Sign Up Login

Operatives and Specialists Test 8 (2023)

Construction Test > Operatives and Specialists Test 8 (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!

Sign up to keep track of your progress

Tests Taken

Last Score

Average Score

Your Progress

 

List of questions in above test (quick view). Click question box to reveal correct answer.
1. Employers and contractors will always carry some degree of liability if an employee is prosecuted by a Health and Safety Executive inspector. True or false? Give ONE answer
A FALSE
B TRUE
Correct Answer: A FALSE
Explanation: If adequate training has been provided by the employer, the employee can be held entirely liable for failing to comply with health and safety standards.
2. Who should be questioned in an investigation? Give ONE answer
A All QUALIFIED parties
B All RELEVANT parties
C All SENIOR parties
D All WILLING parties
Correct Answer: B All RELEVANT parties
Explanation: All relevant parties should be consulted in an investigation.
3. How often should you do a face-fit test for your respiratory protective equipment? Give ONE answer
A Regularly
B When beginning a new job
C When being issued with it for the first time
D When completing a job
Correct Answer: A Regularly
Explanation: It is good practice to regularly check the fit of your RPE with a face-fit test.
4. What may happen if you inhale a respiratory sensitiser? Give ONE answer
A It may neutralise the effects of other respiratory hazards
B It may reverse respiratory health conditions
C You become numb to the health hazards you are developing
D You may begin to develop an allergic reaction to it
Correct Answer: D You may begin to develop an allergic reaction to it
Explanation: Respiratory sensitisers may cause you to develop an allergic reaction.
5. What hazard is posed by so-called 'nuisance dust'? Give ONE answer
A It coats surfaces, creating a slip hazard
B It coats surfaces, making the work area untidy
C When inhaled, it becomes toxic
D When inhaled, it can cause coughing and irritation
Correct Answer: D When inhaled, it can cause coughing and irritation
Explanation: Nuisance dust is not toxic, but can become an irritant if too much is inhaled.
6. What is the MAIN risk associated with organic matter that has begun to rot? Give ONE answer
A It creates toxic spores
B It produces a nauseating smell
C It produces carbon monoxide
D It produces hydrogen sulphide
Correct Answer: D It produces hydrogen sulphide
Explanation: Organic matter produces hydrogen sulphide when it begins to rot. This can be dangerous if it is allowed to build up.
7. You are about to begin work in an enclosed and dusty room. How should you proceed? Give ONE answer
A Assume the dust could be harmful
B Assume the dust is harmless, as you would have been told if it were otherwise
C Proceed as normal - dust is not a harmful substance
D Work for a short period and see if you begin to develop any health problems
Correct Answer: A Assume the dust could be harmful
Explanation: Always assume that dust in any enclosed area could be harmful.
8. Why is it important to capture dust created by cutting tools BEFORE it gets into the air? Give ONE answer
A Because dust can be easily inhaled once in the air
B Because dust in the air can damage machinery
C Because dust is harder to clear up once it is in the air
D Because this eliminates the need for deep cleaning
Correct Answer: A Because dust can be easily inhaled once in the air
Explanation: The main reason for collecting dust before it gets into the air is to protect workers from inhaling it.
9. What dangerous problem MAY develop if you use power tools regularly? Give ONE answer
A You may develop calluses
B You may exhaust your skills
C You may move onto more dangerous tools
D You may start to overlook the risks involved
Correct Answer: D You may start to overlook the risks involved
Explanation: Regular, frequent use of power tools can lead to complacency. This is when many accidents occur.
10. 5 litres of oil can contaminate an area of what size? Give ONE answer
A 5 cubic metres
B A hot tub
C Two football pitches
D Wales
Correct Answer: C Two football pitches
Explanation: Just 5 litres of oil spread extensively through the soil, surface water, and groundwater, affecting an area the size of two football pitches.
11. Who should refuel a site vehicle? Give ONE answer
A An accredited person
B An authorised person
C The environmental manager
D The person driving the vehicle
Correct Answer: B An authorised person
Explanation: You must be authorised to carry out vehicle refuelling.
12. You have leftover liquid from a task that is marked as environmentally harmful. What should you do FIRST? Give ONE answer
A Check if anyone else can use it
B Dispose of it according to the site's COSHH guidelines
C Dispose of it down the appropriate drain
D Record it in site documentation
Correct Answer: A Check if anyone else can use it
Explanation: Always check if spare hazardous liquid can be used elsewhere on site. This will reduce the amount of harmful waste produced.
13. AS LITTLE AS how much soil is enough to prove fatal to a body trapped underneath? Give ONE answer
A 1 cubic metre
B 2 cubic metres
C 3 cubic meters
Correct Answer: A 1 cubic metre
Explanation: 1 cubic metre of soil can weigh 1 tonne - enough to crush a human body.
14. Which of the following is NOT recommended as part of a safe system of work in excavations? Give ONE answer
A Continuous monitoring of gas levels within the excavation
B Only spending short periods of time in the excavation
C Pumping fresh air into the space
D Using solvent-free products that do not produce fumes
Correct Answer: B Only spending short periods of time in the excavation
Explanation: Gas and fume levels in an excavation should always be mitigated or monitored.
15. When excavating, you come across a yellow service. What service is this likely to be? Give ONE answer
A Communications
B Electricity
C Gas
D Water
Correct Answer: C Gas
Explanation: Gas services are usually yellow - but this is not always the case.
16. What are TWO ways dangerous levels of carbon dioxide may be created? Give TWO answers
A Acidic rain falling on chalky ground
B Agitating slurry during excavation
C Large, enclosed bodies of water left stagnant
D Many people working in a confined space
E Use of epoxy resins in an enclosed space
Correct Answer: A Acidic rain falling on chalky ground, D Many people working in a confined space
Explanation: Carbon dioxide is exhaled by humans when breathing, and is also produced by chalky ground - especially if it is exposed to acidic rainfall.
17. Is this ladder positioned at a safe angle? Give ONE answer
A No
B Yes
Correct Answer: A No
Explanation: This ladder is not safely positioned - it is too steep.
18. A ladder should always be checked before it is used. Who should do this? Give ONE answer
A The employer
B Two competent and trained personnel
C Whoever has distributed the ladder
D Whoever will be using the ladder
Correct Answer: D Whoever will be using the ladder
Explanation: The ladder must be checked by the person who will be using it.
19. Your colleague is off sick, and as their replacement you are asked to help construct a mobile access tower. You are not trained. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Help within the limits of your training, as this will be better than no help at all.
B Inform your supervisor that you are not qualified
C Pick it up as you go along
D Work under the supervision of trained colleagues
Correct Answer: B Inform your supervisor that you are not qualified
Explanation: You may only construct mobile access platforms if you are fully qualified.
20. What THREE things may happen if electricity from an overhead line reaches earth? Give THREE answers
A Cancer
B Explosion
C Fire
D Radioactive emissions
E Severe shocks or burns
F Skin irritation
Correct Answer: B Explosion, C Fire, E Severe shocks or burns
Explanation: Electricity passing to the ground from an overhead power line can result in explosions, fires, and severe injury.
21. You are working on a motorway during daylight hours. What class of high-visibility clothing is required? Give ONE answer
A Class 1 must be worn on or near motorways
B Class 2 may be worn in daylight hours
C Class 3 must be worn on or near motorways
D The class required will depend upon the hazard the work is creating
Correct Answer: C Class 3 must be worn on or near motorways
Explanation: Class 3 is the highest class of high-visibility PPE, and must be worn on motorways regardless of the time of day.
22. When should you be particularly careful about protection against sun damage in summer? Give ONE answer
A Around midday, when the sun is strongest
B At the end of the day, when your cumulative exposure is highest
C In early summer, when your body has not yet adjusted to sun exposure
D In the morning, when the sun is strongest
Correct Answer: A Around midday, when the sun is strongest
Explanation: The sun is most intense for a few hours around midday. You must be particularly attentive to sun protection during this time.
23. How will you know where designated smoking areas are on site? Give ONE answer
A There should be no designated smoking areas on-site, as smoking is never permitted
B There will be a bin for cigarette butts
C There will not be any cordons indicating the area is a combustion risk
D You will be informed during induction
Correct Answer: D You will be informed during induction
Explanation: You will be informed of any smoking areas during your site induction.
24. You have completed a welding job. How soon after the job is complete should you return for a safety check? Give ONE answer
A 1-2 hours later
B However soon is specified in the hot works permit
C Where the hot works permit has been correctly followed, no further checks are needed
D Within 1 hour
Correct Answer: B However soon is specified in the hot works permit
Explanation: You should always return at a later time to check the area. Precisely how long will be detailed in the hot works permit.
25. What are TWO major complications that can result from inhaling asbestos fibres? Give ONE answer
A Cancer and dermatitis
B Cancer and inflammation of the brain
C Lung scarring and cancer
D Lung scarring and cardiac arrest
Correct Answer: C Lung scarring and cancer
Explanation: Asbestos fibres can cause lung scarring, and cancer in the lungs, abdominal cavity, and heart.
26. Why must you not smoke without thoroughly cleaning your hands? Give ONE answer
A It means you have not left the area of work
B Traces of flammable liquids may be ignited
C You may transfer hazardous substances to your mouth
D You put others at risk of fumes
Correct Answer: C You may transfer hazardous substances to your mouth
Explanation: You may unwittingly ingest hazardous substances.
27. What is one thing you should be aware of when using a water jet around hazardous substances? Give ONE answer
A If the jet breaks your skin, these substances may enter your body
B The high impact of the jet may ignite flammable substances
C The water may chemically react with the substances and create new harmful fumes
D You should never use a water jet around harmful substances
Correct Answer: A If the jet breaks your skin, these substances may enter your body
Explanation: The high pressure may force hazardous substances into your body.
28. What does this sticker mean? Give ONE answer
A That the pipe contains ammonium
B That the pipe contains asbestos
C That the pipe has a grade A safety rating
D That the pipe is likely to fall
Correct Answer: B That the pipe contains asbestos
Explanation: Materials with this sticker contain asbestos.
29. You come across a clear, strong-smelling substance in an unlabelled container. What do you do? Give ONE answer
A Do not touch it, the person who placed it there is responsible for it
B Inform your supervisor, and ensure that nobody touches it
C Move it to where it will not cause a hazard
D Take a sample of it to your on-site manager
Correct Answer: B Inform your supervisor, and ensure that nobody touches it
Explanation: An unlabelled substance should be reported, and nobody should come into contact with it.
30. You are a lone worker on shift, but there is no first aider present. What should be in place? Give ONE answer
A A personal first aid kit
B Monitored CCTV surveillance in case of incident
C The means to call for professional assistance or emergency services
D You should not be in this position without a first aider available
Correct Answer: C The means to call for professional assistance or emergency services
Explanation: Employers must provide lone workers with the means to call for emergency services or medical assistance if they are not accompanied by a first aider.
31. You are an emergency first aider. What does this qualify you to do? Give ONE answer
A Carry out basic risk assessments
B Emergency first aid at work
C Fill out the accident book
D General first aid at work
Correct Answer: B Emergency first aid at work
Explanation: You are qualified and permitted to do emergency first aid only - further training is required for general first aid.
32. What is the BIGGEST risk associated with sun exposure? Give ONE answer
A Burning your skin
B Developing skin cancer
C Fatigue
D Suffering from heat exhaustion
Correct Answer: B Developing skin cancer
Explanation: Sun exposure puts you at risk of developing skin cancer.
33. A mole on your arm starts to itch one evening. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Apply a topical cream - this could indicate irritation from a hazardous substance
B Consult a doctor - this could indicate occupational dermatitis
C Consult a doctor - this could indicate skin cancer
D Ignore it - moles often itch
Correct Answer: C Consult a doctor - this could indicate skin cancer
Explanation: An itching mole could be an early sign that skin cancer is developing. Catching and treating skin cancer early is crucial. Consult a doctor.
34. Weil's disease is particularly dangerous, as the symptoms may initially suggest which more minor health problem? Give ONE answer
A Eczema
B Food poisoning
C Heatstroke
D Influenza
Correct Answer: D Influenza
Explanation: Weil's disease may initially appear to be a bout of flu.
35. Whilst on break working by a river you get a small papercut. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Begin taking antibiotics
B Cover it with a waterproof plaster underneath your gloves
C Nothing - papercuts do not break the dermis layer, so bacteria cannot enter your bloodstream
D Nothing, so long as you are wearing gloves
Correct Answer: B Cover it with a waterproof plaster underneath your gloves
Explanation: It is best practice to put plasters over all cuts and abrasions, even if you are wearing gloves over the top.
36. What are TWO diseases you may contract from accidental needle pricks? Give ONE answer
A Dermatitis
B HIV
C Hepatitis
D Lead poisoning
E Tetanus
Correct Answer: B HIV, C Hepatitis
Explanation: Needle pricks can pass on hepatitis and/or HIV through infected blood.
37. Stress can cause which kinds of health problems? Give ONE answer
A Mental and physical health problems
B Mental health problems
C Physical health problems
Correct Answer: A Mental and physical health problems
Explanation: Stress can have severe effects on both your mind and your body.
38. Which of the following may help improve your mental health? Give ONE answer
A Drinking or smoking
B Keeping physically fit
C Making time for activities you enjoy
D Spending long periods of time indoors
E Working overtime
Correct Answer: B Keeping physically fit, C Making time for activities you enjoy
Explanation: Doing things that you enjoy and staying fit are two habits that may improve your mental health.
39. What is the typical profile of someone who suffers from mental health issues? Give ONE answer
A Gloomy and withdrawn
B Lazy and uncommitted to work
C There is no typical profile - anybody can develop this sort of problem
D Weak and emotional
Correct Answer: C There is no typical profile - anybody can develop this sort of problem
Explanation: There is no "type" of person who develops mental health problems - it can happen to anybody.
40. Which of the following can lead to you posing a danger to yourself and others on site? Check ALL that apply
A Alcohol
B Hydration
C Legal highs
D Medicine
Correct Answer: A Alcohol, C Legal highs, D Medicine
Explanation: Besides hydration, all of these may adversely affect your ability to work safely.
41. What TWO facts should you be aware of when taking anabolic steroids? Give TWO answers
A If they are just for personal use, possession is not an offence
B It is an offence, punishable with up to 2 years in prison
C They are a class A drug
D They are a class B drug
E They are a class C drug
Correct Answer: A If they are just for personal use, possession is not an offence, E They are a class C drug
Explanation: Anabolic steroids are a class C drug, but possession for personal use is not an offence.
42. If it is not possible for your employer to offer separate toilets for men and women, what should they do? Give ONE answer
A Designate gender-specific time slots for using the toilets
B Provide awareness courses about consent
C Provide lockable toilets separate from urinals
D They are not legally obliged to do anything
Correct Answer: C Provide lockable toilets separate from urinals
Explanation: Employers should offer separate, lockable cubicles.
43. If manual load handling poses a risk to workers, what must be in place? Give ONE answer
A A safe system of work
B An emergency procedure
C Health surveillance
D Manual handling aids
Correct Answer: A A safe system of work
Explanation: A safe system of work must be introduced where manual handling of loads poses a health risk to employees.
44. Why might rainy weather affect your ability to manually handle materials safely? Give TWO answers
A Fatigue may set in more quickly
B It will not affect manual handling tasks
C The ground will be slippery
D There may be less light
E You may have to work alone
Correct Answer: C The ground will be slippery, D There may be less light
Explanation: Wet ground and low light are two factors that will affect the safety of manual handling tasks.
45. Which TWO of the following signs will help you safely navigate traffic on site? Give TWO answers
A
B
C
D
Correct Answer: B , C
Explanation: These signs will indicate areas where you cannot walk, and where industrial vehicles are in operation.
46. Whilst operating a mobile plant, your signaller moves out of sight. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Continue on the trajectory they were indicating when you could last see them
B Report this to your manager
C Return to the position in which they were last visible
D Stop and do not continue until you know where they are
Correct Answer: D Stop and do not continue until you know where they are
Explanation: If you can no longer see your signaller, you must stop. Do not continue until you have located them.
47. Who is responsible for planning a lifting operation? Give ONE answer
A An appointed person, designated by your employer
B Everyone involved in the operation
C The person conducting the risk assessment
D The site manager
Correct Answer: A An appointed person, designated by your employer
Explanation: Your employer must designate an appointed person to plan a lifting operation.
48. Which TWO of the following are important reasons to shut off the engine before exiting a vehicle? Give TWO answers
A Idling vehicles waste fuel
B The vehicle may be stolen
C The vehicle may begin to roll away
D You may accidentally knock the operating levers when exiting
Correct Answer: A Idling vehicles waste fuel, D You may accidentally knock the operating levers when exiting
Explanation: Leaving the engine on wastes fuel, and could lead to accidents if you accidentally knock one of the levers whilst exiting.
49. What is the hand signal for indicating MOVE FORWARDS Give ONE answer
A A beckoning motion with a downwards-turned open palm
B A beckoning motion with an upwards-turned open palm
C A beckoning motion with one finger
D A raised and rotating arm
Correct Answer: B A beckoning motion with an upwards-turned open palm
Explanation: Signal MOVE FORWARDS through a beckoning motion with an upwards-turned open palm.