FREE PRACTICE TEST 34

CSCS Mock Test 34: 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 explanationsWork At Height And Access Safety

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

What should you do if you do not understand a site instruction?

A. Copy what another worker is doing even if their task differsB. Guess what it meansC. Ask for clarification before continuingD. Ignore it if you are experienced

Correct answer: C. You should understand the instruction and the risks before starting or continuing work.

Question 2 of 50Safety

Why should water not be used on live electrical equipment?

A. It creates asbestosB. It makes alarms louderC. It can conduct electricity and increase shock riskD. It always damages concrete

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

Question 3 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. Only managers can raise such concernsD. It is unrelated to safety

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

Question 4 of 50High risk activities

Why are toe boards fitted to many work platforms?

A. To increase platform heightB. To replace guardrailsC. 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 5 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.

Question 6 of 50Occupational health

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

A. Remove eye protectionB. Work faster to reduce exposure timeC. Open a nearby door onlyD. Use effective extraction or water suppression at source

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

Question 7 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why are exclusion zones used around overhead lifting?

A. To keep vehicles cleanB. To improve radio receptionC. To create a rest areaD. 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 8 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. Blocked exits reduce heating costsD. They are mainly for deliveries

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

Question 9 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 10 of 50High risk activities

What is a major hazard of fragile roofs?

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

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

Question 11 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. Whether the task is indoorsD. Only the colour of the welding screen

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

Question 12 of 50High risk activities

Why are overhead power lines dangerous to cranes and plant?

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

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

Question 13 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

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

A. To keep containers warmerB. To improve ventilationC. To provide seatingD. To contain leaks or spills

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

Question 14 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 15 of 50Safety

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

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

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

Question 16 of 50Safety

What should you do if a machine guard is missing?

A. Ask someone to watch the moving partsB. Do not use the machine and report itC. Use the machine slowlyD. Wear thicker gloves and continue

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

Question 17 of 50Working environment

What should you do if a floor opening is uncovered?

A. Step around it and say nothingB. Mark it with paint onlyC. Prevent access and report it so suitable protection can be restoredD. Cover it with loose cardboard

Correct answer: C. Openings should be physically protected or access prevented because a fall can cause serious injury.

Question 18 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. High-visibility clothing onlyD. Suitable support, battering or another engineered protective system

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

Question 19 of 50Occupational health

How can outdoor workers reduce harm from strong sunlight?

A. Use suitable clothing, shade and sunscreen and take sensible breaksB. Work shirtlessC. Avoid drinking waterD. Use welding goggles as sunglasses

Correct answer: A. UV exposure can damage skin; protective clothing, sunscreen and shade reduce risk.

Question 20 of 50High risk activities

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

A. Lower tyre pressureB. Work fasterC. Stop and ensure the equipment is supported on suitable stable ground or designed measuresD. Add extra people to the platform

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

Question 21 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why should plant engines not be left idling unnecessarily?

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

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

Question 22 of 50Occupational health

Why is asbestos dangerous?

A. It causes instant electrical shockB. It only causes skin irritationC. It always catches fireD. Airborne fibres can cause serious diseases many years after exposure

Correct answer: D. Inhaled asbestos fibres can cause fatal lung diseases with long latency periods.

Question 23 of 50Safety

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

A. Ask a colleague to hold the cableB. Stop using it, isolate it from use and report the defectC. Use it only in dry weatherD. Wrap the damaged area with ordinary tape and continue

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

Question 24 of 50Occupational health

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

A. It increases oxygen levelsB. It makes filters last longerC. It only affects hard hatsD. It can prevent an effective seal against the face

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

Question 25 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

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

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

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

Question 26 of 50Safety

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

A. Leave them alone to recoverB. Give them foodC. 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 27 of 50Occupational health

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

A. It creates static onlyB. Dry sweeping can put fine dust back into the airC. It makes the floor too shinyD. It damages brooms

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

Question 28 of 50High risk activities

Why should lifting accessories such as slings be checked before use?

A. To increase crane speedB. To avoid using a lift planC. Damage or incorrect selection can lead to load failureD. To make them look clean

Correct answer: C. Lifting accessories must be suitable and free from defects that could compromise their strength.

Question 29 of 50High risk activities

Before using a MEWP, what should the operator confirm?

A. The platform can carry unlimited weightB. Guardrails can be removed for accessC. 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 30 of 50Safety

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

A. To make equipment run fasterB. To prevent equipment being energised unexpectedly during workC. To record working hoursD. To reserve equipment for one trade

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

Question 31 of 50High risk activities

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

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

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

Question 32 of 50Working environment

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

A. Remove the signsB. Warn them if safe to do so and inform the responsible supervisorC. Follow them into the zoneD. Ignore them because they accepted the risk

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

Question 33 of 50Working environment

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

A. Arrange for the obstruction to be cleared and keep the route usableB. Use the vehicle route insteadC. Leave it until the next deliveryD. Climb over the materials

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

Question 34 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 35 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 36 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why must waste skips not be overfilled?

A. It improves recyclingB. It only affects appearanceC. It makes the skip too easy to liftD. Materials can fall out during use or transport

Correct answer: D. Overfilled skips create falling-object, transport and litter risks.

Question 37 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

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

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

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

Question 38 of 50Safety

Why is horseplay unacceptable on site?

A. It is allowed during breaksB. It only causes delaysC. It is only prohibited for apprenticesD. 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 39 of 50Occupational health

Which lifting technique is generally safer for a manageable load?

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

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

Question 40 of 50Occupational health

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

A. Cover it with dustB. Rub the area vigorouslyC. Wait until the end of the shiftD. Follow the product/site emergency instructions, rinse as directed and seek help if needed

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

Question 41 of 50Occupational health

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

A. To improve grip strengthB. To reduce accidental ingestion or transfer of contaminantsC. To reduce vibrationD. To prevent hearing damage

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

Question 42 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. Stop and ask for the risk assessment or method to be reviewedC. Ask a colleague to take responsibilityD. Continue because the paperwork has already been signed

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

Question 43 of 50Working environment

Why are exclusion zones set up around certain activities?

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

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

Question 44 of 50Safety

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

A. Remove the guard permanentlyB. Keep the trigger pressedC. Ask a colleague to hold the bladeD. 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 45 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

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

A. They reduce concrete strengthB. They only affect drinking water on siteC. They always block toiletsD. 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 46 of 50Working environment

What does a blue circular safety sign usually mean?

A. An action is prohibitedB. A substance is toxicC. 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 47 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 48 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

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

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

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

Question 49 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

What should you do if a chemical container is leaking?

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

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

Question 50 of 50High risk activities

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

A. Pour water on the areaB. Rely on memory of old plansC. Check service information, locate services with suitable equipment and use safe digging methodsD. Start with a mechanical excavator

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

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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.