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Operatives and Specialists – Hazardous Substances (2023)

Construction Test > Operatives and Specialists – Hazardous Substances (2023)

You need to answer at least 34 out of 38 questions correctly to pass the Hazardous Substances 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. What is the status of asbestos use in the UK? Give ONE answer
A All use of it is banned
B All use of it is banned worldwide
C Use of it is permitted under rare and highly specific circumstances
D Use of it is permitted where new materials must match existing materials that contain asbestos
Correct Answer: A All use of it is banned
Explanation: The UK has banned the use of asbestos under any circumstances.
2. Which of the following is TRUE of asbestos? Give ONE answer
A Developments in construction have made it a highly rare, but fatal, occupational hazard
B It causes chronic, but non-fatal, conditions
C It is responsible for the most occupational deaths in the UK
D Statistically, the threat posed by asbestos has been nearly eliminated
Correct Answer: C It is responsible for the most occupational deaths in the UK
Explanation: Asbestos remains the largest cause of occupational deaths in the UK.
3. Why is asbestos a threat to health? Give ONE answer
A Asbestos exposure can cause major skin damage
B Asbestos ingestion can cause organ failure
C Asbestos inhalation can cause lung disease
D Asbestos poisoning can have dangerous neurological implications
Correct Answer: C Asbestos inhalation can cause lung disease
Explanation: Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause serious lung disease.
4. 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.
5. How can the presence of asbestos be verified? Give ONE answer
A It cannot be verified
B Only through laboratory analysis
C Through laboratory analysis, or the use of on-site testing
D Through simple on-site testing by a trained party
Correct Answer: B Only through laboratory analysis
Explanation: Asbestos can only be detected through laboratory analysis.
6. Asbestos most commonly comes in three types. What types are these? Give ONE answer
A Blue, brown, and white
B Blue, white, and yellow
C Brown, white, and black
D White, black, and grey
Correct Answer: A Blue, brown, and white
Explanation: The three key asbestos types are blue (crocidolite), brown (amosite), and white (chrysolite).
7. Asbestos was commonly used in building materials around which period? Give ONE answer
A 1850 - 1900
B 1910 - 1950
C 1940 - 1980
D 1990 - 2000
Correct Answer: C 1940 - 1980
Explanation: Between 1940 and 1980, over 5,000 products are estimated to have been produced containing asbestos.
8. 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.
9. Any building constructed before which date must legally be subjected to an appropriate survey? Give ONE answer
A 1982
B 1994
C 2000
D 2009
Correct Answer: C 2000
Explanation: The law requires that any building built before 2000 be subjected to a survey. You must treat it as if it may contain asbestos.
10. You are working on a building constructed in 1997 which has been cleared as asbestos-free. How should you proceed? Give ONE answer
A Assume there could still be asbestos present, and remain vigilant
B Do not enter the site until the HSE has inspected it
C Keep detailed notes in case you should need to make an insurance claim in future
D Proceed as normal, if the survey has been properly conducted
Correct Answer: A Assume there could still be asbestos present, and remain vigilant
Explanation: Always assume asbestos may still be present - no survey can provide absolute certainty.
11. 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.
12. Which of the two types of asbestos survey is most comprehensive? Give ONE answer
A Both are equally comprehensive, but are carried out under different circumstances
B Management survey
C Refurbishment / demolition survey
Correct Answer: C Refurbishment / demolition survey
Explanation: Refurbishment / demolition surveys are more comprehensive.
13. A material has been sent to the laboratory for asbestos testing. What should be done in the meantime? Give ONE answer
A Cover all items containing the material with an air-tight wrap
B Isolate all items containing the material in a well ventilated space
C Until the report comes back, assume the material is safe
D Until the report comes back, you should treat the material as if it contains asbestos
Correct Answer: D Until the report comes back, you should treat the material as if it contains asbestos
Explanation: If the laboratory report is not yet completed, assume the material contains asbestos.
14. You are to begin demolition in a building that is thought to contain asbestos. What should happen? Give ONE answer
A You should be given an asbestos awareness training manual
B You should be issued with hazmat suits
C You should be offered additional medical insurance
D You should complete an asbestos awareness training course
Correct Answer: D You should complete an asbestos awareness training course
Explanation: All workers who may be exposed to asbestos must complete an appropriate awareness course.
15. What is required for a job involving work with asbestos? Give TWO answers
A Licensing
B Specialist competency certification
C Training
D Written risk assessment
Correct Answer: C Training, D Written risk assessment
Explanation: Training and a risk assessment in writing are crucial components for a safe job.
16. Who is permitted to remove materials that run a high risk of containing asbestos? Give ONE answer
A A suitably trained worker
B Any party who has completed an advanced asbestos handling course
C Only a licensed contractor
D Only the HSE
Correct Answer: C Only a licensed contractor
Explanation: High risk materials can only be removed by a licensed contractor.
17. What are two things you must ensure when working with asbestos? Give TWO answers
A That laboratory analysis has confirmed the presence of asbestos
B That you are using the correct protective equipment
C That you do not conduct work alone
D That you take slow, deep breaths
E That you wash and change using on-site facilities once finished
Correct Answer: B That you are using the correct protective equipment, E That you wash and change using on-site facilities once finished
Explanation: You must follow the correct on-site safety procedures regarding PPE and personal care.
18. Which of the following is a hazardous substance? Check ALL that apply
A A carbonated beverage
B A chemical that harms the environment
C Dust given off when sanding
D Paint
Correct Answer: B A chemical that harms the environment, C Dust given off when sanding, D Paint
Explanation: A hazardous substance is anything (solid, liquid, or gas) that can cause harm to you or the environment.
19. Which of the following is TRUE about the health risks posed by hazardous substances? Give ONE answer
A They are always treatable
B They are rare but potentially fatal
C You may only begin to notice them over time
D You will notice them immediately upon exposure
Correct Answer: C You may only begin to notice them over time
Explanation: Health risks posed by hazardous substances may only begin to show over time. Damage cannot always be treated, and it is not uncommon.
20. Dermatitis is a condition that is most likely to develop from exposure to what? Give ONE answer
A Broken glass
B Acidic soil
C Loft insulation
D Wet concrete
Correct Answer: D Wet concrete
Explanation: Wet cement is a skin sensitiser, and can cause dermatitis.
21. When does lead pose a particularly high risk? Give ONE answer
A If you have a heart condition
B When heated above body temperature
C When in sustained contact with bare skin
D When ingested
Correct Answer: D When ingested
Explanation: Ingesting lead is highly dangerous.
22. Wellington boots are a safe way of protecting your skin from burns. This applies to which activity? Give ONE answer
A Laying down wet concrete
B Sewage works
C Using lead paint
D Welding
Correct Answer: A Laying down wet concrete
Explanation: Wet concrete can cause skin burns, and boots offer good protection.
23. Which regulations specifically cover your employer's legal obligations to you regarding hazardous substances? Give ONE answer
A COSHH
B HSE regulations
C Hazardous Substances Act
D Health and Safety at Work Act
Correct Answer: A COSHH
Explanation: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations cover your employer's legal obligations.
24. How are hazardous substances assessed? Give ONE answer
A As a project develops and hazards become apparent
B By observing warning labels
C Employees should have sufficient prior knowledge to assess hazards on site
D Through a COSHH assessment
Correct Answer: D Through a COSHH assessment
Explanation: Hazardous substances can be produced as a by-product of work, and all risks should be assessed through a COSHH assessment.
25. Whilst sanding down wood you begin to feel ill. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Pause work to check your PPE has been correctly fitted
B Pause work to hydrate and eat something
C Stop work and report this to your supervisor
D Stop work and sit in an upright position
Correct Answer: C Stop work and report this to your supervisor
Explanation: You should stop work and report symptoms to your supervisor if you begin to feel ill whilst working with hazardous substances.
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. Your employer requests that you begin health surveillance. What does this mean? Give ONE answer
A You are being subjected to disciplinary proceedings
B You are legally obliged to cooperate
C You may decline their request
D You may set up alternative surveillance with your doctor
Correct Answer: B You are legally obliged to cooperate
Explanation: You are legally obliged to cooperate with health surveillance so that safety precautions can be monitored.
29. 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.
30. 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.
31. 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.
32. What activity is MOST likely to cause the condition in this picture? Give ONE answer
A Handling timber
B Using a hand operated tool
C Working with wet cement
D handling lead
Correct Answer: C Working with wet cement
Explanation: Dermatitis is most likely, among these, to be caused by working with wet cement.
33. You have a half-finished container of a hazardous substance, and no clear procedure has been defined for disposing of it. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Ask your supervisor or site manager what the safe procedure should be
B Dispose of it along with general waste where no procedure has been specified
C Leave it in a safe place to be disposed of later
D Pour the remainder down the drain
Correct Answer: A Ask your supervisor or site manager what the safe procedure should be
Explanation: All hazardous substances must be disposed of according to on-site procedure.
34. What does HFL stand for? Give ONE answer
A Heat flammable liquid
B High fluoride liquid
C Highly flammable liquid
D Highly fragile lithium
Correct Answer: C Highly flammable liquid
Explanation: HFLs are highly flammable liquids.
35. Which fire extinguisher should be used when conducting hot works? Give ONE answer
A Never use a fire extinguisher on hot works
B One designated for your team and stored at a safe distance from the work area
C One specifically designated to your work area and task
D The nearest one available in case of emergency
Correct Answer: C One specifically designated to your work area and task
Explanation: You must be issued with an extinguisher specific to your task and area.
36. What may indicate an LPG leak? Give ONE answer
A A distinctive odour
B A high pitched whine
C Rashes on exposed skin
D Static electricity gathering in your hair
Correct Answer: A A distinctive odour
Explanation: You may notice an LPG leak through its particular smell.
37. Your exposure to hazardous substances must be controlled, or where possible prevented entirely. Who is responsible for ensuring this? Give ONE answer
A A qualified third party
B The HSE
C You
D Your employer
Correct Answer: D Your employer
Explanation: Your employer is legally responsible for this.
38. What is notable about this pipe cladding? Give ONE answer
A It is likely to contain asbestos
B It looks safe
C It must be removed
D It needs cleaning
Correct Answer: A It is likely to contain asbestos
Explanation: This cladding is likely to contain asbestos.