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Question 1 · Multiple choice
Who must organise safe working arrangements for employees on a construction job? A Their employer, so far as reasonably practicable B Each worker without employer involvement C The client instead of the employer D The supplier of construction materials
Show answer Correct answer: A — Their employer, so far as reasonably practicable
Why? Employers have duties to protect employees through safe systems of work. A client does not take over the employer’s general duty. Source
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Question 2 · Multiple choice
You enter an area marked as a hearing protection zone. What must you do? A Use earplugs only when noise feels uncomfortable B Keep protection in a pocket for emergencies C Wear the specified hearing protection D Rely on your hard hat to reduce the noise
Show answer Correct answer: C — Wear the specified hearing protection
Why? Hearing protection must be worn in designated hearing protection zones. Personal judgement about the loudness cannot override that requirement. Source
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Question 3 · Multiple choice
Roof work can be completed from a safe location at ground level. Which option should be preferred? A Use a ladder because it is quicker to set up B Use a harness on the roof as the first option C Do the task from the ground where practical D Work near the roof edge with a spotter
Show answer Correct answer: C — Do the task from the ground where practical
Why? The work-at-height hierarchy starts with avoiding work at height where reasonably practicable. A harness does not take priority over avoiding the height. Source
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Question 4 · Multiple choice
Before removing ceiling panels in an older building, what information should you check? A The decorating schedule and paint specification B The asbestos survey and relevant hazard information C The last inspection of the site welfare area D The delivery records for new ceiling panels
Show answer Correct answer: B — The asbestos survey and relevant hazard information
Why? Refurbishment work must account for concealed hazards such as asbestos before materials are disturbed. A decorating schedule does not identify asbestos risk. Source
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Question 5 · Multiple choice
Your job requires protective gloves and eye protection. Who must normally supply the required PPE? A Your employer, without a charge to you B You, with a deduction from your first wages C The principal contractor only after a site inspection D You, with payment from a yearly clothing allowance
Show answer Correct answer: A — Your employer, without a charge to you
Why? Employers must provide required PPE free of charge. Workers should not have to fund essential protective equipment through wage deductions. Source
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Question 6 · Multiple choice
When carrying out a task, whose safety must a worker take reasonable care of? A Only colleagues employed by the same firm B Their own and anyone affected by their actions C Only visitors who enter the immediate work area D Their own, provided others wear their PPE
Show answer Correct answer: B — Their own and anyone affected by their actions
Why? Workers must consider their own safety and that of others affected by their work. PPE worn by other people does not remove this duty. Source
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Question 7 · Multiple choice
After noisy work you notice ringing in your ears. What is the best response? A Report the symptom and seek advice B Wait until it becomes constant before mentioning it C Use louder radio sound to test your hearing D Ask to move jobs without mentioning your hearing
Show answer Correct answer: A — Report the symptom and seek advice
Why? Ringing in the ears can be a sign of noise-related hearing damage and should be reported. Waiting for permanent symptoms could delay preventive action. Source
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Question 8 · Multiple choice
People must work close to an unprotected floor edge. Which measure best prevents falls? A Suitable guard rails or other collective edge protection B Harnesses alone even where guard rails are possible C A painted warning line with no physical barrier D A worker watching the edge from a safe position
Show answer Correct answer: A — Suitable guard rails or other collective edge protection
Why? Collective fall prevention such as guard rails is preferred where suitable. Warning lines alone do not prevent a person falling. Source
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Question 9 · Multiple choice
A wall marked for demolition may support an adjoining structure. What must be done first? A Assess stability and provide any necessary support B Start with the smallest breakers to limit vibration C Use more workers to finish the removal quickly D Remove loose plaster before checking its structure
Show answer Correct answer: A — Assess stability and provide any necessary support
Why? Structural stability must be assessed and support arranged before demolition work creates danger. Smaller tools do not remove the risk of structural collapse. Source
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Question 10 · Multiple choice
A hazard can be removed by changing the work process. How should PPE feature in the controls? A As the only control once workers are experienced B As a final line of protection C As the first control before removing the hazard D As a replacement for managing risks at source
Show answer Correct answer: B — As a final line of protection
Why? Risks should be removed or controlled before relying on PPE. Issuing PPE alone is not enough where the hazard can be eliminated. Source
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Question 11 · Multiple choice
Your employer introduces a safer method for an existing task. What is your duty? A Use the old method until the next inspection B Follow it only when a supervisor is present C Cooperate with the new safety arrangement D Ask a colleague to approve the method first
Show answer Correct answer: C — Cooperate with the new safety arrangement
Why? Employees must cooperate with their employer on health and safety requirements. Personal familiarity with an old method is not an exemption. Source
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Question 12 · Multiple choice
Which change controls noise nearer its source rather than relying only on ear defenders? A Issuing thicker ear defenders to every worker B Extending breaks after noisy work has finished C Putting a warning notice near the machine D Using quieter equipment or methods
Show answer Correct answer: D — Using quieter equipment or methods
Why? Reducing noise at source is preferable to relying solely on hearing protection. A warning notice does not reduce the amount of noise produced. Source
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Question 13 · Multiple choice
Where fall prevention cannot fully remove a height risk, what is the next aim? A Rely on a briefing rather than further equipment B Work faster to reduce time exposed to the edge C Use signage as the main protection against a fall D Minimise the distance or consequences of a fall
Show answer Correct answer: D — Minimise the distance or consequences of a fall
Why? Work-at-height controls must minimise the distance and consequences of any remaining fall. A briefing does not physically arrest a fall. Source
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Question 14 · Multiple choice
What is the main safety purpose of an exclusion zone around active demolition? A Reserve a convenient position for storing waste skips B Identify the area included in the demolition contract C Provide a meeting place for the demolition team D Keep people clear of falling debris and moving plant
Show answer Correct answer: D — Keep people clear of falling debris and moving plant
Why? An exclusion zone protects people from demolition hazards, including falling material. It is not simply a storage or contract boundary. Source
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Question 15 · Multiple choice
Your issued safety glasses have a cracked lens. What should you do? A Carry on if the crack is outside your direct vision B Use them only while a supervisor is nearby C Cover the crack with tape for the remaining shift D Report the damage and obtain suitable replacement
Show answer Correct answer: D — Report the damage and obtain suitable replacement
Why? Damaged PPE must be reported and replaced or made safe. A crack outside central vision can still reduce the protection provided. Source
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Question 16 · Multiple choice
A machine guard slows your work slightly. How should you deal with it? A Move it aside only for small items B Remove it during busy periods and refit it later C Ask a coworker to watch the exposed part D Leave the protective guard in place
Show answer Correct answer: D — Leave the protective guard in place
Why? Workers must not misuse or interfere with safeguards provided for safety. A coworker watching the machine is not a replacement for a guard. Source
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Question 17 · Multiple choice
A worker using a vibrating breaker notices tingling fingers after shifts. What should they do? A Only mention them at the next annual review B Report the symptoms promptly C Wear two pairs of ordinary work gloves D Change hands regularly without telling anyone
Show answer Correct answer: B — Report the symptoms promptly
Why? Tingling can be an early sign of hand-arm vibration injury and needs reporting. Ordinary gloves do not make harmful vibration exposure safe. Source
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Question 18 · Multiple choice
For which task may a ladder be suitable after a proper risk assessment? A Long roof repairs with frequent heavy material handling B Brief, low-risk work where safer equipment is unjustified C Extended work requiring both hands and strong sideways force D High-risk work beside an open edge without barriers
Show answer Correct answer: B — Brief, low-risk work where safer equipment is unjustified
Why? A ladder may be suitable for low-risk, short-duration tasks when more protective equipment is not justified. Long or forceful tasks often need safer access. Source
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Question 19 · Multiple choice
Why should a demolition team follow the planned sequence for removing structural parts? A To use each machine for the shortest possible time B To fit the skip collection and loading timetable C To maintain stability as elements are taken away D To shorten the time required for checking stability
Show answer Correct answer: C — To maintain stability as elements are taken away
Why? Planned demolition sequencing helps prevent uncontrolled collapse. Convenience for waste collection cannot determine the safe removal order. Source
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Question 20 · Multiple choice
A supplied respirator leaves gaps around your face. What should happen before dusty work? A Tighten only the headband and begin work B Wear a loose scarf under the respirator C Get a correctly fitted, suitable respirator D Borrow the size used by the previous worker
Show answer Correct answer: C — Get a correctly fitted, suitable respirator
Why? PPE must be suitable for the wearer and the risk, including effective fit. Borrowing another worker’s size does not establish a proper seal. Source
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Question 21 · Multiple choice
A new worker has just arrived at an unfamiliar construction site. What should happen before work starts? A Receive a site-specific safety induction B Read the delivery board at the gate C Complete a toolbox talk at the next weekly meeting D Ask a workmate to point out the work area
Show answer Correct answer: A — Receive a site-specific safety induction
Why? Site inductions communicate the local hazards and emergency arrangements before a worker begins. An informal introduction from a workmate is not a substitute. Source
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Question 22 · Multiple choice
A worker has fingers that turn white after using vibrating tools. What might this indicate? A Normal cooling of healthy hands after work B Hand-arm vibration-related damage C A need for a firmer tool grip D Temporary cold sensitivity with no lasting injury
Show answer Correct answer: B — Hand-arm vibration-related damage
Why? Finger blanching is a recognised symptom associated with hand-arm vibration syndrome. Gripping the tool harder will not correct the underlying risk. Source
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Question 23 · Multiple choice
What must you check before climbing a ladder supplied for a task? A Only whether it reaches above the work point B Only whether someone else used it yesterday C Only whether it has a recent inspection sticker D Its condition, position and stability
Show answer Correct answer: D — Its condition, position and stability
Why? A ladder must be sound and placed securely before use. Having enough height does not show that the ladder is stable. Source
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Question 24 · Multiple choice
You must drill into an existing wall during refurbishment. Which hidden danger needs checking? A Concealed electrical and other service runs B The marks left by earlier surface fixings C Whether a cable tray is visible nearby D The position of nearby sockets alone
Show answer Correct answer: A — Concealed electrical and other service runs
Why? Existing walls may conceal live electrical cables or other services that drilling could strike. Visible sockets alone do not reveal every concealed service route. Source
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Question 25 · Multiple choice
You find that a bench saw has its blade guard removed. What is the correct response? A Keep the saw out of use until guarding is restored B Use it only for narrow cuts with extra care C Wear thicker gloves and stand to one side D Ask a colleague to watch the unguarded blade
Show answer Correct answer: A — Keep the saw out of use until guarding is restored
Why? Work equipment must have suitable guards where needed to prevent contact with dangerous parts. Extra care cannot replace a missing guard. Source
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Question 26 · Multiple choice
You spot a missing barrier beside a hazardous work area. What should you do? A Stand nearby to warn others while work continues B Assume the next shift will replace the barrier C Keep clear and promptly report the unsafe condition D Put a warning note in the site diary later
Show answer Correct answer: C — Keep clear and promptly report the unsafe condition
Why? Workers must report unsafe conditions and avoid exposure to the hazard. A later diary note does not provide prompt protection. Source
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Question 27 · Multiple choice
Which approach best helps reduce harmful exposure to vibrating hand tools? A Grip the tool harder while it is running B Keep the same tool but increase the work pace C Use lower-vibration methods and limit exposure time D Use thicker ordinary gloves during long sessions
Show answer Correct answer: C — Use lower-vibration methods and limit exposure time
Why? Lower-vibration equipment and managed exposure time help control the risk. Ordinary gloves are not a substitute for reducing vibration. Source
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Question 28 · Multiple choice
Who may change the ties or guard rails on an access scaffold? A People competent and authorised for the alteration B Any worker who has used scaffolds frequently C The trade supervisor with no scaffold training D Anyone if a colleague watches from ground level
Show answer Correct answer: A — People competent and authorised for the alteration
Why? Scaffolds must be altered by competent people under appropriate supervision. Familiarity with using a scaffold is not qualification to alter it. Source
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Question 29 · Multiple choice
Road traffic continues past a construction work area. What should workers wear to remain conspicuous? A Normal workwear with reflective safety boots B Dark waterproof jackets with bright helmet stickers C Company-branded coats without reflective material D Suitable high-visibility clothing
Show answer Correct answer: D — Suitable high-visibility clothing
Why? Appropriate high-visibility clothing helps road users notice workers. Reflective boots alone cannot replace suitable high-visibility garments. Source
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Question 30 · Multiple choice
A powered drill makes an unusual grinding noise during use. What should you do? A Reduce the drilling speed and monitor the sound B Ask another worker whether the noise is normal C Stop using it and report the defect D Keep it for lighter jobs until maintenance day
Show answer Correct answer: C — Stop using it and report the defect
Why? Suspected defective equipment should be taken out of use and reported for attention. Reserving it for lighter jobs still exposes users to the fault. Source
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Question 31 · Multiple choice
On a project with several contractors, who coordinates health and safety during the construction phase? A The principal designer alone B The project client C A site safety adviser acting alone D The principal contractor
Show answer Correct answer: D — The principal contractor
Why? The principal contractor plans, manages and coordinates the construction phase. The principal designer has a different role centred on the pre-construction phase. Source
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Question 32 · Multiple choice
Before using a new chemical cleaner on site, what must be checked? A Its hazards and the applicable COSHH controls B Whether other trades use its brand regularly C Whether the container fits the storage cupboard D Whether the smell seems mild when opened
Show answer Correct answer: A — Its hazards and the applicable COSHH controls
Why? A COSHH assessment identifies the risks and required controls before use. A familiar brand name does not establish that a substance is safe. Source
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Question 33 · Multiple choice
A scaffold work platform has a missing board. What should an operative do? A Step around the gap while carrying only light tools B Bridge the gap temporarily using loose timber C Avoid using it and report the unsafe platform D Use the next platform and ignore the missing board
Show answer Correct answer: C — Avoid using it and report the unsafe platform
Why? Scaffold platforms need safe, properly supported decking. Stepping around a gap leaves a serious fall hazard unresolved. Source
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Question 34 · Multiple choice
Before work begins beside a live road, what should manage the risk from passing vehicles? A A warning talk given to workers at the gate B A suitable planned traffic-management arrangement C Extra hard hats for the workers nearest traffic D A single cone outside the active work position
Show answer Correct answer: B — A suitable planned traffic-management arrangement
Why? Roadside work needs traffic-management measures suited to the risks. PPE and verbal warnings alone do not control moving traffic. Source
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Question 35 · Multiple choice
A coworker offers you a machine you have never been trained to operate. What should you do? A Start with easy tasks while the coworker watches B Use the manual as a substitute for operator training C Operate it briefly if the supervisor is busy D Use it only after suitable training and authorisation
Show answer Correct answer: D — Use it only after suitable training and authorisation
Why? Work equipment must be used by people who have appropriate training and information. Reading a manual alone does not make an untrained operator competent. Source
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Question 36 · Multiple choice
Which CDM dutyholder coordinates health and safety during the pre-construction design phase? A The principal contractor B The principal designer C The project client D The building contractor without that appointment
Show answer Correct answer: B — The principal designer
Why? The principal designer manages and coordinates health and safety in the pre-construction phase. The principal contractor leads the construction phase instead. Source
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Question 37 · Multiple choice
Why should you read a chemical product safety data sheet before use? A To replace the workplace COSHH assessment entirely B To check that the product is the cheapest option C To confirm that safety gloves are always sufficient D To understand hazards and safe handling measures
Show answer Correct answer: D — To understand hazards and safe handling measures
Why? Safety data sheets provide hazard and handling information for assessing safe use. They do not replace a task-specific COSHH assessment. Source
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Question 38 · Multiple choice
Strong winds have affected a scaffold overnight. What must happen before it is used again? A Workers walk around it and look for loose boards B The foreman signs the register without inspecting it C Use resumes if the access ladder still feels stable D A competent person checks its safety
Show answer Correct answer: D — A competent person checks its safety
Why? A scaffold affected by severe weather needs a competent inspection. An intact ladder does not prove the rest of the scaffold is safe. Source
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Question 39 · Multiple choice
The public need to pass a work area beside a road. What should be provided? A A shared route through the vehicle loading area B A short crossing directly through the work zone C A route marked only by a sign at its entrance D A protected pedestrian route clear of work traffic
Show answer Correct answer: D — A protected pedestrian route clear of work traffic
Why? Pedestrians should have safe routes protected from site work and vehicles. An entrance sign alone does not segregate them from hazards. Source
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Question 40 · Multiple choice
Before starting work with portable equipment, what should a user check? A Only that enough spare parts are in the store B Its condition and relevant safety features C Only that the power lead reaches the work area D Whether the previous shift finished its job
Show answer Correct answer: B — Its condition and relevant safety features
Why? Appropriate pre-use checks can reveal damage or missing safeguards. A lead reaching the task says nothing about its condition. Source
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Question 41 · Multiple choice
Which document describes how health and safety will be managed during construction work? A The site induction information sheet B The construction phase plan C The completed health and safety file D The programme showing the construction stages
Show answer Correct answer: B — The construction phase plan
Why? The construction phase plan records arrangements for managing construction risks. A delivery schedule is not a replacement for this plan. Source
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Question 42 · Multiple choice
A container carries a skull-and-crossbones hazard pictogram. What does it warn about? A A substance that is always safe when diluted B A chemical that only damages metal surfaces C A product that is flammable but otherwise harmless D A risk of acute poisoning or toxicity
Show answer Correct answer: D — A risk of acute poisoning or toxicity
Why? The skull-and-crossbones symbol warns of serious acute toxicity. Dilution cannot be assumed to remove the hazard. Source
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Question 43 · Multiple choice
Who should operate a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) on site? A A suitably trained and authorised operator B Any worker already familiar with scaffold towers C A delivery driver who has driven large vehicles D A worker given a quick explanation of controls
Show answer Correct answer: A — A suitably trained and authorised operator
Why? MEWPs must be operated by people with appropriate training and competence. General vehicle experience is not a substitute. Source
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Question 44 · Multiple choice
Traffic cones and signs have been displaced beside your roadworks. What should you do? A Carry on because high-visibility clothing remains in use B Wait until the next scheduled traffic inspection C Report it and have the traffic layout made safe D Move one nearby cone and assume the route is safe
Show answer Correct answer: C — Report it and have the traffic layout made safe
Why? Temporary traffic controls must be kept effective as conditions change. High-visibility clothing does not compensate for a disrupted traffic layout. Source
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Question 45 · Multiple choice
You notice exposed wiring on a portable power-tool cable. What is the safe action? A Wrap tape around the cable while it stays plugged in B Isolate the tool from use and report it C Use a different socket to reduce the risk D Keep the damaged cable away from wet ground
Show answer Correct answer: B — Isolate the tool from use and report it
Why? Damaged electrical equipment should be disconnected safely and removed from use. A different socket does not repair exposed wiring. Source
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Question 46 · Multiple choice
Which site provision meets the basic hygiene needs of construction workers? A Portable toilets without anywhere to wash hands B Hand sanitiser stations instead of toilets C Public toilets several streets from the worksite D Suitable toilets with proper washing facilities
Show answer Correct answer: D — Suitable toilets with proper washing facilities
Why? Construction sites need suitable toilets and washing facilities. Hand sanitiser alone does not replace those facilities. Source
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Question 47 · Multiple choice
You are cutting concrete blocks and generating dust. Which measure tackles dust as it is made? A Use suitable water suppression or on-tool extraction B Open the doors and wear ordinary dust masks C Sweep the settled dust after the cutting ends D Move colleagues away without changing the cutting method
Show answer Correct answer: A — Use suitable water suppression or on-tool extraction
Why? Water suppression or effective on-tool extraction controls dust at source. Cleaning afterwards does not prevent inhalation during cutting. Source
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Question 48 · Multiple choice
Workers below a scaffold may be struck by loose materials. Which fitting helps prevent this? A Extra warning signs on the ground below B Suitable toe boards at platform edges C High-visibility vests for people passing underneath D A wider pedestrian route beside the scaffold
Show answer Correct answer: B — Suitable toe boards at platform edges
Why? Toe boards help stop objects rolling or being kicked from platforms. Warning signs do not stop falling materials. Source
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Question 49 · Multiple choice
An excavator driver appears to be looking forward. What should you assume about their view behind? A They may have significant blind spots B They can see anyone wearing high-visibility clothing C They can see all pedestrians through the cab mirrors D They know the area is clear if no alarm sounds
Show answer Correct answer: A — They may have significant blind spots
Why? Construction plant can have blind spots even with mirrors and cameras. High-visibility clothing does not guarantee that a driver can see you. Source
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Question 50 · Multiple choice
Which portable-tool electrical supply is commonly used on construction sites to lower shock risk? A A reduced-voltage 110 V centre-tapped supply B An ordinary 230 V extension without extra protection C A 230 V supply with an unprotected trailing lead D A domestic socket with several adaptors fitted
Show answer Correct answer: A — A reduced-voltage 110 V centre-tapped supply
Why? Reduced-voltage centre-tapped supplies can lessen electric shock risk for portable tools. An ordinary domestic supply offers no equivalent voltage reduction. Source
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