FREE PRACTICE TEST 18

CSCS Mock Test 18: 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 explanationsExcavation, Services And Confined Spaces

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

A. Reverse to where you last saw themB. Sound the horn and keep movingC. Continue slowlyD. Stop until communication is re-established

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

Question 2 of 50High risk activities

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

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

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

Question 3 of 50Working environment

Why should emergency routes and exits never be blocked?

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

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

Question 4 of 50Occupational health

Why must respiratory protective equipment be suitable for the hazard?

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

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

Question 5 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 6 of 50Safety

Why should you never remove an electrical plug earth pin or defeat an RCD?

A. It can remove important protection against electric shockB. It changes the voltage colourC. It only affects battery lifeD. It makes tools too quiet

Correct answer: A. Protective electrical features are safety controls and must not be bypassed.

Question 7 of 50Working environment

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

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

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

Question 8 of 50Working environment

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

A. It is where deliveries are signed forB. It is where tools are issuedC. It is the normal lunch areaD. You may need to report there during an emergency evacuation

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

Question 9 of 50Working environment

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

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

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

Question 10 of 50Occupational health

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

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

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

Question 11 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why should chemical containers remain correctly labelled?

A. Labels are only for delivery driversB. It increases shelf lifeC. So users know the contents, hazards and handling requirementsD. Unlabelled containers are safer

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

Question 12 of 50Working environment

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

A. Ask a colleague to take responsibilityB. Ignore the change if the task is almost finishedC. Continue because the paperwork has already been signedD. Stop and ask for the risk assessment or method to be reviewed

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

Question 13 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

What should happen to concrete washout water?

A. It should be managed in a designated system and kept out of drains and watercoursesB. It is harmless once dilutedC. It should be poured into the nearest drainD. It should be spread across soil

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

Question 14 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

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

A. Sweep dry dust into the roadB. Increase vehicle speedsC. Remove wheel-wash facilitiesD. Use source controls, damping/extraction and keep routes clean

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

Question 15 of 50Working environment

What should happen to site rules after induction?

A. They apply only when management is presentB. They only apply on the first dayC. They should be followed throughout your time on the siteD. They can be ignored by experienced workers

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

Question 16 of 50Safety

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

A. That it is the heaviest tool availableB. That the casing has your initialsC. That the lead is as long as possibleD. That it appears in good condition and any required inspection status is current

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

Question 17 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. Only water is a hazardC. Shallow excavations are always safeD. 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 18 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. Stop or delay the task until suitable lighting is providedC. Ask a colleague to stand nearbyD. Use a phone torch and continue

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

Question 19 of 50Safety

What should you do with a defective ladder, tool or piece of equipment?

A. Hide the defectB. Use it only for short tasksC. Loan it to another workerD. Take it out of use and report/label it according to site procedure

Correct answer: D. Defective equipment should be prevented from being used until made safe.

Question 20 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 21 of 50Occupational health

What does COSHH relate to?

A. Controlling vehicle parkingB. Setting wage ratesC. Controlling exposure to substances hazardous to healthD. Managing scaffold inspections

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

Question 22 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why should plant engines not be left idling unnecessarily?

A. It wastes fuel and increases emissions and noiseB. It prevents oil leaksC. It improves air qualityD. It makes batteries last longer

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

Question 23 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 make radios noisyC. They reduce fuel efficiencyD. They only interfere with GPS

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

Question 24 of 50Occupational health

What should you do if you develop persistent numbness in your fingers after using vibrating tools?

A. Use the tool with one handB. Increase your daily exposure slowlyC. Ignore it until the next annual checkD. Report the symptoms and seek occupational health or medical advice

Correct answer: D. Early reporting of symptoms can prevent further exposure and allow assessment.

Question 25 of 50Safety

Where should flammable materials be kept?

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

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

Question 26 of 50Working environment

What do green safety signs commonly identify?

A. Prohibited activitiesB. Safe conditions such as emergency exits or first aidC. Mandatory PPED. Electrical voltage

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

Question 27 of 50High risk activities

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

A. To allow smoking in the work areaB. To confirm specified fire and safety precautions are in placeC. To replace fire extinguishersD. To record the welder's wages

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

Question 28 of 50Occupational health

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

A. Tingling or numbness in the fingersB. Temporary hair lossC. Better circulationD. Improved grip strength

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

Question 29 of 50Working environment

Why are toolbox talks used on construction sites?

A. To allocate annual leaveB. To discuss short, relevant safety topics with the workforceC. To replace all formal qualificationsD. To inspect payroll records

Correct answer: B. Toolbox talks provide focused, practical reminders about hazards, controls and safe working methods.

Question 30 of 50Safety

What is the first priority if you discover a fire?

A. Save toolsB. Continue working unless flames are largeC. Open all doorsD. Raise the alarm and follow the emergency procedure

Correct answer: D. Raising the alarm allows others to evacuate and emergency arrangements to begin.

Question 31 of 50High risk activities

Why are toe boards fitted to many work platforms?

A. To mark smoking areasB. To increase platform heightC. To replace guardrailsD. 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 32 of 50Safety

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

A. Cover it with paperB. Wash it into a drainC. 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 33 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

What should you do if a chemical container is leaking?

A. Carry it through the site by handB. Keep people away, follow the spill procedure and report itC. Pour the contents into a drainD. Hide it in general waste

Correct answer: B. Leaks should be controlled using suitable spill and hazardous-substance procedures.

Question 34 of 50High risk activities

What is a major hazard of fragile roofs?

A. They always contain asbestosB. They cannot get wetC. They attract lightningD. A person can fall through the roof surface

Correct answer: D. Fragile materials may not support a person's weight and require specific access and fall controls.

Question 35 of 50Occupational health

Why should hearing protection fit correctly?

A. It changes the colour of the ear defendersB. Poor fit can greatly reduce the protection providedC. It removes the need to control noise at sourceD. It makes tools run more quietly

Correct answer: B. Hearing protection only works effectively when selected, fitted and worn correctly.

Question 36 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why is environmental incident reporting important?

A. Only to calculate wagesB. It is unnecessary for small sitesC. It replaces spill responseD. It allows prompt control, clean-up and prevention of recurrence

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

Question 37 of 50High risk activities

What should you do if the ground beneath access equipment is soft or unstable?

A. Stop and ensure the equipment is supported on suitable stable ground or designed measuresB. Add extra people to the platformC. Work fasterD. Lower tyre pressure

Correct answer: A. Unstable ground can cause overturning or collapse of access equipment.

Question 38 of 50Safety

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

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

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

Question 39 of 50High risk activities

What should you do around a suspended load?

A. Stay clear and never position yourself underneath itB. Touch it to check its weightC. Walk under it if wearing a hard hatD. Stand directly beneath it to guide the operator

Correct answer: A. Suspended loads can fall or swing unpredictably; exclusion is essential.

Question 40 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

How should hazardous waste be handled?

A. Burned on siteB. Segregated, labelled and disposed of through the correct authorised routeC. Washed into drainsD. Mixed with general waste

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

Question 41 of 50Safety

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

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

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

Question 42 of 50High risk activities

If work at height cannot be avoided, what should be prioritised?

A. Removing edge protection for accessB. Relying only on a worker's balanceC. Working fasterD. Collective protection such as suitable platforms and guardrails

Correct answer: D. Collective fall prevention protects everyone and is generally preferred before personal fall protection.

Question 43 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why should spills be kept out of surface-water drains?

A. They only affect drinking water on siteB. They always block toiletsC. They may flow directly to watercourses and cause pollutionD. They reduce concrete strength

Correct answer: C. Many surface-water systems discharge to the environment, so pollutants must not enter them.

Question 44 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

What should you do with batteries and other potentially hazardous small items?

A. Place them in the designated waste/recycling streamB. Throw them into firesC. Put them in general food wasteD. Leave them outdoors

Correct answer: A. Batteries can contain hazardous materials and should follow the site's designated disposal route.

Question 45 of 50Occupational health

What can prolonged exposure to high noise levels cause?

A. Better concentrationB. Stronger eyesightC. Permanent hearing damageD. Improved balance

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

Question 46 of 50Safety

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

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

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

Question 47 of 50Occupational health

If a hearing-protection zone is marked, what should you do?

A. Ignore the sign if you are there brieflyB. Use headphones insteadC. Wear the specified hearing protectionD. Only wear protection when machinery stops

Correct answer: C. Mandatory hearing protection zones indicate that suitable hearing protection must be worn.

Question 48 of 50Occupational health

What can repeated skin contact with wet cement cause?

A. Hearing lossB. Vibration white fingerC. Heat exhaustion onlyD. Dermatitis and chemical burns

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

Question 49 of 50Occupational health

What should you do if you unexpectedly disturb material that you suspect may contain asbestos?

A. Sweep up the dustB. Keep working but wear glovesC. Put the material in a normal waste skipD. Stop work, avoid further disturbance and report it

Correct answer: D. Suspected asbestos should not be disturbed; stop work and follow the site's asbestos procedures.

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.

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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.