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Operatives and Specialists Test 5 (2023)

Construction Test > Operatives and Specialists Test 5 (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 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.
2. 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.
3. Who is responsible for reporting unsafe conditions on-site? Give ONE answer
A Everyone
B The health and safety manager
C The site manager
D The workers
Correct Answer: A Everyone
Explanation: Everyone is responsible for reporting unsafe conditions on site.
4. A falling brick dents the bonnet of a car. What is this event, and what is the correct course of action? Give ONE answer
A It is a near miss. You report it.
B It is an accident at work. You inform the driver of the vehicle, who must report it.
C It is an accident at work. You report it.
D Lodge a formal complaint
Correct Answer: C It is an accident at work. You report it.
Explanation: "Accident at work" covers damage as well as injury.
5. You notice an unlicensed person driving a plant vehicle. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Confiscate the vehicle keys as soon as safely possible
B Inform a manager or supervisor
C Nothing, if they are driving safely,
D Nothing, they must be otherwise authorised
Correct Answer: B Inform a manager or supervisor
Explanation: You must inform management or supervisors of any condition you think might be creating a dangerous workplace.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. A survey has identified a cable running underground through your work area. What must you do next? Give ONE answer
A Begin working around the cable
B Cordon off the area indicated in the survey
C Do not work in this area
D Use a cable avoidance tool (CAT) to verify its location
Correct Answer: D Use a cable avoidance tool (CAT) to verify its location
Explanation: Locations of live wires found in surveys should always be verified using a CAT.
11. Where will you be able to source the correct tools for your job? Give ONE answer
A At the nearest authorised hardware store
B Using online delivery
C You can borrow them from colleagues on site
D Your employer will provide them for free
Correct Answer: D Your employer will provide them for free
Explanation: Your employer is legally obliged to furnish you with the tools and PPE you need to safely carry out your work.
12. Who is permitted to isolate power lines? Give ONE answer
A An authorised and competent person
B Anybody who needs to work near them
C Only a contractor hired by the local council
D Power lines must NEVER be isolated
Correct Answer: A An authorised and competent person
Explanation: Only authorised and competent people are permitted to isolate power lines.
13. What is the principle cause of HAVS on site? Give ONE answer
A Excessive inhalation of toxic fumes
B Persistent exposure to high noise levels over time
C Protracted exposure to extreme temperatures
D Protracted use of hand held tools that create vibrations
Correct Answer: D Protracted use of hand held tools that create vibrations
Explanation: Handheld tools are the biggest HAVS risk in construction.
14. You are working in an excavation, and are obliged to take a thirty minute break for heavy rainfall to pass. What now? Give ONE answer
A Begin work again if the excavation seems unaffected
B Do not begin work until a competent person has inspected the excavation
C Do not begin work until you have bailed out water in the trench
D Stop all work for the day
Correct Answer: B Do not begin work until a competent person has inspected the excavation
Explanation: A competent person must inspect an excavation following any event that may have affected its strength.
15. You are inspecting an excavation before shift, and find that it is safe to work in. You may now begin work: true or false? Give ONE answer
A FALSE - you must first record the inspection
B TRUE - you have done everything required to begin work
Correct Answer: A FALSE - you must first record the inspection
Explanation: All inspections must be recorded, even if no defects are found.
16. Which of the following gases are NOT heavier than air? Give ONE answer
A Carbon dioxide
B Exhaust fumes
C Helium
D Methane
Correct Answer: C Helium
Explanation: Many naturally occurring gases and fumes created through work can be heavier than air.
17. Welding in a confined space may deplete oxygen levels. True or false? Give ONE answer
A
B TRUE
Correct Answer: B TRUE
Explanation: Hot works burn up oxygen, which may lead to dangerously low levels in a confined space.
18. What level of oxygen in the air is enough to create a hazard? Give ONE answer
A 25%
B 35%
C 40%
D 60%
Correct Answer: A 25%
Explanation: A 4% increase in oxygen levels will create a significant hazard.
19. Under what ONE of the following conditions might a ladder be appropriate? Give ONE answer
A For light tasks that last no longer than 30 minutes
B When materials or equipment only need to be carried a short way
C When you need a low-level work platform
D When you will be using pressure
Correct Answer: A For light tasks that last no longer than 30 minutes
Explanation: Ladders should be used rarely, for light and short-duration tasks, as a last resort.
20. Which best describes a safe way of climbing a stepladder? Give ONE answer
A Always attach your harness lanyard to the anchor point
B Always install fall protection
C Ensure at least three points of contact where possible
D Ensure at least two points of contact where possible
Correct Answer: C Ensure at least three points of contact where possible
Explanation: Where possible, always maintain three points of contact.
21. A mobile access tower needs to be built, but there are electricity cables overhead. How should you proceed? Give ONE answer
A Assume the cables are live until you are told otherwise
B Ensure the tower is fitted with rubber insulating pads
C Ensure workers are fitted with PPE and a first aider is on standby
D You should never build a tower with electricity cables overhead
Correct Answer: A Assume the cables are live until you are told otherwise
Explanation: All electricity cables must be presumed live until you are told otherwise.
22. When must there be a rescue plan in place? Give ONE answer
A When somebody has fallen into an excavation
B When somebody is suspended from a harness following a fall
C Whenever a safe system of work cannot be implemented
D Whenever work at height is taking place
Correct Answer: D Whenever work at height is taking place
Explanation: There must be a rescue plan in place whenever work at height is taking place.
23. What TWO reasons describe why overhead power lines are especially dangerous? Give TWO answers
A Many are old and do not meet modern safety standards
B They are damaging to birds
C They are liable to fall in bad weather
D They are not usually insulated
E They carry high voltage electricity
Correct Answer: D They are not usually insulated, E They carry high voltage electricity
Explanation: Overhead cables are not usually insulated, and carry high voltage electricity.
24. The fresh air pump in your excavation stops working. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Only remain in the excavation for short periods of time so the air can replenish
B Report this to the site manager, but continue working if the risk seems low
C Source suitable RPE and continue working
D Stop work and report the broken pump so it can be repaired
Correct Answer: D Stop work and report the broken pump so it can be repaired
Explanation: You should wait until the pump is repaired and the safe system of work can continue. PPE should only be used as a last resort.
25. Which of the following is NEVER an example of work-specific body protection? Give ONE answer
A Fire retardant overalls
B Lightweight clothing
C Overalls
D These are all examples of body protection
Correct Answer: D These are all examples of body protection
Explanation: These are all examples of items you can wear to protect your body. Lightweight clothing will protect you from overheating in hot weather.
26. Which of the following images shows ear plugs CORRECTLY fitted? Give ONE answer
A
B
C
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: These ear plugs are fitted correctly - deep into the ear canal.
27. When issuing you with respiratory protective equipment (RPE), what should your employer do? Give ONE answer
A Arrange a face-fit test
B Check that one finger can be inserted between your face and the RPE
C Pick the correct size of RPE
D Test its filtering effectiveness using a pungent scent
Correct Answer: A Arrange a face-fit test
Explanation: You should receive a face-fit test to ensure that the RPE is properly fitted.
28. How will you know where to go in the event of a fire? Give ONE answer
A It should be clearly enough labelled that it is obvious without additional information
B There will be marshals instructing you during evacuation
C You are responsible for seeking this information out in advance
D You will be informed during site induction
Correct Answer: D You will be informed during site induction
Explanation: Fire evacuation procedure should be covered during site induction.
29. What kind of fires should you NOT attempt to fight with an extinguisher? Give ONE answer
A A chemical fire
B Bigger than a wastepaper bin
C Happening by a window
D Taller than you
Correct Answer: B Bigger than a wastepaper bin
Explanation: Extinguishers are to be used on small fires only - as a rule of thumb, fires no bigger than a wastepaper bin.
30. Asbestos was commonly used in building materials around which period? Give ONE answer
A 1850 - 1900
B 1910 - 1950
C 1940 - 1980
D 1990 - 2000
Correct Answer: C 1940 - 1980
Explanation: Between 1940 and 1980, over 5,000 products are estimated to have been produced containing asbestos.
31. Which of the following is an occupation where dermatitis is a high risk? Give ONE answer
A All of the above
B Bricklayer
C Painter
D Stonemason
Correct Answer: A All of the above
Explanation: All these professions pose the highest risk of developing occupational dermatitis.
32. What TWO substances most frequently cause irritant contact dermatitis?
A Chemicals
B Contaminated water
C Dust
D Fumes
E Lead
Correct Answer: A Chemicals, C Dust
Explanation: Dust and chemicals are the most frequent causes of irritant contact dermatitis.
33. Which of the following groups is at greatest risk of developing skin cancer? Give ONE answer
A Outdoor workers
B Smokers
C Workers over the age of 50
D Workers with pre-existing health problems
Correct Answer: A Outdoor workers
Explanation: Working outdoors increases your exposure to the sun. Without proper precautions, this can lead to skin cancer.
34. Whilst clearing your work area, you find a syringe half buried in the grass. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Continue working
B Inform your supervisor immediately, and do not touch it
C Put it to one side so it can be tested later
D Safely dispose of it
Correct Answer: B Inform your supervisor immediately, and do not touch it
Explanation: If you find a syringe, do not touch it and inform your supervisor
35. You have reason to suspect the water you are working with is contaminated with legionella. What should your employer do? Give ONE answer
A Ensure a safe system of work is in place
B Stop work immediately
C Stop work until the bacteria can be killed off
D They have no obligation here - it is your job to ensure personal safety measures are in place
Correct Answer: A Ensure a safe system of work is in place
Explanation: Your employer should ensure a safe system of work is in place where legionella may be present.
36. You are found to be working under the influence. Under what conditions may you lose your job? Give ONE answer
A If the substance is illegal
B If the substance is not prescribed medication
C If the substance is psychoactive
D Whether the substance is legal, illegal, or medicinal, you may lose your job
Correct Answer: D Whether the substance is legal, illegal, or medicinal, you may lose your job
Explanation: The legal status or medicinal purpose of a substance is not always relevant; you may still lose your job.
37. The shared towel in the bathroom is becoming dirty. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Inform your manager - shared towels do not meet hygiene standards on site.
B Inform your manager - they should change it promptly
C Leave it - the facilities manager will be aware of it already
D Remove it and take it to your manager to be replaced
Correct Answer: A Inform your manager - shared towels do not meet hygiene standards on site.
Explanation: Handwashing facilities must be hygienic - shared towels are not. Your manager must ensure this is fixed.
38. The tap breaks whilst you are using it. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Find and pay for a plumber to repair it
B Fix it yourself
C Inform the site manager
D Leave it - the manager will notice this during inspection
Correct Answer: C Inform the site manager
Explanation: Always inform the site manager of any damage to facilities.
39. When it comes to welfare facilities, what should you be aware of if you are a transient (mobile) worker? Give ONE answer
A You are entitled to welfare facilities of the same standard as other employees
B You are not entitled to any welfare facilities
C You may not be entitled to use any of the on-site welfare facilities
D You may not be entitled to use some welfare facilities, such as the microwave
Correct Answer: A You are entitled to welfare facilities of the same standard as other employees
Explanation: Transient workers must have access to welfare facilities of the same level.
40. Which THREE are the primary purposes of administering first aid? Give THREE answers
A Avoid liability
B Preserve life
C Promote recovery
D Stop the sufferer's condition getting worse
Correct Answer: B Preserve life, C Promote recovery , D Stop the sufferer's condition getting worse
Explanation: First aid is administered in order to preserve life, stop the condition worsening, and promote recovery.
41. Which of the following is a generic health hazard sign? Give ONE answer
A
B
C
D
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Health hazard signs take the shape of diamonds with a red border.
42. What kind of area does this sign indicate? Give ONE answer
A Assembly point in case of emergency
B First aid point
C Site headquarters
D Welfare facilities
Correct Answer: A Assembly point in case of emergency
Explanation: This sign is used to identify designated assembly points.
43. What should you be aware of when you see this sign? Give ONE answer
A Ground is liable to shift
B The ground may be slippery
C The ground may be uneven
D There may be earthquakes or tremors
Correct Answer: B The ground may be slippery
Explanation: This sign indicates the floor may be slippery.
44. What does this sign mean? Give ONE answer
A A substance is corrosive
B A substance is toxic
C Do not touch
D Gloves are mandatory
Correct Answer: A A substance is corrosive
Explanation: This sign indicates a corrosive substance.
45. Which TWO of the following signs should you look for in an emergency? Give TWO answers
A
B
C
D
Correct Answer: A , B
Explanation: You should look for signs that direct you to evacuation routes and assembly points.
46. What is ONE safe way of protecting yourself from injury by a mobile plant? Give ONE answer
A Audibly tap the side of the plant
B Call out to the operator if you are close to the plant
C Stay on pedestrian routes
D Wave your arms either side of you
Correct Answer: C Stay on pedestrian routes
Explanation: Sticking to pedestrian routes is a safe way of avoiding injury.
47. Which THREE of the following are major risks associated with poorly planned lifting operations? Give THREE answers
A Environmental damage
B Injury
C Legal liability
D Overturning of equipment
E Structural damage
F Wasted time
Correct Answer: B Injury, D Overturning of equipment, E Structural damage
Explanation: Damage, injury, and overturning equipment are major risks run by poorly planned operations.
48. Who must be briefed about a lift plan? Give ONE answer
A Anybody involved in the lifting operation
B Everybody on site
C The employer
D The lift operator and vehicle marshaller
Correct Answer: A Anybody involved in the lifting operation
Explanation: If you are involved in the operation, you must be briefed on the lift plan.
49. What is the hand signal for STOP? Give ONE answer
A One finger raised
B One open-palm hand raised directly up
C One open-palm hand raised in front of you
D Two open-palm hands raised in front of you
Correct Answer: B One open-palm hand raised directly up
Explanation: Signal STOP with one open-palm hand raised directly up.
50. You are driving a vehicle around the site. What should you be looking out for? Give ONE answer
A Faulty brake lights
B Refuelling points
C Site supervisors
D Speed bumps
Correct Answer: D Speed bumps
Explanation: You should be aware of speed bumps.