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Operatives and Specialists – Electrical Safety, Tools and Equipment (2023)

Construction Test > Operatives and Specialists – Electrical Safety, Tools and Equipment (2023)

You need to answer at least 41 out of 46 questions correctly to pass the Electrical Safety, Tools and Equipment Test for Operatives and Specialists. 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. Which of the following is TRUE about wires? Give ONE answer
A A live wire will glow
B A live wire will make a faint humming sound
C You can often tell if they are live by looking at them
D You cannot tell if they are live or not just by looking at them
Correct Answer: D You cannot tell if they are live or not just by looking at them
Explanation: Live wires look the same as dead wires to the naked eye.
2. Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding electric shocks? Give ONE answer
A They are highly dangerous, but never fatal
B They are not possible with modern equipment
C They can be fatal
D You will feel an unpleasant tingling
Correct Answer: C They can be fatal
Explanation: Electric shocks can be fatal to those who receive them.
3. A survey has identified a cable running underground through your work area. What must you do next? Give ONE answer
A Begin working around the cable
B Cordon off the area indicated in the survey
C Do not work in this area
D Use a cable avoidance tool (CAT) to verify its location
Correct Answer: D Use a cable avoidance tool (CAT) to verify its location
Explanation: Locations of live wires found in surveys should always be verified using a CAT.
4. Which TWO factors make on-site electricity distribution systems potentially more hazardous? Give TWO answers
A They are often poorly fitted
B They are prone to damage
C They are temporary systems
D They prioritise efficiency over safety
E You can never be sure when a cable is live
Correct Answer: B They are prone to damage, C They are temporary systems
Explanation: On-site electric systems are designed with safety in mind; nevertheless, they are temporary and prone to damage.
5. Which THREE colours are used to indicate the voltage of a tool? Give ONE answer
A Red, blue, brown
B Yellow, blue, red
C Yellow, green, red
D Yellow, red, white
Correct Answer: B Yellow, blue, red
Explanation: Yellow, blue, and red are used to colour-code tools according to the level of voltage they use.
6. Which colour indicates the highest voltage? Give ONE answer
A Blue
B Brown
C Red
D Yellow
Correct Answer: C Red
Explanation: Red is standardly used to indicate 400 volts.
7. Which TWO reasons describe why tools are safer when battery-powered? Give TWO answers
A Any electric shocks will not be as strong
B There are no hazardous cables
C They are easier to secure
D They are smaller
E They can be overridden
Correct Answer: A Any electric shocks will not be as strong, B There are no hazardous cables
Explanation: Battery powered tools will not administer as strong an electric shock as those connected to mains power. They also do not trail potentially hazardous cables.
8. You are in an excavation and notice an exposed cable running into the trench. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Assume it could be a live cable. Continue working and watch for any developing hazards
B Assume it is a dead cable, as it would not otherwise be exposed
C Assume it is a live cable. Stay at least 1 metre away at all times
D Assume it is a live cable. Stop working immediately and report it
Correct Answer: D Assume it is a live cable. Stop working immediately and report it
Explanation: Always assume exposed wires and cables could be live. If you see one, you must stop work immediately and report it.
9. What is true about equipment with yellow-coded voltage? Give ONE answer
A It is common on site; the shock is unlikely to do severe damage
B It is usually a generator; the shock could be fatal
C It is usually high-power equipment; the shock will be fatal
D It is usually minor equipment; you are unlikely to notice any shocks
Correct Answer: A It is common on site; the shock is unlikely to do severe damage
Explanation: Yellow indicates 110 volt equipment. This includes most electrical tools on site. Shocks will be painful, but are unlikely to be severe.
10. Which THREE of the following statements are TRUE about blue-coded tools? Give THREE answers
A The shock can be fatal
B The shock will not be fatal
C They are uncommon on construction sites
D They use 180 volts
E They use 230 volts
F You will see them frequently on construction sites
Correct Answer: A The shock can be fatal, C They are uncommon on construction sites, E They use 230 volts
Explanation: Blue indicates a voltage of 230. This will administer severe shocks, possibly even fatal ones. Tools at this level are often prohibited.
11. What TWO ways will blue-coded voltage most frequently be used on site? Give TWO answers
A To distribute electricity
B To power generators
C To power most tools
D To recharge electric vehicles
Correct Answer: A To distribute electricity, B To power generators
Explanation: Blue-coded voltage is usually used for electrical distribution and generators.
12. Which type of laser is MORE hazardous if used incorrectly? Give ONE answer
A Rotating laser
B Static laser
Correct Answer: B Static laser
Explanation: A rotating laser will be hard to look at for more than a moment, but a static laser can cause more damage.
13. What are two things you MUST do to avoid an extension reel overheating when in use? Give TWO answers
A Do not overload it
B Ensure it is at maximum capacity
C Ensure it is near a fan
D Unwind it fully
E Wind it tightly
Correct Answer: A Do not overload it, D Unwind it fully
Explanation: Extension reels and cables should be fully unwound, and not overloaded.
14. When should you route cables across the ground? Give ONE answer
A If the work is taking place at ground level
B If there is work being done overhead
C Only if you cannot route them overhead
D You should never route cables along the ground
Correct Answer: C Only if you cannot route them overhead
Explanation: Routing cables at floor level should only be done if you cannot route them overhead.
15. Where will you be able to source the correct tools for your job? Give ONE answer
A At the nearest authorised hardware store
B Using online delivery
C You can borrow them from colleagues on site
D Your employer will provide them for free
Correct Answer: D Your employer will provide them for free
Explanation: Your employer is legally obliged to furnish you with the tools and PPE you need to safely carry out your work.
16. What is wrong with this tool? Give ONE answer
A It should not be diagonally scarred up the edges
B It should not be tapered at one end
C Shrapnel may fly off it when it is hit
D There is nothing wrong with it
Correct Answer: C Shrapnel may fly off it when it is hit
Explanation: This chisel has been worn at the top, creating potential shrapnel that could fly off when it is struck.
17. You are working on a job at a short distance from the transformer, but your tool cable does not quite reach. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Find a different kind of tool with a longer cable, and see if you can still do the task
B Get more distance by joining up a number of leads
C Talk to your supervisor about moving the transformer
D Try to move the transformer yourself
Correct Answer: C Talk to your supervisor about moving the transformer
Explanation: Do not link up several extension leads if your cable does not reach the transformer. Talk to your supervisor about moving the transformer nearer to you.
18. An electricity pylon near your work area is making some unexpected noises. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Approach to see if anything is immediately wrong
B Call the service number registered on the pylon
C Ensure you are wearing rubber-soled work boots
D Stop work and inform your supervisor.
Correct Answer: D Stop work and inform your supervisor.
Explanation: If you are unsure about anything, stop and inform your supervisor. Electricity can kill.
19. Who is permitted to isolate power lines? Give ONE answer
A An authorised and competent person
B Anybody who needs to work near them
C Only a contractor hired by the local council
D Power lines must NEVER be isolated
Correct Answer: A An authorised and competent person
Explanation: Only authorised and competent people are permitted to isolate power lines.
20. A fuse blows whilst you are using your tool. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Turn off your tool and examine it for electrical faults
B Turn off your tool and find a replacement
C Turn off your tool and fix the fuse before continuing
D Turn off your tool and inform your manager or supervisor
Correct Answer: D Turn off your tool and inform your manager or supervisor
Explanation: A blown fuse indicates a problem with the equipment. Turn it off and inform your manager. Do not attempt repairs unless you are sufficiently trained, authorised, and competent.
21. What is a residual current device (RCD)? Give ONE answer
A A device which ensures a tool is working at maximum efficiency
B A device which immediately cuts off electricity if a fault is detected
C A device which is used to make electricity last longer
D An device which stores and recirculates unused electricity
Correct Answer: B A device which immediately cuts off electricity if a fault is detected
Explanation: RCDs will quickly cut off power if a problem is detected.
22. 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.
23. You are routing some cables at floor level. What are TWO things you must ensure? Give TWO answers
A That the ground is not too dry
B That there are no puddles
C That they do not go through a busy area
D That you have told all workers in the vicinity
E That you install protective ramps over them
Correct Answer: B That there are no puddles, E That you install protective ramps over them
Explanation: If you need to route cables along the ground, make sure there are no puddles, and that protective ramps are used to prevent damage if they are run over.
24. How often does the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommend testing equipment, tools, and leads? Give ONE answer
A At the start of every project
B Once a week
C Once a year
D Once every three months
Correct Answer: D Once every three months
Explanation: Testing every three months is recommended by the HSE.
25. Which of the following is TRUE about getting an electrical shock from overhead power lines? Give ONE answer
A Overhead power lines do not deliver electric shocks
B You can prevent it by wearing rubber boots
C You do not need to be touching the cables
D You must be touching the cables
Correct Answer: C You do not need to be touching the cables
Explanation: Electricity can arc across the air. This means you can receive a potentially fatal electric shock without being in contact with the power line itself.
26. What is a recommended way of building up competence once you have trained on a new tool? Give ONE answer
A Find some advanced applications for it
B Get someone to supervise you when you first use it
C Use it as frequently as possible
D Use it without supervision to test how much you have absorbed
Correct Answer: B Get someone to supervise you when you first use it
Explanation: When using a tool you have been recently trained on, always begin under supervision.
27. You need to independently use a bandsaw. What must happen before you begin? Give ONE answer
A You must check that you are competent
B You must inform your colleagues
C You must never use a power tool independently
D Your employer must ensure you are competent
Correct Answer: D Your employer must ensure you are competent
Explanation: Your employer must ensure that you are competent to operate powered tools independently before you begin.
28. You have been tasked with using a diamond blade cutter. What kind of eye protection is suitable? Give ONE answer
A Any protection is optional
B High-impact eye protection
C Safety goggles
D Welding mask
Correct Answer: B High-impact eye protection
Explanation: You must wear high-impact eye protection. Anything less than this will not provide sufficient protection.
29. 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.
30. 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.
31. How can you find out the right PPE and tools you will need for a job? Give ONE answer
A You can read the labels and manuals
B You can refer to the task's safe system of work, or the method statement
C You can see what risks come up as you begin working
D You can use your own discretion
Correct Answer: B You can refer to the task's safe system of work, or the method statement
Explanation: The safe system of work or method statement for every task will detail the correct PPE and tools to use.
32. You are using a band saw. Which of the following is TRUE about the wheel's speed and the machine's speed? Give ONE answer
A The machine must be slower than the wheel
B The wheel must be slower than the machine
C They must match
D You must ensure the difference does not become too large
Correct Answer: C They must match
Explanation: Wheel and machine speeds must match when cutting with equipment.
33. When using a tool with guards, what TWO things must you check before beginning work? Give TWO answers
A That the guards are working correctly
B That they are adjusted properly
C That they are the correct colour
D Whether the guards are required for this task
Correct Answer: A That the guards are working correctly, B That they are adjusted properly
Explanation: Guards on tools must always be correctly functioning and adjusted.
34. What is the MOST important risk created if you use the wrong diamond blade with your tool? Give ONE answer
A The blade might burst
B The machine might work less efficiently
C The material might be spoiled
D You may be fired
Correct Answer: A The blade might burst
Explanation: Using the wrong disc or blade for a particular tool can cause it to shatter or burst.
35. The conditions on site have become wet. What THREE kinds of tools should you be using? Give THREE answers
A Air powered
B Electricity powered
C Fuel powered
D Generator powered
E Non-powered (manual)
F Sustainably powered
Correct Answer: A Air powered, C Fuel powered, E Non-powered (manual)
Explanation: Never use electricity powered equipment if conditions are damp or wet.
36. You see a drone flying on-site. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Inform your supervisor
B Nothing, so long as it is not being disruptive
C Report it to the HSE
D Try to knock it out of the air
Correct Answer: A Inform your supervisor
Explanation: An on-site drone may be an authorised part of the project. Inform your supervisor if you see one operating unexpectedly.
37. You need to cut a tile, but the only disc available is not quite right. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Find the closest substitute
B Only use gentle pressure when cutting the tile
C Only use the tool for short periods of time
D Wait until the correct disc can be found
Correct Answer: D Wait until the correct disc can be found
Explanation: Never use a disc or blade for a job it is not designed to do.
38. What should you do with spent cannisters or cells after using a nail gun? Give ONE answer
A Dispose of them in general waste
B Dispose of them in the correct specialist way
C Take them to be refilled
D They will not be spent if they are correctly used
Correct Answer: B Dispose of them in the correct specialist way
Explanation: Spent cells and cannisters are not general waste, and must be correctly disposed of.
39. 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.
40. You need to change a drill bit. What should you do FIRST? Give ONE answer
A Call out to alert colleagues
B Isolate the power and unplug the drill
C Nothing in particular
D Wait for the drill to cool down
Correct Answer: B Isolate the power and unplug the drill
Explanation: You should always isolate the power and unplug the tool before changing bits, blades, and guards.
41. What TWO things must you NEVER do when refuelling a petrol powered hand tool? Give TWO answers
A Refuel in a well-lit area
B Refuel when the engine is hot
C Refuel with a funnel
D Smoke at the refuelling point
Correct Answer: B Refuel when the engine is hot, D Smoke at the refuelling point
Explanation: Never refuel where there are ignition hazards - this includes cigarettes, and possibly hot parts of the tool.
42. Before you begin a job using a chainsaw, what TWO items of PPE must you make sure to have? Give TWO answers
A A mask
B An emergency alarm
C Full protective clothing designed for chainsaws
D Head protection
E Thick clothing
Correct Answer: C Full protective clothing designed for chainsaws, D Head protection
Explanation: Chainsaw work requires you to wear a full suit of chainsaw protective clothing, and proper head protection.
43. 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.
44. What must be present on every hose joint feeding compressed power tools? Give ONE answer
A Guard
B Hazard tape
C Residual current device
D Whip check
Correct Answer: D Whip check
Explanation: Whip checks must be in place on hose joints.
45. Where should you store petrol for refuelling tools? Give ONE answer
A At the site office
B At the welfare services
C Away from where the work is being done
D Where the work is being done
Correct Answer: C Away from where the work is being done
Explanation: Petrol must not be stored at the work location.
46. What function do these mats serve? Give ONE answer
A They help keep animals away from equipment
B They indicate where equipment should be stored
C They prevent spills leaking into the ground
D They protect the equipment from uneven surfaces
Correct Answer: C They prevent spills leaking into the ground
Explanation: These mats prevent fuel from leaking into the ground during refuelling.