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CSCS MOCK TEST

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CSCS mock test for operatives – full 50 questions

The CSCS mock test below will cover most of the health and safety topics you’ll need to know to pass your test. The real CSCS operatives test comprises of 50 multiple choice questions which you must complete within 45 minutes.

There will be no time limit for this full CSCS practice test, so take your time and go through each question after you’ve submitted your answers.

Some questions will require multiple answers, so please ensure you read through the questions carefully before submitting your answers. If you have questions about the CSCS test, please get in touch.

Welcome to your CSCS Test 2

Which of these is not your legal duty as a worker?

Give one answer

A. Not to interfere with anything provided for health and safety

B. To look after the health and safety of anyone else who might be affected by your work

C. To look after your own health and safety

D. To write your own risk assessments

None

What does a risk assessment identify?

Give one answer

A. How to report accidents

B. The hazards and safe way of doing the job

C. The site working hours

D. Where the first-aid box is kept

None

What does the word hazard mean?

Give one answer

A. A type of barrier or machine guard

B. Anything at work that could harm you

C. The likelihood that something might happen

None

What is the main objective of carrying out an accident investigation?

Give one answer

A. To find out the causes in order to prevent it happening again

B. To find out the cost of any damage that occurred

C. To find out who is at fault

D. To record what injuries were sustained

None

What should you do if you have witnessed a serious accident on your site?

Give one answer

A. Ask your workmates what they think you should do

B. Say nothing in case you get someone into trouble

C. Telephone the local hospital

D. Tell your supervisor that you saw what happened

None

If someone burns their hand, what is the best thing you can do?

Give one answer

A. Put the hand into cold water or under a cold running tap

B. Rub barrier cream or Vaseline into the burn

C. Tell them to carry on working to exercise the hand

D. Wrap your handkerchief around the burn

None

When should you apply skin barrier cream?

Give one answer

A. As part of first-aid treatment

B. Before you start work

C. When you can't find your gloves

D. When you finish work

None

You need to use a grinder, cut-off saw, cartridge tool or nail gun. What type of eye protection will you need?

Give one answer

A. Impact-resistant goggles or full face shield

B. Light eye protection (safety glasses)

C. Reading glasses or sunglasses

D. Welding goggles

None

What will safety footwear with a protective mid-sole protect you from?

Give one answer

A. Getting blisters in warm, wet conditions

B. Nails or sharp objects puncturing the sole of your foot if you stand on them

C. Spillages which may burn the sole of your foot

D. Twisting your ankle

None

How should you wear your safety helmet to get maximum protection from it?

Give one answer

None

When is the only time that you do not have to wear head protection on site?

Give one answer

A. If you are in a safe area, like the office

B. If you are working alone

C. If you are self-employed

D. If you are working on hot weather

None

Which of these statements about personal protective equipment (PPE) is not true?

Give one answer

A. You must pay for any damage or loss

B. You must report any damage or loss to your supervisor

C. You must store it correctly when you are not using it

D. You must use it as instructed

None

If you use a power tool to cut or grind materials, why must the dust be collected and not allowed to get into the air?

Give one answer

A. Most dust can be harmful if breathed in

B. The tool will go faster if the dust is collected

C. To save time and avoid having to clear up the mess

D. You do not need a machine guard if the dust is collected

None

What can cause occupational asthma?

Give one answer

A. Breathing in hazardous dust, fumes or vapours

B. Exposure to loud noise

C. Exposure to rat urine

D. Skin contact with any hazardous substance

None

What should you do if you find pigeon droppings and nests in an area where you are required to work?

Give one answer

A. Carry on with your work carefully, so you don't disturb them

B. Stop work and seek advice

C. Try to catch the pigeons

D. Wait for the pigeons to fly away before carrying on with your work

None

You have been using a vibrating tool. The ends of your fingers are starting to tingle. What does this mean?

Give one answer

A. You can carry on using the tool but you must hold it tighter

B. You can carry on using the tool but you must loosen your grip

C. You must not use this tool, or any other vibrating tool ever again

D. You need to report your symptoms before they cause a problem

None

If you need to use a vibrating tool, even for a short time, how can you help reduce the risk of hand-arm vibration?

Give one answer

A. Do not grip the tool too tightly

B. Hold the tool away from you, at arm's length

C. Hold the tool more tightly

D. Use more force

None

If you have to use a vibrating tool, how can you help reduce the effects of hand-arm vibration?

Give one answer

A. Do the work in one long burst

B. Do the work in short spells

C. Hold the tool tightly

D. Only use one hand at a time on the tool

None

How can asbestos be correctly identified?

Give one answer

A. By getting a sample analysed in a lab

B. By putting a piece in water and seeing if it dissolves

C. By the colour of the dust

D. The dust gives off a strong smell

None

You need to use a hazardous substance. Who should explain the health risks and safe method of work you need to follow (the COSHH assessment) before you start?

Give one answer

A. An Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector

B. The site first aider

C. The site security people

D. Your supervisor or employer

None

Which of the following is a manual handling task?

Give one answer

A. Activities involving pushing, pulling, lowering and lifting

B. Climbing ladders or stairs

C. Getting in and out of a vehicle used at work

D. Lifting materials with a crane

None

What should you do if you have to carry a load down a steep slope?

Give one answer

A. Assess whether you can still carry the load safely

B. Carry the load on your shoulder

C. Put the load down and let gravity move it down the slope

D. Walk backwards down the slope to help you balance

None

Your job requires you to move the same sized load several times a minute from one place to another. Could this be a problem?

Give one answer

A. No, it won't need a risk assessment if the load is light

B. Not if the load is below the recommended weight for lifting

C. Only if, as work progresses, the load cannot be moved as often as required

D. Yes, as repetition introduces additional strain to the body

None

Which of the following is the best method to help minimise the risk of injury when manual handling?

Give one answer

A. Asking a trained person to carry the load

B. Making the area of site flatter before performing the task

C. Not having any heavy objects on site

D. Safely using lifting aids

None

What does this sign mean?

Give one answer

A. Dispose of damaged safety helmets here

B. Only white safety helmets allowed in this area

C. Remove safety helmets in this area

D. Safety helmets must be worn

None

What are green and white signs

Give one answer

A. Mandatory signs - meaning you must do something

B. Prohibition signs - meaning you must not do something

C. Safe condition signs - giving you information

D. Warning signs - alerting you to hazards or danger

None

What does this sign mean?

Give one answer

A. Accident and emergency department

B. Emergency assembly point

C. Fire point

D. First aid

None

What are two common fire risks on construction sites?

Give two answers

A. 110 volt extension reels

B. 230 volt power tools

C. Poor housekeeping and build up of waste

D. Timber racks

E. Uncontrolled hot works

None

What is the fire assembly point?

Give one answer

A. Where fire engines must go when they arrive on site

B. Where people must go when the fire alarm sounds

C. Where the fire extinguishers are kept

D. Where the fire started

None

If you discover a fire, what is the first thing you should do?

Give one answer

A. Finish what you are doing, if it is safe to do so

B. Put your tools away

C. Raise the alarm

D. Try to put out the fire

None

What must you check if you need to work in a corridor that is a fire escape route?

Give one answer

A. That all doors into the corridor are locked

B. That you only use spark-proof tools

C. That you remove all fire escape signs before you start

D. That your tools and equipment do not block the route

None

What does a hot work permit allow you to do?

Give one answer

A. Carry out work that could start a fire

B. Carry out work that needs warm, protective clothing

C. Light a bonfire

D. Work in hot weather

None

What does a hot work permit not tell you?

Give one answer

A. How you must prevent sparks or heat travelling

B. What fire extinguisher or fire watch you need

C. When you can start and when you must stop the hot work

D. Where the local fire station is located

None

What is the main danger of using a chisel or bolster with a mushroomed head?

Give one answer

A. It will shatter and send fragments flying into the air

B. The chisel will have a sharp, jagged edge that can cut your hand

C. The shaft of the chisel will bend, putting a strain on your wrist

D. You are more likely to hit your hand with the chisel head

None

What criteria must you meet to operate a power tool?

Give one answer

A. You must be over 16 years old

B. You must be trained and competent

C. You must have a gold CSCS card

D. You must only operate it when your supervisor is present

None

You need to use an air-powered tool. What three hazards are likely to affect you?

Give three answers

A. Airborne dust and flying fragments

B. Electric shock

C. Hand-arm vibration

D. Leaking hoses

E. Radiation

None

Why should you never store batteries loose in your tool bag?

Give one answer

A. If the terminals short out, they could cause a fire

B. They give off a poisonous gas in a confined space

C. You might forget to charge them

D. Your tool bag will be heavy and damage your back

None

Why should you try to use battery-powered tools rather than electrical ones?

Give one answer

A. They are cheaper to run

B. They do not need to be tested or serviced

C. They produce less noise

D. They will not give you hand-arm vibration

None

What is the recommended safe voltage for electrical equipment on building sites?

Give one answer

A. 110 volts

B. 12 volts

C. 230 volts

D. 24 volts

None

How do you check if a RCD (residual current device) connected to a power tool is working?

Give one answer

A. Press the test button on the RCD

B. Run the tool at top speed to see if it cuts out

C. Switch the tool on and off

D. Use a hand-held RCD test meter

None

When can you use a ladder at work?

Give one answer

A. If it is long enough

B. If other people do not need to use it for access

C. If you are doing light work for a short time

D. You must never use a ladder on site

None

How do you identify the safe load rating for a scaffold platform?

Give one answer

A. Ask the site manager

B. Ask the telehandler driver

C. Refer to the handover certificate or signage

D. The safe load is breached when the ledgers start to deflect

None

What should you do if you see the side supports move when you are working in an excavation?

Give one answer

A. Do nothing as the sides move all the time

B. Keep watching to see if they move again

C. Make sure that you and others get out quickly

D. Work in another part of the excavation

None

What should you do if you are in a confined space when the gas alarm sounds?

Give one answer

A. Carry on working but do not use electrical tools

B. Carry on working but take plenty of breaks in the fresh air

C. Get out of the confined space immediately

D. Switch off the alarm

None

When digging you find a run of coloured marker tape. What does it mean?

Give one answer

A. The excavation now needs side supports

B. The soil is contaminated and you must wear respiratory protective equipment (RPE)

C. There are buried human remains and you must tell your supervisor

D. There is a buried service and further excavation must be carried out with care

None

Do you have any responsibility for minimising the amount of waste created?

Give one answer

A. No, it is the responsibility of site management

B. Only during the site clean up at the end of the project

C. Only if you are told to do so during your site induction

D. Yes, everyone on site has a responsibility to do this

None

Which of the following activities is not good practice on site? Give one answer

Give one answer

A. Burning waste

B. Refuelling carefully to avoid spills

C. Storing materials safely

D. Switching off plant and equipment when it is not in use

None

Which two of the following should be classed as hazardous waste?

Give one answer

A. Broken ceramic tiles or bricks

B. Fluorescent light tubes

C. Glass

D. Polythene and shrink wrap

E. Used spill kit pads containing oil

None

When a product has either of these labels, how should you dispose of the container or any residue?

Give one answer

A. Follow specific instructions on the label or in work instructions

B. If it is a liquid and less than one litre you can pour it down a drain

C. Leave it somewhere for other people to deal with

D. Put it in any skip or bin

None

What should you do if there is an oil or diesel spill on site?

Give one answer

A Call the Department for the Environment immediately, so they can arrange to have it cleaned up

B Ignore it, oil or diesel spills do not have serious long-term effects

C Stop work, contain the spill, notify your supervisor and then clean up the spill

D Use a spill kit to clean it up before the end of the day

None

Which two of the following would be found in a safe system of work?

Give two answers

A. Criminal records check

B. Security clearance

C. Outline of hazards

D. National insurance number

E. Sequence of work

None

After watching you work, a health and safety executive (HSE) inspector issues an improvement notice. What does this mean?

Give one answer

A. You need to improve the standard of your work

B. You are not working in a safe way

C. Your work has improved since the last visit

D. You are not working fast enough

None

Showing consideration to the neighbours of the site and members of the public is whose responsibility?

Give one answer

A. Only the client of the project

B. The site supervisor

C. Everyone working on the site

D. The health and safety officer

None

If someone is injured at work, who should record it in the accident work?

Give one answer

A. The company contract manager

B. Someone from the health and safety executive (HSE)

C. The injured person or someone acting for them

D. The first aider on site

None

Which of the following is the least important reason for recording all accidents?

Give one answer

A. Some accidents have to be reported to the health and safety executive (HSE)

B. Details have to be entered into the accident book

C. It might stop them happening again

D. To find out who is to blame and make sure they are prosecuted

None

In order to reduce the risk of accidents, which one of the following should be avoided when driving vehicles around site

Give one answer

A. Implement a one way system around the site

B. Reverse without the use of a vehicle marshaller

C. Use designated turning areas

D. Drive through loading and unloading areas

None

Give two answers

A. Certain incidents or accidents have to be reported to the health and safety executive (HSE)

B. To find out whom claims should be made against

C. To help the company avoid being prosecuted or fined

D. To understand how and why things went wrong

E. To make sure none of the supervisors find out about the accidents

None

Evacuation routes should be:

Give one answer

A. Used as assembly points

B. Clear and unobstructed

C. Lit at all times of the day

D. Painted bright green

None

You witness a serious accident on site. What immediate action should you take? Give two answers

Give two answers

A. Record the date and time in the incident book

B. Check if it is safe to approach the injured person

C. Sit the injured person up and give them food and water

D. Lift the injured person and take them to the site office

E. Call out to the other workers so they can help

None

How should you be informed about what to do in an emergency? Give two answers

Give two answers

A. By reading the site noticeboards

B. By asking at the local hospital

C. By looking in the health and safety file

D. By asking the health and safety executive (HSE)

E. By attending the site induction

None

When you start a new task how will you know if you need any extra personal protective equipment (PPE)?

Give one answer

A. By looking at your employers health and safety policy

B. By looking at risk assessment

C. You will always need it

D. By looking at the company web page

None

Will all types of glove protect your hands against chemicals

Give one answer

A. Only if you put barrier cream on your hands first

B. Yes all gloves are made to the same standard

C. No different gloves protect against different types of hazard

D. Only if you cover the gloves with barrier cream

None

If you have to work outdoors in bad weather, why should your employer supply you with waterproof clothing?

Give one answer

A. To protect you from weather which will reduce trips and falls

B. To protect you from the weather as you are less likely to get muscle strains if you are warm and dry

C. To keep you warm and dry so you are less like to catch wails disease

D. To keep you warm and dry so you take fewer breaks

None

What should you do if your disposable foam earplugs keep falling out

Give one answer

A. Throw them away and work without them

B. Put rolled up tissue paper in each ear instead

C. Stop work until you are shown how to fit them properly

D. Put two earplugs in each ear so they stay in place

None

Which two of the following species are protected under environmental law in the UK?

Give two answers

A. Bats

B. Rats

C. Badgers

D. Foxes

E. Ducks

None

What are two of the best ways of helping to save energy on site and reduce harmful emissions.

Give two answers

A. Keep windows and doors closed in offices and welfare facilities when the heating is on

B. Switch off plant and equipment including generators when they are not in use

C. Use a generator rather than mains electricity for offices and small items of equipment

D. Report any defective non powered hand tools so they can be replaced or repaired

None

Which construction materials should be recycled?

Give one answer

A. To prevent excessive hazardous waste

B. To avoid waste going to landfill

C. To save the company money

D. because skips are expensive

None

What is the main cause of long term health issues in the construction industry?

Give one answer

A. Being struck by a vehicle

B. Breathing in hazardous dust and fumes

C. Slipping and tripping

D. Exposure to loud noise

None

What is the most serious consequence of regularly breathing in construction dust?

Give one answer

A. Life shortening illness

B. Collapsed lung

C. Having to take time off work

D. Getting asthma

None

What is the best way to limit exposure to dust when using a power tool

Give one answer

A. Do the work quickly

B. Stand downwind of any dust

C. Stop dust getting into the air

D. Use the tool during wet weather

None

Which of the following activities doesn’t create harmful silica dust

Give one answer

A. Chasing out walls and mortar joints or sweeping up rubble

B. Sawing timber or plywood

C. Cutting kerbs stone paving slabs bricks and blocks

D. Breaking up concrete floors and screeds

None

How can excessive noise levels affect your hearing? choose two answers

Give two answers

A. Hearing improvement

B. Ear infections

C. Temporary hearing loss

D. Permanent hearing loss

E. Dizziness and nausea

None

How can the effects of hand arm vibration be reduced if you are using vibrating tools?

Give one answer

A. Hold the tool as tightly s you can work quickly

B. Complete the job in one long burst

C. Only use one hand at a time on the tool

D. Do not smoke as it affects blood circulation

None

What are the three signs of hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS)

Give two answers

A. Rash on the fingers

B. Temporary loss of feeling in fingers

C. Blisters on the fingers

D. Fingertips turn white

E. Pins and needles sensation in the tips of the fingers

None

If a worker is feeling symptoms or showing signs of stress at work what should they do

Give one answer

A. Speak to someone they trust like a friend or someone independent

B. Arrive and start work at a later time

C. Tell the rest about their problems

D. Eat or drink more during the day

None

Lone workers are most at risk from what

Give one answer

A. Violence

B. Sleeplessness

C. Paranoia

D. Humiliation

None

Stress usually affects which type of person

Give one answer

A. Only managers

B. Those with poor budgeting skills

C. Anyone

D. Older people

None

When someone feels they may have mental health issues which of the following is a good thing to do?

Give one answer

A. Never ask for assistance

B. Wait until your symptoms are worse before telling your manager

C. Wait until your appraisal to tell your manager your worried about your mental health

D. Ask for help as early as possible

None

What two things are important for the use of manual handling lifting aids

Give two answers

A. The lifting aid must be designed for the task

B. The lifting aid can be used outside

C. The user must hold a CSCS card

D. Lifting aids must not be more than six months old

E. Users must be trained in the correct use of a lifting aid

None

Who should be involved in planning safe system of work for your manual handling?

Give one answer

A. You and your colleagues

B. You and you supervisor or employer

C. The health and safety executive (HSE)

D. Your supervisor or employer

None

Your new job involves some manual handling, but an old injury means that you have a weak back. What should you do?

Give one answer

A. Tell your supervisor that lifting might be a problem

B. Tell your supervisor you can lift anything on site

C. Try some lifting then tell your supervisor about your back

D. Tell your supervisor about your back if it gets injured again

None

What are red and white signs with a diagonal line.

Give one answer

A. Prohibition signs-meaning you must not do something

B. Warning signs- alerting you to hazards or danger

C. Mandatory signs- meaning you must do something

D. Safe condition signs- giving you information

None

Which sign is categorised as a prohibition sign

Give one answer

None

What do green and white signs represent?

Give one answer

A. Prohibition signs-meaning you must not do something

B. Warning signs- alerting you to hazards or danger

C. Mandatory signs- meaning you must do something

D. Safe condition signs- giving you information

None

What does this sign mean?

Give one answer

A. Warning-high voltage

B. Warning-rotating objects

C. Warning-radioactive material

D. Warning-laser beams

None

Which procedures should be explained in the site induction?

Give three answers

A. Where to go to leave valuables in an emergency

B. What to do if someone is injured on site

C. Where to go if the fire alarm is activated

D. How to avoid leaving site in case it is a false alarm

E. How to raise an alarm in case of emergency

None

If a fire occurs, how should you interact with the designated fire warden?

Give one answer

A. Ignore the fire warden and follow your colleagues

B. Ignore the fire warden and site manager

C. Follow instructions given by the fire warden

D. Follow the site manager as they will know their way around the site

None

Which of the following statements about gas leaking from a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder is true

Give one answer

A. Its not a problem if a risk assessment has been carried out beforehand

B. Any leak will always cause a fire and an evacuation should be immediate

C. It can catch fire at some distance from the original leak and flash back to the source

D. It is only dangerous if there is a heat source very close to the cylinder

None

Why do buildings use 110-volt electricity supply instead of a 230-volt supply

Give one answer

A. It is less likely to kill you

B. It is cheaper

C. It is safer for the environment

D. It moves faster along the cables

None

You are using a generator to power some lighting when a lamp blows. You have a spare lamp. What should you do?

Give one answer

A. Replace the lamp without disconnecting the generator

B. Disconnect the lightning from the generator before replacing the lamp

C. Wait for a fully qualified electrician with a NICEIC card

D. Carry on working in the dark

None

You need to use a 230-volt item of equipment. How should you protect yourself from an electric shock.

Give one answer

A. Wear rubber boots and gloves

B. Use a generator which has been serviced

C. Put up safety screens around you

D. Use a portable residual current device. (RCD)

None

Where is the best place for a portable residual current device (RCD) to be fitted.

Give one answer

A. Anywhere in the 230-volt supply to the building

B. Between the plug of a plug of a 230 volt tool and the supply socket

C. Near to the amin fuse box

D. Inside the main transformer

None

What is needed before supervising any lift using a crane

Give one answer

A. Nothing. The crane driver will tell you what to do

B. A mobile phone to talk to the crane driver

C. Full training and being assessed as competent

D. Written instructions from the crane company

None

What should you do if you see a dumper being driven too fast

Give one answer

A. Nothing, as dumpers are allowed to speed

B. Try to catch the dumper and speak to the driver

C. Report it to the police

D. Keep out of its way and report it

None

When can a mobile plant operator let people ride in or on the machine

Give one answer

A. Only if it is designed to carry passengers and has a designated seat

B. Any time as long as the cab door is shut

C. Only if they have a long way to walk

D. Anytime as long as the speed limit is not exceeded

None

What are the two main responsibilities when working at height?

Give two answers

A. Attend a safety briefing every now and again

B. Ensure you are sufficiently trained

C. Climb up outside on the scaffolding

D. Make use of access equipment

E. Always wear a fall arrest harness

None

Under which one of the following circumstances is it safe for a worker to remove protective cover from a deep service hole on site

Give one answer

A. The worker has placed a safety cone by the hole so people will avoid this area

B. The worker is authorised to do so and is protected from falling whilst the cover is not in place

C. The worker is wearing a safety helmet and waits until everyone else has left the site

D. The worker is wearing hi vis and has told a few people on the site that the cover will be removed

None

Identify which of the following is best suited for accessing an excavation

Give one answer

A. A step ladder

B. A secured ladder

C. A harness and pulley

D. A cherry picker

None

What equipment should be used when digging near to underground electrical services

Give one answer

A. A jack hammer

B. An excavator

C. A pick and fork

D. An insulated spade

None

How can a worker check if a substance is hazardous to health

Give one answer

A. Ask the site manager for their opinion

B. If it is the hazards should be shown in a cosh risk assessment

C. Smell the substance as odourless substances are safe

D. All hazardous substances have a large warning label on them

None

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CSCS MOCK TEST

CSCS mock test for operatives – full 50 questions

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CSCS MOCK TEST

CSCS mock test for operatives – full 50 questions

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