FREE PRACTICE TEST 17

CSCS Mock Test 17: 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 50Working environment

Why should near misses be reported?

A. To reduce the number of breaksB. Only to increase paperworkC. They do not need reporting if nobody was injuredD. 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 2 of 50Occupational health

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

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

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

Question 3 of 50Safety

What is the purpose of lock-off or isolation procedures?

A. To prevent equipment being energised unexpectedly during workB. To reserve equipment for one tradeC. To make equipment run fasterD. To record working hours

Correct answer: A. Secure isolation helps prevent dangerous unexpected energisation or movement.

Question 4 of 50High risk activities

Why is a hot-work permit used on some sites?

A. To confirm specified fire and safety precautions are in placeB. To record the welder's wagesC. To replace fire extinguishersD. To allow smoking in the work area

Correct answer: A. A hot-work permit formalises checks and precautions for ignition-producing activities.

Question 5 of 50Working environment

What is the main purpose of a risk assessment?

A. To record who should be blamed after an accidentB. To identify hazards, assess risk and decide suitable controlsC. To replace all training and supervisionD. To make a job take longer

Correct answer: B. Risk assessment is used to identify hazards and put proportionate controls in place before people are harmed.

Question 6 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why should site lighting be directed carefully at night?

A. To provide safe illumination while reducing glare and nuisance to neighbours and road usersB. To increase fuel useC. To replace barriersD. To make wildlife easier to attract

Correct answer: A. Lighting should support safe work without creating glare, distraction or unnecessary environmental impact.

Question 7 of 50Safety

Why must emergency equipment remain accessible?

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

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

Question 8 of 50Safety

What is the purpose of a first aider?

A. To give appropriate immediate assistance until further medical help is availableB. To prescribe medicationC. To diagnose every illnessD. To replace emergency services

Correct answer: A. First aid is immediate assistance intended to preserve life and limit harm until more help is available.

Question 9 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

What should you do if work could disturb protected wildlife or nesting birds?

A. Stop or follow the ecological controls and seek advice before disturbing themB. Ignore it if the programme is busyC. Use louder machineryD. Move the nest yourself

Correct answer: A. Ecological constraints should be identified and managed in line with site and legal requirements.

Question 10 of 50Working environment

What should happen to site rules after induction?

A. They should be followed throughout your time on the siteB. They can be ignored by experienced workersC. They apply only when management is presentD. They only apply on the first day

Correct answer: A. Site rules remain in force because they form part of the site's risk controls.

Question 11 of 50Safety

When is it appropriate to try to use a fire extinguisher?

A. If you can stand between the fire and the exitB. Only after the fire alarm stopsC. Whenever any fire is visibleD. Only if you are trained, it is safe and you have a clear escape route

Correct answer: D. Life safety comes first; extinguishers should only be used when trained and conditions are safe.

Question 12 of 50High risk activities

Before using a MEWP, what should the operator confirm?

A. Guardrails can be removed for accessB. The platform can carry unlimited weightC. It can be driven on any slopeD. They are trained/authorised and the machine and ground conditions are suitable

Correct answer: D. MEWP safety depends on competent operation, pre-use checks, safe ground and following the manufacturer's limits.

Question 13 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why should plant engines not be left idling unnecessarily?

A. It improves air qualityB. It makes batteries last longerC. It wastes fuel and increases emissions and noiseD. It prevents oil leaks

Correct answer: C. Reducing unnecessary idling lowers fuel use, emissions and noise.

Question 14 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

What should happen to concrete washout water?

A. It should be spread across soilB. It should be poured into the nearest drainC. 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 15 of 50Safety

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

A. To make labels easier to read onlyB. To keep them warmerC. To increase gas pressureD. To prevent them falling and damaging the valve or becoming a projectile

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

Question 16 of 50Occupational health

What can prolonged exposure to high noise levels cause?

A. Improved balanceB. Permanent hearing damageC. Better concentrationD. Stronger eyesight

Correct answer: B. Noise-induced hearing loss can be permanent, so exposure should be controlled and hearing protection used where required.

Question 17 of 50Occupational health

When cutting materials that can produce silica dust, which control is usually preferable to relying only on a dust mask?

A. Use effective extraction or water suppression at sourceB. Work faster to reduce exposure timeC. Remove eye protectionD. Open a nearby door only

Correct answer: A. Controlling dust at source with extraction or suppression is more effective than relying on PPE alone.

Question 18 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

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

A. Wave from behind the craneB. Assume the operator can see youC. Follow the exclusion-zone and communication controls and obtain permission if requiredD. Walk under the hook quickly

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

Question 19 of 50High risk activities

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

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

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

Question 20 of 50Occupational health

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

A. Delivery driver's licenceB. Safety Data SheetC. TimesheetD. Site map only

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

Question 21 of 50High risk activities

Why are overhead power lines dangerous to cranes and plant?

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

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

Question 22 of 50High risk activities

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

A. The newest workerB. Only the delivery driverC. Any worker nearbyD. A designated competent signaller/banksman where required

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

Question 23 of 50High risk activities

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

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

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

Question 24 of 50High risk activities

Should a mobile access tower be moved while people or loose materials are on the platform?

A. No, occupants should descend and loose items be secured before movingB. Yes, if moved slowlyC. Only if the brakes are partly appliedD. Yes, if two people push

Correct answer: A. Moving an occupied tower can cause overturning or falls.

Question 25 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

How should hazardous waste be handled?

A. Mixed with general wasteB. Burned on siteC. Segregated, labelled and disposed of through the correct authorised routeD. Washed into drains

Correct answer: C. Hazardous waste requires controlled storage and disposal to protect people and the environment.

Question 26 of 50Occupational health

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

A. Check the assessment, label/SDS and required controlsB. Smell it to identify the hazardC. Use it outdoors without further checksD. Mix it with water

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

Question 27 of 50Safety

What should you do if you find a fire door wedged open when it should be closed?

A. Remove the obstruction if safe and report the issueB. Lock the doorC. Leave it because it improves ventilationD. Paint a warning sign on it

Correct answer: A. Fire doors are part of compartmentation and should not be defeated unless designed to be held open safely.

Question 28 of 50Working environment

Why are exclusion zones set up around certain activities?

A. To create a place for storing personal belongingsB. To provide a smoking areaC. To make the site look organisedD. To keep unauthorised people away from a hazardous area

Correct answer: D. Exclusion zones reduce exposure to hazards such as lifting operations, demolition, plant or falling materials.

Question 29 of 50Working environment

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

A. It helps coordinate hazards and prevents conflicting activitiesB. It allows each trade to ignore the othersC. It removes the need for permitsD. It means PPE is no longer required

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

Question 30 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

What should happen if you discover contaminated soil during excavation?

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

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

Question 31 of 50High risk activities

Why are toe boards fitted to many work platforms?

A. To replace guardrailsB. To increase platform heightC. To help prevent tools and materials being kicked or falling from the edgeD. To mark smoking areas

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

Question 32 of 50Working environment

What should you do if you are asked to carry out a task you have not been trained or authorised to do?

A. Try it once to gain experienceB. Do it only if no supervisor is watchingC. Explain that you are not competent or authorised and seek instructionD. Ask another untrained worker to help

Correct answer: C. Workers should only undertake tasks for which they are competent, trained and authorised where required.

Question 33 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 only below the first liftC. Add a rope as a handrail yourselfD. Use it if you stay near the wall

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

Question 34 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why is environmental incident reporting important?

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

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

Question 35 of 50Occupational health

What does COSHH relate to?

A. Setting wage ratesB. Managing scaffold inspectionsC. Controlling exposure to substances hazardous to healthD. Controlling vehicle parking

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

Question 36 of 50Safety

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

A. Increase the speedB. Stop using it and report/check the defectC. Remove the safety guardD. Hit it to make it work normally

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

Question 37 of 50Working environment

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

A. A mandatory actionB. A prohibition or something you must not doC. First-aid equipmentD. A safe escape route

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

Question 38 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 39 of 50Working environment

What do green safety signs commonly identify?

A. Electrical voltageB. Prohibited activitiesC. Mandatory PPED. Safe conditions such as emergency exits or first aid

Correct answer: D. Green signs are associated with safe conditions such as emergency exits and first-aid locations.

Question 40 of 50Safety

Why should compressed air not be used to clean dust from clothing or skin?

A. It always causes hearing loss immediatelyB. It can drive particles into the body and create serious injury or airborne dustC. It makes clothing shrinkD. It reduces tool pressure

Correct answer: B. Compressed air can cause injection injuries and aerosolise hazardous dust.

Question 41 of 50High risk activities

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

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

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

Question 42 of 50Occupational health

Which lifting technique is generally safer for a manageable load?

A. Twist while risingB. Keep the load close, use a stable stance and avoid twistingC. Lift with a rounded back and straight legsD. Keep the load at arm's length

Correct answer: B. Keeping the load close and maintaining a stable, controlled posture reduces strain.

Question 43 of 50Safety

What should you do when a fire alarm sounds on site?

A. Wait for smoke to appearB. Collect all your toolsC. Stop work and follow the site's evacuation procedureD. Finish the current task first

Correct answer: C. Fire alarms require prompt evacuation in line with the site emergency plan.

Question 44 of 50Working environment

Why should you know the location of the site assembly point?

A. It is the normal lunch areaB. You may need to report there during an emergency evacuationC. It is where deliveries are signed forD. It is where tools are issued

Correct answer: B. The assembly point allows people to be accounted for after an evacuation.

Question 45 of 50Occupational health

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

A. Better circulationB. Tingling or numbness in the fingersC. Temporary hair lossD. Improved grip strength

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

Question 46 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

What is the best general approach to construction waste?

A. Bury waste on siteB. Prevent or reduce waste first, then reuse/recycle where practicable before disposalC. Send everything to general wasteD. Burn timber and packaging

Correct answer: B. Waste prevention and reuse generally sit above recycling and disposal in the waste hierarchy.

Question 47 of 50Occupational health

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

A. Only managers can raise such concernsB. It is unrelated to safetyC. Support and adjustments may help prevent errors and protect wellbeingD. It automatically leads to dismissal

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

Question 48 of 50Occupational health

Why should contaminated work clothing not be taken into clean eating areas?

A. It is only a company image issueB. It makes the room warmerC. It damages mobile phonesD. It can spread hazardous dusts or substances

Correct answer: D. Segregating contaminated clothing helps prevent secondary exposure by ingestion or transfer.

Question 49 of 50Working environment

Why should emergency routes and exits never be blocked?

A. They are used only by visitorsB. They may be needed for rapid evacuationC. Blocked exits reduce heating costsD. They are mainly for deliveries

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

Question 50 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why should drains sometimes be covered or protected during spill-risk activities?

A. To increase drainage speedB. To stop rain completelyC. To prevent contaminants entering the drainage systemD. To store tools on top

Correct answer: C. Drain protection is an important part of pollution prevention.

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 16 Mock Test 18 →

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