FREE PRACTICE TEST 46

CSCS Mock Test 46: 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 50Occupational health

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

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

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

Question 2 of 50High risk activities

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

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

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

Question 3 of 50Occupational health

What can repeated skin contact with wet cement cause?

A. Heat exhaustion onlyB. Vibration white fingerC. Dermatitis and chemical burnsD. Hearing loss

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

Question 4 of 50Working environment

What is a near miss?

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

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

Question 5 of 50Occupational health

What is the best reason to report stress or mental-health concerns that are affecting safe work?

A. It automatically leads to dismissalB. Only managers can raise such concernsC. It is unrelated to safetyD. Support and adjustments may help prevent errors and protect wellbeing

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

Question 6 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 7 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 8 of 50Occupational health

Which lifting technique is generally safer for a manageable load?

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

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

Question 9 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

How should hazardous waste be handled?

A. Burned on siteB. Washed into drainsC. Mixed with general wasteD. Segregated, labelled and disposed of through the correct authorised route

Correct answer: D. Hazardous waste requires controlled storage and disposal to protect people and the environment.

Question 10 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

What is a good way to reduce dust leaving a construction site?

A. Remove wheel-wash facilitiesB. Sweep dry dust into the roadC. Use source controls, damping/extraction and keep routes cleanD. Increase vehicle speeds

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

Question 11 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

What should happen to concrete washout water?

A. It should be spread across soilB. It should be managed in a designated system and kept out of drains and watercoursesC. It is harmless once dilutedD. It should be poured into the nearest drain

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

Question 12 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

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

A. Burned on siteB. Mixed into general rubbleC. Using the specified hazardous-waste controls and authorised disposal routeD. Broken into smaller pieces to save space

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

Question 13 of 50Safety

What is the first priority if you discover a fire?

A. Save toolsB. Continue working unless flames are largeC. Open all doorsD. Raise the alarm and follow the emergency procedure

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

Question 14 of 50Safety

What should you do before operating unfamiliar equipment?

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

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

Question 15 of 50Working environment

What is a method statement mainly used for?

A. Recording holiday entitlementB. Listing employee salariesC. Ordering materials from suppliersD. Setting out a safe sequence and method for carrying out work

Correct answer: D. A method statement describes how a task will be carried out safely, often alongside a risk assessment.

Question 16 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 record the welder's wagesD. To replace fire extinguishers

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

Question 17 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 18 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

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

A. To clean workers' boots onlyB. To reduce mud and debris being tracked onto public roadsC. To test water pressureD. To cool vehicle brakes

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

Question 19 of 50Occupational health

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

A. It increases oxygen levelsB. It can prevent an effective seal against the faceC. It makes filters last longerD. It only affects hard hats

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

Question 20 of 50Working environment

Why are site inspections carried out?

A. To replace worker trainingB. Only to prepare for client visitsC. To decide who gets overtimeD. To identify unsafe conditions and check controls are working

Correct answer: D. Inspections help identify defects, changing conditions and failures in existing controls.

Question 21 of 50High risk activities

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

A. Only a torchB. A mobile phoneC. A colleague outside with no instructionsD. A suitable risk assessment, permit/control system and emergency/rescue arrangements

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

Question 22 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. Between the machine and a fixed wallC. Directly behind the counterweightD. On the machine steps

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

Question 23 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why are exclusion zones used around overhead lifting?

A. To create a rest areaB. To keep vehicles cleanC. To improve radio receptionD. 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 24 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 25 of 50Safety

What should you do if a machine guard is missing?

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

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

Question 26 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

What should happen if you discover contaminated soil during excavation?

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

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

Question 27 of 50High risk activities

What is a key hazard in a confined space?

A. Excess floor spaceB. Too much daylightC. Mobile phone receptionD. A dangerous atmosphere, including low oxygen or toxic gases

Correct answer: D. Confined spaces can contain life-threatening atmospheres and require strict planning and controls.

Question 28 of 50Occupational health

Why is fatigue a safety and health concern?

A. It makes hearing protection unnecessaryB. It only affects office workersC. It improves risk awarenessD. It can reduce concentration, judgement and reaction time

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

Question 29 of 50Safety

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

A. If you can stand between the fire and the exitB. Only after the fire alarm stopsC. Whenever any fire is visibleD. 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 30 of 50Working environment

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

A. Only a visiting inspectorB. Anyone who notices the hazardC. Only the person who created the hazardD. Only the health and safety manager

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

Question 31 of 50Occupational health

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

A. Better circulationB. Tingling or numbness in the fingersC. Temporary hair lossD. Improved grip strength

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

Question 32 of 50High risk activities

What should you do around a suspended load?

A. Stand directly beneath it to guide the operatorB. Stay clear and never position yourself underneath itC. Walk under it if wearing a hard hatD. Touch it to check its weight

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

Question 33 of 50Occupational health

If a load is too heavy or awkward for you to handle safely, what should you do?

A. Drag it across an access routeB. Get help or use suitable mechanical assistanceC. Throw it onto a trolleyD. Try to lift it once to test yourself

Correct answer: B. Do not attempt a lift that exceeds your capability; use assistance or mechanical handling equipment.

Question 34 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 allows each trade to ignore the othersC. It removes the need for permitsD. It means PPE is no longer required

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

Question 35 of 50High risk activities

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

A. Only the delivery driverB. A designated competent signaller/banksman where requiredC. The newest workerD. Any worker nearby

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

Question 36 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

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

A. Add more people as ballastB. Continue because the schedule is fixedC. 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 37 of 50Occupational health

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

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

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

Question 38 of 50Safety

Why are reduced-voltage systems such as 110 V commonly used on construction sites?

A. They are waterproofB. They make tools twice as powerfulC. They remove the need for electrical inspectionsD. They can reduce the severity of electric-shock risk compared with standard mains voltage

Correct answer: D. Reduced-voltage supplies can reduce shock risk, but equipment still needs correct use and maintenance.

Question 39 of 50Environmental & specialist awareness

Why should site lighting be directed carefully at night?

A. To replace barriersB. To provide safe illumination while reducing glare and nuisance to neighbours and road usersC. To make wildlife easier to attractD. To increase fuel use

Correct answer: B. Lighting should support safe work without creating glare, distraction or unnecessary environmental impact.

Question 40 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. Climb over the materialsC. Use the vehicle route insteadD. Leave it until the next delivery

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

Question 41 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 reduce vibrationC. To improve grip strengthD. To prevent hearing damage

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

Question 42 of 50Safety

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

A. That it appears in good condition and any required inspection status is currentB. That it is the heaviest tool availableC. That the casing has your initialsD. That the lead is as long as possible

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

Question 43 of 50Safety

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

A. It makes clothing shrinkB. It can drive particles into the body and create serious injury or airborne dustC. It reduces tool pressureD. It always causes hearing loss immediately

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

Question 44 of 50Safety

What should you do when a fire alarm sounds on site?

A. Wait for smoke to appearB. Stop work and follow the site's evacuation procedureC. Collect all your toolsD. Finish the current task first

Correct answer: B. Fire alarms require prompt evacuation in line with the site emergency plan.

Question 45 of 50Working environment

Why should emergency routes and exits never be blocked?

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

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

Question 46 of 50Safety

If a tool starts behaving unusually, what should you do?

A. Stop using it and report/check the defectB. Remove the safety guardC. Hit it to make it work normallyD. Increase the speed

Correct answer: A. Unusual noise, vibration or operation can indicate a dangerous defect.

Question 47 of 50High risk activities

What is a major danger near reversing construction vehicles?

A. Low tyre pressure onlyB. Loud radiosC. Driver blind spotsD. Clean windscreens

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

Question 48 of 50Working environment

What is the best way to help prevent slips and trips in your work area?

A. Leave waste until the end of the weekB. Walk more quickly through congested areasC. Keep routes clear and deal with spills, cables and waste promptlyD. Only clean areas that visitors can see

Correct answer: C. Good housekeeping, cable management and prompt clean-up reduce slip and trip risks.

Question 49 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. Leave it because it improves ventilationD. Remove the obstruction if safe and report the issue

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

Question 50 of 50Working environment

What does a yellow triangular safety sign normally indicate?

A. A prohibitionB. A warning or hazardC. A mandatory actionD. A safe condition or first-aid point

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

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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.