FREE PRACTICE TEST 28

CSCS Mock Test 28: 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 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 2 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 3 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 4 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. Ask a colleague to take responsibilityC. 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 5 of 50High risk activities

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

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

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

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

Why should hearing protection fit correctly?

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

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

Question 8 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

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

A. They always block toiletsB. They only affect drinking water on siteC. They reduce concrete strengthD. They may flow directly to watercourses and cause pollution

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

Question 9 of 50High risk activities

What should you maintain when climbing a ladder?

A. Three points of contact where practicableB. One foot onlyC. Both hands full of toolsD. Your body leaning far to one side

Correct answer: A. Maintaining secure contact improves stability and reduces the chance of a fall.

Question 10 of 50Working environment

What is the main purpose of a risk assessment?

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

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

Question 11 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

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

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

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

Question 12 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 13 of 50Occupational health

What can repeated skin contact with wet cement cause?

A. Heat exhaustion onlyB. Dermatitis and chemical burnsC. Vibration white fingerD. Hearing loss

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

Question 14 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

What should happen if you discover contaminated soil during excavation?

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

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

Question 15 of 50Working environment

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

A. It is where deliveries are signed forB. You may need to report there during an emergency evacuationC. It is where tools are issuedD. It is the normal lunch area

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

Question 16 of 50Safety

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

A. Ignore it if it evaporates quicklyB. Wash it into a drainC. Cover it with paperD. Control ignition sources, follow the spill procedure and report it

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

Question 17 of 50Working environment

Why should near misses be reported?

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

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

Question 18 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why should plant engines not be left idling unnecessarily?

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

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

Question 19 of 50Safety

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

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

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

Question 20 of 50Safety

What should you do if a machine guard is missing?

A. Ask someone to watch the moving partsB. Use the machine slowlyC. 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 21 of 50High risk activities

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

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

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

Question 22 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

What should happen to concrete washout water?

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

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

Question 23 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

What is the purpose of a spill kit?

A. To test concrete strengthB. To contain and absorb certain spills so they can be handled safelyC. To repair electrical toolsD. To clean PPE only

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

Question 24 of 50High risk activities

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

A. Yes, if moved slowlyB. Yes, if two people pushC. 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 25 of 50High risk activities

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

A. A designated competent signaller/banksman where requiredB. The newest workerC. Any worker nearbyD. Only the delivery driver

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

Question 26 of 50Safety

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

A. Remove the guard permanentlyB. Ask a colleague to hold the bladeC. Keep the trigger pressedD. Isolate the tool from its power source

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

Question 27 of 50Occupational health

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

A. Sprained anklesB. Hearing lossC. Silicosis and other serious lung diseaseD. Temporary eye strain only

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

Question 28 of 50High risk activities

What is a major danger near reversing construction vehicles?

A. Low tyre pressure onlyB. Loud radiosC. Driver blind spotsD. Clean windscreens

Correct answer: C. Large vehicles can have significant blind spots, so segregation, visibility and safe reversing controls are important.

Question 29 of 50Occupational health

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

A. To test the colour of the filterB. To measure hearing protectionC. To replace trainingD. To check that the specific mask can seal adequately to the wearer

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

Question 30 of 50Occupational health

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

A. It damages broomsB. It makes the floor too shinyC. It creates static onlyD. Dry sweeping can put fine dust back into the air

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

Question 31 of 50High risk activities

Who should operate an excavator, telehandler or similar plant?

A. A trained, competent and authorised operatorB. A labourer if supervised from a distanceC. Any worker over 18D. Anyone with a car licence

Correct answer: A. Plant operation requires competence and site authorisation appropriate to the equipment and task.

Question 32 of 50Safety

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

A. Finish the current task firstB. Wait for smoke to appearC. Collect all your toolsD. Stop work and follow the site's evacuation procedure

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

Question 33 of 50Occupational health

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

A. To prevent hearing damageB. To improve grip strengthC. To reduce vibrationD. To reduce accidental ingestion or transfer of contaminants

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

Question 34 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

What should you check before using a lifting accessory?

A. Whether it belongs to your employerB. Whether it is the newest itemC. 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 35 of 50Occupational health

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

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

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

Question 36 of 50Safety

Why should access to electrical panels be kept clear?

A. To improve Wi-Fi signalB. So tools can be stored nearbyC. So they can be safely reached for operation or emergency isolationD. To allow water to drain

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

Question 37 of 50High risk activities

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

A. Fire risk, combustible materials, permits and fire-watch arrangements where requiredB. How quickly the job can be finishedC. Only the colour of the welding screenD. Whether the task is indoors

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

Question 38 of 50Safety

Where should flammable materials be kept?

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

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

Question 39 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 40 of 50Safety

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

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

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

Question 41 of 50Working environment

Why are toolbox talks used on construction sites?

A. To inspect payroll recordsB. To replace all formal qualificationsC. To allocate annual leaveD. To discuss short, relevant safety topics with the workforce

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

Question 42 of 50High risk activities

What is a key hazard in a confined space?

A. A dangerous atmosphere, including low oxygen or toxic gasesB. Too much daylightC. Excess floor spaceD. Mobile phone reception

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

Question 43 of 50Working environment

Why should emergency routes and exits never be blocked?

A. They are mainly for deliveriesB. Blocked exits reduce heating costsC. They may be needed for rapid evacuationD. They are used only by visitors

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

Question 44 of 50Working environment

What does a blue circular safety sign usually mean?

A. A substance is toxicB. An action is prohibitedC. A mandatory action must be followedD. A fire extinguisher is nearby

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

Question 45 of 50Working environment

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

A. Use the vehicle route insteadB. Leave it until the next deliveryC. Climb over the materialsD. Arrange for the obstruction to be cleared and keep the route usable

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

Question 46 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

What is the purpose of bunding around some fuel or chemical storage?

A. To contain leaks or spillsB. To provide seatingC. To keep containers warmerD. To improve ventilation

Correct answer: A. Secondary containment helps stop liquids spreading into soil or drainage systems.

Question 47 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

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

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

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

Question 48 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

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

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

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

Question 49 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. Report the symptoms and seek occupational health or medical adviceC. Ignore it until the next annual checkD. Increase your daily exposure slowly

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

Question 50 of 50Safety

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

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

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

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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.