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ECS Mock Test

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You have 30 minutes to answer 50 ECS Mock 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. Intumescent materials used to provide fire-stopping are designed to: Give one answer
A Expand when subjected to heat
B Expand when subjected to smoke
C Prevent noise transmission
D Shrink when subjected to heat
Correct Answer: A Expand when subjected to heat
Explanation: A limited number of fire-resistant materials may be used to provide fire-stopping. These include intumescent products, which are designed to expand and provide fire-stopping when subjected to heat. Examples include intumescent 'pillows' (used to provide internal sealing of trunking) and intumescent mastic.
3. Which of the following should be used to prove a circuit or equipment is dead after isolation? Give one answer
A A lamp holder with a length of flex attached
B A multimeter
C A proprietary test lamp or two-pole voltage detector
D A voltage stick
Correct Answer: C A proprietary test lamp or two-pole voltage detector
Explanation: Accident history has shown that using incorrectly set multimeters or makeshift devices for voltage detection has often caused accidents. The use of non-contact voltage indicators (voltage sticks) is also not advised as the sole means of proving dead.
4. How should you get rid of hazardous/special waste? Give one answer
A In accordance with the correct site waste rules
B Put it at the bottom of any site skip
C Take it home, they won't want it on site
D Take it to the nearest local authority waste tip
Correct Answer: A In accordance with the correct site waste rules
Explanation: The Hazardous Waste Regulations (Special Waste Regulations in Scotland) require hazardous/special waste to be properly segregated or otherwise treated, and then recovered or disposed of in an officially approved way.
5. Who needs to understand relevant environmental risks on a construction site? Give one answer
A Everyone working on the site
B Only the environmental clerk of works
C Only the principal contractor
D Only the subcontractors
Correct Answer: A Everyone working on the site
Explanation: The actions of everyone on site determine how well the risks to the environment (such as water pollution, or creating a local nuisance) are controlled.
6. When is live working permissible? Give one answer
A When it is unreasonable in all circumstances for the equipment to be made dead and suitable precautions are taken
B When the means of isolation cannot be identified
C When the person carrying out the work is a competent person
D When the person working on the equipment is wearing rubber gloves
Correct Answer: A When it is unreasonable in all circumstances for the equipment to be made dead and suitable precautions are taken
Explanation: This is a requirement under r.14 of the EAW Regulations. However, it does not mean that live working is then 'safe'
7. A residual current device is designed to operate in the event of one of the following: Give one answer
A Earth fault
B Lightning strike on the supply
C Overload
D Short-circuit
Correct Answer: A Earth fault
Explanation: An RCD provides additional protection against the risk of electric shock.
8. For all live working activities it is necessary to: Give one answer
A Be accompanied
B Carry out a risk assessment as required by the EAW Regulations.
C Keep your fingers crossed
D Wear rubber gloves only
Correct Answer: B Carry out a risk assessment as required by the EAW Regulations.
9. 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.
10. When do special precautions need to be taken when working near overhead electric power lines? Give one answer
A Only if cranes etc. are being used
B Only if plant has to pass under the lines
C Only if someone could touch a line with their bare hands
D Whenever work areas will be near or beneath the lines
Correct Answer: D Whenever work areas will be near or beneath the lines
Explanation: Actual contact with a power line is not necessary to result in an electric shock as a close approach may allow 'flashover' to occur. HSE publication GS6 gives advice on procedures to avoid such danger.
11. You have to walk across a site several times a day, but have to dodge a lot of site traffic. The first thing you should do is: Give one answer
A Have word with the drivers
B Jump on the back of a vehicle if you can, it's safer than walking
C Tell your supervisor about the danger
D Walk around the edges of the site to keep out of the way
Correct Answer: C Tell your supervisor about the danger
Explanation: Pedestrian routes should have been set up to keep people and vehicles apart, so inform your employer if the system is not working. Don't hitch rides on vehicles unless safe seating is provided.
12. The normal procedure for working on electrical equipment should be which one of the following? Give one answer
A Dead working
B Live working
C Using insulated tools
D Wearing insulated gloves
Correct Answer: A Dead working
Explanation: Dead working should be considered as the norm and work on or near live conductors should rarely be permitted
13. Which of the following would you use to replace the fuse in a plug if fuses were NOT available? Give one answer
A A bit of wire
B A nail
C A piece of silver paper
D None of the options listed
Correct Answer: D None of the options listed
Explanation: A fuse is often the main safety device in an electrical circuit. A blown fuse must only be replaced by a fuse of the correct type and rating.
14. What precaution should you take before adjusting an electrical tool? Give one answer
A Check the lead is not twisted or knotted
B Disconnect from the power source
C Wear safety footwear with steel toecaps
D Wear the correct personal protective equipment
Correct Answer: B Disconnect from the power source
Explanation: Do not adjust tools which could still be live or operate.
15. What is the preferred nominal voltage for local lighting up to 2 kW on construction sites? Give one answer
A 110 volts
B 230 volts
C 400 volts
D 55 volts
Correct Answer: A 110 volts
Explanation: 110 volt reduced low voltage systems are strongly preferred for the supply to such equipment.
16. To operate a powered hand tool you must be: Give one answer
A 16 years old or over
B 18 years old or over
C 21 years old or over
D Trained and competent
Correct Answer: D Trained and competent
Explanation: There are no general age restrictions in legislation relating to the use of work equipment. Any person using work equipment, however, must be competent to do so, which will require initial and refresher training.
17. 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.
18. What is the best method of securing a ladder? Give one answer
A Having the ladder footed
B Tying it to a suitable point
C Using an effective ladder stability device
D Wedging the ladder (eg against a wall)
Correct Answer: B Tying it to a suitable point
Explanation: Tying the ladder is the safest option, making sure both stiles are tied.
19. Any damaged equipment must be: Give one answer
A Labelled as
B Locked up so no one can use it
C Reported to your supervisor
D Thrown away immediately
Correct Answer: C Reported to your supervisor
Explanation: It is essential that supervisors are aware of faulty or damaged equipment.
20. A person nearly collapses complaining of stomach pains. What should you do? Give one answer
A Ask them if they want something to eat
B Go and find them something to drink
C Help them to find somewhere comfortable to sit
D Send someone for the first-aider
Correct Answer: D Send someone for the first-aider
Explanation: Competent first-aid treatment is essential, and should be summoned immediately.
21. How many people should be working on a ladder at one time? Give one answer
A One
B One on each section of an extension ladder
C Three if it is long enough
D Two
Correct Answer: A One
Explanation: Only one person should be working on a ladder, although another person may be footing it, for extra stability.
22. 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.
23. 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
24. What is a blue-labelled fire extinguisher filled with? Give one answer
A Carbon Dioxide
B Dry powder
C Foam
D Water
Correct Answer: B Dry powder
25. 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.
26. Which of the following items should not be in a first- aid box? Give one answer
A Disposable gloves
B Pain killers
C Safety pins
D Triangular bandages
Correct Answer: B Pain killers
Explanation: Drugs must not be kept in a first aid box (Health and Safety guidance note INDG 214).
27. 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
28. In an on-site emergency, which of the following must a first-aider NOT do? Give one answer
A Control bleeding
B Give medicines to patients without authorization
C Give resuscitation
D Treat an unconscious patient
Correct Answer: B Give medicines to patients without authorization
Explanation: First-aid is concerned with preserving life and limb, and first-aiders are not trained to dispense medical treatments.
29. What action should you take if you discover a fire? Give one answer
A Carry on working if it is safe to do so
B Extinguish the fire without raising the alarm
C Leave it because you will get the blame
D Raise the alarm
Correct Answer: D Raise the alarm
Explanation: Raising the alarm will reduce the risk to others, particularly if the fire spreads.
30. Where would you go in the event of a fire? Give one answer
A To the canteen for a cup of tea
B To the fire assembly point
C To the fire to see what is going on
D To the site hut
Correct Answer: B To the fire assembly point
Explanation: It is essential that people go to a place of safety, where supervisors or fire marshals know where they are, in the event of a fire.
31. Who has a duty to provide PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for use by an employee? Give one answer
A The client
B The employee
C The employer
D The principal contractor
Correct Answer: C The employer
Explanation: This is a requirement of the PPE at Work Regulations 1992(Regulation 4).
32. Which of the following statements about asbestos is TRUE? Give one answer
A All forms of asbestos can cause fatal diseases.
B Asbestos is not really a hazard to health
C Only brown and blue asbestos are a hazard to health
D White asbestos is safe to use
Correct Answer: A All forms of asbestos can cause fatal diseases.
Explanation: All forms of asbestos can cause fatal diseases.
33. 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.
34. If your hands are very dirty, what should you use to get them clean? Give one answer
A Paraffin
B Soap and water
C Thinners
D White Spirit
Correct Answer: B Soap and water
Explanation: The other substances can remove natural oils from the skin.
35. In normal use, what item of PPE is NOT essential for the operator of a cartridge-operated tool, such as a nail gun? Give one answer
A Hearing protection
B Safety eyewear
C Safety helmet
D Wellington boots
Correct Answer: D Wellington boots
Explanation: Wellingtons do not offer protection against the specific risks associated with the use of a cartridge-operated tool, although safety footwear must always be worn when there is a risk of a foot injury.
36. In which of the following ways should you wear your safety helmet? Give one answer
A Square on your head, properly adjusted
B With the helmet back to front
C With the peak raised to deflect falling material
D With the peak raised to give good vision
Correct Answer: A Square on your head, properly adjusted
Explanation: Any item of personal protective equipment must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, which will include how to correctly fit and wear it and what its limitations are.
37. With regard to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), which one of the following statements is true? Give one answer
A If you do not use the personal protective equipment (PPE) provided you will probably not come to any harm
B Personal protective equipment (PPE) need only be provided if it is not too expensive
C Personal protective equipment (PPE) need only be used if it is available
D Personal protective equipment (PPE) protects only the user from the dangers present
Correct Answer: D Personal protective equipment (PPE) protects only the user from the dangers present
Explanation: PPE is there to protect the individual. Wearing PPE does not protect other people nearby.
38. Which of the following MUST be recorded in an accident book after you have had an accident? Give one answer
A Your National Insurance number
B Your date of birth
C Your occupation
D Your phone number
Correct Answer: C Your occupation
Explanation: The information to be entered in an accident book (BI510) includes when and where the accident happened, the name, address and occupation of the person who had the accident and details of how the accident happened and the injuries suffered.
39. Which one of the following is classified as a reportable occupational disease under RIDDOR? Give one answer
A Amputation
B Influenza
C Mental disorder
D Occupational asthma
Correct Answer: D Occupational asthma
Explanation: Certain occupational diseases likely to have been caused or made worse by work are reportable under RIDDOR. This would include occupational asthma where the person's work includes significant or regular exposure to a known respiratory sensitizer.
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. Which one of the following should you do if you witness a serious accident on site? Give one answer
A Discuss what to do with your workmates
B Pretend you saw nothing
C Say nothing in case you get in trouble
D Tell your supervisor what you saw happening
Correct Answer: D Tell your supervisor what you saw happening
Explanation: If the supervisor is aware of an accident he can take steps to prevent a recurrence. The employer also has legal duties to report certain incidents to the enforcing authority.
42. Which is the part of your body MOST LIKELY to be injured during a manual handling activity which involves moving a heavy load? Give one answer
A Back
B Chest
C Forearms
D Knees
Correct Answer: A Back
Explanation: HSE statistics show that most manual handling injuries are to the back.
43. What is the most common type of injury resulting from lifting loads from the floor? Give one answer
A Back injuries
B Grazes to the knees
C Head injuries
D Vibration white finger
Correct Answer: A Back injuries
Explanation: As shown by HSE statistics.
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. 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.
46. What colours are fire exit signs? Give one answer
A Blue and white
B Green and white
C Red and white
D Red and yellow
Correct Answer: B Green and white
Explanation: The colours are prescribed in the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations.
47. Why should regular inspections of the workplace take place? Give one answer
A To check that all employees are present
B To check that everyone is doing their job
C To check whether the working environment is safe
D To prepare for a visit from an HSE Inspector
Correct Answer: C To check whether the working environment is safe
Explanation: The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations require that routine inspections of workplaces are carried out to ensure that preventative and protective measures are in place and effective.
48. What happens if a Prohibition Notice is issued by an Inspector of the local authority or the HSE? Give one answer
A The work can continue if adequate safety precautions are put in place
B The work can continue, provided a risk assessment is carried out
C The work in hand can be completed, but no new work started
D The work that is subject to the notice must cease
Correct Answer: D The work that is subject to the notice must cease
Explanation: The work activity covered by a prohibition notice must cease, until the identified danger is removed.
49. Who is responsible for signing a Company Safety Policy? Give one answer
A Company Safety Officer
B Company Secretary
C Managing Director
D Site Manager
Correct Answer: C Managing Director
Explanation: The Health and Safety at Work Act requires the most senior member of management to sign the health and safety policy statement.
50. What do the letters ACoP stand for? Give one answer
A Accepted Code of Practice
B Accepted Code of Provisions
C Approved Code of Practice
D Approved Condition of Practice
Correct Answer: C Approved Code of Practice
Explanation: An ACOP is a code of practice approved by the Health and Safety Executive (or the Health and Safety Commission prior to April 2008).