FREE PRACTICE TEST 36

CSCS Mock Test 36: 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 explanationsFire, Electrical And Emergency 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 50Environmental & specialist awareness

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

A. To reduce mud and debris being tracked onto public roadsB. To test water pressureC. To clean workers' boots onlyD. To cool vehicle brakes

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

Question 2 of 50Safety

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

A. To reserve equipment for one tradeB. To record working hoursC. To prevent equipment being energised unexpectedly during workD. To make equipment run faster

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

Question 3 of 50Working environment

Why should near misses be reported?

A. They do not need reporting if nobody was injuredB. To reduce the number of breaksC. Only to increase paperworkD. 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 4 of 50Safety

Where should flammable materials be kept?

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

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

Question 5 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why should chemical containers remain correctly labelled?

A. Unlabelled containers are saferB. Labels are only for delivery driversC. It increases shelf lifeD. So users know the contents, hazards and handling requirements

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

Question 6 of 50Working environment

What should you do when you arrive at a construction site for the first time?

A. Attend the site induction and follow the site rulesB. Wait in the welfare area until someone finds youC. Start work immediately if you know the tradeD. Only read the emergency noticeboard

Correct answer: A. A site induction explains local hazards, emergency arrangements, welfare facilities and site-specific rules before work begins.

Question 7 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. Tie a knot in itC. Wrap it with tapeD. Use it for a lighter load without telling anyone

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

Question 8 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

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

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

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

Question 9 of 50Working environment

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

A. Climb over the materialsB. Leave it until the next deliveryC. Arrange for the obstruction to be cleared and keep the route usableD. Use the vehicle route instead

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

Question 10 of 50Working environment

What does a blue circular safety sign usually mean?

A. A substance is toxicB. An action is prohibitedC. A fire extinguisher is nearbyD. A mandatory action must be followed

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

Question 11 of 50Occupational health

What does COSHH relate to?

A. Managing scaffold inspectionsB. Controlling vehicle parkingC. Setting wage ratesD. Controlling exposure to substances hazardous to health

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

Question 12 of 50Working environment

What should happen to site rules after induction?

A. They can be ignored by experienced workersB. They apply only when management is presentC. They should be followed throughout your time on the siteD. They only apply on the first day

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

Question 13 of 50Working environment

What do green safety signs commonly identify?

A. Safe conditions such as emergency exits or first aidB. Mandatory PPEC. Prohibited activitiesD. Electrical voltage

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

Question 14 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

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

A. To contain leaks or spillsB. To improve ventilationC. To provide seatingD. To keep containers warmer

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

Question 15 of 50Occupational health

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

A. Mix it with waterB. Check the assessment, label/SDS and required controlsC. Use it outdoors without further checksD. Smell it to identify the hazard

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

Question 16 of 50High risk activities

Why are toe boards fitted to many work platforms?

A. To help prevent tools and materials being kicked or falling from the edgeB. To replace guardrailsC. To mark smoking areasD. To increase platform height

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

Question 17 of 50Safety

If someone is receiving an electric shock from live equipment, what should you do first if it is safe?

A. Isolate the electrical supply before touching the personB. Move the cable with a metal toolC. Pour water on the equipmentD. Pull them away with bare hands

Correct answer: A. You must avoid becoming a second casualty; safely isolate the power before contact.

Question 18 of 50High risk activities

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

A. Sound the horn and keep movingB. Reverse to where you last saw themC. Stop until communication is re-establishedD. Continue slowly

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

Question 19 of 50Safety

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

A. Cover it with paperB. Control ignition sources, follow the spill procedure and report itC. Wash it into a drainD. Ignore it if it evaporates quickly

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

Question 20 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. Explain that you are not competent or authorised and seek instructionB. Do it only if no supervisor is watchingC. Ask another untrained worker to helpD. Try it once to gain experience

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

Question 21 of 50Occupational health

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

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

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

Question 22 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why must waste skips not be overfilled?

A. Materials can fall out during use or transportB. It improves recyclingC. It makes the skip too easy to liftD. It only affects appearance

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

Question 23 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

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

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

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

Question 24 of 50Safety

What is the first priority if you discover a fire?

A. Raise the alarm and follow the emergency procedureB. Open all doorsC. Continue working unless flames are largeD. Save tools

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

Question 25 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. Only if the brakes are partly appliedD. No, occupants should descend and loose items be secured before moving

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

Question 26 of 50High risk activities

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

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

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

Question 27 of 50Working environment

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

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

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

Question 28 of 50Safety

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

A. To increase gas pressureB. To make labels easier to read onlyC. To keep them warmerD. 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 29 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

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

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

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

Question 30 of 50Occupational health

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

A. Safety Data SheetB. TimesheetC. Site map onlyD. Delivery driver's licence

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

Question 31 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why is environmental incident reporting important?

A. It is unnecessary for small sitesB. It replaces spill responseC. Only to calculate wagesD. It allows prompt control, clean-up and prevention of recurrence

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

Question 32 of 50Safety

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

A. To replace competence requirementsB. To control certain high-risk activities through formal authorisation and precautionsC. To record lunch breaksD. To issue wages

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

Question 33 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why should plant engines not be left idling unnecessarily?

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

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

Question 34 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 replace trainingD. To measure hearing protection

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

Question 35 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 allow smoking in the work areaC. To replace fire extinguishersD. To record the welder's wages

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

Question 36 of 50Safety

Why should water not be used on live electrical equipment?

A. It always damages concreteB. It creates asbestosC. It makes alarms louderD. It can conduct electricity and increase shock risk

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

Question 37 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 38 of 50Occupational health

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

A. Ignore it until the next annual checkB. Use the tool with one handC. Increase your daily exposure slowlyD. 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 39 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

What should you do if a chemical container is leaking?

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

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

Question 40 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 replace emergency servicesD. To diagnose every illness

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

Question 41 of 50High risk activities

What should you maintain when climbing a ladder?

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

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

Question 42 of 50High risk activities

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

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

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

Question 43 of 50Working environment

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

A. Ignore them because they accepted the riskB. Follow them into the zoneC. Remove the signsD. 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 44 of 50Working environment

What should you do if a floor opening is uncovered?

A. Cover it with loose cardboardB. Prevent access and report it so suitable protection can be restoredC. Step around it and say nothingD. Mark it with paint only

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

Question 45 of 50Occupational health

What can repeated skin contact with wet cement cause?

A. Dermatitis and chemical burnsB. Hearing lossC. Vibration white fingerD. Heat exhaustion only

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

Question 46 of 50Occupational health

What is a sensible action if you feel unwell from heat while working?

A. Stop, move to a cooler area, hydrate and report symptomsB. Keep working until the task is completeC. Drink only energy drinksD. Wear extra layers

Correct answer: A. Heat illness can worsen quickly; early cooling, hydration and reporting are important.

Question 47 of 50High risk activities

What is a major danger near reversing construction vehicles?

A. Driver blind spotsB. Low tyre pressure onlyC. Loud radiosD. Clean windscreens

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

Question 48 of 50Occupational health

Why is asbestos dangerous?

A. It always catches fireB. It only causes skin irritationC. Airborne fibres can cause serious diseases many years after exposureD. It causes instant electrical shock

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

Question 49 of 50Occupational health

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

A. Temporary eye strain onlyB. Sprained anklesC. Silicosis and other serious lung diseaseD. Hearing loss

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

Question 50 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. Add a rope as a handrail yourselfC. Use it if you stay near the wallD. Use it only below the first lift

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

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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.