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Operatives and Specialists Test 1 (2023)

Construction Test > Operatives and Specialists Test 1 (2023)

You have 45 minutes to answer 50 multiple choice CSCS Health, Safety and Evironment Test questions for Operatives and Specialists. You need to answer at least 45 out of 50 questions correctly to pass. 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. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Which type of laser is MORE hazardous if used incorrectly? Give ONE answer
A Rotating laser
B Static laser
Correct Answer: B Static laser
Explanation: A rotating laser will be hard to look at for more than a moment, but a static laser can cause more damage.
6. What is wrong with this tool? Give ONE answer
A It should not be diagonally scarred up the edges
B It should not be tapered at one end
C Shrapnel may fly off it when it is hit
D There is nothing wrong with it
Correct Answer: C Shrapnel may fly off it when it is hit
Explanation: This chisel has been worn at the top, creating potential shrapnel that could fly off when it is struck.
7. An electricity pylon near your work area is making some unexpected noises. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Approach to see if anything is immediately wrong
B Call the service number registered on the pylon
C Ensure you are wearing rubber-soled work boots
D Stop work and inform your supervisor.
Correct Answer: D Stop work and inform your supervisor.
Explanation: If you are unsure about anything, stop and inform your supervisor. Electricity can kill.
8. Which of the following is TRUE about getting an electrical shock from overhead power lines? Give ONE answer
A Overhead power lines do not deliver electric shocks
B You can prevent it by wearing rubber boots
C You do not need to be touching the cables
D You must be touching the cables
Correct Answer: C You do not need to be touching the cables
Explanation: Electricity can arc across the air. This means you can receive a potentially fatal electric shock without being in contact with the power line itself.
9. What is the MOST important risk created if you use the wrong diamond blade with your tool? Give ONE answer
A The blade might burst
B The machine might work less efficiently
C The material might be spoiled
D You may be fired
Correct Answer: A The blade might burst
Explanation: Using the wrong disc or blade for a particular tool can cause it to shatter or burst.
10. You need to change a drill bit. What should you do FIRST? Give ONE answer
A Call out to alert colleagues
B Isolate the power and unplug the drill
C Nothing in particular
D Wait for the drill to cool down
Correct Answer: B Isolate the power and unplug the drill
Explanation: You should always isolate the power and unplug the tool before changing bits, blades, and guards.
11. What TWO things must you NEVER do when refuelling a petrol powered hand tool? Give TWO answers
A Refuel in a well-lit area
B Refuel when the engine is hot
C Refuel with a funnel
D Smoke at the refuelling point
Correct Answer: B Refuel when the engine is hot, D Smoke at the refuelling point
Explanation: Never refuel where there are ignition hazards - this includes cigarettes, and possibly hot parts of the tool.
12. What must be present on every hose joint feeding compressed power tools? Give ONE answer
A Guard
B Hazard tape
C Residual current device
D Whip check
Correct Answer: D Whip check
Explanation: Whip checks must be in place on hose joints.
13. What is usually the main source of harmful noise on a construction site? Give ONE answer
A Alarms and sirens
B Generators
C Hand held tools
D Vehicle traffic
Correct Answer: C Hand held tools
Explanation: Hand held tools are the most common sources of on-site noise.
14. What are the TWO noise levels at which an employer is legally obliged to take additional safety measures? Give TWO answers
A Lower exposure action level: 45 dB(A)
B Lower exposure action level: 80 dB(A)
C Upper exposure action level: 100 dB(A)
D Upper exposure action level: 85 dB(A)
Correct Answer: B Lower exposure action level: 80 dB(A), D Upper exposure action level: 85 dB(A)
Explanation: The lower level is 80 dB(A) and the upper level is 85 dB(A).
15. Your employer has designated an area as a mandatory hearing protection zone. Which noise exposure level does this suggest? Give ONE answer
A Lower exposure action level: 80 dB(A)
B Upper exposure action level: 85 dB(A)
Correct Answer: B Upper exposure action level: 85 dB(A)
Explanation: Employers are legally required to make hearing protection mandatory when noise reaches the upper exposure action level. However, they may do so at any time.
16. Which of the following is NOT a symptom of HAVS? Give ONE answer
A Intense burning in the fingers
B Loss of dexterity
C Numbness in the hands
D Receding nail beds
Correct Answer: D Receding nail beds
Explanation: Numbness, tingling, burning, throbbing, and lack of manual dexterity in the fingers or hands are all signs you may be developing HAVS.
17. Where does the construction industry rank among other UK industries in terms of resource consumption? Give ONE answer
A It is among the top ten highest consumers
B It is among the top three highest consumers
C It is the highest consumer
D It is the second highest consumer
Correct Answer: C It is the highest consumer
Explanation: The construction industry is the highest resource-consuming industry in the UK.
18. Who must play a role in helping reduce the site's environmental impact? Give ONE answer
A Employees
B Everyone on site
C The employer
D The site's environmental manager
Correct Answer: B Everyone on site
Explanation: Everybody must contribute to helping reduce the site's environmental impact.
19. You need to dispose of water contaminated with chemicals - can you put it down a red drain? Give ONE answer
A Always
B Never
C No, you must put it down a BLUE drain
D Possibly
Correct Answer: D Possibly
Explanation: Never assume that red drains are suitable places to dispose of hazardous liquids. You must ALWAYS check.
20. An excavation is safe to work in if there are no obvious hazards. True or false? Give ONE answer
A FALSE
B TRUE
Correct Answer: A FALSE
Explanation: The safety of an excavation can be compromised by many seen and unseen factors.
21. Your team has used all the required scanning tools and surveys to identify the approximate location of a cable. What can be done next to locate its exact location? Give ONE answer
A Dig a trial hole by hand
B Do a close-quarters radar survey
C Use a cable avoidance tool on the approximate location
D You cannot get a more accurate location than this
Correct Answer: A Dig a trial hole by hand
Explanation: Digging a trial hole by hand will help you precisely and safely locate the cable before beginning work.
22. How should a stepladder be oriented? Give ONE answer
A At 90 degrees from the work, so you have space to operate
B At whichever angle gives you the best access for work
C So both the ladder and you are facing your work
D So both you and the ladder are facing away from your work
Correct Answer: C So both the ladder and you are facing your work
Explanation: Both you and the ladder must be facing the work.
23. A simple piece of scaffolding is interfering with your task's safety measures. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Adapt your safe system of work around the obstacle
B Consult your supervisor
C Remove the piece and replace it at the end of your shift
D Remove the piece only for as long as required to complete your work
Correct Answer: B Consult your supervisor
Explanation: Scaffolding can only be adjusted or dismantled by competent and trained scaffolders.
24. How must a mobile access tower be moved? Give ONE answer
A It must be dismantled and reconstructed in the new location
B It must be pushed from the bottom manually
C It must be towed, with towlines attached to the bottom
D It must be towed, with towlines attached to the top
Correct Answer: B It must be pushed from the bottom manually
Explanation: Mobile access towers must be moved manually, pushing from the bottom.
25. Your work area is next to a power line. How will you know which areas are safe for you to be in? Give ONE answer
A Any area further than 2 metres from the base is safe
B Any area is safe, provided you are wearing the correct PPE
C Only the area directly under the power line is dangerous
D Your employer will put up a barrier that sections off the unsafe area
Correct Answer: D Your employer will put up a barrier that sections off the unsafe area
Explanation: Your employer will set up a barrier that clearly marks the exclusion zone around a power line.
26. Your half mask respirator is broken, but your job must be urgently completed. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Continue work if the mask is still effective at reduced capacity
B Fix it yourself, and continue work
C Stop work until you have a functioning half mask respirator
D Take turns sharing a colleague's respirator
Correct Answer: C Stop work until you have a functioning half mask respirator
Explanation: You must never work without fully functioning PPE if it is required. This must be provided by your employer.
27. Besides applying sun cream, what is ONE good way to protect yourself against sun damage? Give ONE answer
A Douse exposed skin with cold water to promote cooling
B Ensure clothing is always double-layered to eliminate UV exposure
C Expose more skin to help with temperature regulation
D Inspect your skin regularly for signs of damage or changes
Correct Answer: D Inspect your skin regularly for signs of damage or changes
Explanation: Inspecting your skin for changes or damage will help protect you against the effects of sun exposure.
28. What is good system for controlling hot work? Give ONE answer
A A hot-work permit
B Ensuring all workers in the area are aware of the activity
C Having a good water supply nearby
D Informing the HSE in advance
Correct Answer: A A hot-work permit
Explanation: Your employer should have in place a control system for hot work and this may include a hot-works permit.
29. How must flammable liquids be kept? Give ONE answer
A Below room temperature
B In a closed container
C In a plastic container
D In an impact-proof container
Correct Answer: B In a closed container
Explanation: Closed containers must be used to store flammable liquids.
30. When storing LPG cannisters in a basement, what should be your first consideration? Give ONE answer
A Nothing: you should never store LPG cannisters in a basement
B Whether the basement is the correct temperature, and has proper ventilation
C Whether the site is licensed to store flammable liquids
D Whether there is a safer alternative, as underground storage should be a last resort
Correct Answer: A Nothing: you should never store LPG cannisters in a basement
Explanation: LPG cannisters should NEVER be stored below ground, for example in basements or cellars.
31. Which of the two types of asbestos survey is most comprehensive? Give ONE answer
A Both are equally comprehensive, but are carried out under different circumstances
B Management survey
C Refurbishment / demolition survey
Correct Answer: C Refurbishment / demolition survey
Explanation: Refurbishment / demolition surveys are more comprehensive.
32. What does HFL stand for? Give ONE answer
A Heat flammable liquid
B High fluoride liquid
C Highly flammable liquid
D Highly fragile lithium
Correct Answer: C Highly flammable liquid
Explanation: HFLs are highly flammable liquids.
33. You are beginning work on a project that will require you work with irritants. What is ONE important precaution you should have in mind? Give ONE answer
A Begin health surveillance with your employer
B Inform the on-site doctor
C Keep your overalls clean
D Record this in the accident book
Correct Answer: C Keep your overalls clean
Explanation: Personal hygiene is crucial when dealing with irritant substances. Skin problems in the groin area are frequently caused by unclean or oily overalls.
34. What is one thing you should do regularly when working in the sun? Give ONE answer
A Apply occupational skin cream after every shift
B Check your balance for signs of sunstroke
C Check your eyesight for signs of sun damage
D Check your skin for new moles and warts, or changes to existing ones
Correct Answer: D Check your skin for new moles and warts, or changes to existing ones
Explanation: You should be regularly checking your skin for new, or changed, moles and warts.
35. What is good practice when it comes to discussing how you are feeling? Give ONE answer
A Do it rarely, and do not bother people
B Find a loved one, a trusted friend, an independent party, or a professional that you can do this with
C Identify the problem before talking about it with somebody
D Only discuss matters with a trained professional
Correct Answer: B Find a loved one, a trusted friend, an independent party, or a professional that you can do this with
Explanation: Having someone you can talk to honestly about how you feel is vital part of being responsible about your health. You do not need to know what is wrong in order to talk about it.
36. Which of the following is TRUE about so-called "legal highs" Give ONE answer
A Any trace of legal highs in your system will lead to you failing a drugs test
B Legal highs are permitted at any level in your system
C Legal highs are permitted if you can provide proof of prescription
D Trace levels of legal highs are permitted
Correct Answer: A Any trace of legal highs in your system will lead to you failing a drugs test
Explanation: So-called "legal highs" are not legally permitted in your system at any level.
37. What is the best way to manage mental health issues at work? Give ONE answer
A Discuss them in confidence with a supervisor or manager
B Do not seek support from your employer. as you may lose your job
C Find a different job
D Self-medicate
Correct Answer: A Discuss them in confidence with a supervisor or manager
Explanation: Always discuss mental health problems with your employer, as accommodations can often be made.
38. What are TWO key dangers associated with being under the influence of alcohol at work? Give TWO answers
A You may be disciplined
B You may harm yourself or others
C You may increase your tolerance levels
D You may lose your job
Correct Answer: B You may harm yourself or others, D You may lose your job
Explanation: Loss of livelihood is a second key risk alongside the threat to safety.
39. Where should you be storing valuables whilst on site? Give ONE answer
A At reception
B In a secure place provided by your employer
C On your person at all times
D You should not bring valuables on site
Correct Answer: B In a secure place provided by your employer
Explanation: Your employer must provide you with the means to securely store valuables.
40. Why is safe manual handling in the workplace so important? Give ONE answer
A It helps employees work faster
B It helps improve on-site efficiency
C It helps reduce the risk of injury for workers
D it helps reduce damage to materials
Correct Answer: C It helps reduce the risk of injury for workers
Explanation: Safe manual handling procedures are crucial for safeguarding the health of workers.
41. How can you tell if you are developing back injury from manual handling? Give ONE answer
A It may not be immediately obvious
B You will develop a twinge in your back
C You will feel a burning sensation across the shoulder blades
D You will find it difficult to stand up
Correct Answer: A It may not be immediately obvious
Explanation: Back injuries from manual handling can develop over time, and may not be immediately obvious.
42. Whilst handling a heavy load across site, you unexpectedly come across a staircase. What has gone wrong? Give ONE answer
A Nothing, you are expected to navigate hazards on your route
B The safe system of work did not clearly account for and communicate all hazards on your route
C You are entitled to compensation
D You did not ask the right questions during the briefing
Correct Answer: B The safe system of work did not clearly account for and communicate all hazards on your route
Explanation: The safe system of work should identify and communicate any unavoidable hazards you might face whilst manual handling.
43. Which of the following is a MANDATORY sign? Give ONE answer
A
B
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: This sign indicates head protection is mandatory.
44. Where might you see this sign? Give ONE answer
A Where cement is being laid
B Where hazardous fumes may be present
C Where personal music players are permitted
D Where pneumatic drilling is taking place
Correct Answer: D Where pneumatic drilling is taking place
Explanation: This sign indicates ear protection is mandatory, and you are likely to see it in noisy areas.
45. What is prohibited where you see this sign? Give ONE answer
A Burning waste
B Naked flames
C Smoking
D Striking matches
Correct Answer: B Naked flames
Explanation: This sign prohibits any kind of naked flame.
46. What service can you access where you see this sign? Give ONE answer
A Antibacterial mist
B Changing room
C Emergency shower
D Sprinkler alarm
Correct Answer: C Emergency shower
Explanation: This sign marks where you can access safety showers.
47. What does this sign indicate? Give ONE answer
A Electrocution risk
B Explosive materials
C Flammable materials
D Risk of landmines in the area
Correct Answer: B Explosive materials
Explanation: This sign is used to indicate explosive materials.
48. Who can operate plant items? Give ONE answer
A Anybody working on the task
B Only authorised people
C Only authorised, trained, and competent people
D Only those who have attended the induction
Correct Answer: C Only authorised, trained, and competent people
Explanation: You must be authorised, trained, and competent. In some cases, you may also need to be accredited.
49. Which TWO types of check must be included when inspecting lifting equipment and accessories? Give TWO answers
A Cosmetic
B Functional
C Liability
D Visual
Correct Answer: B Functional, D Visual
Explanation: Visual and functional checks must always form part of an inspection.
50. What one factor may increase the risk of a telehandler overturning? Give ONE answer
A Driving too fast
B Driving too slow
C Raising without a load
D Reversing
Correct Answer: A Driving too fast
Explanation: Telehandlers are more likely to overturn if driven too fast.