CSCS test practice questions: high-risk activities (UK)
by Quizhat · 12 questions · Updated · CC BY
SafetyEnglish
Revision for the high-risk activities in the CITB HS&E test: work at height, scaffolds, ladders, excavations, services, confined spaces, lifting and site traffic. Free quiz with instant feedback and a short explanation citing the rule for every answer. Based on the law and official guidance that apply in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales); Northern Ireland has its own, very similar regulations. Practice material written by Quizhat: these are not the questions of any official test, and Quizhat is not affiliated with CITB, CSCS or HSE. Sources: Work at Height Regulations 2005; Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015; Confined Spaces Regulations 1997; Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998; HSE guidance INDG455 (ladders), HSG47 (underground services), GS6 (overhead power lines).
A scaffold platform from which a person could fall 2 metres or more must be inspected at least how often?
Once a month, by the scaffold erector
Every 7 days and after events affecting safety
Only when it is first put up and handed over to the user
Every 14 days, and after high winds
Question 2 · Single choice · 60s · 1 pt
What is the order of measures for work at height?
Avoid, prevent, then minimise
Harness first, then guardrails, then nets
Minimise, prevent, then avoid
Use a ladder for every job under 3 metres
Question 3 · Single choice · 60s · 1 pt
What is the right angle for a leaning ladder?
45 degrees: 1 out for every 1 up
60 degrees: 1 out for every 2 up
As upright as possible
About 75 degrees: 1 out for every 4 up
Question 4 · Single choice · 60s · 1 pt
When must an excavation with supports or battering be inspected by a competent person before work in it?
Once a week, and after any heavy rain
Only when it is first dug and supports are fitted
Each shift, and after events or falls of material
Only when water has collected in the bottom
Question 5 · Single choice · 60s · 1 pt
How should you treat a roof covered in old cement sheets or with roof lights?
As safe if it held your weight last time
As fragile: never walk on it unprotected
As safe in dry weather, if you wear soft-soled boots
As safe if you walk along the bolt lines
Question 6 · Single choice · 60s · 1 pt
Someone wants to push a mobile access tower to the next bay while a colleague is still on the platform. What is correct?
Never move a tower with anyone or anything on it
It is fine if they hold on to the guardrail
It is fine on a level, firm floor at walking pace
It is fine if the outriggers are lifted only slightly
Question 7 · Single choice · 60s · 1 pt
An excavator is working near overhead power lines. How should the lines be treated?
As dead if they are not sparking or humming
As safe if the bucket stays below them most of the time
As safe if the operator wears rubber boots
As live, unless the owner confirms they are dead
Question 8 · Single choice · 60s · 1 pt
Before breaking ground, what helps you avoid striking buried cables?
Digging fast with the excavator to get it over with
Following old painted marks on the surface only
Plans, a cable locator (CAT) and careful hand digging
Asking the longest-serving worker where cables run
Question 9 · Single choice · 60s · 1 pt
When may someone enter a confined space such as a manhole or tank?
Whenever a colleague waits at the top with a radio
If unavoidable, under a safe system with rescue ready
Whenever the lid has been open for at least a few minutes
Whenever the work takes less than ten minutes
Question 10 · Single choice · 60s · 1 pt
How often must lifting accessories such as slings and chains be thoroughly examined?
Every 6 months, or under an examination scheme
At least every 5 years, by the supplier
Only when they are new or first put into use
Only after they have been dropped
Question 11 · Single choice · 60s · 1 pt
What is the most effective way to protect pedestrians from moving plant on site?
Give everyone on site hi-vis clothing to wear
Tell drivers to sound the horn at every blind corner
Only walk across when the plant is reversing
Keep them apart with separate routes and barriers
Question 12 · Single choice · 60s · 1 pt
What should you do before using a full-body harness and lanyard?
Nothing: harnesses are tested by the maker
Lengthen the lanyard as much as possible
Be trained, and check it before every use
Clip it to the nearest handrail before climbing
How to use it
Copy the quiz into your free account, edit it if needed and run it live: players join from their phones with a code or a QR code, no app needed. The correct answers are not published here: you see them in your copy.