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Specialist Activities – Plumbing

Construction Test > Specialist Activities – Plumbing

You need to answer at least 29 out of 35 questions correctly to pass the Plumbing Specialist Activities Test. 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. Work needs to be done immediately on gas pipework. Can you carry it out? Give ONE answer
A ONLY if you are a Gas Safe registered engineer
B ONLY if you are familiar with the equipment
C ONLY if you have permission from the service provider
D ONLY under supervision
Correct Answer: A ONLY if you are a Gas Safe registered engineer
Explanation: You must be a Gas Safe registered engineer to carry out work on gas pipework.
2. You are cutting a metal pipe with a large diameter. What must you be aware of? Give ONE answer
A The edges will be extremely sharp
B The pipe may buckle
C The pipe may need to be monitored
D This will create silica dust
Correct Answer: A The edges will be extremely sharp
Explanation: Cutting these kinds of pipes will create very sharp edges.
3. When is it permitted to transport people in your van? Give ONE answer
A Never
B When it is factory-fitted with the correct seating and belts
C When passengers are not on shift
D When they can fit in the cargo area safely
Correct Answer: B When it is factory-fitted with the correct seating and belts
Explanation: Only transport people in vans when the vehicle is factory-fitted to do so safely.
4. You need to transport long tubing between places of work. How should it be loaded into your vehicle? Give ONE answer
A In the cargo area, with the loading door securely tied if it cannot be closed
B On top of the van, lashed securely using multiple ties
C On top, in a pipe rack
D You must never use a van to transport long tubing
Correct Answer: C On top, in a pipe rack
Explanation: Long tubing must be loaded on top of the van, in an appropriate pipe-rack.
5. You are fitting a sink, and need to drill into a wall. You are not sure if there are electrical cables in the wall. How can you find out? Give ONE answer
A Drill test holes with a plastic-head screw
B Use a cable tracer
C Use a magnet
D Use a multimeter
Correct Answer: B Use a cable tracer
Explanation: A cable tracer must be used to identify any electric cables before drilling into a wall.
6. You are conducting gas work for a residential client. What must you make sure to do before leaving work unattended? Give ONE answer
A Ensure all gas supply is shut off
B Ensure the conditions are safe
C Give the client a pamphlet detailing all the risks
D Point out to them any risks in the place of work
Correct Answer: B Ensure the conditions are safe
Explanation: Residential clients are likely to be particularly unaware of risks. You must ensure the place of work is entirely safe before leaving it unattended.
7. You are about to begin work in an excavation approximately 2m deep to fix some damaged pipework. You notice cracking along the walls of the trench. How should you proceed? Give ONE answer
A Begin work - trenches can show cracking in dry weather, but it is not a cause for concern
B Begin work, but monitor the trench in case damage develops - cracking walls are a precursor to further damage
C Do not enter the trench, as it shows signs of collapse
D Inform your supervisor of the cracks and begin work
Correct Answer: C Do not enter the trench, as it shows signs of collapse
Explanation: Never work in trenches and excavations that show signs of damage, such as cracking. Wait for the trench to be properly repaired or supported.
8. Which of the following is a job that may put you at risk of developing legionnaire's? Give ONE answer
A Ductwork in a dusty attic
B Replacing an old shower unit
C Soldering work on freshly cut metal piping
D Stripping asbestos cladding
Correct Answer: B Replacing an old shower unit
Explanation: Legionella bacteria are most likely to be found in stagnant, warm water - they may be present, for example, in pipes.
9. How do legionella bacteria find their way into the body? Give ONE answer
A They are ingested in contaminated food
B They are ingested through contaminated drinking water
C They are inhaled through water droplets in the air
D They are passed on through skin contact
Correct Answer: C They are inhaled through water droplets in the air
Explanation: Legionella bacteria lodge in the lungs when they are inhaled through fine droplets in the air.
10. You are about to begin metalwork on a pipe fitted with flexible lagging. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Cover the lagging with heat-protective shielding
B Douse the lagging with water
C Remove the lagging from the entire pipe
D Strip the lagging 1m each side of your work
Correct Answer: D Strip the lagging 1m each side of your work
Explanation: When conducting hot work, any flexible lagging must be stripped at least 1m in each direction before you begin.
11. Why is eye protection with filter or tinted lenses important to wear when welding? Give ONE answer
A It protects your eyes from infrared radiation
B It protects your eyes from noxious gases
C It protects your eyes from the brightness of the flame
D It protects your eyes from the excessive heat
Correct Answer: A It protects your eyes from infrared radiation
Explanation: Filter or tinted lenses will shield your eyes from infrared radiation.
12. Whilst uncovering some pipes to begin work you find some of the cladding has a white, fibrous texture. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Cover all exposed skin to ensure the fibres do not cling
B Immediately stop working and report this to your supervisor
C Put on a face mask
D Work around the substance so you do not disturb it
Correct Answer: B Immediately stop working and report this to your supervisor
Explanation: You must stop work and inform your supervisor: this may be asbestos.
13. You have been working on lead piping before lunch. What risk do you create by not washing your hands? Give ONE answer
A You may contaminate the welfare facilities with lead
B You may contract lockjaw
C You may ingest lead
D You may subsequently touch a material that reacts with lead, creating a toxic substance
Correct Answer: C You may ingest lead
Explanation: You must always wash your hands after working with lead to avoid ingesting it through traces on your hands.
14. You are using pipe-freezing equipment to fix a water mains that burst. What must you ensure you do? Give ONE answer
A Ensure the ambient temperature is higher than 10 degrees Celsius
B Have an emergency procedure in place
C Wear a full-face respirator
D Wear gloves
Correct Answer: D Wear gloves
Explanation: You must wear gloves to protect your skin from direct contact.
15. Which of the following gases are HEAVIER than air? Check ALL that apply
A Acetylene
B Ammonia
C Butane
D Propane
Correct Answer: C Butane, D Propane
Explanation: Propane and butane are both gases that are heavier than air, which creates specific risks.
16. Under what usage conditions can LPG cylinders be placed horizontally? Give ONE answer
A When the ambient temperature is lower than 15 degrees Celsius
B When they are being used to power forklift trucks
C When they are enclosed in a flameproof metal cage
D When working in tight places
Correct Answer: B When they are being used to power forklift trucks
Explanation: LPG cylinders must always be used in an upright position, unless being used to power forklift trucks.
17. You are fitting an LPG cylinder to equipment - what is the best way to ensure there are no leaks at the connection points? Give ONE answer
A Do a smell-test
B Ensure there are no bulging pipes
C Feel for pressure leaks
D Use leak detection fluid
Correct Answer: D Use leak detection fluid
Explanation: Leak detection fluid can be used to check for leaks when putting together equipment that uses LPG cylinders.
18. Which gas cylinder produces the hottest flame? Give ONE answer
A Butane
B LPG
C Oxyacetylene
D Propane
Correct Answer: C Oxyacetylene
Explanation: Oxyacetylene produces the hottest flame, at over 3000 degrees Celsius.
19. True or false: propane equipment uses higher pressure than butane equipment? Give ONE answer
A FALSE
B TRUE
Correct Answer: B TRUE
Explanation: Propane equipment uses higher pressure than equipment that runs on butane.
20. When you have finished using oxyacetylene welding equipment, how should the gas bottle be stored? Give ONE answer
A In a secured and enclosed area
B In a specialised storage compound outside
C On its side in an outdoors compound
D Upright in an underground, refrigerated compound
Correct Answer: B In a specialised storage compound outside
Explanation: Oxyacetylene bottles must be stored in a specialised, outdoors compound.
21. You are carrying out hot works near a work area where timber is being cut. What TWO precautions should you take in relation to this? Give TWO answers
A Ensure there is a fire extinguisher readily on hand
B Ensure there is a fire-resistant screen erected between the two areas
C Ensure you are wearing respiratory protective equipment
D Lay down a non-combustible mat
Correct Answer: A Ensure there is a fire extinguisher readily on hand, D Lay down a non-combustible mat
Explanation: You should ensure there is both a non-combustible mat under your work, and a fire extinguisher close by.
22. How can you identify an acetylene cylinder? Give ONE answer
A It is blue
B It is chrome
C It is maroon
D It is white
Correct Answer: C It is maroon
Explanation: An acetylene cylinder will be coloured maroon.
23. You need to move a heavy portion of lead piping, but it is too heavy for you to do alone. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Ask your colleague to help
B Consult with your supervisor
C Find an appropriate manual lifting aid
D Lift it as far as you can in short bursts
Correct Answer: B Consult with your supervisor
Explanation: Consult your supervisor if a planned method of transporting materials needs to be modified.
24. How do you ensure the electrical supply is properly shut off before beginning a task that may involve water? Give ONE answer
A Turn everything off, and ensure all equipment is unplugged
B Turn everything off, then verify the electricity is off by testing the circuit
C Turn everything off, use the mains board to isolate the supply, and then verify the electricity is off by testing the circuit
Correct Answer: C Turn everything off, use the mains board to isolate the supply, and then verify the electricity is off by testing the circuit
Explanation: You must switch off, isolate, and test the supply.
25. You are working on a chimney that requires a new flue. How should you install it? Give ONE answer
A Using a chimney scaffold, put the liner in place from the roof level.
B Using a ladder, put the liner in place from the roof level
C Using suitable PPE, put the lining in place from the base of the chimney
D Work in pairs, with one placing the lining from above and the other working from the base of the chimney
Correct Answer: A Using a chimney scaffold, put the liner in place from the roof level.
Explanation: You must erect a chimney scaffold, and from there work in pairs to place the lining from the level of the roof.
26. You are about to begin work on guttering, and notice that the helmet you are issued with has been labelled with a sticker and paint. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Begin work
B Do not begin work until you have been issued with a fresh helmet
C Examine the helmet for signs of wear
D Report the incident to your employer
Correct Answer: B Do not begin work until you have been issued with a fresh helmet
Explanation: Adapting helmets, even cosmetically, can affect their efficacy. Do not begin work until you have been issued a suitable helmet.
27. You are tasked with transporting an old immersion heater out of the work area. What is the best way to do this? Give ONE answer
A Find a colleague to see if you can lift it together
B Find an appropriate aid for manual handling, such as a trolley
C Lift it as far as you can by yourself
D Roll it away from the area
Correct Answer: B Find an appropriate aid for manual handling, such as a trolley
Explanation: Always transport heavy items using manual handling aids where possible.
28. It is raining, but you need to drill a portion of guttering to an external wall. Which of the following would be the MOST appropriate tool to use? Give ONE answer
A Battery powered drill
B Mains powered drill
C Screwdriver
D You should not do this in wet weather
Correct Answer: A Battery powered drill
Explanation: You should only use battery powered tools in wet weather.
29. You are about to begin threading some pipes that will be used in a later task. What TWO safety provisions must be in place? Give TWO answers
A The pipe must be entirely guarded with a safety shield
B You must not be wearing loose clothing
C You must put on an amber flashing light
D You must report this in the incident book
E You must sound an audible alarm before the machine begins moving
Correct Answer: A The pipe must be entirely guarded with a safety shield, B You must not be wearing loose clothing
Explanation: Before you use a pipe threading machine, ensure your clothing will not catch on the machine components, and erect a safety barrier around the pipe.
30. You are carrying out a pressure test on pipework. Who is allowed in the exclusion zone? Give ONE answer
A Only people involved in the pressure test
B Only those who have signalled their presence to you
C Only those who need to use the area as a thoroughfare
D Only those with authorisation
Correct Answer: A Only people involved in the pressure test
Explanation: Only the people involved in pressure testing can enter the exclusion zone.
31. The handle of your file has split. Should you repair it? Give ONE answer
A No, you should never carry out repairs, even if they are simple
B Yes, if practical
Correct Answer: B Yes, if practical
Explanation: Maintaining hand tools and looking after equipment is one of the responsibilities of workers in this industry, You are advised to carry out simple repairs, where practical.
32. What is the SAFEST way of accessing the loft space in a domestic residence? Give ONE answer
A Enter through the roof
B Use a ladder
C Use a mobile tower
D Use a temporary scaffold
Correct Answer: B Use a ladder
Explanation: Aim to create a workplace that is safe to occupy, for example by using a removable ladder where practical.
33. You are using solvent-based materials in an attic space, and are concerned the ventilation provided may not be sufficient. However, you and your colleagues are feeling fine. How should you proceed? Give ONE answer
A Continue working until or unless someone begins to feel ill
B Nothing in particular - safety measures are already being taken
C Raise your concern with your supervisor
D Replace the ventilation yourself with something you are more comfortable with
Correct Answer: C Raise your concern with your supervisor
Explanation: Always raise health and safety concerns with your supervisor.
34. You have found out that climbing onto an adjacent roof gives you better access to some pipework than your current access tower. How should you proceed? Give ONE answer
A Carry out the job with this new access route - you will get it done faster
B Raise this with your supervisor, but continue to follow your safe system of work
C Try the system yourself for a period of time so you can tell your supervisor how it went
D Work in this easier way until you have a moment to speak with your supervisor
Correct Answer: B Raise this with your supervisor, but continue to follow your safe system of work
Explanation: Always stick to the safe system of work. If you think you have found a better option, you must consult first with your supervisor.
35. Why is it especially important to properly plan and execute gas-related activities? Give ONE answer
A Because mistakes can be expensive
B Because mistakes can cost you your license
C Because mistakes can kill
D Because mistakes may cut off local supply
Correct Answer: C Because mistakes can kill
Explanation: The most important reason to plan and execute gas-related activities properly is that mistakes can prove deadly.