved Document P (Building Regs) cites it as a way of complying with the requirement for electrical safety in dwellings, and contracts routinely require compliance.

3. 03Under HASAWA s.7, what is the personal duty placed on every employee at work?

   • ACarry out a written risk assessment before starting any task on site, whatever the risk involved
   • BReport all injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences directly to the HSE under RIDDOR within seven working days
   • CProvide, and pay for, their own personal protective equipment before starting work on any new site
   • DTake reasonable care for themselves and others, and co-operate with the employer on H&S

   Why: HASAWA s.7 places two duties on employees: take reasonable care for own/others' safety, and co-operate with the employer so the employer can comply with their own duties.