Contents
CSCS Plumbing Test
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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CSCS Plumbing Test Questions and Answers (Printer-Friendly)
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
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: You must be a Gas Safe registered engineer to carry out work on gas pipework.
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
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Cutting these kinds of pipes will create very sharp edges.
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
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Only transport people in vans when the vehicle is factory-fitted to do so safely.
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
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Long tubing must be loaded on top of the van, in an appropriate 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
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A cable tracer must be used to identify any electric cables before drilling into a wall.
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
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: B
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.
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
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: C
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.
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
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Legionella bacteria are most likely to be found in stagnant, warm water - they may be present, for example, in pipes.
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
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Legionella bacteria lodge in the lungs when they are inhaled through fine 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
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: When conducting hot work, any flexible lagging must be stripped at least 1m in each direction before you begin.
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
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Filter or tinted lenses will shield 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
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: You must stop work and inform your supervisor: this may be asbestos.
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
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: You must always wash your hands after working with lead to avoid ingesting it through traces on your hands.
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
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: You must wear gloves to protect your skin from direct contact.
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
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: C, D
Explanation: Propane and butane are both gases that are heavier than air, which creates specific risks.
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
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: LPG cylinders must always be used in an upright position, unless 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
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Leak detection fluid can be used to check for leaks when putting together equipment that uses LPG cylinders.
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
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Oxyacetylene produces the hottest flame, at over 3000 degrees Celsius.
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
AB
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Propane equipment uses higher pressure than equipment that runs on butane.
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
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Oxyacetylene bottles must be stored in a specialised, outdoors compound.
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
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: A, D
Explanation: You should ensure there is both a non-combustible mat under your work, and a fire extinguisher close by.
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
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: An acetylene cylinder will be coloured 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
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Consult your supervisor if a planned method of transporting materials needs to be modified.
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
AB
C
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: You must switch off, isolate, and test the supply.
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
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: You must erect a chimney scaffold, and from there work in pairs to place the lining from the level of the roof.
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
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Adapting helmets, even cosmetically, can affect their efficacy. Do not begin work until you have been issued a suitable 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
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Always transport heavy items using manual handling aids where possible.
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
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: You should only use battery powered tools in wet weather.
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
AB
C
D
E
Correct Answer: A, B
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.
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
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Only the people involved in pressure testing can enter the exclusion zone.
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
AB
Correct Answer: B
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.
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
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Aim to create a workplace that is safe to occupy, for example by using a removable ladder where practical.
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
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Always raise health and safety concerns 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
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: B
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.
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
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The most important reason to plan and execute gas-related activities properly is that mistakes can prove deadly.
Explanation: The most important reason to plan and execute gas-related activities properly is that mistakes can prove deadly.