FREE PRACTICE TEST 23

CSCS Mock Test 23: 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 explanationsDust, Noise And Occupational Health

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 50Occupational health

Why is health surveillance used for some construction hazards?

A. To measure productivity onlyB. To replace risk controlsC. To detect early signs of work-related ill health where appropriateD. To decide who can take breaks

Correct answer: C. Health surveillance can help detect early effects of exposure, but it does not replace prevention and control.

Question 2 of 50High risk activities

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

A. Relying only on a worker's balanceB. Collective protection such as suitable platforms and guardrailsC. Working fasterD. Removing edge protection for access

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

Question 3 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

What should you do first if oil or fuel is spilled on site?

A. Cover it with soil and leave itB. Ignore small spillsC. Wash it into a surface-water drainD. Stop the source if safe, contain the spill and follow the site's spill procedure

Correct answer: D. Prompt containment helps prevent pollution and allows correct clean-up and disposal.

Question 4 of 50Occupational health

What is the purpose of face-fit testing for tight-fitting RPE?

A. To check that the specific mask can seal adequately to the wearerB. To test the colour of the filterC. To measure hearing protectionD. To replace training

Correct answer: A. Face-fit testing helps confirm that a tight-fitting mask is suitable for the individual wearer.

Question 5 of 50High risk activities

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

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

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

Question 6 of 50Occupational health

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

A. It automatically leads to dismissalB. Support and adjustments may help prevent errors and protect wellbeingC. Only managers can raise such concernsD. It is unrelated to safety

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

Question 7 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

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

A. Using the specified hazardous-waste controls and authorised disposal routeB. Burned on siteC. Mixed into general rubbleD. Broken into smaller pieces to save space

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

Question 8 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 9 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. Do it only if no supervisor is watchingB. Ask another untrained worker to helpC. Try it once to gain experienceD. Explain that you are not competent or authorised and seek instruction

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

Question 10 of 50High risk activities

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

A. Suitable support, battering or another engineered protective systemB. High-visibility clothing onlyC. A warning sign onlyD. A plank across the top

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

Question 11 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 12 of 50Working environment

What does a blue circular safety sign usually mean?

A. An action is prohibitedB. A mandatory action must be followedC. A substance is toxicD. A fire extinguisher is nearby

Correct answer: B. Blue circular signs normally communicate mandatory actions such as wearing specified PPE.

Question 13 of 50Occupational health

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

A. Try to lift it once to test yourselfB. Get help or use suitable mechanical assistanceC. Drag it across an access routeD. Throw it onto a trolley

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

Question 14 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

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

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

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

Question 15 of 50High risk activities

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

A. Check service information, locate services with suitable equipment and use safe digging methodsB. Pour water on the areaC. Start with a mechanical excavatorD. Rely on memory of old plans

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

Question 16 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. Use it outdoors without further checksC. Smell it to identify the hazardD. Mix it with water

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

Question 17 of 50Working environment

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

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

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

Question 18 of 50Occupational health

Why should dust not be cleaned up by dry sweeping when it can be avoided?

A. Dry sweeping can put fine dust back into the airB. It damages broomsC. It makes the floor too shinyD. It creates static only

Correct answer: A. Suitable vacuuming or wet methods can reduce airborne dust compared with dry sweeping.

Question 19 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why should different waste streams be separated where the site system requires it?

A. It increases the amount of wasteB. It supports safe handling, recycling and lawful disposalC. It removes the need for skipsD. It makes all waste non-hazardous

Correct answer: B. Segregation can improve recycling and prevent contamination of recyclable or hazardous waste streams.

Question 20 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

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

A. Throw them into firesB. Put them in general food wasteC. Leave them outdoorsD. Place them in the designated waste/recycling stream

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

Question 21 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

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

A. Move the nest yourselfB. Stop or follow the ecological controls and seek advice before disturbing themC. Use louder machineryD. Ignore it if the programme is busy

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

Question 22 of 50High risk activities

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

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

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

Question 23 of 50Occupational health

What can prolonged exposure to high noise levels cause?

A. Improved balanceB. Permanent hearing damageC. Stronger eyesightD. Better concentration

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

Question 24 of 50Safety

Why is horseplay unacceptable on site?

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

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

Question 25 of 50High risk activities

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

A. A mobile phoneB. A suitable risk assessment, permit/control system and emergency/rescue arrangementsC. A colleague outside with no instructionsD. Only a torch

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

Question 26 of 50Safety

Why should access to electrical panels be kept clear?

A. So they can be safely reached for operation or emergency isolationB. So tools can be stored nearbyC. To allow water to drainD. To improve Wi-Fi signal

Correct answer: A. Electrical controls may need rapid access for isolation, inspection or emergency response.

Question 27 of 50Working environment

Why are site inspections carried out?

A. To decide who gets overtimeB. Only to prepare for client visitsC. To replace worker trainingD. To identify unsafe conditions and check controls are working

Correct answer: D. Inspections help identify defects, changing conditions and failures in existing controls.

Question 28 of 50Working environment

Why should designated pedestrian routes be used around moving plant?

A. They are only for visitorsB. They are usually the shortest routeC. They remove the need for high-visibility clothingD. They help separate people from vehicle movements

Correct answer: D. Segregating pedestrians from moving vehicles is a key control for workplace transport risks.

Question 29 of 50Safety

What is the purpose of a first aider?

A. To prescribe medicationB. To diagnose every illnessC. To replace emergency servicesD. To give appropriate immediate assistance until further medical help is available

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

Question 30 of 50Safety

Where should flammable materials be kept?

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

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

Question 31 of 50Occupational health

How can vibration exposure from power tools be reduced?

A. Grip the tool as tightly as possibleB. Use heavier gloves instead of managing exposureC. Use suitable low-vibration tools, maintain them and limit exposure timeD. Remove tool guards

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

Question 32 of 50Safety

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

A. Loan it to another workerB. Take it out of use and report/label it according to site procedureC. Hide the defectD. Use it only for short tasks

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

Question 33 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. Keep routes clear and deal with spills, cables and waste promptlyC. Walk more quickly through congested areasD. Leave waste until the end of the week

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

Question 34 of 50Working environment

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

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

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

Question 35 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

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

A. Increase vehicle speedsB. Remove wheel-wash facilitiesC. Sweep dry dust into the roadD. 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 36 of 50High risk activities

If a vehicle operator cannot see you, what should you assume?

A. High-visibility clothing makes you visible from every angleB. They can hear youC. They will automatically stopD. They may move without knowing you are there, so stay clear and gain acknowledgement before approaching

Correct answer: D. Never rely on being seen; establish safe communication before entering a vehicle's operating area.

Question 37 of 50Occupational health

Which lifting technique is generally safer for a manageable load?

A. Keep the load close, use a stable stance and avoid twistingB. Lift with a rounded back and straight legsC. Keep the load at arm's lengthD. Twist while rising

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

Question 38 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 casing has your initialsC. That it is the heaviest tool availableD. That the lead is as long as possible

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

Question 39 of 50Working environment

What do green safety signs commonly identify?

A. Electrical voltageB. Prohibited activitiesC. Safe conditions such as emergency exits or first aidD. Mandatory PPE

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

Question 40 of 50Safety

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

A. To increase gas pressureB. To prevent them falling and damaging the valve or becoming a projectileC. To make labels easier to read onlyD. To keep them warmer

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

Question 41 of 50Working environment

What is a method statement mainly used for?

A. Ordering materials from suppliersB. Listing employee salariesC. Setting out a safe sequence and method for carrying out workD. Recording holiday entitlement

Correct answer: C. A method statement describes how a task will be carried out safely, often alongside a risk assessment.

Question 42 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why should site lighting be directed carefully at night?

A. To replace barriersB. To provide safe illumination while reducing glare and nuisance to neighbours and road usersC. To increase fuel useD. To make wildlife easier to attract

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

Question 43 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 44 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. Whether the task is indoorsC. How quickly the job can be finishedD. Fire risk, combustible materials, permits and fire-watch arrangements where required

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

Question 45 of 50High risk activities

What is the safest position when a machine is slewing or turning?

A. Between the machine and a fixed wallB. Directly behind the counterweightC. Outside the machine's operating and crush zonesD. On the machine steps

Correct answer: C. People can be crushed between moving plant and fixed objects; exclusion zones are critical.

Question 46 of 50Working environment

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

A. It is where tools are issuedB. It is the normal lunch areaC. You may need to report there during an emergency evacuationD. It is where deliveries are signed for

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

Question 47 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

What is the best general approach to construction waste?

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

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

Question 48 of 50Safety

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

A. To record lunch breaksB. To control certain high-risk activities through formal authorisation and precautionsC. To issue wagesD. To replace competence requirements

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

Question 49 of 50Occupational health

Why can facial hair be a problem with tight-fitting respirators?

A. It only affects hard hatsB. It increases oxygen levelsC. It can prevent an effective seal against the faceD. It makes filters last longer

Correct answer: C. Tight-fitting respirators rely on a good face seal; facial hair in the seal area can create leaks.

Question 50 of 50Safety

What is the first priority if you discover a fire?

A. Open all doorsB. Save toolsC. Raise the alarm and follow the emergency procedureD. Continue working unless flames are large

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

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 22 Mock Test 24 →

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