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
Every 7 days, and after anything that could affect its safety
Only when it is first put up
Once a year
Question 2 · Single choice · 60s · 1 pt
What is the order of measures for work at height?
Avoid it, prevent falls, then minimise the distance and consequences of a fall
Harness first, then guardrails, then nets
Minimise, prevent, 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
60 degrees: one out for every two up
As upright as possible against the wall
About 75 degrees: one unit out for every four units 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
Only when it is first dug
At the start of every shift, and after any event or fall of material that could affect it
Only when it has rained
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 without proper platforms or covers
As safe in dry weather
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 floor
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
As safe if the bucket stays below them most of the time
As safe if the operator wears rubber boots
As live, unless the line owner has confirmed 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
Looking for painted lines only
Service plans plus a cable avoidance tool (CAT) used by a trained person, then careful hand digging
Asking the oldest worker on site
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
Only if entry cannot be avoided, under a safe system of work with rescue arrangements in place
Whenever the lid has been open for 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?
At least every 6 months, or as set out in an examination scheme
Every 5 years
Only when they are new
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?
Wear hi-vis and hope the driver sees you
Let drivers sound the horn at blind corners
Only walk across when the plant is reversing
Keep pedestrians and vehicles apart with separate, marked routes and barriers
Question 12 · Single choice · 60s · 1 pt
What should you do before using a full-body harness and lanyard?
Nothing: harnesses do not wear out
Lengthen the lanyard as much as possible
Be trained to use it and check it for damage before every use
Clip it to any handrail nearby
How to use it
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