Block laying Paper 2 WASSCE (SC), 2018

Question 2

 

(a)        Sketch each of the following bricklayer’s tools:

                                    (i)         straight edge;
(ii)        boat level.

            (b)        State one use of each of the tools sketched in 2(a) above

            (c)        State three reasons for ensuring safety on a construction site.

(d)       Name one safety wear that should be worn on site when carrying a sandcrete 
block.

 

Observation

 

Most candidates were able to:
-           sketch straight edge and boat level;
-           Name one safety wear that should be worn on site when carrying a sandcrete block.

            However, some of them were unable to:

  •  state one use of straight edge and boat level;
  • state three reasons for ensuring safety on a construction site.

The expected response to question 2 is as given below

 

(b)        Uses of each of the tools:

  • Straight-edge is used for:

 

                        -           checking the flatness of a newly laid wall;
-           ensuring that all blocks/bricks are laid to the same level in each course;
-           tamping concrete in solid ground floor or reinforced concrete upper floor construction;
-           transferring levels in conjunction with the spirit level during setting-out operation;
-           adjusting/aligning brick/blockwall vertically and horizontally;
-           checking plumb of a wall in conjunction with a spirit level.

  • Boat level is used for:
  • adjusting small works in a confined space;
  • adjusting individual brick or block in a wall;
  • checking the flatness of tiles in a tiling work;
  • establishing horizontal surface;
  • establishing verticality of walls in conjunction with a straight-edge.

                                                       
(c)        Reasons for ensuring safety on a construction site are to:

  • avoid injury to operatives;
  • safeguard lives of workers;
  • avoid waste of man-hour;
  • avoid waste of materials;
  • avoid additional cost of construction;
  • avoid delay of construction;
  • boost the moral of workers
  • prevent accident on site.

(d)       Safety wears to be worn when carrying a concrete block include:

  • hand gloves; rubber gloves; leather gloves etc;
  • hard boots;
  • overall;
  • helmet;
  • visor.