Sign Up Login

Specialist Activities – Ductwork

Construction Test > Specialist Activities – Ductwork

You need to answer at least 38 out of 45 questions correctly to pass the Ductwork Specialist Activities Test. 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. You are setting up your area to start welding on a piece of galvanised ductwork. What MUST be in place? Give ONE answer
A Dust extraction
B Fume extraction
C Sprinkler system
D Tally system
Correct Answer: B Fume extraction
Explanation: When doing hot work on galvanized metal, you must have fume extraction in place.
2. A ductwork system you are working on needs biocide applied to the interior. Which THREE of the following MUST you do before you begin? Give THREE answers
A Acquire a permit to work
B Establish a safe working area for all involved, including the building occupier
C Find a registered contractor to carry out the work
D Inform the local council
E Put together a method statement
F Read the biocide's COSHH assessment carefully
Correct Answer: B Establish a safe working area for all involved, including the building occupier, E Put together a method statement, F Read the biocide's COSHH assessment carefully
Explanation: Biocides and cleaning agents must be used only after establishing a safe area and method of working, which will be informed by the substance's COSHH assessment.
3. What are tin snips? Give ONE answer
A Extremely sharp fragments produced when cutting sheet tin
B Protective casing applied to the sharp edges of sheet metal when being transported
C Small marks on the skin indicating overexposure to tin
D Tools designed to cut sheet metal
Correct Answer: D Tools designed to cut sheet metal
Explanation: Tin snips are tools used for cutting sheet metal.
4. What particular aspect of industrial laboratory systems must you be careful of when cleaning them? Give ONE answer
A They may be specialized, and therefore unfamiliar
B They may contain harmful particulates
C They may have degraded from hard use
D They will be more expensive to replace if damaged
Correct Answer: B They may contain harmful particulates
Explanation: Industrial labs are an example of the kind of premises where harmful particulates may be found in the ductwork.
5. You need to give a coat of paint to the outside of a stretch of ductwork you have just finished repairing. What should you do FIRST with the paint? Give ONE answer
A Inform your supervisor
B Let it air out
C Read the COSHH assessment
D Shake it thoroughly
Correct Answer: C Read the COSHH assessment
Explanation: You must always read the COSHH assessment for hazardous substances before use - this includes paint.
6. As you begin working on an extraction system in a restaurant kitchen you notice deposits in it. What are these, and what should you do? Give ONE answer
A They are cooking deposits, and can be safely wiped away
B They are cooking deposits, and require no further action
C They are toxic substances, and an external contractor must be called to remove them
D They are unidentified, and you must establish the nature of them before starting work
Correct Answer: D They are unidentified, and you must establish the nature of them before starting work
Explanation: Where cooking deposits are found in the extraction system of a kitchen, their nature must be identified before beginning work.
7. How can you test for harmful particulates in a ductwork system before you begin cleaning? Give ONE answer
A Call in a specialist
B Inspect the system and take samples
C It is not possible to know - you must assume they are present
D Use a particulate detection kit
Correct Answer: B Inspect the system and take samples
Explanation: Before doing work on systems in premises which might contain harmful particulates you must ensure you inspect the system and take samples.
8. Before installing a system you notice one of the slats in a volume control damper has come loose. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Carry out repairs as best you can, then continue with installation
B Find a replacement component and continue with the installation
C Inform your supervisor, and do not install this component
D Mark it as defective, then install it so it can be fixed afterwards
Correct Answer: C Inform your supervisor, and do not install this component
Explanation: Defective components must never be installed. You should inform your supervisor so a working part can be found.
9. You are asked to use biocide on a system that your team is carrying out repairs on. What is the purpose here? Give ONE answer
A To eliminate microorganism contaminants
B To exterminate vermin that have entered the ductwork
C To prevent the build-up of rust
D To promote the growth of air-cleaning bacteria
Correct Answer: A To eliminate microorganism contaminants
Explanation: Biocide is used to eliminate contaminating microorganisms like mould and bacteria.
10. You are working on a ductwork system for a single-occupancy home, and are about to use a cleaning agent. Who must be informed? Give ONE answer
A Nobody in particular
B The Health and Safety Executive
C The local council
D The occupant
Correct Answer: D The occupant
Explanation: Cleaning agents are hazardous substances - you must inform the occupants of a building before using them on a ductwork system.
11. Which TWO of the following are safety aspects that must be considered when a person needs to enter ductwork to carry out a task? Give TWO answers
A Risks associated with work in confined spaces
B The age of the worker
C The length of the shift
D The noise levels in the ductwork
E The strength of the ductwork
Correct Answer: A Risks associated with work in confined spaces, E The strength of the ductwork
Explanation: When somebody must enter a duct, it is important to consider whether the structure is strong enough, and how the risks of confined spaces can be managed.
12. What risk is run if you use biocide in a ductwork system without informing the building residents? Give ONE answer
A The residents may be harmed by the hazardous and flammable chemical
B The residents may be put off by the strong smell
C The residents may have their belongings damaged
D The residents will not be able to make an insurance claim
Correct Answer: A The residents may be harmed by the hazardous and flammable chemical
Explanation: Biocide is toxic and flammable - residents need to be aware when it is being used in a building's ductwork system.
13. You need to remove a section of aluminium ductwork that has fibreglass insulation already installed. How should you cut through the ductwork? Give ONE answer
A Through chain drilling
B With a circular saw
C With a drill-mounted sheet metal cutter
D With tin snips
Correct Answer: D With tin snips
Explanation: Aluminium ductwork with fibreglass pre-insulation must only ever be cut using tin snips.
14. You have finished installing a piece of plant, but it has not yet been commissioned. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Inform your supervisor
B Lock all valves and switches off
C Turn all valves and switches on
D Wait until it is commissioned before completing the task
Correct Answer: B Lock all valves and switches off
Explanation: If a piece of plant has not yet been commissioned, but is fully installed, you must leave all switches and valves in the locked position.
15. You need to joint a section of ductwork where the metal ducts are coated in plastic. Which of the following methods is MOST hazardous for you health? Give ONE answer
A Riveting
B Taping
C Using nuts and bolts
D Welding
Correct Answer: D Welding
Explanation: Welding would be the most hazardous method.
16. Under what circumstances MUST eye protection be worn when drilling into a wall? Give ONE answer
A When the wall contains plaster
B When there is a risk of asbestos being present
C When you are using an impact driver
D You must always wear eye protection
Correct Answer: D You must always wear eye protection
Explanation: You must always wear eye protection when drilling into a wall.
17. A colleague is working nearby welding together a run of ductwork. How should you be protected from welding flash? Give ONE answer
A A protective screen should be erected around the work area
B You are not at risk of developing welding flash
C You must be issued with eye protection
D You must never work near to somebody who is doing welding
Correct Answer: A A protective screen should be erected around the work area
Explanation: A protective screen should be erected to protect others from welding flash.
18. Before lifting a section of ductwork into place, you notice that one of the hoist's straps appears to be wearing thin. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Assume the hoist can manage no more than half of its original lifting capacity
B Complete the job swiftly, and report the problem afterwards
C Continue to use it, but monitor the strap for signs of further damage
D Report the defective equipment to your supervisor, and locate a replacement hoist
Correct Answer: D Report the defective equipment to your supervisor, and locate a replacement hoist
Explanation: Never use defective equipment, and report all faults to your supervisor so they can be fixed.
19. You have finished installation of a ductwork system. How should it be tested for leaks? Give ONE answer
A By a competent and trained person
B By passing smoke through the system
C By the building owner
D It does not need to be tested for leaks if it is correctly installed
Correct Answer: A By a competent and trained person
Explanation: Ductwork systems must be tested for leaks by a person who is both competent and trained.
20. In which THREE of the following ways might you mitigate the risk of developing HAVS when using a hammer drill? Give THREE answers
A Grasp the tool loosely
B Grasp the tool tightly
C Rest your hands during breaks
D Stretch and move your hands during breaks
E Wear gloves
F Work in long bursts to complete the job as fast as possible
Correct Answer: A Grasp the tool loosely, D Stretch and move your hands during breaks, E Wear gloves
Explanation: You can protect yourself from HAVS by holding your tools gently, wearing gloves, and keeping your hands active and warm during breaks.
21. What is SWL in regard to lifting equipment? Give ONE answer
A Safe Working Law
B Safe working license
C Safe working load
D Stored without license
Correct Answer: C Safe working load
Explanation: The SWL of a piece of lifting equipment is its safe working load.
22. What does the safe working load (SWL) of a piece of equipment tell you? Give ONE answer
A The maximum weight it can be safely loaded with
B The minimum weight it must be loaded with to operate safely
C The number of people that it can safely carry
D The recommended weight the equipment should be used to lift
Correct Answer: A The maximum weight it can be safely loaded with
Explanation: The SWL tells you the maximum load a piece of equipment can carry. You must never load equipment with weight that exceeds its SWL.
23. You need to move a heavy smoke damper across site. What would be the best way of transporting it? Give ONE answer
A Carry it manually as far as you can
B Dismantle it before carrying across the separate components by hand
C Drag it to avoid putting stress on your body
D Use a manual handling aid
Correct Answer: D Use a manual handling aid
Explanation: Always use manual handling aids where possible.
24. There is a section of metal ductwork that requires jointing. Why is it important to note whether or not there is a plastic coating to the metal? Give ONE answer
A Because it will affect the jointing method you use
B Because it will affect the system's structural integrity
C Because plastic coatings on metal ductwork is a health and safety violation
D It is not important
Correct Answer: A Because it will affect the jointing method you use
Explanation: Metal with a plastic coating should not be welded if it can be avoided.
25. Which of the following is NOT a required step before using biocide in a ventilation duct? Give ONE answer
A Carry out a risk assessment
B Produce a method statement for the job
C Take a particulate sample from the interior surface
D Test the temperature of the duct surface
Correct Answer: D Test the temperature of the duct surface
Explanation: Risk assessment, methods of work, and sampling must all be completed before using a cleaning agent on ductwork.
26. What should you do if you notice a broken blade on a fan coil unit you are about to install? Give ONE answer
A Install the fan coil unit anyway
B Replace the broken part and install the fan coil unit
C Report the defect, and do not install the fan coil unit
D Report the defect, and install the fan coil unit
Correct Answer: C Report the defect, and do not install the fan coil unit
Explanation: Always report defective parts - and do not install defective equipment.
27. You are preparing to carry out solvent welding to assemble a section of plastic ductwork. What additional safety measure must you ensure is in place? Give ONE answer
A You must ensure the ambient temperature does not exceed 25 degrees Celsius
B You must ensure there is good ventilation
C You must ensure you are sufficiently hydrated
D You must test the air for carbon monoxide
Correct Answer: B You must ensure there is good ventilation
Explanation: Solvent welding must only take place in well-ventilated areas.
28. A portion of ductwork used for waste extraction needs to be dismantled. Which of the following MUST you do before beginning work? Give ONE answer
A Check the ductwork system's overload value
B Ensure the ductwork is thoroughly cleaned
C Use biocide
D Verify that there is a certificate of cleanliness
Correct Answer: D Verify that there is a certificate of cleanliness
Explanation: Waste extraction ductwork must carry a certificate of cleanliness if you are to begin dismantling it
29. Which of the following describes a ladder that is suitable for use? Give ONE answer
A Domestic grade
B Freshly painted
C Placed at an 80 degree angle
D Securely tied
Correct Answer: D Securely tied
Explanation: The ladder must be securely tied so that it does not move when in use.
30. How should a restraint mechanism be positioned on a safely-erected stepladder? Give ONE answer
A Clipped to the user's harness
B Fully closed
C Fully extended
D Within easy reach from the middle step
Correct Answer: C Fully extended
Explanation: The restraint mechanism on a stepladder must be fully extended.
31. You need to access ductwork at height to carry out repairs. Your colleague suggests using a free-standing mobile tower, but you are unsure if it can safely reach the required height. How can you check the maximum height at which the tower should be used? Give ONE answer
A Check the manufacturer's recommendation
B Check with the specialists who installed the ductwork initially
C Erect the tower and see if you can safely reach the ductwork
D There is no maximum height at which a free-standing mobile tower can be safely used
Correct Answer: A Check the manufacturer's recommendation
Explanation: The manufacturer will recommend a maximum height - you should follow their guidance.
32. What is edge protection? Give ONE answer
A A safety feature that covers sharp edges on materials and tools
B A safety feature that prevents injury from blades in power tools
C A safety feature that prevents people and objects falling from height
D A safety feature that stops hazardous substances spilling onto the ground
Correct Answer: C A safety feature that prevents people and objects falling from height
Explanation: Edge protection is used to help prevent people or items falling from height.
33. Under what conditions should you use a folding stepladder? Give ONE answer
A If no other ladder is available
B If the job is of short duration
C If the work is taking place in an enclosed space
D If you need to access a roof
Correct Answer: B If the job is of short duration
Explanation: Folding stepladders should be used only if the job is short-term.
34. You are installing ductwork on the roof of a building. The roof is flat, you are working close to the edge, and there is no edge protection. How should you proceed? Give ONE answer
A Ensure you always work in pairs
B Ensure you are wearing a harness, lanyard, and helmet with the chin strap fitted
C Request that airbags be placed on the ground over the edge of the roof before beginning work
D Request that edge protection be installed before you begin work
Correct Answer: D Request that edge protection be installed before you begin work
Explanation: Edge protection must be in place before you begin work at height near the edge of a roof.
35. You are using a mobile tower to access ductwork. What should you do immediately upon reaching the platform? Give ONE answer
A Call down to your supervisor
B Clip yourself onto the guard rail
C Put on your helmet
D Shut the hatch behind you
Correct Answer: D Shut the hatch behind you
Explanation: You must shut the hatch behind you immediately to prevent anything falling down it.
36. You are using a solvent-based sealant on a run of ductwork and begin to feel nauseous. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Ensure you are well hydrated
B Exit the space to find fresh air, and report your condition
C Find a higher grade of respiratory protective equipment and continue working
D Pause your work and take a rest
Correct Answer: B Exit the space to find fresh air, and report your condition
Explanation: Nausea and headaches are both indications of overexposure to solvents. You must find fresh air, rest, and ensure your supervisor is aware of the incident.
37. You are carrying out repairs to the ductwork on the exterior of a building in a built-up area. When assembling the mobile access tower, which ONE of the following hazards should you be particularly careful about? Give ONE answer
A Electricity cables overhead
B Service cables underground
C Traffic
D Uneven ground
Correct Answer: A Electricity cables overhead
Explanation: You must pay careful attention to the presence of any overhead electricity cables when assembling a mobile access tower.
38. When ascending a mobile access tower, you notice one of the ladder rungs is beginning to rotate. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Bind the rug so it remains still
B Continue with your work, and ensure you do not step on this rung
C Inform your supervisor, and do not use the ladder until the rung has been repaired
D Remove the rung so it can be properly replaced later
Correct Answer: C Inform your supervisor, and do not use the ladder until the rung has been repaired
Explanation: Do not use defective equipment - report the damage to your supervisor and do not continue work until the issue has been resolved
39. Your colleague is using an extension lead to solder a fitting in the corner of your work area. How should the lead be positioned? Give ONE answer
A Around the edge of the room only
B So that it does not create a trip hazard
C So that there is plenty of slack in the lead
D They should not be using an extension lead
Correct Answer: B So that it does not create a trip hazard
Explanation: Extension leads must be positioned in such a way that they do not create a trip hazard - what this means in practice will differ from case to case.
40. Your team will be lifting a portion of ductwork up into position to the ceiling - how will you know the order of operations? Give ONE answer
A It cannot be determined in advance
B It will be defined in a method statement
C It will be detailed in the manufacturer's manual
D It will be worked out during the operation
Correct Answer: B It will be defined in a method statement
Explanation: Lifting operations must be carried out according to a pre-planned method statement.
41. Which THREE of the following pieces of PPE must you use when operating a cordless hammer drill? Give THREE answers
A Barrier cream
B Breathing apparatus
C Ear protection
D Eye protection
E Overalls
F Respiratory protective equipment
Correct Answer: C Ear protection, D Eye protection, F Respiratory protective equipment
Explanation: You must protect your ears, eyes, and breathing when operating a cordless hammer drill.
42. You are about to begin welding on galvanised ductwork in an enclosed attic. What measure should be in place to protect you from fumes? Give ONE answer
A Air filtration device
B Emergency procedure
C Extraction system
D Full face respirator
Correct Answer: C Extraction system
Explanation: You must not weld galvanised ductwork without a fume extractor.
43. Your colleague has finished using a solvent-based sealant on a portion of ductwork. The inspection covers are on, and they have left the area. What TWO things must be corrected? Give TWO answers
A Solvent-based sealant should never be used on ductwork
B The area must be cordoned off
C The area should not be left unattended until the sealant is fully dry
D The inspection covers must be off
E There must be 'no smoking' signs put up
Correct Answer: D The inspection covers must be off, E There must be 'no smoking' signs put up
Explanation: When you have applied solvent-based sealant to ductwork, you must not leave the area unless the inspection covers are off, and clear signs are displayed that prohibit smoking.
44. What should you do if you discover a used syringe when dismantling a run of ductwork? Give ONE answer
A Ensure nobody approaches the syringe, and call the police
B Ensure the syringe is empty, then dispose of it in general waste
C Using gloves and grips, dispose of the syringe in general waste
D Using gloves and grips, take the syringe to a secure spot and inform your supervisor of the incident
Correct Answer: D Using gloves and grips, take the syringe to a secure spot and inform your supervisor of the incident
Explanation: You must carefully remove the syringe to a safe spot, and immediately inform your supervisor
45. You are using lifting equipment to transport materials to roof level. What information MUST be clearly displayed on lifting equipment? Give ONE answer
A Its manufacture date
B Its safe working load
C The date of its most recent test
D The type of materials it is suitable for lifting
Correct Answer: B Its safe working load
Explanation: All lifting equipment must clearly display its safe working load.