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Operatives and Specialists – General Responsibilities (2023)

Construction Test > Operatives and Specialists – General Responsibilities (2023)

You need to answer at least 32 out of 36 questions correctly to pass the General Responsibilities 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. Who is responsible for health and safety on site? Give ONE answer
A Everyone
B On-site management
C The employer
D The health and safety manager
Correct Answer: A Everyone
Explanation: Everyone is responsible for upholding site health and safety standards.
2. Who is LEGALLY responsible for health and safety on site? Give ONE answer
A Everyone
B On-site management
C The employer
D The health and safety manager
Correct Answer: A Everyone
Explanation: The responsibility of everyone to uphold health and safety is not just moral - it is also legal.
3. In what year was the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act introduced? Give ONE answer
A 1946
B 1974
C 2007
D 2018
Correct Answer: B 1974
Explanation: The act was introduced in 1974 to promote and enforce workplace health and safety regulations.
4. Which ONE of the following must you be aware of after Brexit? Give ONE answer
A ALL UK health and safety regulations WILL be changed
B All accreditation will be void
C UK health and safety regulations MAY be reviewed and changed
D You WILL be asked to learn new safety signage
Correct Answer: C UK health and safety regulations MAY be reviewed and changed
Explanation: UK regulations do not change by default following Brexit - however, some regulations may be taken into review.
5. Which of the following is NOT part of a safe system of work? Give ONE answer
A Construction phase plan
B Health and safety policy
C Permit to work
D Professional trust
Correct Answer: D Professional trust
Explanation: A safe system of work is a system developed by an employer to carry out a job safely, and in a defined way.
6. If an employer has NOT developed a safe system of work, what should be your MAIN concern? Give ONE answer
A Nothing - a safe system of work is optional
B That they are breaking the law
C That you become liable for any accidents
D That you need to pay extra attention
Correct Answer: B That they are breaking the law
Explanation: Employers are legally required to develop safe systems of work.
7. What is the difference between a HAZARD and a RISK? Give ONE answer
A A HAZARD is a sign used to indicate a RISK
B A HAZARD is created when a RISK is taken
C A HAZARD is something that could cause harm; RISK describes how likely and serious that harm could be
D A RISK is something that could cause harm; HAZARD describes how likely and serious that harm could be
Correct Answer: C A HAZARD is something that could cause harm; RISK describes how likely and serious that harm could be
Explanation: A hazard (something that could cause harm) is assessed for risk it creates (how much harm it could cause, and how likely it is to cause it). This is part of the risk assessment.
8. Which is NOT an example of a HAZARD? Give ONE answer
A A busy road
B A fair chance of being hit by traffic
C Narrow pavements
D No street lighting
Correct Answer: B A fair chance of being hit by traffic
Explanation: A HAZARD is something that could cause harm.
9. Which of the following is an expression of RISK? Give ONE answer
A "I don't like how this is put together"
B "Is this dangerous?"
C "The ladder is wobbly"
D "You'll probably fall"
Correct Answer: D "You'll probably fall"
Explanation: RISK concerns how likely a hazard is to cause harm, and how serious that harm could be.
10. Your employer is conducting a risk assessment before you begin working on a roof. They will be assessing the risk to WHOM? Check ALL that apply
A Passers by
B The tile providers
C Their public image
D You
E Your team
Correct Answer: A Passers by, D You, E Your team
Explanation: A risk assessment assesses hazards that put you or others at risk over the course of a job.
11. You spot something on site you think might be an unmarked hazard, but you are not sure - and you are busy. What SHOULD you do? Give ONE answer
A Nothing - if it were in fact a hazard, it would have been marked
B Report it immediately
C Wait for a spare moment, then go and assess the risk
D Wait to see if it develops into a clear hazard, then report it
Correct Answer: B Report it immediately
Explanation: If you notice something which seems unsafe, especially if it has gone unnoticed, it is your legal duty to report it.
12. Which of the following is NOT the point of a method statement for a job? Give ONE answer
A To identify the controls that will have to be followed
B To identify the training levels required
C To identify which materials will be used
D To identify who is paying
Correct Answer: D To identify who is paying
Explanation: A method statement is used to explain in detail how a job will be safely executed.
13. Which of the following is TRUE about a permit to work system? Give ONE answer
A A permit to work must be signed by the council in which the work takes place
B A permit to work system helps foreign workers acquire temporary visas
C A permit to work system is required for all activities
D A permit to work system is required for welding
Correct Answer: D A permit to work system is required for welding
Explanation: A permit to work is used for introducing additional controls to a specific activity, especially if it carries high risk. It is a dated, time-limited certificate, that must be formally acquired.
14. Before starting a job, your EMPLOYER is the one who signs off on your permit to work. This is acceptable if: Give ONE answer
A Your employer has carried out a thorough risk assessment
B Your employer has cleared this with the Health and Safety Executive
C Your employer has evidence that you are medically fit for the work
D Your employer is competent and properly authorised in the relevant areas
Correct Answer: D Your employer is competent and properly authorised in the relevant areas
Explanation: A permit to work must be signed by a competent and properly authorised party.
15. Which of the following would you NOT expect to find in a construction phase plan? Give ONE answer
A A timeline detailing how the construction is expected to progress
B Health and safety arrangements
C Location and identity of main hazards on site
D Welfare facility arrangements
Correct Answer: A A timeline detailing how the construction is expected to progress
Explanation: A construction phase plan details the health and safety considerations associated with the construction phase.
16. Your manager is making changes to your project's construction phase plan. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Bring the issue up using internal grievance channels
B Nothing
C Report it to the Health and Safety Executive
D Report it to your Health and Safety Officer
Correct Answer: B Nothing
Explanation: Changes may be made to the construction phase plan as the project develops. You must simply be aware of them and how they will affect your work.
17. What is the role of surveys in the safe system of work? Give ONE answer
A They determine where scaffolding will be placed
B They ensure staff concerns are being properly attended to
C They help determine whether a project has been safely completed
D They indicate potential hazards
Correct Answer: D They indicate potential hazards
Explanation: A number of different surveys may be conducted to identify hazards on site, including asbestos surveys and noise surveys.
18. Your employer is legally permitted to conduct health surveillance. True or false? Give ONE answer
A FALSE
B TRUE
Correct Answer: B TRUE
Explanation: Health surveillance is legally permitted. It can play a crucial role in maintaining good safety standards.
19. Why is it important to cooperate with your employer's health surveillance programme? Give ONE answer
A Because it helps them to improve control measures and to protect you from preventable disease
B Because it is a legal obligation and non-compliance will result in a fine
C Because they may fire you
D It is not important, but it is an administrative necessity
Correct Answer: A Because it helps them to improve control measures and to protect you from preventable disease
Explanation: Health surveillance helps employers catch disease early, and protect workers from harmful exposure.
20. Which of the following describes the role of COSHH Assessments? Give ONE answer
A To assess the role played by hazardous substance exposure in a workplace accident
B To assist manufacturers in improving the quality of hazardous materials
C To eliminate the risks posed by hazardous substances in the workplace
D To identify and mitigate the risks created by hazardous substances in the workplace
Correct Answer: D To identify and mitigate the risks created by hazardous substances in the workplace
Explanation: COSHH assessments are used to assess and mitigate (in advance) the risk of working with hazardous substances.
21. Work with which of the following materials may require a COSHH assessment? Check ALL that apply
A Asbestos
B Metal
C Plastic
D Tile
E Wood
Correct Answer: A Asbestos, D Tile, E Wood
Explanation: COSHH assessments must be conducted if working with a material may produce harmful substances, even if the material itself is not harmful (e.g., sanding down wood produces harmful dust).
22. You are asked to do work you are capable of doing, but have not received training for. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Carry out the work under supervision
B If you think you can do the work safely, then do it
C Report the incident to HR
D Speak to your site manager or supervisor
Correct Answer: D Speak to your site manager or supervisor
Explanation: You must speak to your site manager or supervisor if you are being put in this position. If you do not have training, you may carry out a job dangerously - even if you have the necessary skills.
23. How often should you attend a site induction? Give ONE answer
A Every month
B Every time there is a change in management
C Every time you visit a new site
D Only if a new site has features you have not encountered before
Correct Answer: C Every time you visit a new site
Explanation: You should attend a site induction every time you visit a new site.
24. Which of the below is NOT required at site induction? Give ONE answer
A Information about how you will be consulted on matters of health and safety
B Information about site traffic management
C Information about welfare facilities
D These should ALL be included in a site induction
Correct Answer: D These should ALL be included in a site induction
Explanation: All these pieces of information should be included in a site induction.
25. If something remains unclear at the end of a site induction, what should you do? Give ONE answer
A Ask the induction leader whilst the group is still in session
B Nothing - if the leader did not make it clear, it probably was not important
C Wait until the session is completed, then ask the induction leader
D Wait until the session is completed, then consult the handbook
Correct Answer: A Ask the induction leader whilst the group is still in session
Explanation: Always ask for information to be clarified during the session itself. If you found something unclear, it is possible that others did too.
26. You should expect to be consulted on workplace safety practices. TRUE or FALSE? Give ONE answer
A FALSE
B TRUE
Correct Answer: B TRUE
Explanation: Many sites encourage workers to participate in safety discussions and audits. This is because workers usually have a better understanding of on-site risks, and the efficacy of safety measures.
27. What is the purpose of a toolbox talk? Give ONE answer
A To discuss activity-specific health and safety matters
B To ensure all participants understand how to use activity-specific equipment
C To informally check in on employee wellbeing without escalation
D To regularly assess the quality of operating equipment
Correct Answer: A To discuss activity-specific health and safety matters
Explanation: A toolbox talk is a session briefing workers on health and safety aspects of a particular task.
28. If an improvement or a prohibition notice is issued, this will have come from which authority? Give ONE answer
A A line manager
B The Health and Safety Executive
C The company director
D The company's Health and Safety Officer
Correct Answer: B The Health and Safety Executive
Explanation: Prohibition and improvement notices are issued by Health and Safety Executive inspectors if deemed necessary.
29. Which of the following best describes the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)? Give ONE answer
A A company representative responsible for ensuring company compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act
B A government body responsible for the oversight of health and safety in UK workplaces
C A representative of the company's Board of Directors
D An employee union representative that liaises with the company on health and safety issues
Correct Answer: B A government body responsible for the oversight of health and safety in UK workplaces
Explanation: The Health and Safety Executive is an external governmental body with legal powers to enforce health and safety compliance in the workplace.
30. What is the nature of an improvement notice? Give ONE answer
A It provides specific details of laws broken by an employer or employee, and a date by which improvements must be made
B It provides specific details of laws broken by an employer, and a date by which improvements must be made
C It suggests general improvements on how an employer or employee can improve safety standards
D It suggests general recommendations on how an employer can improve safety standards in the workplace
Correct Answer: A It provides specific details of laws broken by an employer or employee, and a date by which improvements must be made
Explanation: Improvement notices can be issued against an employer or individual employee, and detail both legally required improvements, along with the date by which such improvements must be made.
31. A Health and Safety Executive inspector issues a prohibition notice to your team at work. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Ensure that the inspector offers accreditation before agreeing to stop work
B Stop work immediately
C Stop work when there is a safe and convenient time to do so
D Wait until your site manager clears you to stop work
Correct Answer: B Stop work immediately
Explanation: Upon issue of a prohibition notice, all work connected to the unsafe activity must stop immediately.
32. Which of the following is NOT a legal power of Health and Safety Executive inspectors? Give ONE answer
A The power to enter a workplace without notice
B The power to interview a person without caution
C The power to prosecute an employee in a Magistrate's or Crown Court
D These are ALL legal powers of HSE inspectors
Correct Answer: D These are ALL legal powers of HSE inspectors
Explanation: The HSE is granted extensive legal powers, including but not limited to all of the above.
33. Who may be prosecuted by a Health and Safety Executive inspector in case of health and safety violations? Check ALL that apply
A A company
B A member of the public
C An employer
D An individual employee
Correct Answer: A A company, C An employer, D An individual employee
Explanation: A Health and Safety Executive inspector may prosecute an individual employee, an employer, or a company if deemed necessary.
34. Prosecution by a Health and Safety Executive inspector may take place in which court? Check ALL that apply
A The Crown Court
B The HSE Court
C The Magistrate's Court
D The court of appeals
Correct Answer: A The Crown Court, C The Magistrate's Court
Explanation: A Health and Safety Executive inspector has the power to prosecute in either court.
35. Employers and contractors will always carry some degree of liability if an employee is prosecuted by a Health and Safety Executive inspector. True or false? Give ONE answer
A FALSE
B TRUE
Correct Answer: A FALSE
Explanation: If adequate training has been provided by the employer, the employee can be held entirely liable for failing to comply with health and safety standards.
36. The Health and Safety Executive can charge by the hour for additional time spent by inspectors in resolution and administration of issues raised. True or false? Give ONE answer
A FALSE - they are not permitted to bill additional charges
B TRUE - they can bill hourly charges for this additional time
Correct Answer: B TRUE - they can bill hourly charges for this additional time
Explanation: The Health and Safety Executive is permitted to bill for additional hours required in an investigation.