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Specialist Activities – Services and Facilities Maintenance

Construction Test > Specialist Activities – Services and Facilities Maintenance

You need to answer at least 39 out of 47 questions correctly to pass the Services and Facilities Maintenance Specialist Activities Test. 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. Where might you find helpful information regarding the maintenance of systems within a building? Give ONE answer
A Residents of the building
B The building's health and safety file
C The fire service
D The internet
Correct Answer: B The building's health and safety file
Explanation: The building's health and safety file will have helpful information about its internal systems.
2. Which tap is typically used to check that a boiler is correctly functioning? Give ONE answer
A Taps do not provide any useful information regarding a boiler's efficacy
B The furthest hot tap from the boiler
C The hot tap nearest to the boiler
D The outdoors tap
Correct Answer: B The furthest hot tap from the boiler
Explanation: The tap furthest from the boiler can be checked to ensure how well a boiler is working.
3. When you check the furthest hot tap from the boiler, which of the following suggests the boiler is NOT working correctly? Give ONE answer
A You have run the tap for 20 seconds, and the water is still cold
B You have run the tap for 30 seconds, and the water has not reached 50 degrees Celsius
C You have run the tap for one minute, and the water has not reached 50 degrees Celsius
D You have run the tap for one minute, and the water has not reached 70 degrees Celsius
Correct Answer: C You have run the tap for one minute, and the water has not reached 50 degrees Celsius
Explanation: Hot water at the furthest tap from the boiler must take no longer than one minute to reach 50 degrees Celsius.
4. What simple check can you run on a cold tap to check the system is working properly? Give ONE answer
A Does the water temperature fall below 10 degrees Celsius within two minutes?
B Does the water temperature fall below 20 degrees Celsius within 30 seconds?
C Does the water temperature fall below 20 degrees Celsius within two minutes?
D Is the water immediately cold?
Correct Answer: C Does the water temperature fall below 20 degrees Celsius within two minutes?
Explanation: Cold water taps must produce water no hotter than 20 degrees Celsius within two minutes of being turned on.
5. You are set to begin work on the ductwork in a block of flats. What should be your first step in finding out whether there is any known asbestos? Give ONE answer
A Contract an asbestos detection specialist
B Examine the parts of the building you will be working on
C Refer to the asbestos register by requesting it from the person in charge of the building
D Take samples from several materials and areas in the building for lab testing
Correct Answer: C Refer to the asbestos register by requesting it from the person in charge of the building
Explanation: You should consult the asbestos register.
6. Which TWO of the following must apply if a building has an on-site cooling tower? Give TWO answers
A All building personnel must be trained in how to repair it
B It must be painted grey
C It must be registered with the building's local authority
D It must be thoroughly examined every other day for damage
E It must have an up-to-date, formal log book
Correct Answer: C It must be registered with the building's local authority, E It must have an up-to-date, formal log book
Explanation: On-site cooling towers must be both registered, and monitored through a formal, up-to-date log book.
7. Which ONE of the following is TRUE regarding water in cooling tower systems? Give ONE answer
A It must be chemically treated
B It must be inert
C It must be no hotter than 30 degrees Celsius
D It must be regularly tested for legionella
Correct Answer: A It must be chemically treated
Explanation: Water in cooling tower systems has to be treated chemically.
8. An air-conditioning system that you are repairing needs the filters replaced. You are being supervised by a trained contractor. Do you still need to carry out a risk assessment and prepare a method statement? Give ONE answer
A No
B Yes
Correct Answer: B Yes
Explanation: Method statements and risk assessments must be completed before beginning this task.
9. What TWO items of personal protective equipment are required for replacing an air-conditioning system's filters? Give TWO answers
A Disposable face mask
B Eye protection
C Overalls
D Respirator
E Thermal resistant gloves
Correct Answer: C Overalls, D Respirator
Explanation: Overalls and a respirator are required for this task.
10. Why might you add an inhibitor to a heating system? Give ONE answer
A To prevent it operating at dangerously high temperatures
B To prevent tampering
C To prolong its life
D To stop water, air, or steam travelling in the wrong direction
Correct Answer: C To prolong its life
Explanation: An inhibitor will help a heating system last longer.
11. How does an inhibitor prolong the life of a heating system? Give ONE answer
A It chemically bonds with the water to promote heat transfer
B It prevents the growth of harmful bacteria
C The chemical solution prevents rust and corrosion
D The lubricant eases the passage of water through pipes
Correct Answer: C The chemical solution prevents rust and corrosion
Explanation: Inhibitor prevents corrosion and rust.
12. Which of the following MUST you do before using an inhibitor? Give ONE answer
A Closely read its COSHH assessment
B Ensure the temperature of the liquid is between 15 and 17 degrees Celsius
C Inform the local water authority
D Mix it with an appropriate solvent
Correct Answer: A Closely read its COSHH assessment
Explanation: Inhibitors are chemical substances, so you must ensure you understand an inhibitor's COSHH assessment.
13. You are about to begin replacing the filters in a residential building's air-conditioning system. Which of the following should you NOT do? Give ONE answer
A Dispose of the used filters in the building's recycling bin
B Ensure you have a properly fitted respirator
C Follow a method statement that is specific to your job
D Wear suitable PPE
Correct Answer: A Dispose of the used filters in the building's recycling bin
Explanation: Used filters must not be disposed of in residential bins.
14. Your colleague has detected natural gas in a service duct you are both working in underground. What now? Give ONE answer
A You must complete the task as soon as possible, ad monitor the duct for further gas leaks
B You must immediately evacuate the duct
C You must not re-enter the duct until you have been issued with respirators
D You must switch to using intrinsically safe tools only
Correct Answer: B You must immediately evacuate the duct
Explanation: You must immediately evacuate any duct in which a natural gas leak is detected.
15. You are repairing a gas-loaded hydraulic accumulator. Under which ONE of the following circumstances would you be legally required to produce a written scheme of examination? Give ONE answer
A If it is located in a densely populated area
B If it is part of a pressure system
C If it was manufactured before 1971
D If you are not a trained contractor
Correct Answer: B If it is part of a pressure system
Explanation: Work involving gas loaded hydraulic accumulators fall under the legal requirements of the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 if the accumulator forms part of a pressure system.
16. You are working in a confined attic space, and breathing apparatuses have not been distributed. What is the best way of ensuring an adequate amount of fresh air is being provided? Give ONE answer
A Cut a ventilation hole in the roof to allow for air circulation
B Ensure a door is left open at all times
C Forced mechanical ventilation
D Take breaks every ten minutes
Correct Answer: C Forced mechanical ventilation
Explanation: Forced mechanical ventilation is an effective and non-obtrusive way of maintaining a safe atmosphere.
17. Which TWO of the following are the key safety concerns you must be aware of when doing oxyacetylene brazing in a basement room? Give TWO answers
A Any unused oxygen in the cylinder may go stale
B Mistakes will be expensive
C The atmosphere may become dangerously oxygen-depleted as a result of using the torch
D The atmosphere may become dangerously oxygen-enriched as a result of using the torch
E There could be a flammable gas leak
Correct Answer: D The atmosphere may become dangerously oxygen-enriched as a result of using the torch, E There could be a flammable gas leak
Explanation: Unburnt oxygen from the torch can create an oxygen-enriched atmosphere - and the gas is highly flammable, so leaks are particularly dangerous.
18. You have been tasked with working on a vapour compression refrigeration system. The level of installed power that is uses is 30 kW. Do you need to produce a written scheme of examination? Give ONE answer
A No
B Yes
Correct Answer: B Yes
Explanation: If a vapour compression refrigeration system uses a level of installed power higher than 25 kW, you must legally produce a written scheme of examination.
19. A piece of refrigeration plant has not yet been commissioned, but you have finished installing it. How should you leave it? Give ONE answer
A You must lock off all switches and valves
B You must lock off all valves but leave the switches on
C You must lock on all switches and valves
D You must turn off all switches but lock the valves open
Correct Answer: A You must lock off all switches and valves
Explanation: Uncommissioned plant that you have finished installing must have all valves and switches locked in the 'off' position.
20. When locating and carrying out a repairs job in a cellar, how should a team of workers protect themselves from the risks created by a lighting failure? Give ONE answer
A A designated worker must carry an electric lantern
B Each worker must carry their own personal torch
C Workers must not use sharp tools if there is a risk of lighting failure
D Workers should carry glow sticks
Correct Answer: B Each worker must carry their own personal torch
Explanation: Workers must all carry a personal torch in case there is a lighting failure in a confined space.
21. You have completed servicing a gas boiler. Which THREE of the following are checks you MUST carry out, by law? Give THREE answers
A Has it been suitably painted?
B Is it flueing correctly?
C Is it functioning safely?
D Is the gas rate correct?
E Is the insurance form filled out?
F Is the thermostat correctly set?
Correct Answer: B Is it flueing correctly?, C Is it functioning safely?, D Is the gas rate correct?
Explanation: By law you must check the flueing, the gas rate, the overall safe functioning, in addition to the ventilation.
22. You are planning repairs to some machinery located in a basement. What should be your FIRST consideration? Give ONE answer
A Can you access the necessary respiratory protective equipment?
B Do you have the permission of the person responsible for the building?
C Is the basement too cold to safely use oxyacetylene powered tools?
D Is there a method which would avoid the need to work in the confined space?
Correct Answer: D Is there a method which would avoid the need to work in the confined space?
Explanation: Before committing to a plan for working in a confined space, consider whether it is possible to avoid working in the confined space.
23. You need to drill a hole into a wall to add a fixing. How can you ensure you are not going to hit an electrical wire? Give ONE answer
A Drill a test hole
B Fit a residual current device to the drill
C Use a cable tracer
D Use an altimeter
Correct Answer: C Use a cable tracer
Explanation: A cable tracer can be used to verify the location of electric supplies.
24. You need to remove a section of heating pipework - why is it important to carry out temporary continuity bonding? Give ONE answer
A The cut ends of the installed pipework will then be fixed in place, reducing the need for readjustment following the job
B The heating supply provided by the pipework will not be disrupted when a part of it is removed
C The pipework will then have a continuous earth, reducing the risk of electric shock
D The sharp ends of the cut pipe will be covered
Correct Answer: C The pipework will then have a continuous earth, reducing the risk of electric shock
Explanation: Temporary continuity bonding is important, as it maintains a constant earth for the pipe even when a section is removed.
25. Which THREE of the following MUST you do to ensure that the supply for electrically powered equipment is dead before you begin working on it? Give THREE answers
A Contact the electricity service provider
B Equip yourself with insulating PPE
C Isolate the power supply from the mains board
D Lock out and tag the supply
E Switch it off
F Temporarily switch off power for the whole site
Correct Answer: C Isolate the power supply from the mains board, D Lock out and tag the supply, E Switch it off
Explanation: The procedure for ensuring a power supply is fully dead is to switch off, isolate at the main board, and lock out then tag it.
26. You have a 110 volt power tool you want to use with a standard domestic 3-pin socket. How should you proceed? Give ONE answer
A Nothing in particular
B You will need to use a circuit breaker
C You will need to use a transformer
D You will need to use an altimeter
Correct Answer: C You will need to use a transformer
Explanation: Standard domestic sockets provide a 230 volt supply. You will need to use a transformer for a 110 volt tool.
27. You need to replace an electric immersion heater. Which THREE of the following MUST you do to ensure the electricity supply is dead and you can safely continue? Give THREE answers
A Carry out temporary continuity bonding
B Connect a residual current device
C Fit a circuit breaker
D Lock off the supply and isolate it at the mains board
E Put up a warning sign
F Test the circuit for current
Correct Answer: D Lock off the supply and isolate it at the mains board, E Put up a warning sign, F Test the circuit for current
Explanation: Before replacing an immersion heater you must hang a warning sign, lock off its electrical supply, then isolate it at the mains board and test the circuit.
28. You have traced the source of a maintenance issue you are working on to the inside of a service duct, and will need to go inside to investigate further. You are working alone. How should you proceed? Give ONE answer
A Do not begin further work until you have carried out a risk assessment
B Ensure the duct is strong enough to support your weight before continuing work
C Ensure you have a personal torch and communications access to your supervisor, then investigate the fault
D Log this in your report notes before continuing work
Correct Answer: A Do not begin further work until you have carried out a risk assessment
Explanation: You must not enter a duct until a risk assessment has been carried out.
29. You need to fix some brackets to an external wall, but the weather outside is wet. Which of the following power drills would be the most suitable for this task? Give ONE answer
A A 110 volt drill fitted with a wet-weather casing
B A battery powered drill
C A mains powered drill with a residual current device
D A screwdriver
Correct Answer: B A battery powered drill
Explanation: You are safest using battery-powered equipment when working in wet conditions.
30. How should you proceed if a natural gas leak is reported in an excavation you are working in? Give ONE answer
A Continue only if you are equipped with respirators
B Continue only if you are medically insured
C Evacuate and ventilate the area
D Evacuate and ventilate the area, and call the gas emergency services
Correct Answer: D Evacuate and ventilate the area, and call the gas emergency services
Explanation: Natural gas leaks can be highly dangerous, especially in enclosed areas. Evacuate, ventilate, and call the emergency gas services.
31. Which item of personal protective equipment will reduce the risk of contracting Legionnaires disease? Give ONE answer
A Eye protection
B Face mask
C Plasters over open cuts
D Protective gloves
Correct Answer: B Face mask
Explanation: Legionella bacteria, which cause Legionnaires disease, enter the body when contaminated water droplets are inhaled.
32. You spill some hydraulic oil whilst refilling a piece of equipment, but there is no absorbent material to clean it up. How should you proceed? Give ONE answer
A Cover the spill with a cardboard sheet and continue working
B Keep people away from the spill, and report it to your supervisor
C Mop up the spill with an item of clothing
D Report the spill to the HSE
Correct Answer: B Keep people away from the spill, and report it to your supervisor
Explanation: Any spills which cannot be immediately cleaned up must be kept clear of people, and reported to your supervisor.
33. You need a 230 volt electrical supply. Which coloured outlet should you look for on a generator? Give ONE answer
A Black
B Blue
C Red
D Yellow
Correct Answer: B Blue
Explanation: Blue is the colour-code used for 230 volt supply.
34. You remove part of a partition wall, and it reveals some cabling where there are exposed wires. How should you proceed? Give ONE answer
A Carry out temporary continuity bonding to remove the threat of electrocution
B Do not continue unless the cable has been repaired by a competent person, or it has been isolated
C Do not continue unless you are using insulated tools
D Work around the cable, making sure you do not get closer than 30 cms to the exposed wires
Correct Answer: B Do not continue unless the cable has been repaired by a competent person, or it has been isolated
Explanation: Do not work around exposed wires unless they can be fixed by a competent person, or they have been isolated.
35. Which of the following is a situation that may result in contracting Legionnaires disease? Give ONE answer
A You are working with lead and do not wash your hands afterwards
B You fall and cut your hand in a peaty area
C You lay wet cement
D You test an old shower head
Correct Answer: D You test an old shower head
Explanation: Legionella bacteria breed well in tepid, stagnant water - which can be found in infrequently used showerheads.
36. There is an open shaft in your area of work that creates a fall risk. In addition to installing double guardrails and toe-boards, what is ONE OTHER acceptable way of removing this hazard? Give ONE answer
A Monitor the shaft at all times to stop people approaching it
B Put in place an exclusion zone around the shaft
C Put up safety signage around the shaft
D Securely cover the shaft
Correct Answer: D Securely cover the shaft
Explanation: Shafts and pits that create a fall hazard must either have double guardrails and toe-boards installed around it, or be securely covered.
37. You need to transport LPG cylinders from one site to another in a van. How should they be stored in the van? Give ONE answer
A Place them in a specialised container in the cargo area, and put up an appropriate sign
B Store them horizontally in the cargo area, and drive slowly
C Store them upright in the cargo area, secured with lashes
D Store them upright in the passenger seat in clear view
Correct Answer: A Place them in a specialised container in the cargo area, and put up an appropriate sign
Explanation: LPG cylinders must be stored in specialised containers in the cargo area when in transit, with the correct safety signage.
38. You need a 110 volt electrical supply. Which coloured outlet should you look for on a generator? Give ONE answer
A Black
B Blue
C Red
D Yellow
Correct Answer: D Yellow
Explanation: Yellow is the colour-code for 110 volt supply.
39. You need to shorten a length of pipe with a pipe cutter, but one is not available. How should you proceed? Give ONE answer
A Leave site to purchase a pipe cutter
B Use a grinding disc
C Use an appropriately sized hacksaw
D Wait until a pipe cutter is available
Correct Answer: D Wait until a pipe cutter is available
Explanation: Only carry out a task with the appropriate tool.
40. Whilst working in an enclosed commercial kitchen, one of your team reports a refrigerant leak. How should you proceed? Give ONE answer
A Do not continue work until you have been equipped with a respirator
B Evacuate the room and call the emergency gas services
C Switch off the refrigeration system and continue working
D Switch off the refrigeration system, ventilate the room, and do not re-enter until the area until a test establishes that it is safe to do so
Correct Answer: D Switch off the refrigeration system, ventilate the room, and do not re-enter until the area until a test establishes that it is safe to do so
Explanation: You must switch off the refrigerant system and leave the room until it is safe to return. In the meantime, the space must be ventilated.
41. Which specific safety measure MUST be in place when solvent welding is being carried out? Give ONE answer
A Enclosed area
B Safety screen
C Supervision
D Ventilation
Correct Answer: D Ventilation
Explanation: Solvent welding creates hazardous substances, so ventilation must be in place.
42. There may have been an outbreak of legionella on your site. Do you need to contact the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)? Give ONE answer
A No
B Yes
Correct Answer: B Yes
Explanation: You must report suspected legionella outbreaks to the HSE.
43. You have finished work in a switchgear room, and are about to leave. What MUST you do to prevent access by unauthorised persons? Give ONE answer
A Bar off the entrance with caution tape
B Inform your supervisor
C Lock the access door
D Turn on CCTV
Correct Answer: C Lock the access door
Explanation: Access doors must be locked where there is a risk of entry by unauthorised persons.
44. What must you remember when putting up a stepladder safely? Give ONE answer
A The restraint mechanism must be fully folded
B The restraint mechanism must be fully spread
C The restraint mechanism must be off
D The restraint mechanism must be turned on
Correct Answer: B The restraint mechanism must be fully spread
Explanation: Restraint mechanisms for stepladders must be fully extended in order for the ladder to function safely.
45. You have reached the platform of a mobile tower to carry out some work. What is the FIRST thing you must do? Give ONE answer
A Check the wind speed
B Check your area for overhead cables
C Clip your lanyard to a safe point on the tower
D Close the access hatch
Correct Answer: D Close the access hatch
Explanation: You must close the access hatch immediately upon reaching the top of a mobile tower.
46. When must you consider using a permit to work system? Give ONE answer
A When the area of work is hard to access for emergency vehicles
B When you are planning a high risk activity
C When you are working as an independent contractor
D When you need permission from the local authorities
Correct Answer: B When you are planning a high risk activity
Explanation: A permit to work system should be considered whenever a high risk activity will be carried out.
47. Which THREE of the following MUST be included in a safe system of work for work at height? Give THREE answers
A The insurance details of those working at height
B The medical history of those involved
C The method for preventing falls
D The name of the person supervising
E The order in which tasks will be done
F The weather forecast for the job
Correct Answer: C The method for preventing falls, D The name of the person supervising, E The order in which tasks will be done
Explanation: The safe system of work should detail the methods used to prevent falls, the order in which work will be done, and who will be supervising the work.