Practice test 2: 50 questions from all five areas, as in the real test, where you need 45 correct answers out of 50.
About these questions
These are FreeExamPath's own questions on the topics of the operatives test, written from UK law and HSE guidance. They are not CITB test questions, and FreeExamPath is not affiliated with CITB or CSCS. The CSCS website
A tight-fitting respirator is required for dusty cutting work. What check is needed for the wearer?
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Correct answer: B — A suitable face-fit test for that respirator
Why?Tight-fitting respiratory protection needs fit testing to establish an adequate seal. The size used by a colleague does not prove fit for another wearer.Source
Where should workers be able to take meal breaks on a construction site?
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Correct answer: C — In a suitable rest area away from contamination
Why?Suitable rest facilities must be provided, including arrangements for eating meals. A materials bay can still expose workers to site hazards.Source
Dry brushing raises clouds of fine construction dust. What is a safer cleaning approach?
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Correct answer: C — Use suitable vacuum extraction or wet methods
Why?Dust should be controlled with suitable extraction or wet methods. Sweeping when fewer people are present still spreads harmful airborne dust.Source
Why should spoil heaps be kept back from the edge of an excavation?
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Correct answer: C — To reduce collapse and falling-material risks
Why?Spoil close to an excavation edge can fall in and add loads that cause collapse. Convenience for handling materials cannot outweigh this risk.Source
A working excavator needs space to slew its boom. What should other workers do?
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Correct answer: A — Stay outside the designated operating exclusion zone
Why?An exclusion zone keeps people clear of moving plant and its working envelope. Being near the tracks does not avoid the danger of the slewing boom.Source
When should a competent person check an excavation support system during normal work?
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Correct answer: B — At the start of the working shift
Why?Excavations and supports must be inspected by a competent person at the start of shifts and at required other times. Waiting for visible movement may be too late.Source
A heavy machine is to be positioned near soft ground. What should be assessed?
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Correct answer: B — Ground bearing strength and machine stability
Why?Ground conditions must support the machine and its loads safely. An experienced driver cannot establish ground bearing strength by sight alone.Source
A worker is about to excavate near suspected underground cables. What should be done beforehand?
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Correct answer: D — Check service information and locate the cables
Why?Underground service plans and suitable locating methods must be used before excavation. Surface fittings cannot show every buried cable route.Source
Who should carry out work that could disturb known asbestos-containing materials?
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Correct answer: B — People with suitable training and authorisation
Why?Work with asbestos requires task-appropriate competence and controls, with a licence for some work. General construction experience alone is not enough.Source
Before mechanical digging near buried services, which combination is appropriate?
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Correct answer: D — Service plans and suitable cable-locating equipment
Why?Buried services should be identified using records and suitable locating equipment before digging. Street signs cannot confirm underground routes.Source
Your site requires a hot-work permit for welding. What must happen before you start?
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Correct answer: D — Obtain authorisation and follow the permit controls
Why?Required hot-work permits must be authorised and their conditions followed before starting. An extinguisher does not replace the permit controls.Source
Wet cement regularly touches your wrists during work. How should skin exposure be controlled?
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Correct answer: A — Use suitable gloves and wash contamination off promptly
Why?Wet cement can damage skin, so contact should be prevented and contamination washed away. Hand cream is not a substitute for protective gloves.Source
Why can a tank or deep chamber be dangerous even when it appears empty?
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Correct answer: A — It may contain too little oxygen or harmful gases
Why?Confined spaces can contain oxygen-deficient or toxic atmospheres without obvious warning signs. Poor lighting does not explain the main atmospheric hazard.Source
You develop an itchy skin rash after using site chemicals. What should you do?
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Correct answer: B — Report it and seek appropriate advice
Why?Early reporting helps identify occupational dermatitis and prevent further exposure. Changing gloves without reporting may leave the harmful cause uncontrolled.Source
A task requires entry into a confined space. What is essential before anyone enters?
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Correct answer: D — Suitable risk controls, training and entry authorisation
Why?Confined-space entry requires appropriate assessment, controls, competence and any necessary permit arrangements. Ordinary PPE alone cannot address an unsafe atmosphere.Source
Heavy paving slabs need moving repeatedly. Which approach best follows manual-handling principles?
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Correct answer: C — Use suitable mechanical handling aids where practical
Why?Hazardous manual handling should be avoided or reduced where reasonably practicable. Good lifting technique alone does not remove the need for suitable aids.Source
A conveyor needs servicing where it could restart unexpectedly. What protects the workers?
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Correct answer: B — Secure isolation with lock-off arrangements
Why?Stored and supplied energy must be isolated and secured to prevent unexpected start-up. A normal stop button does not prevent another person restarting the machine.Source
A reversing vehicle has restricted rear visibility. What planned measure can help control the movement?
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Correct answer: D — Use a trained vehicle marshal where required
Why?A properly trained marshal may control reversing where the traffic plan requires one. An untrained bystander cannot reliably manage blind spots.Source
Who normally makes a statutory RIDDOR report after a reportable work accident?
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Correct answer: C — The employer or another responsible person
Why?RIDDOR reporting is generally the duty of the responsible person, such as the employer. Workers should report accidents internally but are not usually the statutory reporter.Source
Before a manual lift that cannot be avoided, what should be considered?
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Correct answer: A — The load, task, surroundings and individual capability
Why?A manual-handling assessment considers the full task, load, working environment and the person. Experience with yesterday’s load cannot replace the current assessment.Source
Who should plan a crane lifting operation before the lift takes place?
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Correct answer: C — A person competent to plan the lifting operation
Why?Lifting operations must be properly planned by a competent person. Knowing the load weight alone does not demonstrate lifting-planning competence.Source
Work demands are affecting your mental health. What is a useful early step?
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Correct answer: D — Raise the concerns so work risks can be addressed
Why?Work-related stress risks should be identified and managed, with concerns raised early. A shift change alone may leave the underlying problem untouched.Source
A crane is holding a suspended load above the work area. Where should you stand?
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Correct answer: B — Outside the area beneath the suspended load
Why?People must be kept clear of suspended loads because they may fall or shift. A hard hat is not adequate protection from a dropped lifting load.Source
An electrical circuit has been switched off for maintenance. Who should confirm it is dead before contact?
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Correct answer: A — A competent person using a suitable test method
Why?A competent person must verify electrical isolation using suitable methods before work on conductors. Reading an isolator label alone does not prove a circuit is dead.Source
Your firm is repairing a site entrance beside a busy pavement. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, whose safety must the employer also consider?
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Correct answer: D — Members of the public who could be affected
Why?Section 3 of the Act requires employers to run their work so that people they do not employ, including the public, are not put at risk. The duty is not limited to people on the payroll or signed in.Source
