FREE PRACTICE TEST 44

CSCS Mock Test 44: 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 50Occupational health

How can vibration exposure from power tools be reduced?

A. Use suitable low-vibration tools, maintain them and limit exposure timeB. Use heavier gloves instead of managing exposureC. Grip the tool as tightly as possibleD. Remove tool guards

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

Question 2 of 50High risk activities

What is a major hazard of fragile roofs?

A. A person can fall through the roof surfaceB. They always contain asbestosC. They attract lightningD. They cannot get wet

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

Question 3 of 50Working environment

Why are toolbox talks used on construction sites?

A. To allocate annual leaveB. To inspect payroll recordsC. To discuss short, relevant safety topics with the workforceD. To replace all formal qualifications

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

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. 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 5 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why should plant engines not be left idling unnecessarily?

A. It improves air qualityB. It wastes fuel and increases emissions and noiseC. It makes batteries last longerD. It prevents oil leaks

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

Question 6 of 50Safety

What is the safest approach to trailing electrical leads?

A. Route or protect them so they do not create trip or damage hazardsB. Cover them with loose cardboardC. Run them through standing waterD. Stretch them tightly across doorways

Correct answer: A. Cables should be managed to prevent trips, crushing, cuts and water exposure.

Question 7 of 50High risk activities

If a vehicle operator cannot see you, what should you assume?

A. They may move without knowing you are there, so stay clear and gain acknowledgement before approachingB. They can hear youC. High-visibility clothing makes you visible from every angleD. They will automatically stop

Correct answer: A. Never rely on being seen; establish safe communication before entering a vehicle's operating area.

Question 8 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. Isolate the electrical supply before touching the personC. Pull them away with bare handsD. Pour water on the equipment

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

Question 9 of 50Occupational health

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

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

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

Question 10 of 50Occupational health

Why should hearing protection fit correctly?

A. It makes tools run more quietlyB. Poor fit can greatly reduce the protection providedC. It removes the need to control noise at sourceD. It changes the colour of the ear defenders

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

Question 11 of 50High risk activities

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

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

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

Question 12 of 50Occupational health

What is the first step before manually lifting a heavy or awkward load?

A. Carry it above shoulder heightB. Assess the load, route and whether mechanical help or assistance is neededC. Lift quickly before you get tiredD. Twist your back to get momentum

Correct answer: B. Manual handling should be planned; avoid or reduce the lift where possible and assess the load and route.

Question 13 of 50High risk activities

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

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

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

Question 14 of 50Working environment

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

A. Work more slowly without reporting itB. Use a phone torch and continueC. Ask a colleague to stand nearbyD. Stop or delay the task until suitable lighting is provided

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

Question 15 of 50High risk activities

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

A. A colleague outside with no instructionsB. Only a torchC. A suitable risk assessment, permit/control system and emergency/rescue arrangementsD. A mobile phone

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

Question 16 of 50Safety

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

A. Whenever any fire is visibleB. If you can stand between the fire and the exitC. Only after the fire alarm stopsD. Only if you are trained, it is safe and you have a clear escape route

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

Question 17 of 50Working environment

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

A. Ignore it if you are experiencedB. Copy what another worker is doing even if their task differsC. Guess what it meansD. Ask for clarification before continuing

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

Question 18 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 is harmless once dilutedD. It should be poured into the nearest drain

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

Question 19 of 50Safety

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

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

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

Question 20 of 50Working environment

Why are exclusion zones set up around certain activities?

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

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

Question 21 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why should chemical containers remain correctly labelled?

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

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

Question 22 of 50Safety

What is the purpose of a first aider?

A. To prescribe medicationB. To diagnose every illnessC. To replace emergency servicesD. To give appropriate immediate assistance until further medical help is available

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

Question 23 of 50Occupational health

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

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

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

Question 24 of 50Occupational health

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

A. Rely on smell to decide if it is safeB. Use effective ventilation or extraction and follow the task controlsC. Hold your breathD. Work faster

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

Question 25 of 50High risk activities

Before using a MEWP, what should the operator confirm?

A. The platform can carry unlimited weightB. It can be driven on any slopeC. Guardrails can be removed for accessD. 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 26 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. Increase vehicle speedsC. Remove wheel-wash facilitiesD. Sweep dry dust into the road

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

Question 27 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

What should happen if you discover contaminated soil during excavation?

A. Spread it across the siteB. Wash it into a drainC. Stop or isolate as required and report it so the material can be assessed and managedD. Mix it with clean soil

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

Question 28 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 29 of 50High risk activities

Why must demolition work be carefully planned?

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

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

Question 30 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 31 of 50Occupational health

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

A. Delivery driver's licenceB. Site map onlyC. Safety Data SheetD. Timesheet

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

Question 32 of 50High risk activities

Why are banksmen used for some vehicle movements?

A. To inspect wagesB. To replace vehicle brakesC. To speed up reversingD. To help control movements where the driver has restricted visibility

Correct answer: D. A trained banksman can guide movements and help keep people out of danger zones.

Question 33 of 50Safety

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

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

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

Question 34 of 50Working environment

Who should report a hazard that could injure someone on site?

A. Only the health and safety managerB. Only the person who created the hazardC. Only a visiting inspectorD. Anyone who notices the hazard

Correct answer: D. Everyone on site has a role in reporting hazards so they can be controlled promptly.

Question 35 of 50Safety

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

A. Paint a warning sign on itB. Lock the doorC. Remove the obstruction if safe and report the issueD. Leave it because it improves ventilation

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

Question 36 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

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

A. To improve ventilationB. To provide seatingC. To keep containers warmerD. To contain leaks or spills

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

Question 37 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 38 of 50High risk activities

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

A. Stop and ensure the equipment is supported on suitable stable ground or designed measuresB. Add extra people to the platformC. Lower tyre pressureD. Work faster

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

Question 39 of 50Safety

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

A. To prevent equipment being energised unexpectedly during workB. To record working hoursC. To make equipment run fasterD. To reserve equipment for one trade

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

Question 40 of 50Occupational health

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

A. Open a nearby door onlyB. Remove eye protectionC. Work faster to reduce exposure timeD. 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 41 of 50Working environment

What does a red circular sign with a diagonal bar generally mean?

A. A mandatory actionB. A safe escape routeC. First-aid equipmentD. A prohibition or something you must not do

Correct answer: D. Red prohibition signs communicate actions that are not allowed.

Question 42 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why are exclusion zones used around overhead lifting?

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

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

Question 43 of 50Safety

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

A. They reduce productivity onlyB. They are optional for experienced workersC. They are only required during inspectionsD. 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 44 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

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

A. Move the nest yourselfB. Use louder machineryC. 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 45 of 50Working environment

Why should near misses be reported?

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

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

Question 46 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why is environmental incident reporting important?

A. Only to calculate wagesB. It is unnecessary for small sitesC. It allows prompt control, clean-up and prevention of recurrenceD. It replaces spill response

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

Question 47 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. Carry it through the site by handD. Pour the contents into a drain

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

Question 48 of 50High risk activities

What should you maintain when climbing a ladder?

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

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

Question 49 of 50Safety

Why should water not be used on live electrical equipment?

A. It makes alarms louderB. It can conduct electricity and increase shock riskC. It creates asbestosD. It always damages concrete

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

Question 50 of 50Working environment

Why should materials be stored securely and tidily?

A. To reduce collapse, trip and access risksB. Only to improve photographs of the siteC. So workers can climb on themD. To avoid using storage racks

Correct answer: A. Stable, organised storage helps prevent falling materials, blocked routes and manual handling problems.

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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.