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Operatives and Specialists Test 2 (2023)

Construction Test > Operatives and Specialists Test 2 (2023)

You have 45 minutes to answer 50 multiple choice CSCS Health, Safety and Evironment Test questions for Operatives and Specialists. You need to answer at least 45 out of 50 questions correctly to pass. Answers may be reviewed after each question or at the end of the test. Good luck!

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List of questions in above test (quick view). Click question box to reveal correct answer.
1. What is the difference between a HAZARD and a RISK? Give ONE answer
A A HAZARD is a sign used to indicate a RISK
B A HAZARD is created when a RISK is taken
C A HAZARD is something that could cause harm; RISK describes how likely and serious that harm could be
D A RISK is something that could cause harm; HAZARD describes how likely and serious that harm could be
Correct Answer: C A HAZARD is something that could cause harm; RISK describes how likely and serious that harm could be
Explanation: A hazard (something that could cause harm) is assessed for risk it creates (how much harm it could cause, and how likely it is to cause it). This is part of the risk assessment.
2. Which is NOT an example of a HAZARD? Give ONE answer
A A busy road
B A fair chance of being hit by traffic
C Narrow pavements
D No street lighting
Correct Answer: B A fair chance of being hit by traffic
Explanation: A HAZARD is something that could cause harm.
3. Before starting a job, your EMPLOYER is the one who signs off on your permit to work. This is acceptable if: Give ONE answer
A Your employer has carried out a thorough risk assessment
B Your employer has cleared this with the Health and Safety Executive
C Your employer has evidence that you are medically fit for the work
D Your employer is competent and properly authorised in the relevant areas
Correct Answer: D Your employer is competent and properly authorised in the relevant areas
Explanation: A permit to work must be signed by a competent and properly authorised party.
4. Which of the following best describes the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)? Give ONE answer
A A company representative responsible for ensuring company compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act
B A government body responsible for the oversight of health and safety in UK workplaces
C A representative of the company's Board of Directors
D An employee union representative that liaises with the company on health and safety issues
Correct Answer: B A government body responsible for the oversight of health and safety in UK workplaces
Explanation: The Health and Safety Executive is an external governmental body with legal powers to enforce health and safety compliance in the workplace.
5. You notice something unsafe in the way a job is being undertaken. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Find a safer method and continue working
B Nothing - it is probably the safest possible way of doing the job
C Report it to the HSE
D Stop work
Correct Answer: D Stop work
Explanation: If you notice that work is not being safely undertaken, you must stop immediately.
6. A falling brick lands next to you whilst working. What is this event, and what is the correct course of action? Give ONE answer
A It is a lucky escape. You do not need to act.
B It is a near miss. You report it.
C It is an accident at work. You report it.
D Lodge a formal complaint
Correct Answer: B It is a near miss. You report it.
Explanation: This constitutes a "near miss." All near misses must be reported.
7. Why must near misses be reported? Give ONE answer
A Because you may need to prosecute at a later date
B They do not need to be reported if they have not caused emotional distress
C To ensure they do not subsequently cause accidents
D To hold negligent managers accountable for misconduct
Correct Answer: C To ensure they do not subsequently cause accidents
Explanation: Reporting near misses helps prevent accidents in future.
8. What TWO of the following are commonly caused by respiratory hazards? Give TWO answers
A Dermatitis
B Leptospirosis
C Lung cancer
D Silicosis
E Tetanus
Correct Answer: C Lung cancer, D Silicosis
Explanation: Lung cancer and silicosis are two serious diseases frequently caused by respiratory hazards.
9. You are about to begin work in an area where pigeons have nested. What should you do first? Give ONE answer
A Contact your local environmental protection organisation
B Decontaminate the area thoroughly, wearing suitable PPE and RPE
C Put on the correct PPE and RPE so you can work safely
D Sluice the area with water so that there are no dry droppings, which produce a lot of dust
Correct Answer: B Decontaminate the area thoroughly, wearing suitable PPE and RPE
Explanation: Areas with bird droppings must be decontaminated thoroughly before work can begin.
10. You pause your work, and the smell of rotting eggs begins to subside. What does this mean? Give ONE answer
A Nerve endings in your nose may have been damaged by the gas, which could still be present
B The gas is no longer harmful
C The hydrogen sulphide has begun to dissipate and you can continue
D You have become used to the smell and can continue
Correct Answer: A Nerve endings in your nose may have been damaged by the gas, which could still be present
Explanation: Hydrogen sulphide damages the nerves in your nose. If the smell subsides, this could mean the gas has built up to a concentration that is directly harming you.
11. Which of the following is TRUE about carbon monoxide? Give ONE answer
A It is a common by-product on construction sites. It is harmful in high concentrations.
B It is a common by-product on construction sites. It is not dangerous.
C It is a rare by-product on construction sites. It is highly dangerous in any concentration.
D You will not find carbon monoxide on construction sites.
Correct Answer: A It is a common by-product on construction sites. It is harmful in high concentrations.
Explanation: Carbon monoxide is common on construction sites. It is usually dangerous only in high concentrations.
12. Vapours are most commonly produced through which process? Give ONE answer
A Combustion
B Cooling
C Cutting
D Evaporation
Correct Answer: D Evaporation
Explanation: Vapours are commonly produced when something evaporates.
13. What is a 'mushroom head', and why is it hazardous? Give ONE answer
A Badly-stored cables can begin bending into this shape - subsequent damage may expose live wires
B Bolsters and chisels develop this after sustained use - fragments can fly off it when struck
C Drill bits develop this when used incorrectly - it shows a worker is not fully competent
D Gas cannisters develop this when there is a fault in the casing - it means a cannister may explode
Correct Answer: B Bolsters and chisels develop this after sustained use - fragments can fly off it when struck
Explanation: Mushroom heads develop on bolsters and chisels after much use. When struck, they can shed fragments at high velocity.
14. What must be set up when a cartridge tool is being used? Give ONE answer
A A buddy system
B An exclusion zone
C An impact protection shield
D Health surveillance
Correct Answer: B An exclusion zone
Explanation: Exclusion zones must be used to prevent people approaching a task where cartridge tools are in use.
15. What are THREE things you must inspect before using any electric hand-held tool? Give THREE answers
A Plug
B Power lead
C Socket
D Surrounding area
E The ambient temperature
F Your skin
Correct Answer: A Plug, B Power lead, C Socket
Explanation: Always visually inspect an electric tool before use. This should include inspecting the plug, the socket, and the power lead for damage.
16. What is the MOST dangerous risk posed by hose joints for compressed power tools? Give ONE answer
A They can break and be propelled through the air
B They can break and cause a wasteful air leak
C They can create a trip hazard
D They can leak flammable gas
Correct Answer: A They can break and be propelled through the air
Explanation: Air hoses operate at high pressure. If a joint breaks, the hoses can fly around at dangerous speeds.
17. You are in an area where hearing protection is mandatory, but you are on break. What is safe practice? Give ONE answer
A You may remove hearing protection for brief periods in this area whilst on break
B You may remove hearing protection in these areas if you are not operating tools
C You may remove hearing protection to conduct brief conversations whilst on break
D You must keep your hearing protection fitted at all times
Correct Answer: D You must keep your hearing protection fitted at all times
Explanation: Even short periods of noise can hugely increase your daily exposure. You should wear protection at all times in areas that require it.
18. How is HAVS treated? Give ONE answer
A It can be easily treated with a cycle of prescription medication
B It is incurable
C It will improve with regular physical therapy
D With a combination of medication and physical therapy
Correct Answer: B It is incurable
Explanation: HAVS is a permanent and progressive condition. It cannot be cured.
19. What is ONE reason that pollutants become a problem if they reach the groundwater? Give ONE answer
A Groundwater is used to clean civic spaces
B Groundwater sometimes becomes drinking water
C Groundwater sometimes ends up in medical saline solution
D This is not a problem
Correct Answer: B Groundwater sometimes becomes drinking water
Explanation: Groundwater will sometimes be used for drinking water.
20. You are working on a brownfield site. What THREE substances would require you to stop work if found? Give THREE answers
A Clumps of fibres
B Plastic materials
C Rusting metal
D Soil that is oily
E Soil that is tinted blue
F Soil with a strange smell
Correct Answer: A Clumps of fibres, D Soil that is oily , F Soil with a strange smell
Explanation: Oily or strange smelling soil, and clumps of fibres, may both indicate hazardous substances.
21. Which of the following will increase the risk of collapse in an excavation? Check ALL that apply
A Excavation supports
B Groundwater in the excavation
C Heavy rain
D The ground drying out
Correct Answer: B Groundwater in the excavation, C Heavy rain, D The ground drying out
Explanation: All these can increase the risk of collapse - apart from supports.
22. How often should excavation inspections take place? Give ONE answer
A After every shift is completed
B Before every shift, including after breaks
C Once each day before work begins
D Only when there has been heavy rainfall
Correct Answer: B Before every shift, including after breaks
Explanation: Inspections must take place before every shift begins
23. Which ONE of the following may cause low levels of oxygen in an enclosed tank? Give ONE answer
A Atmospheric pressure
B Convex walls
C Moss and algae
D Rust
Correct Answer: D Rust
Explanation: Rust (oxidisation) can deplete oxygen levels in an enclosed space.
24. What are TWO perspiration-related health problems that can be caused by work in confined spaces? Give ONE answer
A High humidity can cause excessive perspiration, which will quickly lead to fatigue
B High humidity can prevent perspiration evaporating, making it difficult for your body to regulate its temperature
C High temperatures can cause excessive perspiration, which causes you to lose vital salts
D High temperatures cause you to drink more, which causes excessive hydration
Correct Answer: B High humidity can prevent perspiration evaporating, making it difficult for your body to regulate its temperature, C High temperatures can cause excessive perspiration, which causes you to lose vital salts
Explanation: High humidity will stop sweat evaporating properly, so your body cannot regulate its temperature effectively. High temperatures can also lead to excessive sweating, which depletes your body of vital salts.
25. What is ONE common cause of falls from height? Give ONE answer
A Using incorrect equipment
B Working in wet weather
C Working under the influence
D Working without safety equipment
Correct Answer: A Using incorrect equipment
Explanation: Using incorrect equipment is a common cause of falls from height.
26. Why are non-fatal falls from height so dangerous? Give ONE answer
A They can cause a site to be closed down
B They can cause life-changing injuries, and affect your ability to earn a living
C They can incur huge fines
D They can raise your insurance premium
Correct Answer: B They can cause life-changing injuries, and affect your ability to earn a living
Explanation: Falls from height can cause serious, debilitating injuries.
27. When should you be asked to use a harness and fall-arrest lanyard? Give ONE answer
A At all times
B If scaffolding cannot be installed
C If you are afraid of heights
D Only as a last resort
Correct Answer: D Only as a last resort
Explanation: Harnesses and fall-arrest lanyards should only ever be used as a last resort.
28. You are asked to quickly fix a beam where no fall protection measures have been put in place. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Ensure trained colleagues are around to spot you
B Never work where there is no fall protection in place
C Only proceed if you are satisfied the risk of falling is low
D Use a ladder if possible
Correct Answer: B Never work where there is no fall protection in place
Explanation: Do not work on structures without fall protection.
29. You were not involved in building a mobile access tower, but you will be working on it. What should happen? Give ONE answer
A You should be given a harness
B You should be given a toolbox talk
C You should be shadowed by a worker who was involved in its construction
D You should never work on a tower you were not involved in building
Correct Answer: B You should be given a toolbox talk
Explanation: Toolbox talks should be given to anyone working on the tower who was not involved in its construction.
30. When working on a roof, what are TWO things you must always remember? Give TWO answers
A That fragile rooves will come with signage
B That you may not be able to tell which parts are fragile
C That you must not do so without adequate fall protection
D That you must stay safe by sticking to where the underlying supports are
Correct Answer: B That you may not be able to tell which parts are fragile, C That you must not do so without adequate fall protection
Explanation: Fragile parts of rooves are not always marked or easy to spot. The underlying supports will not offer adequate protection.
31. You are told a face mask must be worn on site. Where should you source this? Give ONE answer
A From a certified manufacturer
B Your employer cannot require this
C Your employer must source it, but may take the costs from your wages
D Your employer should provide it free of charge
Correct Answer: D Your employer should provide it free of charge
Explanation: Your employer must provide all PPE free of charge to their employees.
32. What is the benefit of using solvents/spirits to clean your hands? Give ONE answer
A It protects your skin against further build-up of toxic substances
B There is no benefit: this strips protective oils from your skin
C They are readily available on-site
D You can remove hazardous substances that cannot be cleaned using normal soaps
Correct Answer: B There is no benefit: this strips protective oils from your skin
Explanation: You should never clean your hands using spirits or solvents. Stripping away protective oils leaves you vulnerable to skin damage.
33. What is ONE major risk to workers who fall into water? Give ONE answer
A They are at greater risk of cold water shock
B They are not prioritised by emergency services
C Trained coastguards are rarely available
D Work clothing, boots, and tool belts will drag them under
Correct Answer: D Work clothing, boots, and tool belts will drag them under
Explanation: The key risk is that heavy duty clothing, boots, and equipment will drag a body down.
34. A fire alarm unexpectedly sounds at midday on Friday. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Find a safe point to stop working and follow fire evacuation procedure
B Follow fire evacuation procedure
C Nothing - this is the mandated time for fire-alarm testing on construction sites
D Stop work and check with a supervisor whether this is a drill
Correct Answer: B Follow fire evacuation procedure
Explanation: Treat all unexpected alarms as indicating a fire on-site. Immediately stop work and follow your site's evacuation procedure.
35. You are in charge of fire watch for a soldering task. What should you do once the task is complete? Give ONE answer
A Avoid creating further risk by isolating all tools and leaving the area
B Continue to your next task
C Maintain fire watch if you are instructed to do so in your permit
D Maintain fire watch until all materials and tools have cooled
Correct Answer: C Maintain fire watch if you are instructed to do so in your permit
Explanation: Your hot works permit will detail how long fire watch must be maintained after the activity is complete.
36. Asbestos, and materials containing it, were commonly found in which of the following? Give ONE answer
A All of the these
B Boiler lagging
C Floor tiles
D Partitions
Correct Answer: A All of the these
Explanation: Asbestos was widely used across a range of materials and products.
37. Your colleague thinks they may have uncovered asbestos in a ceiling - what should you do? Give ONE answer
A Ensure your PPE is correctly fitted so you may continue safely working
B Nothing - surveys will always check ceilings in advance for asbestos
C Securely collect a sample for laboratory analysis
D Stop work and keep others away from the area
Correct Answer: D Stop work and keep others away from the area
Explanation: You must stop work straight away, warn your supervisor, and make sure nobody else approaches the area.
38. Which of the following is TRUE about hazardous substance pictograms? Give ONE answer
A Pictograms will vary country to country
B They are only present on substances that pose potentially fatal health risks
C They represent five key hazards
D You will commonly see pictograms that are the same worldwide
Correct Answer: D You will commonly see pictograms that are the same worldwide
Explanation: Pictograms are the same worldwide.
39. Where should you be informed about your assembly points? Give ONE answer
A At the site office, upon request
B Employment contract
C Safe system of work
D Site induction
Correct Answer: D Site induction
Explanation: You should be informed of all emergency procedure details during induction.
40. Which of the following first aid roles requires a HIGHER level of first aid training? Give ONE answer
A Emergency First Aider
B First Aider
C Health and Safety Manager
D Site manager
Correct Answer: B First Aider
Explanation: A First Aider will undergo training allowing them to handle a broader range of workplace injuries and illnesses.
41. Why are the impacts of ill-health from work often misunderstood? Give ONE answer
A Employers can misrepresent the risk of ill-health from work
B There is little research available on occupational ill-health
C They also affect an individual's families, and the changes can be permanent
D They are often less severe than people imagine
Correct Answer: C They also affect an individual's families, and the changes can be permanent
Explanation: If you develop health problems from work, this condition can become chronic - and the effects extend to your family and loved ones too.
42. Which is the most common sort of dermatitis that develops in construction workers? Give ONE answer
A Allergic contact dermatitis
B Febrile dermatitis
C Irritant contact dermatitis
D Sensitising dermatitis
Correct Answer: C Irritant contact dermatitis
Explanation: Irritant contact dermatitis is the most common. Sensitising dermatitis is another name for allergic contact dermatitis.
43. What is a major health risk you contribute to if you do not dispose of lunch properly on site? Give ONE answer
A Dermatitis - decomposing food becomes acidic
B Lyme disease - infected ticks may be drawn to the site
C Trip hazards - unexpected clutter can create unanticipated hazards
D Weil's disease - infected rats may be drawn to the site
Correct Answer: D Weil's disease - infected rats may be drawn to the site
Explanation: Discarded food may draw infected rats to the site, increasing the risk of Weil's disease.
44. Where are tetanus bacteria most often found? Give ONE answer
A Long grasses
B Manure and soil
C Near waste disposal areas
D Wet, acidic soil
Correct Answer: B Manure and soil
Explanation: Tetanus bacteria often contaminate manure and soil.
45. Why must you inform your employer if you have contracted Weil's disease? Give ONE answer
A It will affect your employment status
B They must inform the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
C They must put it on your personal record
D They must record it in the accident book
Correct Answer: B They must inform the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
Explanation: Instances of Weil's disease must be reported to the HSE.
46. What does this sign tell you about a material? Give ONE answer
A That it is a designated fire, and must NOT be extinguished
B That it must ONLY be extinguished with water if burning
C That this is not a safe area for waste disposal
D That you must NOT use water to extinguish it if burning
Correct Answer: D That you must NOT use water to extinguish it if burning
Explanation: This sign indicates where you must NOT use water to extinguish fires.
47. What might you find in an area with this sign? Give ONE answer
A Floor level obstacles
B Fragile points in a roof
C Oil spills
D Thin ice
Correct Answer: B Fragile points in a roof
Explanation: This sign is used as signage on a fragile roof.
48. Which of the following issues should you bring up with your supervisor? Give THREE answers
A Safety signage is confusing
B Safety signage is irritating
C There are not enough safety signs
D There are too many safety signs
Correct Answer: A Safety signage is confusing, C There are not enough safety signs, D There are too many safety signs
Explanation: Signs that are too few, too numerous, or too confusing might be hazardous. You should bring this up with your supervisor.
49. What should you do if you see a plant being operated over the on-site speed limit? Give ONE answer
A Locate and disable their vehicle once it has stopped
B Lodge a formal complaint
C Nothing - this is permissible if the proper authorisation has been acquired
D Report this to your employer or supervisor
Correct Answer: D Report this to your employer or supervisor
Explanation: Report any concerns to your supervisor or employer.
50. How should you load a vehicle to reduce the risk of it overturning? Give ONE answer
A Distribute the load evenly in the vehicle's body
B Load the vehicle with as much weight as possible
C Side-load the vehicle along one edge
D Tie the load down securely
Correct Answer: A Distribute the load evenly in the vehicle's body
Explanation: To reduce the risk of overturning, you should distribute a vehicle's load evenly.