FREE PRACTICE TEST 06

CSCS Mock Test 06: 50 Questions

Practice the format people commonly call the “CSCS test”. The official assessment is the CITB Health, Safety & Environment Operatives test: 50 questions in 45 minutes with a 45/50 pass mark.

50 questions45 minutes45/50 targetInstant explanationsFire, Electrical And Emergency Safety

Important: This is an independent FastQual practice test, not an official CITB test or official CITB question bank. Use it alongside current official revision materials.

45:00

Answered 0/50

Question 1 of 50High risk activities

Who should give standard signals to a crane or plant operator during a lifting operation?

A. Only the delivery driverB. A designated competent signaller/banksman where requiredC. Any worker nearbyD. The newest worker

Correct answer: B. Clear communication through a designated competent signaller helps prevent conflicting instructions.

Question 2 of 50High risk activities

What should you check before using a ladder?

A. That it has paint marksB. That someone used it yesterdayC. That it is suitable, in good condition and set up securelyD. That it is the longest ladder on site

Correct answer: C. Ladders should be suitable for the task, inspected and positioned on a stable surface.

Question 3 of 50High risk activities

What is a key hazard in a confined space?

A. Excess floor spaceB. Mobile phone receptionC. A dangerous atmosphere, including low oxygen or toxic gasesD. Too much daylight

Correct answer: C. Confined spaces can contain life-threatening atmospheres and require strict planning and controls.

Question 4 of 50Occupational health

What is the best reason to report stress or mental-health concerns that are affecting safe work?

A. Support and adjustments may help prevent errors and protect wellbeingB. It automatically leads to dismissalC. It is unrelated to safetyD. Only managers can raise such concerns

Correct answer: A. Wellbeing can affect concentration and decision-making; early support can help maintain safe performance.

Question 5 of 50Working environment

What should you do if a floor opening is uncovered?

A. Cover it with loose cardboardB. Mark it with paint onlyC. Step around it and say nothingD. Prevent access and report it so suitable protection can be restored

Correct answer: D. Openings should be physically protected or access prevented because a fall can cause serious injury.

Question 6 of 50Safety

What should you do if you smell gas or suspect a gas leak?

A. Switch electrical equipment on to find the sourceB. Stop work, avoid ignition sources, move to safety and follow the emergency procedureC. Use a flame to test for gasD. Ignore it outdoors

Correct answer: B. Suspected gas leaks require prompt isolation from ignition and emergency reporting.

Question 7 of 50Safety

Why must safety devices on tools and machinery not be bypassed?

A. They are designed to reduce exposure to dangerous movement or conditionsB. They reduce productivity onlyC. They are only required during inspectionsD. They are optional for experienced workers

Correct answer: A. Defeating safety devices removes engineered protection and can expose workers to severe hazards.

Question 8 of 50Occupational health

Why is asbestos dangerous?

A. It only causes skin irritationB. It causes instant electrical shockC. Airborne fibres can cause serious diseases many years after exposureD. It always catches fire

Correct answer: C. Inhaled asbestos fibres can cause fatal lung diseases with long latency periods.

Question 9 of 50Working environment

What should you do when you arrive at a construction site for the first time?

A. Start work immediately if you know the tradeB. Wait in the welfare area until someone finds youC. Attend the site induction and follow the site rulesD. Only read the emergency noticeboard

Correct answer: C. A site induction explains local hazards, emergency arrangements, welfare facilities and site-specific rules before work begins.

Question 10 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

What should you check before using a lifting accessory?

A. Whether it is the newest itemB. Whether it belongs to your employerC. Only its colourD. Identification, suitability, condition and any required examination status

Correct answer: D. Lifting accessories need to be suitable, identifiable and in safe condition.

Question 11 of 50High risk activities

Why should lifting accessories such as slings be checked before use?

A. Damage or incorrect selection can lead to load failureB. To make them look cleanC. To increase crane speedD. To avoid using a lift plan

Correct answer: A. Lifting accessories must be suitable and free from defects that could compromise their strength.

Question 12 of 50Safety

If you spill a flammable liquid, what is the safest response?

A. Wash it into a drainB. Cover it with paperC. Control ignition sources, follow the spill procedure and report itD. Ignore it if it evaporates quickly

Correct answer: C. Flammable spills can ignite and spread; site spill and fire controls should be followed.

Question 13 of 50Working environment

What does a red circular sign with a diagonal bar generally mean?

A. A safe escape routeB. A prohibition or something you must not doC. A mandatory actionD. First-aid equipment

Correct answer: B. Red prohibition signs communicate actions that are not allowed.

Question 14 of 50High risk activities

What is the approximate safe setup rule for a leaning ladder?

A. One unit out for every one unit upB. About one unit out for every four units upC. As vertical as possibleD. Four units out for every one unit up

Correct answer: B. The common 1-in-4 setup gives a leaning ladder an angle of about 75 degrees.

Question 15 of 50Working environment

What should you do if site conditions change and the planned safe method no longer seems suitable?

A. Ignore the change if the task is almost finishedB. Stop and ask for the risk assessment or method to be reviewedC. Ask a colleague to take responsibilityD. Continue because the paperwork has already been signed

Correct answer: B. Safe systems of work should be reviewed when conditions change or new hazards appear.

Question 16 of 50Occupational health

How can vibration exposure from power tools be reduced?

A. Use suitable low-vibration tools, maintain them and limit exposure timeB. Remove tool guardsC. Use heavier gloves instead of managing exposureD. Grip the tool as tightly as possible

Correct answer: A. Tool selection, maintenance and exposure management are key controls for vibration risk.

Question 17 of 50Working environment

What does a yellow triangular safety sign normally indicate?

A. A safe condition or first-aid pointB. A mandatory actionC. A warning or hazardD. A prohibition

Correct answer: C. Yellow triangular signs with dark symbols are used to warn about hazards.

Question 18 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

What should happen if you discover contaminated soil during excavation?

A. Wash it into a drainB. Stop or isolate as required and report it so the material can be assessed and managedC. Mix it with clean soilD. Spread it across the site

Correct answer: B. Unexpected contamination should be assessed before further disturbance or disposal.

Question 19 of 50High risk activities

Why are overhead power lines dangerous to cranes and plant?

A. They make radios noisyB. They reduce fuel efficiencyC. They only interfere with GPSD. Electricity can arc or conduct through equipment even without direct contact

Correct answer: D. Overhead lines can cause fatal electric shock through contact or arcing, so safe clearances and controls are essential.

Question 20 of 50Working environment

Why should near misses be reported?

A. They do not need reporting if nobody was injuredB. Only to increase paperworkC. To reduce the number of breaksD. So lessons can be learned and controls improved before someone is hurt

Correct answer: D. Near-miss reporting helps identify weaknesses in controls and prevent recurrence.

Question 21 of 50Occupational health

What is a common early symptom of hand-arm vibration syndrome?

A. Temporary hair lossB. Improved grip strengthC. Better circulationD. Tingling or numbness in the fingers

Correct answer: D. Tingling, numbness and blanching of the fingers can be signs of vibration-related damage.

Question 22 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

What is the purpose of a spill kit?

A. To clean PPE onlyB. To test concrete strengthC. To contain and absorb certain spills so they can be handled safelyD. To repair electrical tools

Correct answer: C. Spill kits provide materials for containment, absorption and controlled clean-up.

Question 23 of 50Occupational health

What is the first step before manually lifting a heavy or awkward load?

A. Twist your back to get momentumB. Carry it above shoulder heightC. Lift quickly before you get tiredD. Assess the load, route and whether mechanical help or assistance is needed

Correct answer: D. Manual handling should be planned; avoid or reduce the lift where possible and assess the load and route.

Question 24 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why is environmental incident reporting important?

A. It allows prompt control, clean-up and prevention of recurrenceB. It replaces spill responseC. It is unnecessary for small sitesD. Only to calculate wages

Correct answer: A. Reporting helps limit impacts and supports corrective action.

Question 25 of 50Safety

Why is horseplay unacceptable on site?

A. It is only prohibited for apprenticesB. It introduces unnecessary risk around hazards, tools and moving equipmentC. It is allowed during breaksD. It only causes delays

Correct answer: B. Construction sites contain serious hazards; distraction and horseplay can lead to injury.

Question 26 of 50Safety

If someone has a serious injury, what should you do?

A. Raise the alarm/get first aid and emergency help in line with site proceduresB. Move them immediately regardless of dangerC. Leave them alone to recoverD. Give them food

Correct answer: A. Serious injuries require prompt first-aid and emergency response; unnecessary movement can worsen some injuries.

Question 27 of 50Working environment

What is the safest action if lighting in a work area is too poor to see hazards clearly?

A. Stop or delay the task until suitable lighting is providedB. Use a phone torch and continueC. Work more slowly without reporting itD. Ask a colleague to stand nearby

Correct answer: A. Adequate lighting is needed to see hazards, access routes and the work itself safely.

Question 28 of 50Working environment

What is the main purpose of site welfare facilities?

A. To replace first-aid arrangementsB. To provide free toolsC. To store hazardous chemicalsD. To provide suitable toilets, washing, drinking water and rest facilities

Correct answer: D. Suitable welfare arrangements support hygiene, health and safe working conditions.

Question 29 of 50Occupational health

What should you do if a chemical splashes onto your skin?

A. Wait until the end of the shiftB. Rub the area vigorouslyC. Cover it with dustD. Follow the product/site emergency instructions, rinse as directed and seek help if needed

Correct answer: D. Prompt decontamination and following the safety data/site procedure can limit injury.

Question 30 of 50Safety

What is a permit-to-work system used for?

A. To replace competence requirementsB. To issue wagesC. To control certain high-risk activities through formal authorisation and precautionsD. To record lunch breaks

Correct answer: C. Permits help ensure specified precautions are in place before and during high-risk work.

Question 31 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

What is a good way to reduce dust leaving a construction site?

A. Increase vehicle speedsB. Use source controls, damping/extraction and keep routes cleanC. Sweep dry dust into the roadD. Remove wheel-wash facilities

Correct answer: B. Source control and good housekeeping reduce airborne dust and off-site nuisance.

Question 32 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why should noisy work be planned carefully near neighbours?

A. To eliminate the need for hearing protectionB. Noise outside the site is never relevantC. To make the equipment wear fasterD. To reduce nuisance and comply with site/local controls

Correct answer: D. Construction noise can affect neighbours and may be subject to agreed hours and control measures.

Question 33 of 50Occupational health

What can repeated skin contact with wet cement cause?

A. Hearing lossB. Dermatitis and chemical burnsC. Vibration white fingerD. Heat exhaustion only

Correct answer: B. Wet cement is highly alkaline and can cause irritant dermatitis and serious burns.

Question 34 of 50Occupational health

What should you do before using a hazardous substance you have not used before?

A. Mix it with waterB. Use it outdoors without further checksC. Smell it to identify the hazardD. Check the assessment, label/SDS and required controls

Correct answer: D. You should understand the hazards, exposure routes and controls before use.

Question 35 of 50High risk activities

What should be considered before carrying out hot work such as welding or cutting?

A. Only the colour of the welding screenB. Fire risk, combustible materials, permits and fire-watch arrangements where requiredC. Whether the task is indoorsD. How quickly the job can be finished

Correct answer: B. Hot work can ignite nearby materials and often requires formal controls and fire precautions.

Question 36 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why should fuel containers be stored in a suitable designated area?

A. To keep them near drainsB. To make them easier to hideC. To warm the fuelD. To reduce fire and pollution risk and allow spill containment

Correct answer: D. Suitable fuel storage helps prevent leaks, ignition and environmental contamination.

Question 37 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why are exclusion zones used around overhead lifting?

A. To keep vehicles cleanB. To create a rest areaC. To improve radio receptionD. To prevent people entering areas where loads or objects could fall or swing

Correct answer: D. Exclusion protects people from dropped or moving loads.

Question 38 of 50Safety

Where should flammable materials be kept?

A. In designated storage away from ignition sources, following site rulesB. In escape routesC. Under stairways used for evacuationD. Next to heaters so they stay dry

Correct answer: A. Segregated, suitable storage reduces fire and ignition risk.

Question 39 of 50High risk activities

What should you do if a lifting sling has visible cuts, severe wear or damage?

A. Tie a knot in itB. Remove it from use and report itC. Wrap it with tapeD. Use it for a lighter load without telling anyone

Correct answer: B. Damaged lifting accessories must not be used unless formally assessed and made safe.

Question 40 of 50Safety

Why are reduced-voltage systems such as 110 V commonly used on construction sites?

A. They remove the need for electrical inspectionsB. They are waterproofC. They make tools twice as powerfulD. They can reduce the severity of electric-shock risk compared with standard mains voltage

Correct answer: D. Reduced-voltage supplies can reduce shock risk, but equipment still needs correct use and maintenance.

Question 41 of 50High risk activities

What should you do if a scaffold appears incomplete or has missing guardrails?

A. Do not use it and report the defectB. Use it if you stay near the wallC. Use it only below the first liftD. Add a rope as a handrail yourself

Correct answer: A. Incomplete scaffolds can expose users to falls; they should not be used until made safe.

Question 42 of 50Working environment

What should you do with an access route that has become obstructed by materials?

A. Use the vehicle route insteadB. Climb over the materialsC. Arrange for the obstruction to be cleared and keep the route usableD. Leave it until the next delivery

Correct answer: C. Access and escape routes should be kept clear and usable.

Question 43 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why should you never ride on the forks or bucket of plant equipment?

A. They are not designed as personnel platforms and a fall or crushing injury can resultB. It can scratch the paintC. It slows the engineD. It is allowed if the operator agrees

Correct answer: A. People should only be lifted using equipment designed and authorised for lifting persons.

Question 44 of 50Working environment

What is a near miss?

A. A task completed without supervisionB. An event that caused a minor injury onlyC. A late deliveryD. An unplanned event that caused no harm but could have

Correct answer: D. Near misses should be reported because they reveal hazards before a more serious incident occurs.

Question 45 of 50Safety

Before using a portable electrical tool, what should you check?

A. That it appears in good condition and any required inspection status is currentB. That the lead is as long as possibleC. That the casing has your initialsD. That it is the heaviest tool available

Correct answer: A. Pre-use checks can identify obvious damage before the tool is energised.

Question 46 of 50Occupational health

What does COSHH relate to?

A. Managing scaffold inspectionsB. Controlling exposure to substances hazardous to healthC. Setting wage ratesD. Controlling vehicle parking

Correct answer: B. COSHH requires hazardous substances and exposure routes to be assessed and controlled.

Question 47 of 50High risk activities

Why are toe boards fitted to many work platforms?

A. To mark smoking areasB. To replace guardrailsC. To increase platform heightD. To help prevent tools and materials being kicked or falling from the edge

Correct answer: D. Toe boards are part of edge protection and help contain materials on the platform.

Question 48 of 50Safety

Why must emergency equipment remain accessible?

A. Access is optional on small sitesB. It is only used during inspectionsC. It is used for tool storageD. It may be needed immediately during an incident

Correct answer: D. Blocked fire points, first-aid equipment or emergency controls can delay a response.

Question 49 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why should chemical containers remain correctly labelled?

A. It increases shelf lifeB. Unlabelled containers are saferC. Labels are only for delivery driversD. So users know the contents, hazards and handling requirements

Correct answer: D. Correct labelling is essential for identification, safe use and emergency response.

Question 50 of 50Occupational health

Where can you find manufacturer information about the hazards and safe handling of a chemical product?

A. Delivery driver's licenceB. Site map onlyC. Safety Data SheetD. Timesheet

Correct answer: C. Safety Data Sheets provide hazard, handling, storage and emergency information for chemical products.

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Official format reference: CITB states that the Operatives HS&E test contains 50 questions, lasts 45 minutes and requires at least 45 correct answers. Check current CITB guidance.

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Updated 2026-08-19. Questions are original revision content designed around common construction health, safety and environmental principles.