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ECS Health and Safety Test Simulator

Mock Tests > ECS Health and Safety Test Simulator

You have 30 minutes to answer 50 ECS Health and Safety Test questions. You must score 43 out of 50 to pass. Good luck!

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1. From an environmental point of view, why should materials be reused, where possible? Give one answer
A A lot of energy and raw materials go into making most construction products
B It makes less mess on site
C It's a European Union Law
D To save the client money
Correct Answer: A A lot of energy and raw materials go into making most construction products
Explanation: Although reducing the amount of waste is the first priority, the re-use of materials can also contribute to effective waste management.
2. Do individuals have any responsibility for minimising the amount of waste created on site? Give one answer
A No, it's the responsibility of the client
B Only during site clean-up, at the end of the project
C Only if asbestos removal is being carried out
D Yes, everyone on site has this responsibility
Correct Answer: D Yes, everyone on site has this responsibility
Explanation: Your actions will help your company, and others on site, to procure sensibly and to organise the job so that materials and substances are not wasted. Waste reduction is the best option when trying to manage site waste.
3. What are fire-stops designed to do? Give one answer
A Close the fire doors automatically
B Delay the passage of fire and smoke through openings in walls and floors
C Estinguish a fire
D Protect services (such as wiring systems) against fire damage
Correct Answer: B Delay the passage of fire and smoke through openings in walls and floors
Explanation: Fire-stops are designed to maintain the fireproofing of a wall or floor assembly. Fire-stopping delays the spread of fire and, generally, the spread of smoke as well.
4. If you discover a hole or gap in a fire rated wall or floor that has not been fire-stopped, what should you do? Give one answer
A Cover the hole or gap with insulating tape
B Ignore it unless it is causing a draught
C Report it to your supervisor without delay
D Use decorators' sealant to fill the gap
Correct Answer: C Report it to your supervisor without delay
Explanation: Supervisors need to be made aware of any observed inadequacies in fire-stopping - which can undermine fire precautions catastrophically during the construction of buildings and on their completion. Only a limited range of products are suitable and they must be correctly applied to provide the required degree of fire-stopping.
5. Which of the following is not a suitable means of isolating a circuit? Give one answer
A Fitting a padlocked circuit breaker lockout
B Padlocking the isolating switch
C Putting insulating tape over the circuit breaker
D Removing a fuse and locking the distribution board
Correct Answer: C Putting insulating tape over the circuit breaker
Explanation: The isolating device should be switched off or the fuse removed. The switch, circuit breaker or enclosure should then be locked and the key removed. A notice or label should also be posted to warn that someone is working on the circuit or apparatus.
6. Which of the following should be disposed of as hazardous/special waste? Give one answer
A Aerosol sealant canisters
B Glass fibre insulation
C Timber, plywood and MDF off-cuts
D Used nuisance dust masks
Correct Answer: A Aerosol sealant canisters
Explanation: Hazardous wastes (special wastes in Scotland) are specified in waste legislation. Aerosol sealants are included because they can explode if not recovered or disposed of properly, and they may still contain hazardous solvents.
7. The nominal single phase voltage in the UK is? Give one answer
A 230 volts
B 240 volts
C 400 volts
D 415 volts
Correct Answer: A 230 volts
Explanation: This is the nominal voltage for public electricity supply systems within Europe.
8. A portable electric generator on site has two power outlets, 110 volts and 230 volts. What colour would the 110 volt outlet be? Give one answer
A Black
B Blue
C Red
D Yellow
Correct Answer: D Yellow
Explanation: Yellow is the usual colour of cables, socket outlets, plugs and transformers etc which are used with a 110 volt supply.
9. Electrical installations on construction sites should be periodically inspected and tested: Give one answer
A Every 3 months
B Every 6 months
C Every month
D Every year
Correct Answer: A Every 3 months
Explanation: Three monthly inspections of construction site installations are recommended in IEE Guidance Note 3.
10. Your job involves you working near to hanging electrical cables which have bare ends. What should you do? Give one answer
A Attempt to push the cables back into the ceiling void so that you can start work
B Carry on working, as there shouldn't be a problem
C Inform your supervisor and keep well away
D Touch the cables to see if they are live
Correct Answer: C Inform your supervisor and keep well away
Explanation: You must always assume that exposed cables are live until you know they are not. Contact with live electrical cables can kill.
11. An electrical Permit to Work is primarily a statement that: Give one answer
A Certain instructions need to be followed
B Someone else has taken responsibility for the work
C The circuit or equipment has been isolated and is safe to work on
D The circuit or equipment is live
Correct Answer: C The circuit or equipment has been isolated and is safe to work on
Explanation: Permits to work describe the procedures that prevent a major hazard, such as electricity or moving machinery, from causing harm, usually by isolation to effectively ensure (in the case of electricity) 'dead' working with no chance of it going 'live'.
12. To determine the safety of the atmosphere in an excavation, which of the following is essential Give one answer
A Looking for toxic gases
B Only entering for a short period to enable a quick escape
C Sniffing the atmosphere after entry
D Using a gas detector
Correct Answer: D Using a gas detector
Explanation: Use a suitable detector. Many dangerous gases have no smell, and cannot be seen. Workers can be overcome in seconds in dangerous atmospheres.
13. You have to enter a manhole in which you believe there could be toxic gases. You have not been provided with any Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE). What should you do? Give one answer
A Just get on with the job, and accept the risks
B Look into the manhole to see if you can see any harmful gases
C Sniff the atmosphere in the manhole to see if you can smell harmful gases
D Tell your supervisor that you will need RPE, and if necessary, training in confined space working
Correct Answer: D Tell your supervisor that you will need RPE, and if necessary, training in confined space working
Explanation: An employer must provide all necessary personal protective equipment and respiratory protective equipment when an employee is required to enter a confined space. This is one of the requirements of the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997.
14. A Cable Avoidance Tool (C.A.T.) and a 'Genny' (generator) can be used successfully to locate underground cables by whom: Give one answer
A A competent person after training
B Any electricity company employee
C Anyone
D The site foreman
Correct Answer: A A competent person after training
Explanation: Equipment used to locate buried services must only be used by people who have been trained to use it.
15. Hand and power tools must be: Give one answer
A In the company's colours
B Made available when needed
C Suitable for the task and regularly inspected
D The best that you can buy
Correct Answer: C Suitable for the task and regularly inspected
Explanation: Tools must not create a risk to the user or others. This means they must be suitable and kept in good condition. This requires inspection before use.
16. What is the preferred nominal voltage for portable hand tools on construction sites? Give one answer
A 110 volts
B 12 volts
C 230 volts
D 24 volts
Correct Answer: A 110 volts
Explanation: 110 volt reduced low voltage systems are strongly preferred for the supply to such equipment.
17. When using an extension cable reel, which of the following statements is correct? Give one answer
A Do not exceed the reeled or unreeled rating as appropriate
B Leave as much as possible coiled up on the reel
C Only uncoil what you need
D Uncoil it fully every time
Correct Answer: A Do not exceed the reeled or unreeled rating as appropriate
Explanation: The rating of a partially unreeled extension cable is much lower than when fully unreeled. Overheating of the cable will occur if the rating is exceeded. Care should also be taken to prevent extension cables becoming a tripping hazard.
18. A working platform used for construction work, and from which a person could fall 2 metres or more, must not be used unless it has been inspected (and a report is subsequently prepared) by a competent person: Give one answer
A Only after an accident
B That day
C Within the previous month
D Within the previous seven days
Correct Answer: D Within the previous seven days
Explanation: Under these specific circumstances a report is required to be prepared by the competent person and given to the person for whom the inspection was done (e.g. the site manager). This is in addition to the more general requirement to inspect equipment for work at height: prior to use in that position (or site if it is mobile); following exceptional circumstances (e.g. high winds); and at suitable intervals.
19. When working on fragile roofs: Give one answer
A As long as you avoid any fragile areas it is safe
B Crawling boards should always be used
C It is safe to walk on the purlins
D Walk straight across the roof to where you need to get to
Correct Answer: B Crawling boards should always be used
Explanation: Fragile roofs must be made safe to work on, before work commences.
20. Who should operate plant and equipment on site? Give one answer
A An employee holding a full driving license
B Any experienced employee
C Only people over 18 years of age
D Trained and authorised employees only
Correct Answer: D Trained and authorised employees only
Explanation: Never operate plant or equipment unless you have been trained and are authorised to do so.
21. Your workmate suddenly gets a foreign body in the eye. What should you do? Give one answer
A Send someone for the first-aider
B Take your workmate to the supervisor
C Use a clean handkerchief to try and remove it
D Wash your hands before touching your mate's face
Correct Answer: A Send someone for the first-aider
Explanation: Competent first-aid treatment is essential, and should be summoned immediately.
22. A workmate lifting a big box suddenly shouts "oh, my back" and drops the box. What should you do? Give one answer
A Find them somewhere comfortable to sit and rest
B Help them to lift the box
C Send for the first-aider
D Tell them to leave it for someone else to lift
Correct Answer: C Send for the first-aider
Explanation: The priority for any back injury is to obtain first-aid advice, in order to prevent further damage.
23. What should you do immediately if you get a small cut on a finger whilst at work? Give one answer
A Ask your employer to report it to the HSE
B Carry on working
C Get first-aid
D Just wash it clean
Correct Answer: C Get first-aid
Explanation: It is important to obtain first-aid to prevent further harm (e.g. through infection). It should also be recorded in the accident book (BI 510).
24. Approximately 70 workers each year die on construction sites, the main cause of this is: Give one answer
A Being run over by plant
B Excavation collapse
C Falls from height
D Fire
Correct Answer: C Falls from height
25. Before being used, a ladder should be inspected: Give one answer
A By the Safety Officer
B By the foreman
C By the manufacturer
D By the user
Correct Answer: D By the user
Explanation: The user needs to be satisfied that the ladder is in a safe condition before using it.
26. Ladders should not be painted because: Give one answer
A Regular repainting will be necessary
B The paint may cover a defect or damaged part of the ladder
C The paint may not be suitable on metal parts of the ladder
D The paint will make them slippery to use
Correct Answer: B The paint may cover a defect or damaged part of the ladder
27. For fires involving spilled petrol, which types of fire extinguisher could you use? Give one answer
A Foam, carbon dioxide or dry powder
B Water, carbon dioxide or dry powder
C Water, carbon dioxide or foam
D Water, foam or dry powder
Correct Answer: A Foam, carbon dioxide or dry powder
Explanation: Flammable liquids, such as petrol, spread if attacked by water extinguishers.
28. Which types of fire extinguishers should be used on electrical fires? Give one answer
A Carbon dioxide and dry powder
B Dry powder and foam
C Foam and water
D Water and carbon dioxide
Correct Answer: A Carbon dioxide and dry powder
Explanation: Liquids should not be used, since they may conduct electricity.
29. A labourer gets an electric shock; looks a bit pale but says they are alright. What should you do? Give one answer
A Go and check the electrics so it cannot happen again
B See if they want a drink or a cigarette
C Send someone for the first-aider
D Tell them to report it to their supervisor
Correct Answer: C Send someone for the first-aider
Explanation: Competent first-aid treatment is essential, and should be summoned immediately
30. Which of the following is one of the recommended means of protecting your hearing? Give one answer
A Cotton wool pads
B Ear defenders
C Rolled tissue paper
D Soft cloth pads
Correct Answer: B Ear defenders
Explanation: The others are not considered to be suitable types of hearing protection.
31. If there had been a small fire, who should you report it to? Give one answer
A The main contractor's site agent
B The resident site engineer
C The site's fire marshal
D Your supervisor
Correct Answer: D Your supervisor
Explanation: The supervisor should be aware, so that further preventative measures can be considered.
32. How can you protect your eyesight while working on site? Give one answer
A By not looking directly at what you are doing
B By squinting
C By wearing sunglasses
D By wearing the correct type of eye protection
Correct Answer: D By wearing the correct type of eye protection
33. Why should a high visibility vest be worn when working on roads? Give one answer
A Because it will keep you warm
B Because you were told to do so
C So road users and plant operators can see you
D So that your mates can see you
Correct Answer: C So road users and plant operators can see you
Explanation: Many workers are struck and injured, often seriously, by moving vehicles.
34. How would you recognise a hazardous substance? Give one answer
A By a symbol on the container
B By its smell
C It will be in a suitable container
D The colour of the label on the container
Correct Answer: A By a symbol on the container
Explanation: A supplier of a packaged hazardous substance must include a label on the packaging incorporating one or more hazard symbols alerting users to the dangers posed by the chemical.
35. If you have been handling lead, how is it most likely to get into your blood stream? Give one answer
A By not reporting the matter to the HSE
B By not using the correct safety footwear
C By not washing your hands before eating
D By not wearing safety goggles
Correct Answer: C By not washing your hands before eating
Explanation: The route into the body is ingestion, normally from lead contamination on the hands.
36. Which of the following must your safety helmet comply with to meet with the requirements of the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations? Give one answer
A It can be adjusted to suit your head size
B It has a label with your name on it
C It is a good visible colour
D It is less than 1 year old
Correct Answer: A It can be adjusted to suit your head size
Explanation: An assessment of the suitability of head protection would include consideration of whether it can be adjusted to suit the individual who is to wear it, that it is compatible with the work to be done and that it is comfortable to wear.
37. When using personal protective equipment (PPE) legally you must do which of the following? Give one answer
A Clean it properly once a week
B Not interfere with it or misuse it
C Replace it at your own expense if it is damaged
D Return it to the manufacturer when damaged
Correct Answer: B Not interfere with it or misuse it
Explanation: Interfering with or misusing items provided in the interests of health, safety or welfare is an offence under the HSW Act 1974 (section 8)
38. Under which of the following circumstances should an accident be recorded in the site's accident book? Give one answer
A Only when a person is injured and will be off work for more than seven days
B When an accident causes damage to plant or equipment
C When an accident causes injury to an employee while at work
D When the injury is serious enough for first aid to be needed.
Correct Answer: C When an accident causes injury to an employee while at work
Explanation: An accident causing an injury to an employee at work should be recorded in the accident book (BI 510).
39. When picking up an object, you should: Give one answer
A Bend your arms
B Bend your back
C Bend your knees
D Wear a back brace
Correct Answer: C Bend your knees
Explanation: Generally, the legs should do most of the work when lifting a load.
40. When an article has to be moved for a long distance, you should: Give one answer
A Carry it all the way
B Drag it all the way
C Get someone else to do it for you
D Use a barrow or trolley
Correct Answer: D Use a barrow or trolley
Explanation: The use of handling aids can reduce the risk of injury.
41. Under RIDDOR, which one of the following must be reported to the enforcing authority? Give one answer
A Accidents where the injured person wishes to make a claim
B All 'near misses' even if no one is hurt
C All accidents causing any injury
D Fracture other than to fingers, thumbs or toes
Correct Answer: D Fracture other than to fingers, thumbs or toes
Explanation: This is one of a number of reportable 'specified injuries' and must be reported to the enforcing authority under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR).
42. What must an employer do with their accident records following completion of a construction project? Give one answer
A They are destroyed on site with other non-essential documents
B They are kept safe by the employer
C They are sent to the Health and Safety Executive
D They are sent to the employer's insurance company
Correct Answer: B They are kept safe by the employer
Explanation: Accident records must be kept by an employer for at least three years.
43. What is the MAXIMUM weight that an individual may lift? Give one answer
A 15kg provided that it is a compact load
B 35kg provided that it has no sharp edges
C The weight they can lift comfortably
D Whatever the supervisor instructs
Correct Answer: C The weight they can lift comfortably
Explanation: There are no strict weight limits - the priority is to avoid injury.
44. If there is a risk of injury from moving loads what should you think about? Give one answer
A Advising your supervisor
B Carrying it anyway
C Dragging it all the way
D Getting someone to assist you over the distance
Correct Answer: A Advising your supervisor
Explanation: This is a requirement of the Manual Handling Operations regulations 1992.
45. Which of the following statements is correct? Give one answer
A All employees must take reasonable care, not only to protect themselves but also their colleagues
B Employees have no responsibility for Health and Safety on site
C Only the client is responsible for safety on site
D The duty for health and safety falls only on the employer
Correct Answer: A All employees must take reasonable care, not only to protect themselves but also their colleagues
Explanation: This is a legal requirement under Section 7 of the Health & Safety at Work Act.
46. What is a HAZARD? Give one answer
A An accident waiting to happen
B Something with the potential to cause harm
C The likelihood of something going wrong
D Where an accident is likely to happen
Correct Answer: B Something with the potential to cause harm
Explanation: Examples of hazards include: a drum of acid, breeze blocks on an elevated plank; cables running across a floor.
47. The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations require the colour coding of safety signs. What colours are used on a sign indicating a mandatory activity, for example "Safety helmets must be worn"? Give one answer
A Blue and white
B Green and white
C Red, black and white
D Yellow and black
Correct Answer: A Blue and white
Explanation: Mandatory signs are round and feature a white pictogram on a blue background.
48. A Health and Safety Executive Inspector can? Give one answer
A Only visit if accompanied by the principal contractor
B Only visit if they have made an appointment
C Only visit to interview the site manager
D Visit at any time
Correct Answer: D Visit at any time
Explanation: Inspectors have a range of powers, including the right to visit premises at any time.
49. Employers have to produce a written Health and Safety Policy statement when: Give one answer
A A contract commences
B The HSE notifies them
C The safety representative requests it
D They employ five people or more
Correct Answer: D They employ five people or more
Explanation: This is a specific requirement of the Health and Safety at Work Act.
50. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which of the following have a duty to work safely? Give one answer
A All people at work
B Employees only
C Employers only
D The general public
Correct Answer: A All people at work
Explanation: Employers, employees and the self-employed all have duties to work safely under the Act.