You need to answer at least 59 out of 70 questions correctly to pass the Supervisory Specialist Activities Test. Answers may be reviewed after each question or at the end of the test. Good luck!
List of questions in above test (quick view). Click question box to reveal correct answer.
1. What must you do with the health and safety file at the end of the project?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A health and safety file must be handed to your client at the end of a project
Explanation: A health and safety file must be handed to your client at the end of a project
2. Why must the client have a copy of a project's health and safety file once the project is completed?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Your client can use the information in the file to help carry out any future projects or maintenance.
Explanation: Your client can use the information in the file to help carry out any future projects or maintenance.
3. What does a blue plug socket indicate?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Blue plug sockets indicate a 230 volt power supply.
Explanation: Blue plug sockets indicate a 230 volt power supply.
4. You are supervising an excavation on site. Under what conditions must you take steps to ensure no equipment, vehicles, or people fall into it?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
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Correct Answer: A
Explanation: You must always take steps to ensure nothing, and nobody, falls into an excavation.
Explanation: You must always take steps to ensure nothing, and nobody, falls into an excavation.
5. What is the purpose of an emergency escape route?
Give ONE answer
AB
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Correct Answer: B
Explanation: An emergency escape route will direct people to a safe place in case of emergency.
Explanation: An emergency escape route will direct people to a safe place in case of emergency.
6. Why are COSHH assessments carried out?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
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Correct Answer: C
Explanation: COSHH assessments help lay out how to use a substance in order to carry out a particular activity safely.
Explanation: COSHH assessments help lay out how to use a substance in order to carry out a particular activity safely.
7. You are tasked with sorting out first aid facilities for a site you are working on. What TWO of the following should affect the provision of facilities?
Give TWO answers
AB
C
D
E
Correct Answer: C , D
Explanation: First aid facilities must be appropriate to the work being done on site, and sufficient to cover the number of people who will be on site.
Explanation: First aid facilities must be appropriate to the work being done on site, and sufficient to cover the number of people who will be on site.
8. You are looking for the 400 volt supply on your site's electrical distribution equipment. How can you identify it?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Red indicates a 400 volt supply.
Explanation: Red indicates a 400 volt supply.
9. You are supervising an excavation into which a dumper is about to begin tipping material. What should be in place to prevent the dumper falling in?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Stop blocks should be used to prevent a dumper falling into an excavation.
Explanation: Stop blocks should be used to prevent a dumper falling into an excavation.
10. What piece of equipment BESIDES a signal generator is needed to identify the location of cables in a wall?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Cable avoidance tools are needed alongside signal generators.
Explanation: Cable avoidance tools are needed alongside signal generators.
11. Why is it especially hazardous to excavate near an existing building?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The foundations of a building may be weakened by excavations taking place nearby.
Explanation: The foundations of a building may be weakened by excavations taking place nearby.
12. Why are high levels of oxygen hazardous in, for example, an enclosed cellar?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: High levels of oxygen in an atmosphere increase the flammability of combustible materials.
Explanation: High levels of oxygen in an atmosphere increase the flammability of combustible materials.
13. Which TWO of the following are the responsibility of the Appointed Person for first aid on site?
Give TWO answers
AB
C
D
E
Correct Answer: C , E
Explanation: When it comes to first aid, the appointed person manages the facilities (first aid kits, etc.) and is responsible for calling emergency services.
Explanation: When it comes to first aid, the appointed person manages the facilities (first aid kits, etc.) and is responsible for calling emergency services.
14. According to the 2015 Construction (Design and Management) Regulations, what documentation is legally required before construction work can begin?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A construction phase plan must be produced before the commencement of construction work.
Explanation: A construction phase plan must be produced before the commencement of construction work.
15. What MUST be used in conjunction with a 230 volt power tool?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Residual current devices are a safety precaution that must be used on 230 volt power tools.
Explanation: Residual current devices are a safety precaution that must be used on 230 volt power tools.
16. What is the purpose of a residual current device?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
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Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Residual current devices cut the electrical power to equipment if there is a fault.
Explanation: Residual current devices cut the electrical power to equipment if there is a fault.
17. How should the stop blocks be positioned on a dumper that is tipping material into a trench?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Stop blocks should be the correct size for the dumper's wheels, and must be placed parallel to the excavation.
Explanation: Stop blocks should be the correct size for the dumper's wheels, and must be placed parallel to the excavation.
18. You are charged with setting up the storage site for LPG cylinders. Which TWO of the following must apply?
Give TWO answers
AB
C
D
E
Correct Answer: B , D
Explanation: LPG cylinders must be stored no closer than 3m to oxygen cylinders, in a locked cage.
Explanation: LPG cylinders must be stored no closer than 3m to oxygen cylinders, in a locked cage.
19. You have a number of younger workers on site. Why could this create a higher risk of accidents?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Younger workers are likely to have less experience, and so may be less able to identify problems and hazards.
Explanation: Younger workers are likely to have less experience, and so may be less able to identify problems and hazards.
20. An LPG-powered appliance is in use inside a cabin on site. What MUST be true about the placement of the gas cylinder?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: LPG cylinders must be outside of a cabin, if they are being used to supply an appliance inside,
Explanation: LPG cylinders must be outside of a cabin, if they are being used to supply an appliance inside,
21. Which of the following activities puts workers at risk of developing arc-eye?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Arc-eye is damage caused to the cornea as a result of exposure to intense light. It can happen if the correct precautions are not put in place when welding is taking place.
Explanation: Arc-eye is damage caused to the cornea as a result of exposure to intense light. It can happen if the correct precautions are not put in place when welding is taking place.
22. A worker is about to begin using a 230 volt power tool with a residual current device (RCD) fitted. What should they do to confirm it is working properly?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The 'test' button on an RCD can be pressed to check that it is working properly.
Explanation: The 'test' button on an RCD can be pressed to check that it is working properly.
23. What is a spillage bund?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Spillage bunds are a secondary containment system used to catch leaks from a primary container.
Explanation: Spillage bunds are a secondary containment system used to catch leaks from a primary container.
24. When must welfare facilities be maintained on site?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
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Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Welfare facilities, by law, must be maintained from before work begins, to the end of the project.
Explanation: Welfare facilities, by law, must be maintained from before work begins, to the end of the project.
25. A worker is about to begin welding. What must be in place to protect others on site from arc-eye?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: A screen must be put up around works involving welding.
Explanation: A screen must be put up around works involving welding.
26. What is the MINIMUM permitted capacity of a spillage bund for a 10 gallon tank?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
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Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A spillage bund must be 110% of the capacity of the container it is being used for.
Explanation: A spillage bund must be 110% of the capacity of the container it is being used for.
27. An accident on site leads to a worker becoming asphyxiated, and losing consciousness. Is this something that must be reported to the Health and Safety Executive?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Loss of consciousness as a result of asphyxia is a reportable injury, and the HSE must be immediately informed.
Explanation: Loss of consciousness as a result of asphyxia is a reportable injury, and the HSE must be immediately informed.
28. A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector issues your team with a prohibition notice whilst visiting your excavation. What must happen now?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: All work that falls under the remit of a prohibition notice must stop immediately.
Explanation: All work that falls under the remit of a prohibition notice must stop immediately.
29. Why MUST the spillage bund capacity exceed the capacity of the vessel it is being used with?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Foam may be added during an emergency response, which will increase the mass of the liquid.
Explanation: Foam may be added during an emergency response, which will increase the mass of the liquid.
30. Whilst carrying out a risk assessment you come across some significant findings. Under what circumstances MUST these be recorded?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: You must record all significant findings from a risk assessment if there are more than four employees.
Explanation: You must record all significant findings from a risk assessment if there are more than four employees.
31. Your employer does not have a written health and safety policy. Is this allowed?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Employers of more than 5 people must have a health and safety policy in writing.
Explanation: Employers of more than 5 people must have a health and safety policy in writing.
32. What may happen when noise levels reach the lower exposure action value?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The lower exposure action value is the level at which workers may request hearing protection.
Explanation: The lower exposure action value is the level at which workers may request hearing protection.
33. What is the lower exposure action value?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
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Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Hearing protection must be offered to anyone who requests it when the lower action value, 80 decibels (dBA), is reached.
Explanation: Hearing protection must be offered to anyone who requests it when the lower action value, 80 decibels (dBA), is reached.
34. One of your team reports that their doctor has diagnosed them with work-related HAVS. Who must you inform immediately?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: You must inform the HSE immediately if anyone on your team develops HAVS.
Explanation: You must inform the HSE immediately if anyone on your team develops HAVS.
35. You are about to supervise an operation lifting building materials onto scaffolding. Where must you record the order of operations?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The order of lifting operations must be recorded in advance in an approved method statement or plan.
Explanation: The order of lifting operations must be recorded in advance in an approved method statement or plan.
36. You have a query regarding the management of a health and safety aspect for a project. Which document can you consult?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The construction phase plan will detail arrangements for health and safety management.
Explanation: The construction phase plan will detail arrangements for health and safety management.
37. When is comes to noise, what is the upper exposure action value?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The upper exposure action value is the decibel level at which hearing protection is mandatory.
Explanation: The upper exposure action value is the decibel level at which hearing protection is mandatory.
38. What is the upper exposure action value?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The upper exposure action value is 85 decibels (dBA).
Explanation: The upper exposure action value is 85 decibels (dBA).
39. When should personal protective equipment (PPE) be issued?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: PPE should only be used if other measures cannot be taken to remove hazards and risks.
Explanation: PPE should only be used if other measures cannot be taken to remove hazards and risks.
40. What is the maximum personal daily/weekly exposure value for noise?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The daily or weekly decibel exposure value is 87 decibels (dBA).
Explanation: The daily or weekly decibel exposure value is 87 decibels (dBA).
41. You have risk-assessed a job that involves working at height. What should be your FIRST consideration when deciding which control measures to put in place?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Where a risk is found during an assessment, your first consideration should be whether the risk can be avoided entirely.
Explanation: Where a risk is found during an assessment, your first consideration should be whether the risk can be avoided entirely.
42. It is necessary to identify all hazards involved in a project - why?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: You must identify all hazards, as they are potential causes of injury.
Explanation: You must identify all hazards, as they are potential causes of injury.
43. Why is it important to put in place a permit to work system where required?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Permit to work systems allow for a safe system of work to be carried out in a controlled manner.
Explanation: Permit to work systems allow for a safe system of work to be carried out in a controlled manner.
44. Which of the following describes a RISK?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: A risk describes the chance of an injury occurring, and the seriousness of that potential injury.
Explanation: A risk describes the chance of an injury occurring, and the seriousness of that potential injury.
45. Your team is applying solvent based paint to an interior room. What should be your first consideration before you begin work?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Before using hazardous substances, you must always think about how you can control exposure and minimise the risks involved.
Explanation: Before using hazardous substances, you must always think about how you can control exposure and minimise the risks involved.
46. You are inspecting a scaffold on behalf of your employer. According to the Work at Height Regulations, how soon must you supply your employer with a report?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: If you are inspecting a scaffold on behalf of someone else, you must issue them with a report within 24 hours.
Explanation: If you are inspecting a scaffold on behalf of someone else, you must issue them with a report within 24 hours.
47. Which of the following describes a HAZARD?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A hazard is something that creates a risk.
Explanation: A hazard is something that creates a risk.
48. When scaffold is being put in place, what size must unprotected gaps between barriers, toeboards, etc., NOT exceed?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: No unprotected gap between means of protection on scaffold must exceed 470mm in size.
Explanation: No unprotected gap between means of protection on scaffold must exceed 470mm in size.
49. You are supervising scaffolders, and the team have broken for lunch. What must you do whilst the unfinished scaffold is left unattended?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: It is the supervisor's responsibility to ensure nobody accesses the scaffold. Put up signs, and block scaffold access.
Explanation: It is the supervisor's responsibility to ensure nobody accesses the scaffold. Put up signs, and block scaffold access.
50. How are you advised to ensure that operatives carrying out a job understand the method statement?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Test operatives' understanding of a method statement after explaining it carefully to them.
Explanation: Test operatives' understanding of a method statement after explaining it carefully to them.
51. What MUST you do to ensure workers know the maximum number of people who can use a passenger hoist?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The person capacity of a hoist must always be clearly displayed in the hoist cage.
Explanation: The person capacity of a hoist must always be clearly displayed in the hoist cage.
52. Your team are carrying out work in a riser shaft. How should you control access?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: A permit to work system must be used to control access to a riser shaft.
Explanation: A permit to work system must be used to control access to a riser shaft.
53. You have received a complaint that insufficient welfare facilities are being offered on site. How can you find out which facilities MUST be provided?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: You can find out which welfare facilities are legally required by checking the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations.
Explanation: You can find out which welfare facilities are legally required by checking the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations.
54. You are working out control measures for a team of operatives who will be doing work at height. What should be your LAST resort?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Mitigating the distance/consequences of falls using personal protection should only be relied upon as a last resort.
Explanation: Mitigating the distance/consequences of falls using personal protection should only be relied upon as a last resort.
55. You are tasked with identifying entry and exit point locations for the site. What is the most important thing to consider, in terms of safety?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Your top priority, in terms of safety, should be ensuring safe and efficient access for the emergency services.
Explanation: Your top priority, in terms of safety, should be ensuring safe and efficient access for the emergency services.
56. Which ONE of the following can be used as a piece of personal fall-arrest equipment?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A harness with lanyard is an example of fall-arrest equipment.
Explanation: A harness with lanyard is an example of fall-arrest equipment.
57. Working platforms must be inspected to ensure they are safe. When must this happen?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Working platforms must be inspected once they are constructed, and then at least every seven days.
Explanation: Working platforms must be inspected once they are constructed, and then at least every seven days.
58. What is one DISADVANTAGE of using a harness and lanyard instead of a safety net?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Safety nets offer collective protection; a harness and lanyard system offers only individual protection.
Explanation: Safety nets offer collective protection; a harness and lanyard system offers only individual protection.
59. What should you do if you notice a safety net is gathering debris dropped from your team on a scaffold?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: You should ensure your team understand that nothing should be dropped from height. Empty the net and inspect it for damage.
Explanation: You should ensure your team understand that nothing should be dropped from height. Empty the net and inspect it for damage.
60. You are preparing the method statement for a job you are supervising which involves work at height. What THREE of the following MUST you include?
Give THREE answers
AB
C
D
E
F
Correct Answer: B , E , F
Explanation: You must detail the equipment, order of operations, and fall prevention measures decided upon for the job.
Explanation: You must detail the equipment, order of operations, and fall prevention measures decided upon for the job.
61. You are supervising a team constructing a working platform. Under what conditions must you ensure that guard rails are fitted?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: When a platform is high enough that falling persons could be injured, guardrails must be in place.
Explanation: When a platform is high enough that falling persons could be injured, guardrails must be in place.
62. How wide must a working platform be, under the Work at Height Regulations?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Working platforms must be, as a minimum, wide enough to safely carry out the task.
Explanation: Working platforms must be, as a minimum, wide enough to safely carry out the task.
63. Why must you understand the Beaufort Scale when supervising work at height?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Beaufort Scale is used to measure wind speed.
Explanation: The Beaufort Scale is used to measure wind speed.
64. What MUST you ensure if using an airbag with a controlled leak rate?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Some, but not all, airbags work with a controlled leak rate. Where this is the case, the bag's inflation pump must be running continuously whilst work is being carried out at height.
Explanation: Some, but not all, airbags work with a controlled leak rate. Where this is the case, the bag's inflation pump must be running continuously whilst work is being carried out at height.
65. You have finished working on a construction project. According to the 2015 Construction (Design and Management) Regulations, what must be done with inspection records?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Inspection records must be kept for 3 months following the completion of a construction project.
Explanation: Inspection records must be kept for 3 months following the completion of a construction project.
66. You are supervising a team of workers about to carry out a task underground. What is the MINIMUM amount of time it should take them to reach their self-rescue kits?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Self-rescue kits must be immediately accessible for underground work.
Explanation: Self-rescue kits must be immediately accessible for underground work.
67. A team you are supervising will be using hand-held tools that may put them at risk of developing HAVS. What THREE recommendations should you give them to avoid this condition?
Give THREE answers
AB
C
D
E
F
Correct Answer: A , B , F
Explanation: You should recommend that your team do not grasp tools tightly, and keep their hands mobile and warm. Anti-vibration gloves are not recommended.
Explanation: You should recommend that your team do not grasp tools tightly, and keep their hands mobile and warm. Anti-vibration gloves are not recommended.
68. You are supervising a team who will be carrying out demolition. According to the 2015 Construction (Design and Management) Regulations, which of the following MUST you do before beginning work?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Before beginning demolition, you must legally ensure that you prepare a written record of demolition arrangements.
Explanation: Before beginning demolition, you must legally ensure that you prepare a written record of demolition arrangements.
69. You are supervising a team who will be using biocide in a duct system. Which TWO of the following will you need in order to carry out the COSHH assessment?
Give TWO answers
AB
C
D
E
Correct Answer: B , E
Explanation: You will need a safety data sheet, and details about how, when, and by whom the biocide will be used.
Explanation: You will need a safety data sheet, and details about how, when, and by whom the biocide will be used.
70. You are arranging fall protection for a work at height job, and the area below the work space is a little to small to accommodate airbags. Why would it be dangerous to use them under these conditions?
Give ONE answer
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Airbags will not work correctly if they are not able to exert outwards pressure when someone falls onto them.
Explanation: Airbags will not work correctly if they are not able to exert outwards pressure when someone falls onto them.