FREE PRACTICE TEST 37

CSCS Mock Test 37: 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 explanationsCoshh, Rpe And Hazardous Substances

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

What does COSHH relate to?

A. Setting wage ratesB. Controlling vehicle parkingC. 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 2 of 50Working environment

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

A. Warn them if safe to do so and inform the responsible supervisorB. Remove the signsC. Ignore them because they accepted the riskD. Follow them into the zone

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

Question 3 of 50Occupational health

Why is asbestos dangerous?

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

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

Question 4 of 50Working environment

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

A. Wait in the welfare area until someone finds youB. Start work immediately if you know the tradeC. Only read the emergency noticeboardD. Attend the site induction and follow the site rules

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

Question 5 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 6 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

What should you do if a chemical container is leaking?

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

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

Question 7 of 50High risk activities

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

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

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

Question 8 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 9 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 10 of 50Occupational health

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

A. Temporary eye strain onlyB. Hearing lossC. Silicosis and other serious lung diseaseD. Sprained ankles

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

Question 11 of 50Working environment

What do green safety signs commonly identify?

A. Safe conditions such as emergency exits or first aidB. Electrical voltageC. Prohibited activitiesD. Mandatory PPE

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

Question 12 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why are exclusion zones used around overhead lifting?

A. To prevent people entering areas where loads or objects could fall or swingB. To create a rest areaC. To improve radio receptionD. To keep vehicles clean

Correct answer: A. Exclusion protects people from dropped or moving loads.

Question 13 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 14 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

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

A. Use louder machineryB. Move the nest yourselfC. Ignore it if the programme is busyD. Stop or follow the ecological controls and seek advice before disturbing them

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

Question 15 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why must waste skips not be overfilled?

A. It only affects appearanceB. It makes the skip too easy to liftC. It improves recyclingD. Materials can fall out during use or transport

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

Question 16 of 50Safety

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

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

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

Question 17 of 50High risk activities

Who should operate an excavator, telehandler or similar plant?

A. A trained, competent and authorised operatorB. Any worker over 18C. Anyone with a car licenceD. A labourer if supervised from a distance

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

Question 18 of 50Occupational health

What is the safest approach to reducing exposure to hazardous fumes?

A. Work fasterB. Rely on smell to decide if it is safeC. Use effective ventilation or extraction and follow the task controlsD. Hold your breath

Correct answer: C. Engineering controls such as local exhaust ventilation can remove fumes at source.

Question 19 of 50Occupational health

How can outdoor workers reduce harm from strong sunlight?

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

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

Question 20 of 50High risk activities

Why are overhead power lines dangerous to cranes and plant?

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

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

Question 21 of 50Working environment

What should happen to site rules after induction?

A. They apply only when management is presentB. They can be ignored by experienced workersC. 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 22 of 50High risk activities

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

A. The newest workerB. Only the delivery driverC. Any worker nearbyD. A designated competent signaller/banksman where required

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

Question 23 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. Twist while risingD. Lift with a rounded back and straight legs

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

Question 24 of 50Safety

Why must safety devices on tools and machinery not be bypassed?

A. They are optional for experienced workersB. They are only required during inspectionsC. They reduce productivity onlyD. They are designed to reduce exposure to dangerous movement or conditions

Correct answer: D. Defeating safety devices removes engineered protection and can expose workers to severe hazards.

Question 25 of 50Working environment

What is a near miss?

A. A task completed without supervisionB. A late deliveryC. An event that caused a minor injury onlyD. An unplanned event that caused no harm but could have

Correct answer: D. Near misses should be reported because they reveal hazards before a more serious incident occurs.

Question 26 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 27 of 50Safety

What should you do before operating unfamiliar equipment?

A. Operate it only at maximum speedB. Remove warning labelsC. Make sure you are trained/authorised and understand the instructions and controlsD. Try each control until you learn it

Correct answer: C. Competence and understanding of controls are essential before operating equipment.

Question 28 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. Explain that you are not competent or authorised and seek instructionC. Do it only if no supervisor is watchingD. Ask another untrained worker to help

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

Question 29 of 50High risk activities

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

A. Relying only on a worker's balanceB. Removing edge protection for accessC. Collective protection such as suitable platforms and guardrailsD. Working faster

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

Question 30 of 50Safety

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

A. To record lunch breaksB. To replace competence requirementsC. To control certain high-risk activities through formal authorisation and precautionsD. To issue wages

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

Question 31 of 50Occupational health

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

A. Keep working but wear glovesB. Stop work, avoid further disturbance and report itC. Sweep up the dustD. Put the material in a normal waste skip

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

Question 32 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 should be spread across soilC. It should be poured into the nearest drainD. It is harmless once diluted

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

Question 33 of 50Safety

Why should emergency stop controls be kept unobstructed?

A. They prevent tools being cleanedB. They increase productionC. They may need to be activated immediatelyD. They are only decorative

Correct answer: C. Emergency stops must be readily accessible if dangerous movement needs to be stopped quickly.

Question 34 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

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

A. Leave them outdoorsB. Throw them into firesC. Put them in general food wasteD. 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 35 of 50Occupational health

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

A. Tingling or numbness in the fingersB. Temporary hair lossC. Improved grip strengthD. Better circulation

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

Question 36 of 50High risk activities

Why must demolition work be carefully planned?

A. Demolition is safe once windows are removedB. Planning is only required for tall buildingsC. Only noise needs controllingD. Structures can become unstable and hazards such as services and hazardous materials must be controlled

Correct answer: D. Demolition can create collapse, falling material, service, dust and hazardous-material risks.

Question 37 of 50Occupational health

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

A. Wait until the end of the shiftB. Rub the area vigorouslyC. Cover it with dustD. 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 38 of 50Working environment

What should you do if a floor opening is uncovered?

A. Mark it with paint onlyB. Step around it and say nothingC. Cover it with loose cardboardD. Prevent access and report it so suitable protection can be restored

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

Question 39 of 50High risk activities

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

A. Outside the machine's operating and crush zonesB. On the machine stepsC. Between the machine and a fixed wallD. Directly behind the counterweight

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

Question 40 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

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

A. To provide seatingB. To contain leaks or spillsC. To improve ventilationD. To keep containers warmer

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

Question 41 of 50Safety

Why should compressed air not be used to clean dust from clothing or skin?

A. It always causes hearing loss immediatelyB. It reduces tool pressureC. It makes clothing shrinkD. It can drive particles into the body and create serious injury or airborne dust

Correct answer: D. Compressed air can cause injection injuries and aerosolise hazardous dust.

Question 42 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 43 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

What is the best general approach to construction waste?

A. Prevent or reduce waste first, then reuse/recycle where practicable before disposalB. Burn timber and packagingC. Bury waste on siteD. Send everything to general waste

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

Question 44 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why should fuel containers be stored in a suitable designated area?

A. To warm the fuelB. To keep them near drainsC. To reduce fire and pollution risk and allow spill containmentD. To make them easier to hide

Correct answer: C. Suitable fuel storage helps prevent leaks, ignition and environmental contamination.

Question 45 of 50Occupational health

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

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

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

Question 46 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. Ask for clarification before continuingC. Ignore it if you are experiencedD. Guess what it means

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

Question 47 of 50Working environment

What is the best response if a task creates a hazard for people working nearby?

A. Work fasterB. Coordinate the work and put controls or segregation in placeC. Only warn your own teamD. Assume they will notice it

Correct answer: B. Activities should be coordinated so one team's work does not expose others to uncontrolled risk.

Question 48 of 50Safety

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

A. Move the cable with a metal toolB. Pour water on the equipmentC. Pull them away with bare handsD. Isolate the electrical supply before touching the person

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

Question 49 of 50Safety

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

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

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

Question 50 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 makes tools too quietC. It only affects battery lifeD. It changes the voltage colour

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

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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.