FREE PRACTICE TEST 38

CSCS Mock Test 38: 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.

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Answered 0/50

Question 1 of 50Safety

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

A. Pull them away with bare handsB. Move the cable with a metal toolC. Pour water on the equipmentD. 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 2 of 50Safety

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

A. Cover it with paperB. Ignore it if it evaporates quicklyC. Wash it into a drainD. 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 3 of 50Working environment

Why should designated pedestrian routes be used around moving plant?

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

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

Question 4 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why are exclusion zones used around overhead lifting?

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

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

Question 5 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. Isolate the tool from its power sourceD. Keep the trigger pressed

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

Question 6 of 50High risk activities

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

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

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

Question 7 of 50Occupational health

Which lifting technique is generally safer for a manageable load?

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

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

Question 8 of 50High risk activities

When should work at height be avoided?

A. Whenever the task can reasonably be done from a safe position without working at heightB. Only when it rainsC. Only above five metresD. Never; ladders are always acceptable

Correct answer: A. The hierarchy for work at height starts by avoiding work at height where reasonably practicable.

Question 9 of 50Working environment

Why should emergency routes and exits never be blocked?

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

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

Question 10 of 50High risk activities

Why must demolition work be carefully planned?

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

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

Question 11 of 50Safety

What should you do before operating unfamiliar equipment?

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

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

Question 12 of 50High risk activities

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

A. Only water is a hazardB. Sides can collapse and people can fall in or encounter services depending on conditionsC. Shallow excavations are always safeD. Only excavators are at risk

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

Question 13 of 50Safety

What should you do if you smell gas or suspect a gas leak?

A. Stop work, avoid ignition sources, move to safety and follow the emergency procedureB. Use a flame to test for gasC. Switch electrical equipment on to find the sourceD. Ignore it outdoors

Correct answer: A. Suspected gas leaks require prompt isolation from ignition and emergency reporting.

Question 14 of 50High risk activities

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

A. High-visibility clothing onlyB. Suitable support, battering or another engineered protective systemC. A plank across the topD. A warning sign only

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

Question 15 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

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

A. To reduce fire and pollution risk and allow spill containmentB. To warm the fuelC. To make them easier to hideD. To keep them near drains

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

Question 16 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

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

A. Broken into smaller pieces to save spaceB. Burned on siteC. Using the specified hazardous-waste controls and authorised disposal routeD. Mixed into general rubble

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

Question 17 of 50Occupational health

How can vibration exposure from power tools be reduced?

A. Use heavier gloves instead of managing exposureB. Grip the tool as tightly as possibleC. Remove tool guardsD. Use suitable low-vibration tools, maintain them and limit exposure time

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

Question 18 of 50Safety

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

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

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

Question 19 of 50Occupational health

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

A. Improved grip strengthB. Tingling or numbness in the fingersC. Better circulationD. Temporary hair loss

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

Question 20 of 50High risk activities

What should you do around a suspended load?

A. Touch it to check its weightB. Walk under it if wearing a hard hatC. Stand directly beneath it to guide the operatorD. Stay clear and never position yourself underneath it

Correct answer: D. Suspended loads can fall or swing unpredictably; exclusion is essential.

Question 21 of 50Safety

What should you do if you find a fire door wedged open when it should be closed?

A. Leave it because it improves ventilationB. Remove the obstruction if safe and report the issueC. Paint a warning sign on itD. Lock the door

Correct answer: B. Fire doors are part of compartmentation and should not be defeated unless designed to be held open safely.

Question 22 of 50Safety

Before using a portable electrical tool, what should you check?

A. That it is the heaviest tool availableB. That the lead is as long as possibleC. That it appears in good condition and any required inspection status is currentD. That the casing has your initials

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

Question 23 of 50Occupational health

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

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

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

Question 24 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. Continue because the paperwork has already been signedC. Ask a colleague to take responsibilityD. 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 25 of 50Occupational health

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

A. It can prevent an effective seal against the faceB. It only affects hard hatsC. It makes filters last longerD. It increases oxygen levels

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

Question 26 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

What should you do before entering an area where a crane is operating?

A. Walk under the hook quicklyB. Assume the operator can see youC. Follow the exclusion-zone and communication controls and obtain permission if requiredD. Wave from behind the crane

Correct answer: C. Crane operations need controlled access because of suspended loads, slewing and blind spots.

Question 27 of 50High risk activities

What is the approximate safe setup rule for a leaning ladder?

A. Four units out for every one unit upB. About one unit out for every four units upC. As vertical as possibleD. One unit out for every one unit up

Correct answer: B. The common 1-in-4 setup gives a leaning ladder an angle of about 75 degrees.

Question 28 of 50Occupational health

Why is fatigue a safety and health concern?

A. It only affects office workersB. It can reduce concentration, judgement and reaction timeC. It improves risk awarenessD. It makes hearing protection unnecessary

Correct answer: B. Fatigue can impair performance and increase the likelihood of mistakes and incidents.

Question 29 of 50Working environment

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

A. Guess what it meansB. Ignore it if you are experiencedC. Ask for clarification before continuingD. Copy what another worker is doing even if their task differs

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

Question 30 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

What is a sensible control when refuelling plant?

A. Smoke nearby so you can see wind directionB. Refuel next to an open drainC. Leave the nozzle unattendedD. Use the designated area/process, avoid overfilling and have spill controls available

Correct answer: D. Controlled refuelling reduces fire and pollution risk.

Question 31 of 50Occupational health

Why is health surveillance used for some construction hazards?

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

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

Question 32 of 50High risk activities

What should you do if a scaffold appears incomplete or has missing guardrails?

A. Add a rope as a handrail yourselfB. Use it if you stay near the wallC. Use it only below the first liftD. Do not use it and report the defect

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

Question 33 of 50Working environment

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

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

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

Question 34 of 50Safety

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

A. To reserve equipment for one tradeB. To make equipment run fasterC. To record working hoursD. To prevent equipment being energised unexpectedly during work

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

Question 35 of 50Working environment

What is the safest action if lighting in a work area is too poor to see hazards clearly?

A. Ask a colleague to stand nearbyB. Work more slowly without reporting itC. Stop or delay the task until suitable lighting is providedD. Use a phone torch and continue

Correct answer: C. Adequate lighting is needed to see hazards, access routes and the work itself safely.

Question 36 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 37 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

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

A. Ignore it if the programme is busyB. Move the nest yourselfC. Stop or follow the ecological controls and seek advice before disturbing themD. Use louder machinery

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

Question 38 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 39 of 50Working environment

Why are exclusion zones set up around certain activities?

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

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

Question 40 of 50Safety

Why should access to electrical panels be kept clear?

A. So tools can be stored nearbyB. To allow water to drainC. So they can be safely reached for operation or emergency isolationD. To improve Wi-Fi signal

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

Question 41 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

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

A. To cool vehicle brakesB. To clean workers' boots onlyC. To reduce mud and debris being tracked onto public roadsD. To test water pressure

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

Question 42 of 50Occupational health

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

A. To reduce accidental ingestion or transfer of contaminantsB. To prevent hearing damageC. To reduce vibrationD. To improve grip strength

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

Question 43 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

What should you do if a chemical container is leaking?

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

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

Question 44 of 50Working environment

What does a yellow triangular safety sign normally indicate?

A. A prohibitionB. A safe condition or first-aid pointC. A warning or hazardD. A mandatory action

Correct answer: C. Yellow triangular signs with dark symbols are used to warn about hazards.

Question 45 of 50High risk activities

What should you maintain when climbing a ladder?

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

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

Question 46 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 replace all training and supervisionD. To identify hazards, assess risk and decide suitable controls

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

Question 47 of 50Occupational health

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

A. To replace trainingB. To test the colour of the filterC. To check that the specific mask can seal adequately to the wearerD. To measure hearing protection

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

Question 48 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

What is the best general approach to construction waste?

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

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

Question 49 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

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

A. They are not designed as personnel platforms and a fall or crushing injury can resultB. It is allowed if the operator agreesC. It slows the engineD. It can scratch the paint

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

Question 50 of 50Occupational health

Why should contaminated work clothing not be taken into clean eating areas?

A. It is only a company image issueB. It makes the room warmerC. It damages mobile phonesD. It can spread hazardous dusts or substances

Correct answer: D. Segregating contaminated clothing helps prevent secondary exposure by ingestion or transfer.

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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.