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Operatives and Specialists – Dust and Fumes (Respiratory Hazards) (2023)

Construction Test > Operatives and Specialists – Dust and Fumes (Respiratory Hazards) (2023)

You need to answer at least 62 out of 69 questions correctly to pass the Dust and Fumes (Respiratory Hazards) 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 a respiratory hazard? Give ONE answer
A A hacking cough
B Chewing gum
C Dust from construction
D Poorly fitted respiratory protective equipment
Correct Answer: C Dust from construction
Explanation: Respiratory hazards are created by dangerous substances in the air that can be inhaled.
2. What is the MAIN reason that respiratory hazards are so dangerous? Give ONE answer
A You may choke from blocked airways
B You may contract a range of illnesses
C You may find it harder to communicate
D You may lose the ability to talk
Correct Answer: B You may contract a range of illnesses
Explanation: Respiratory hazards can lead to the inhalation of harmful substances that cause disease and illness.
3. Respiratory hazards may lead to damage in which parts of the body? Give ONE answer
A MAINLY airways and lungs
B ONLY airways
C ONLY airways and lungs
D ONLY lungs
Correct Answer: A MAINLY airways and lungs
Explanation: Your airways and lungs are at most risk, but disease can spread to other parts of the body too.
4. What TWO of the following are commonly caused by respiratory hazards? Give TWO answers
A Dermatitis
B Leptospirosis
C Lung cancer
D Silicosis
E Tetanus
Correct Answer: C Lung cancer, D Silicosis
Explanation: Lung cancer and silicosis are two serious diseases frequently caused by respiratory hazards.
5. If respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is required for a job, where can you acquire it? Give ONE answer
A It must be supplied for free by your employer
B You must buy it from an authorised provider before you can begin work
C You must purchase it from your employer during induction
D You must rent it from your employer
Correct Answer: A It must be supplied for free by your employer
Explanation: Your employer is legally obliged to provide all requisite RPE to you for free.
6. You have finished using your respiratory protective equipment (RPE). What kind of waste is it? Give ONE answer
A General waste
B Hazardous waste
C It is not waste - it should be reused
D Recyclable waste
Correct Answer: B Hazardous waste
Explanation: Used RPE is considered hazardous waste, and must be disposed of appropriately.
7. Which ONE of the following is a good way of confirming your mask is well-fitted? Give ONE answer
A You can bow your head without it shifting
B You can insert one finger comfortably between the mask and your face
C You cannot smell anything
D You pass a face-fit test whilst wearing it
Correct Answer: D You pass a face-fit test whilst wearing it
Explanation: Make sure you take a face-fit test whilst wearing the mask to check it is effectively fitted.
8. How often should you do a face-fit test for your respiratory protective equipment? Give ONE answer
A Regularly
B When beginning a new job
C When being issued with it for the first time
D When completing a job
Correct Answer: A Regularly
Explanation: It is good practice to regularly check the fit of your RPE with a face-fit test.
9. Which of the following is a TRUE statistic relating to deaths from exposure to silica dust? Give ONE answer
A Around 35 people die annually from it
B Around 450 people die annually from it
C Nobody has died from it in the past decade
D Only a few people die annually, but hundreds contract chronic diseases
Correct Answer: B Around 450 people die annually from it
Explanation: Hundreds of people die annually from exposure to silica dust. It is a serious hazard.
10. Which of the following is TRUE about health conditions contracted from respiratory hazards? Give ONE answer
A The conditions are always fatal
B They can be fatal, or chronic and debilitating
C They can be severe, but they are always reversible
D They will often clear up without medical intervention
Correct Answer: B They can be fatal, or chronic and debilitating
Explanation: Health conditions contracted from respiratory hazards can be fatal, and cannot always be treated.
11. How will you know if you are developing a condition from exposure to respiratory hazards? Give ONE answer
A It will present as coughing
B It will present as pains in your chest
C It will present as shortness of breath
D You cannot be sure
Correct Answer: D You cannot be sure
Explanation: Health conditions can develop incrementally over time without showing symptoms. Even if you feel fine, that is no guarantee that you are not becoming ill.
12. Which is the GREATER cause of absenteeism in the workplace? Give ONE answer
A Accidents at work
B Occupational illness
Correct Answer: B Occupational illness
Explanation: Ill health as a result of occupational hazards is a greater cause of time off work than workplace accidents.
13. What is commonly the cause of occupational asthma in construction workers? Give ONE answer
A Breathing in dust from construction
B Exacerbation of existing lung conditions
C Excessive strenuous labour
D Working at high altitudes
Correct Answer: A Breathing in dust from construction
Explanation: Breathing in dust is a common cause of occupational asthma.
14. Which of the following best describes a 'respiratory sensitiser'? Give ONE answer
A It is a kind of hazardous dust/fume
B It is a piece of respiratory protective equipment
C It is a prescription device for patients suffering from respiratory disease
D It is the person in charge of protecting respiratory health
Correct Answer: A It is a kind of hazardous dust/fume
Explanation: Some hazardous dusts or fumes are known as 'respiratory sensitisers'.
15. What may happen if you inhale a respiratory sensitiser? Give ONE answer
A It may neutralise the effects of other respiratory hazards
B It may reverse respiratory health conditions
C You become numb to the health hazards you are developing
D You may begin to develop an allergic reaction to it
Correct Answer: D You may begin to develop an allergic reaction to it
Explanation: Respiratory sensitisers may cause you to develop an allergic reaction.
16. What TWO factors may increase the risks associated with hazardous airborne substances? Give TWO answers
A High concentration of oxygen
B High concentrations of the substance
C Poorly lit spaces
D Poorly ventilated workspaces
E Respiratory protective equipment
Correct Answer: B High concentrations of the substance, D Poorly ventilated workspaces
Explanation: Airborne hazardous substances become more dangerous in higher concentrations and badly ventilated workspaces.
17. When may you notice problems from exposure to solvents? Give ONE answer
A Immediately
B Immediately, and/or over time
C Over time
D You will never notice them
Correct Answer: B Immediately, and/or over time
Explanation: Solvents can affect you both immediately, and over time.
18. Which type of dust is generally more hazardous? Give ONE answer
A Fine dust particles
B Larger dust particles
Correct Answer: A Fine dust particles
Explanation: Smaller dust particles can lodge themselves more deeply in your body, and are more hazardous.
19. What hazard is posed by so-called 'nuisance dust'? Give ONE answer
A It coats surfaces, creating a slip hazard
B It coats surfaces, making the work area untidy
C When inhaled, it becomes toxic
D When inhaled, it can cause coughing and irritation
Correct Answer: D When inhaled, it can cause coughing and irritation
Explanation: Nuisance dust is not toxic, but can become an irritant if too much is inhaled.
20. How will you know if a material contains asbestos or not? Give ONE answer
A ALL materials containing asbestos will be indicated during induction
B From its fibrous consistency
C There will be signage on ALL materials containing asbestos
D You may not know
Correct Answer: D You may not know
Explanation: Asbestos can be hard to spot, and may be overlooked in surveys. It can be present without you knowing.
21. What is the MOST dangerous condition associated with asbestos inhalation? Give ONE answer
A Cancer
B Dermatitis
C Leptospirosis
D Occupational asthma
Correct Answer: A Cancer
Explanation: Asbestos inhalation can lead to various types of cancer.
22. Which ONE of the following activities may put you at risk of developing silicosis? Give ONE answer
A Cutting tiles
B Handling lead
C Levelling wet cement
D Sanding wood
Correct Answer: A Cutting tiles
Explanation: Fine silica particles are created when drilling, cutting, or sanding materials that contain silica - which includes some tiles.
23. Which of the following are ways that lead can enter the body? Check ALL that apply
A Absorption through the skin
B Absorption through your gloves
C Dust inhalation
D Fume inhalation
Correct Answer: A Absorption through the skin, C Dust inhalation, D Fume inhalation
Explanation: Lead can enter your body through inhalation and absorption through your skin - but not through your gloves.
24. Which of the following types of wood dust is known to provoke sensitisation? Give ONE answer
A Hardwood dust
B Mahogany dust
C Medium density fibreboard
D Softwood dust
Correct Answer: D Softwood dust
Explanation: Softwood dust can cause sensitisation.
25. Which of the following types of wood dust is a known carcinogen? Give ONE answer
A Hardwood dust
B Medium density fibreboard
C Pine dust
D Softwood dust
Correct Answer: A Hardwood dust
Explanation: Hardwood dust is a known carcinogen.
26. You are cutting medium density fibreboard (MDF) panels. What particular respiratory hazard should you watch out for? Give ONE answer
A It produces especially coarse dust, which may build up in your airways
B It produces especially fine dust, which can travel deep into your body
C It produces especially hot dust, which can burn your airways
D It produces especially toxic dust
Correct Answer: B It produces especially fine dust, which can travel deep into your body
Explanation: MDF creates especially fine dust, which can be inhaled far into your body.
27. You are about to begin work in an area where pigeons have nested. What should you do first? Give ONE answer
A Contact your local environmental protection organisation
B Decontaminate the area thoroughly, wearing suitable PPE and RPE
C Put on the correct PPE and RPE so you can work safely
D Sluice the area with water so that there are no dry droppings, which produce a lot of dust
Correct Answer: B Decontaminate the area thoroughly, wearing suitable PPE and RPE
Explanation: Areas with bird droppings must be decontaminated thoroughly before work can begin.
28. What MAIN hazard do bird droppings create if disturbed? Give ONE answer
A They attract vermin and predatory animals to the area
B They create a smell which can cause nausea and lightheadedness
C They create dust that can cause dangerous respiratory hazards
D They create mess which affects workplace tidiness
Correct Answer: C They create dust that can cause dangerous respiratory hazards
Explanation: Disturbed droppings create dangerous airborne particles.
29. Which ONE of the following reasons describes why dust from droppings is so dangerous? Give ONE answer
A It contains hazardous fungal and bacterial substances
B It is a nuisance dust
C It is especially fine
D It is especially hard to dislodge from airways
Correct Answer: A It contains hazardous fungal and bacterial substances
Explanation: Droppings contain hazardous fungal and bacterial substances.
30. Which of the following is TRUE about fumes? Give ONE answer
A They are produced by cooling agents
B They are unlikely to cause long-term health conditions
C They contain tiny, suspended particles of solids
D They contain tiny, suspended particles of toxic liquids
Correct Answer: C They contain tiny, suspended particles of solids
Explanation: Fumes contain suspended solid particles.
31. What is ONE acute health condition you may develop after welding? Give ONE answer
A Hot metal fever
B Hot metal madness
C Metal fume fever
D Myocarditis
Correct Answer: C Metal fume fever
Explanation: Welding and hot working exposes you to metal fumes, the inhalation of which can cause 'metal fume fever'.
32. How might you know if you have developed metal fume fever from welding? Give ONE answer
A You begin to develop flu-like symptoms a few hours later
B You begin to develop hand tremors whilst working
C You begin to feel feverish whilst working
D Your jaw becomes stiff a few hours later
Correct Answer: A You begin to develop flu-like symptoms a few hours later
Explanation: Metal fume fever usually presents flu-like symptoms a few hours after exposure to metal fumes
33. What is the MAIN risk associated with organic matter that has begun to rot? Give ONE answer
A It creates toxic spores
B It produces a nauseating smell
C It produces carbon monoxide
D It produces hydrogen sulphide
Correct Answer: D It produces hydrogen sulphide
Explanation: Organic matter produces hydrogen sulphide when it begins to rot. This can be dangerous if it is allowed to build up.
34. When managing materials, which is the BEST way to protect yourself from the risks created by dust? Give ONE answer
A Dampen materials with water
B Make sure materials are pre-ordered to the correct size
C Use a dust-extraction tool
D Use the correct RPE
Correct Answer: B Make sure materials are pre-ordered to the correct size
Explanation: The best way to protect yourself against dust is to avoid creating it in the first place. Ensuring your materials are the correct size in advance will reduce the need for cutting or sanding.
35. A job requires that you use a disc cutter in an attic. What TWO measures must be in place to protect you from exhaust emissions? Give TWO answers
A A buddy system
B Carbon monoxide detector
C Emergency alarm
D Good cooling system
E Good ventilation
Correct Answer: B Carbon monoxide detector, E Good ventilation
Explanation: Ventilation and carbon monoxide detectors will help keep you safe from exhaust if engine powered equipment must be used in confined spaces.
36. You are working in a drainage tunnel and can smell rotting eggs. What does this mean? Give ONE answer
A There is a buildup of hydrogen monoxide
B There is a buildup of hydrogen sulphide
C There is in imminent risk of explosion
D You are suffering from neurological damage
Correct Answer: B There is a buildup of hydrogen sulphide
Explanation: Hydrogen sulphide smells like rotting eggs.
37. You pause your work, and the smell of rotting eggs begins to subside. What does this mean? Give ONE answer
A Nerve endings in your nose may have been damaged by the gas, which could still be present
B The gas is no longer harmful
C The hydrogen sulphide has begun to dissipate and you can continue
D You have become used to the smell and can continue
Correct Answer: A Nerve endings in your nose may have been damaged by the gas, which could still be present
Explanation: Hydrogen sulphide damages the nerves in your nose. If the smell subsides, this could mean the gas has built up to a concentration that is directly harming you.
38. Which of the following is TRUE about carbon monoxide? Give ONE answer
A It is a common by-product on construction sites. It is harmful in high concentrations.
B It is a common by-product on construction sites. It is not dangerous.
C It is a rare by-product on construction sites. It is highly dangerous in any concentration.
D You will not find carbon monoxide on construction sites.
Correct Answer: A It is a common by-product on construction sites. It is harmful in high concentrations.
Explanation: Carbon monoxide is common on construction sites. It is usually dangerous only in high concentrations.
39. How can you detect carbon monoxide? Give ONE answer
A A dark cloud
B A reading on a carbon monoxide detector
C A sharp smell
D An acidic taste
Correct Answer: B A reading on a carbon monoxide detector
Explanation: Carbon monoxide has no taste, colour, or smell. You can only detect it using the correct equipment.
40. Which of the following is TRUE about carbon dioxide? Give ONE answer
A It has a distinctive smell
B It has a yellow pallour
C It has no smell, taste, or colour
D It tastes sharp
Correct Answer: C It has no smell, taste, or colour
Explanation: Carbon dioxide also has no taste, colour, or smell.
41. Which of the following gases can prove swiftly fatal in high concentrations? Check ALL that apply
A Argon
B Carbon dioxide
C Carbon monoxide
D Hydrogen sulphide
E Methane
Correct Answer: B Carbon dioxide, C Carbon monoxide, D Hydrogen sulphide
Explanation: All these gases can swiftly prove fatal.
42. Which ONE of the following will protect you best against hazardous gases? Give ONE answer
A
B
C
D
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The personal carbon monoxide alarm will offer best protection out of these options.
43. What is the difference between a fume and a vapour? Give ONE answer
A Fumes are produced at high temperatures; vapours are produced at low temperatures
B Fumes are toxic; vapours are non-toxic
C Fumes contain suspended liquid particles; vapours contain suspended solid particles
D Fumes contain suspended solid particles; vapours contain suspended liquid particles
Correct Answer: D Fumes contain suspended solid particles; vapours contain suspended liquid particles
Explanation: Fumes and vapours both contain suspended particles. With fumes, the particles are solid; with vapours, the particles are liquid.
44. Vapours are most commonly produced through which process? Give ONE answer
A Combustion
B Cooling
C Cutting
D Evaporation
Correct Answer: D Evaporation
Explanation: Vapours are commonly produced when something evaporates.
45. What are TWO dangers associated with vapours building up in confined spaces? Give TWO answers
A They may be flammable
B They may create health problems
C They may damage tools
D They may impede visibility
E This may be expensive and wasteful
Correct Answer: A They may be flammable, B They may create health problems
Explanation: Along with causing health problems, the vapours from many substances are also highly flammable.
46. What TWO factors pose an ignition risk when working with flammable vapours? Give TWO answers
A High carbon dioxide levels
B Not collecting dust
C Open flames
D Too many people in a room
E Tools that create sparks
Correct Answer: C Open flames, E Tools that create sparks
Explanation: Sparks and flames can both ignite flammable vapours in an atmosphere.
47. Why are face-fit tests important? Give ONE answer
A To ensure respiratory protective equipment is properly fitted
B To ensure workers are not discriminated against
C To ensure workers can see properly when using respiratory protective equipment
D To ensure workers have a clean criminal record
Correct Answer: A To ensure respiratory protective equipment is properly fitted
Explanation: Face fit tests check that respiratory protective equipment will work effectively.
48. What is the SECOND biggest cause of occupational health problems, after asbestos? Give ONE answer
A Exposure to harmful vapours
B Exposure to lead
C Exposure to silica dust
D Inhalation of diesel fumes
Correct Answer: C Exposure to silica dust
Explanation: Silica dust is the second largest cause of health problems after asbestos.
49. How can you tell if construction work is creating harmful dust? Give ONE answer
A A sooty substance will settle on flat surfaces
B It will be visible in bright torchlight
C You may not be able to - some types of harmful dust are too fine to be seen
D You will begin to suffer from shallow breathing
Correct Answer: C You may not be able to - some types of harmful dust are too fine to be seen
Explanation: Construction can create harmful dust that you cannot see.
50. When do legionella bacteria in water become particularly dangerous? Give ONE answer
A When the water is cold
B When the water is fast-moving
C When the water is rich in plant life
D When the water is warm or stagnant
Correct Answer: D When the water is warm or stagnant
Explanation: Legionella bacteria are particularly active and breed well in warm, still water.
51. Whilst painting a bathroom, you begin to feel dizzy. What might this mean? Give ONE answer
A Vapour levels have become dangerous
B You are becoming fatigued
C You have been working too long
D You have developed metal fume fever
Correct Answer: A Vapour levels have become dangerous
Explanation: Vapours can cause dizziness and headaches at high concentrations.
52. You are about to begin work in an enclosed and dusty room. How should you proceed? Give ONE answer
A Assume the dust could be harmful
B Assume the dust is harmless, as you would have been told if it were otherwise
C Proceed as normal - dust is not a harmful substance
D Work for a short period and see if you begin to develop any health problems
Correct Answer: A Assume the dust could be harmful
Explanation: Always assume that dust in any enclosed area could be harmful.
53. Your respiratory protective equipment (RPE) must form a snug seal against your face. Which TWO factors might affect the fit? Give TWO answers
A Dusty atmosphere
B Facial hair
C Goggles
D Soft skin
E Temperature
Correct Answer: B Facial hair, C Goggles
Explanation: Facial hair and safety goggles may both affect the efficacy of your RPE.
54. Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) uses TWO basic types of filter. Which TWO? Give TWO answers
A Filters for bacteria
B Filters for dust/particles
C Filters for gas/vapours
D Filters for moisture
E Filters for odour
Correct Answer: B Filters for dust/particles, C Filters for gas/vapours
Explanation: Masks typically use filters for gas/vapours, and dust/particles.
55. Which statement is TRUE regarding legionella bacteria? Give ONE answer
A They are not a threat during colder months
B They are only found in natural environments
C They can be found in hot water storage tanks
D They can be removed by sluicing a surface in warm water
Correct Answer: C They can be found in hot water storage tanks
Explanation: Legionella bacteria can be present in various parts of buildings. They are not only found in natural environments.
56. Which of the following is the MOST effective dust-capture method? Give ONE answer
A Fitting tools with dust-capture devices
B Stopping regularly to sweep
C Vacuuming as you go
D Vacuuming at the end once all the dust has settled
Correct Answer: A Fitting tools with dust-capture devices
Explanation: Tools with dust-capture devices fitted are the most effective precaution.
57. Why is wet cutting an effective strategy? Give ONE answer
A It does not create additional heat and friction
B It is not an effective strategy
C It prevents much of the dust from escaping into the air
D It reduces the risk of combustion
Correct Answer: C It prevents much of the dust from escaping into the air
Explanation: Wet cutting is a common and effective strategy, as it stops much of the work-related dust escaping in the first place.
58. Which approach is the best one to use when cutting wood? Give ONE answer
A Dust capture
B Wet cutting
Correct Answer: A Dust capture
Explanation: Wood is one of a few materials for which wet cutting is not a suitable choice.
59. What is TRUE when you are wet cutting? Give ONE answer
A RPE is optional
B RPE will interfere with your ability to work
C You do not need to wear RPE
D You must still wear RPE
Correct Answer: D You must still wear RPE
Explanation: RPE must always be worn, as controlling the dust does not eliminate the risk.
60. Silica dust is NOT produced by which of the following activities? Give ONE answer
A Clearing up rubble
B Demolishing concrete floors
C Sanding plywood
D Trimming paving slabs
Correct Answer: C Sanding plywood
Explanation: Plywood does not contain silica dust - the other materials do.
61. You need to trim down a material. Which tool will create less of a respiratory hazard? Give ONE answer
A Block splitter
B Disc cutter
C Grinder
D Sander
Correct Answer: A Block splitter
Explanation: Where possible, always choose tools that create the least amount of dust.
62. When using the wet cutting method, how should water be used? Give ONE answer
A It should be applied at a constant rate throughout the cutting process
B It should be sprayed on the material periodically throughout the cutting
C It should be used afterwards, to clear dust from the material
D It should be used to douse the material before cutting, and sluice it afterwards
Correct Answer: A It should be applied at a constant rate throughout the cutting process
Explanation: You must apply water constantly to capture new dust as it is created.
63. You are clearing rubble from a cellar. What should you do before you start? Give ONE answer
A Agitate the rubble to dislodge any smaller particles onto the floor
B Move the larger pieces into orderly piles
C Spray it with water
D Sweep the floor of any smaller dust particles
Correct Answer: C Spray it with water
Explanation: It is advisable to spray rubble with water first to stop dust forming clouds when you move it.
64. Whilst using solvents in an attic room, you notice your colleague becoming drowsy. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Carry on working and see if further symptoms develop
B Offer to finish the task yourself
C Stop work and ensure your colleague is hydrated
D Stop work and inform your supervisor
Correct Answer: D Stop work and inform your supervisor
Explanation: Drowsiness can indicate vapour levels are at a dangerous level. You should stop work and inform your supervisor.
65. Hazardous vapours are MOST likely to be produced by which substance? Give ONE answer
A Asbestos
B Epoxy resin
C Rubber
D Wet mortar
Correct Answer: B Epoxy resin
Explanation: Epoxy resin will produce dangerous vapour.
66. Why is it important to capture dust created by cutting tools BEFORE it gets into the air? Give ONE answer
A Because dust can be easily inhaled once in the air
B Because dust in the air can damage machinery
C Because dust is harder to clear up once it is in the air
D Because this eliminates the need for deep cleaning
Correct Answer: A Because dust can be easily inhaled once in the air
Explanation: The main reason for collecting dust before it gets into the air is to protect workers from inhaling it.
67. You are about to carry out a wall demolition, but have not been given respiratory protective equipment (RPE). What does this mean? Give ONE answer
A It is an oversight. Continue work, but report it in the incident book
B It is an oversight. Do not begin work until you have been given suitable RPE
C RPE is not required for this task, and you can begin working
D RPE is optional for this task, and you can begin working if you wish
Correct Answer: B It is an oversight. Do not begin work until you have been given suitable RPE
Explanation: Never work without RPE if the job you are doing requires it.
68. How can you adapt a dust mask to make it suitable for protecting against hazardous fumes? Give ONE answer
A A dust mask is already suitable for protecting against hazardous fumes
B Dampen the mask with water
C This is not possible
D Wear two dust masks
Correct Answer: C This is not possible
Explanation: Never try to adapt RPE for a task it is not suited for.
69. Which condition is most likely to be caused by long term exposure to fumes or dust? Give ONE answer
A Dermatitis
B Heart disease
C Lung disease
D Mouth cancer
Correct Answer: C Lung disease
Explanation: Occupational lung disease is most commonly caused by long term exposure to fumes and dust.