FREE PRACTICE TEST 07

CSCS Mock Test 07: 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 explanationsCoshh, Rpe And Hazardous Substances

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

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 2 of 50High risk activities

When should work at height be avoided?

A. Only above five metresB. Only when it rainsC. Never; ladders are always acceptableD. Whenever the task can reasonably be done from a safe position without working at height

Correct answer: D. The hierarchy for work at height starts by avoiding work at height where reasonably practicable.

Question 3 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

What should happen to concrete washout water?

A. It should be poured into the nearest drainB. It should be spread across soilC. It should be managed in a designated system and kept out of drains and watercoursesD. It is harmless once diluted

Correct answer: C. Concrete wash water is highly alkaline and can pollute water and soil.

Question 4 of 50Occupational health

What is a major health risk from repeatedly breathing respirable crystalline silica dust?

A. Hearing lossB. Silicosis and other serious lung diseaseC. Temporary eye strain onlyD. Sprained ankles

Correct answer: B. Fine silica dust can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause serious, irreversible disease.

Question 5 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

What should you do if strong winds begin affecting a lifting or access operation?

A. Add more people as ballastB. Continue because the schedule is fixedC. Remove wind-speed checksD. Follow the equipment/plan limits and stop if conditions are unsafe

Correct answer: D. Wind can affect cranes, MEWPs, towers and loads; manufacturer and lift-plan limits must be respected.

Question 6 of 50Working environment

If you see someone enter a clearly marked exclusion zone without authorisation, what is the safest response?

A. Follow them into the zoneB. Remove the signsC. Ignore them because they accepted the riskD. Warn them if safe to do so and inform the responsible supervisor

Correct answer: D. Unauthorised entry should be challenged safely and reported so the hazard remains controlled.

Question 7 of 50Occupational health

What is the safest approach to reducing exposure to hazardous fumes?

A. Use effective ventilation or extraction and follow the task controlsB. Rely on smell to decide if it is safeC. Hold your breathD. Work faster

Correct answer: A. Engineering controls such as local exhaust ventilation can remove fumes at source.

Question 8 of 50Safety

Before changing a blade or accessory on a power tool, what should you normally do?

A. Ask a colleague to hold the bladeB. Isolate the tool from its power sourceC. Keep the trigger pressedD. Remove the guard permanently

Correct answer: B. Isolation prevents accidental start-up while hands are near the cutting or moving parts.

Question 9 of 50Working environment

Why should emergency routes and exits never be blocked?

A. They may be needed for rapid evacuationB. They are mainly for deliveriesC. They are used only by visitorsD. Blocked exits reduce heating costs

Correct answer: A. Emergency routes must stay available so people can leave quickly and safely.

Question 10 of 50Safety

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

A. Leave them alone to recoverB. Raise the alarm/get first aid and emergency help in line with site proceduresC. Give them foodD. Move them immediately regardless of danger

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

Question 11 of 50Working environment

What is the main purpose of site welfare facilities?

A. To store hazardous chemicalsB. To provide suitable toilets, washing, drinking water and rest facilitiesC. To replace first-aid arrangementsD. To provide free tools

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

Question 12 of 50High risk activities

Before entering a confined space, what should be in place?

A. A colleague outside with no instructionsB. A suitable risk assessment, permit/control system and emergency/rescue arrangementsC. Only a torchD. A mobile phone

Correct answer: B. Confined-space entry requires planning, atmospheric controls where needed, competent people and rescue arrangements.

Question 13 of 50Occupational health

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

A. Site map onlyB. Delivery driver's licenceC. TimesheetD. Safety Data Sheet

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

Question 14 of 50High risk activities

Why is an excavation dangerous even if it is not very deep?

A. Only water is a hazardB. Shallow excavations are always safeC. Sides can collapse and people can fall in or encounter services depending on conditionsD. Only excavators are at risk

Correct answer: C. Excavation risk depends on ground, depth, loads, access, services and other conditions—not one simple depth threshold.

Question 15 of 50Occupational health

Why is fatigue a safety and health concern?

A. It improves risk awarenessB. It makes hearing protection unnecessaryC. It can reduce concentration, judgement and reaction timeD. It only affects office workers

Correct answer: C. Fatigue can impair performance and increase the likelihood of mistakes and incidents.

Question 16 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why is environmental incident reporting important?

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

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

Question 17 of 50Safety

Why is horseplay unacceptable on site?

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

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

Question 18 of 50Working environment

What should you do if a safety barrier has been moved and no longer protects an opening?

A. Assume someone else will fix itB. Report it and make sure the area is secured before exposure continuesC. Wait until the end of the shiftD. Put a warning note nearby and carry on

Correct answer: B. Missing barriers can expose people to serious falls; the area should be secured and the defect reported promptly.

Question 19 of 50High risk activities

What should you do if you lose sight of the banksman while operating plant under their guidance?

A. Continue slowlyB. Reverse to where you last saw themC. Stop until communication is re-establishedD. Sound the horn and keep moving

Correct answer: C. Loss of communication can put people at risk; movement should stop until the signal system is restored.

Question 20 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

If you discover an unidentified drum or container, what should you do?

A. Do not open or move it unnecessarily; report it and follow site proceduresB. Use it as a waste binC. Pour it into another containerD. Smell the contents

Correct answer: A. Unknown substances should be treated cautiously until identified and assessed.

Question 21 of 50Occupational health

What can repeated skin contact with wet cement cause?

A. Heat exhaustion onlyB. Vibration white fingerC. Dermatitis and chemical burnsD. Hearing loss

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

Question 22 of 50Safety

If someone is receiving an electric shock from live equipment, what should you do first if it is safe?

A. Move the cable with a metal toolB. Pull them away with bare handsC. Pour water on the equipmentD. Isolate the electrical supply before touching the person

Correct answer: D. You must avoid becoming a second casualty; safely isolate the power before contact.

Question 23 of 50High risk activities

What should be provided where an excavation is at risk of collapse?

A. A plank across the topB. A warning sign onlyC. Suitable support, battering or another engineered protective systemD. High-visibility clothing only

Correct answer: C. Excavation sides need appropriate support or safe shaping where collapse risk exists.

Question 24 of 50Working environment

Who should report a hazard that could injure someone on site?

A. Only the person who created the hazardB. Only a visiting inspectorC. Anyone who notices the hazardD. Only the health and safety manager

Correct answer: C. Everyone on site has a role in reporting hazards so they can be controlled promptly.

Question 25 of 50Occupational health

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

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

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

Question 26 of 50Safety

If a tool starts behaving unusually, what should you do?

A. Remove the safety guardB. Hit it to make it work normallyC. Stop using it and report/check the defectD. Increase the speed

Correct answer: C. Unusual noise, vibration or operation can indicate a dangerous defect.

Question 27 of 50Safety

Why should water not be used on live electrical equipment?

A. It can conduct electricity and increase shock riskB. It creates asbestosC. It always damages concreteD. It makes alarms louder

Correct answer: A. Water can conduct electricity; power should be isolated and a suitable extinguisher used where appropriate.

Question 28 of 50Safety

What should you do if the cable on a power tool is damaged?

A. Stop using it, isolate it from use and report the defectB. Use it only in dry weatherC. Wrap the damaged area with ordinary tape and continueD. Ask a colleague to hold the cable

Correct answer: A. Damaged electrical equipment should be removed from use until properly repaired or replaced.

Question 29 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why may wheel-wash facilities be used at site exits?

A. To clean workers' boots onlyB. To reduce mud and debris being tracked onto public roadsC. To cool vehicle brakesD. To test water pressure

Correct answer: B. Keeping public roads clear of site mud reduces environmental nuisance and road hazards.

Question 30 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

How should asbestos waste be handled if produced by authorised asbestos work?

A. Mixed into general rubbleB. Burned on siteC. Broken into smaller pieces to save spaceD. Using the specified hazardous-waste controls and authorised disposal route

Correct answer: D. Asbestos waste requires strict packaging, labelling, transport and disposal controls.

Question 31 of 50Occupational health

Why should you wash your hands before eating or smoking after handling hazardous materials?

A. To reduce vibrationB. To improve grip strengthC. To prevent hearing damageD. To reduce accidental ingestion or transfer of contaminants

Correct answer: D. Handwashing prevents hazardous substances being transferred to food, cigarettes or the face.

Question 32 of 50Working environment

What is the best way to help prevent slips and trips in your work area?

A. Only clean areas that visitors can seeB. Walk more quickly through congested areasC. Leave waste until the end of the weekD. Keep routes clear and deal with spills, cables and waste promptly

Correct answer: D. Good housekeeping, cable management and prompt clean-up reduce slip and trip risks.

Question 33 of 50High risk activities

Why are toe boards fitted to many work platforms?

A. To replace guardrailsB. To increase platform heightC. To mark smoking areasD. 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 34 of 50Working environment

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

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

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

Question 35 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

What should you do before entering an area where a crane is operating?

A. Walk under the hook quicklyB. Wave from behind the craneC. Assume the operator can see youD. Follow the exclusion-zone and communication controls and obtain permission if required

Correct answer: D. Crane operations need controlled access because of suspended loads, slewing and blind spots.

Question 36 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. Identification, suitability, condition and any required examination statusD. Only its colour

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

Question 37 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 38 of 50Occupational health

If a load is too heavy or awkward for you to handle safely, what should you do?

A. Drag it across an access routeB. Throw it onto a trolleyC. Try to lift it once to test yourselfD. Get help or use suitable mechanical assistance

Correct answer: D. Do not attempt a lift that exceeds your capability; use assistance or mechanical handling equipment.

Question 39 of 50Working environment

Why is clear communication important when several trades work in the same area?

A. It means PPE is no longer requiredB. It removes the need for permitsC. It helps coordinate hazards and prevents conflicting activitiesD. It allows each trade to ignore the others

Correct answer: C. Coordination reduces risks created by simultaneous or overlapping work activities.

Question 40 of 50Occupational health

Why must respiratory protective equipment be suitable for the hazard?

A. Different filters and respirators protect against different contaminantsB. The colour is the only important factorC. RPE replaces all other controlsD. All masks provide identical protection

Correct answer: A. RPE must be correctly selected for the contaminant, concentration and task.

Question 41 of 50Safety

What should you do if a machine guard is missing?

A. Use the machine slowlyB. Ask someone to watch the moving partsC. Wear thicker gloves and continueD. Do not use the machine and report it

Correct answer: D. Guards are a primary control against contact with dangerous moving parts.

Question 42 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why are exclusion zones used around overhead lifting?

A. To improve radio receptionB. To create a rest areaC. To keep vehicles cleanD. 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 43 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 44 of 50Safety

Why should gas cylinders be stored upright and secured where required?

A. To make labels easier to read onlyB. To increase gas pressureC. To prevent them falling and damaging the valve or becoming a projectileD. To keep them warmer

Correct answer: C. A damaged cylinder valve can release energy violently, so cylinders should be secured and correctly stored.

Question 45 of 50Working environment

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

A. Work more slowly without reporting itB. Ask a colleague to stand nearbyC. Stop or delay the task until suitable lighting is providedD. Use a phone torch and continue

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

Question 46 of 50High risk activities

What should you check before using a ladder?

A. That someone used it yesterdayB. That it is suitable, in good condition and set up securelyC. That it is the longest ladder on siteD. That it has paint marks

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

Question 47 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

What should happen if you discover contaminated soil during excavation?

A. Mix it with clean soilB. Spread it across the siteC. Stop or isolate as required and report it so the material can be assessed and managedD. Wash it into a drain

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

Question 48 of 50High risk activities

What should happen before digging where underground services may be present?

A. Rely on memory of old plansB. Start with a mechanical excavatorC. Pour water on the areaD. Check service information, locate services with suitable equipment and use safe digging methods

Correct answer: D. Planning, service plans, locating devices and safe digging practices help prevent striking buried services.

Question 49 of 50High risk activities

Why are overhead power lines dangerous to cranes and plant?

A. They only interfere with GPSB. Electricity can arc or conduct through equipment even without direct contactC. They reduce fuel efficiencyD. They make radios noisy

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

Question 50 of 50Working environment

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

A. Leave it until the next deliveryB. Arrange for the obstruction to be cleared and keep the route usableC. Use the vehicle route insteadD. Climb over the materials

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

Your answers are now marked below. Review the explanations, then retake this test or move to another full mock.

Choose Another Mock View Training Options

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.

← Mock Test 06 Mock Test 08 →

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