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ECS Test 10

Mock Tests > ECS Test 10

You have 30 minutes to answer 50 multiple choice ECS Test questions. You need 43 out of 50 to pass. You can review your answer after each question or wait until the end of the test for your result. Good luck!

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1. When storing liquids (such as oils, fuels or chemicals) on-site, what must you do? Give one answer
A Always use the nearest container
B Ensure the liquid material is stored safely and securely, and out of the way of site traffic
C Keep the tops off, to prevent pressure from building up
D Use a transparent container so you can check how much liquid is in it
Correct Answer: B Ensure the liquid material is stored safely and securely, and out of the way of site traffic
Explanation: Any spillage could get into the ground or drains, which is likely to be an offence under environmental legislation.
2. The purpose of fire-stopping in a building is to: Give one answer
A Activate fire sprinklers
B Delay the passage of fire and smoke through openings in walls and floors
C Prevent a fire starting
D Set off the fire alarm
Correct Answer: B Delay the passage of fire and smoke through openings in walls and floors
Explanation: Fire-stopping is a passive fire protection measure used to seal any openings created in a fire resistance-rated wall or floor assembly, e.g. to allow pipes or wiring systems to pass through. During fire conditions this will impede the spread of fire and smoke.
3. 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.
4. Which of the following work procedures on electrical systems will always require a permit-to-work to be issued? Give one answer
A Dead working on high-voltage systems
B Dead working on low-voltage systems
C Live working on high-voltage systems
D Live working on low-voltage systems
Correct Answer: A Dead working on high-voltage systems
Explanation: An electrical permit-to-work should state what circuit or equipment has been made safe, how that has been achieved and what work is to be done. A permit should not, therefore, be used for live working. Such a permit is always required for work on high-voltage systems, but can also be used for low-voltage systems.
5. Which of the following procedures should be used when more than one person will be working on circuits supplied from a distribution board which has been switched off? Give one answer
A Blowing a horn before the power is switched on again
B Giving each operative a volt stick
C Telling everyone what time the power will be switched on again
D The use of a multi-lock hasp on the isolator with a padlock for each operative
Correct Answer: D The use of a multi-lock hasp on the isolator with a padlock for each operative
Explanation: A multi-lock hasp can be used to prevent operation of the isolator until such time that all persons working on the electrical installation have completed their work and removed their padlocks from the hasp.
6. You need to clean up some oil that has leaked from machinery onto the ground. What is the right way to do this? Give one answer
A Put it under some off-cuts so that the oil cannot be seen
B Put the oily contaminated soil into a suitable container that takes hazardous waste
C Put the oily contaminated soil into the general waste skip
D Wash the oil away with water and detergent
Correct Answer: B Put the oily contaminated soil into a suitable container that takes hazardous waste
Explanation: Oil-contaminated wastes are classified as hazardous/special waste in waste legislation. The Hazardous Waste Regulations (Special Waste Regulations in Scotland) require such waste to be properly segregated or otherwise treated, and then recovered or disposed of in an approved way. Following the other options would be an offence under waste legislation.
7. Do individuals have any responsibility for sustainability when on site? Give one answer
A No, it is a matter for the Environment Agency/NIEA/SEPA
B No, it is dealt with by the site manager
C Only on sites where there is asbestos
D Yes, on every site
Correct Answer: D Yes, on every site
Explanation: Your responsibility is to follow the site and company rules aimed at environmental protection and sustainability, and to help your company to comply with relevant legal requirements, such as the need to segregate waste properly (e.g. so that it can be recovered).
8. Which of the following is not a requirement of low voltage safe isolation practice? Give one answer
A A caution notice should be applied at the point of isolation
B Ensuring that the correct point of isolation is identified
C The conductors are proved to be dead at the point of work
D The person carrying out the work is issued with insulating gloves
Correct Answer: D The person carrying out the work is issued with insulating gloves
Explanation: Safe isolation practice refers to dead working. The use of insulating gloves will generally only be applicable to live working.
9. Where there is no local means of isolation for equipment or circuits to be worked on, which of the following is the preferred method of isolation? Give one answer
A Disconnecting the individual circuit from the DB
B Isolation of the individual circuit breaker or fuse
C Isolation of the main switch or DB switch- disconnector
D Pulling out the distributor's cut-out fuse
Correct Answer: C Isolation of the main switch or DB switch- disconnector
Explanation: Isolating the whole installation or distribution board is the safest method.
10. 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.
11. When exposing underground power cables, which method of excavation should you use? Give one answer
A A 360 degree excavator with rubber tyres
B A kango hammer
C A pickaxe
D Hand digging
Correct Answer: D Hand digging
Explanation: Hand-held power tools and mechanical excavators should not be used too close to underground services and hand digging should be carried out with care.
12. When working alone: Give one answer
A Don't bother anyone if you have a problem, always sort it out yourself
B Make sure someone responsible knows where you are
C Wear headphones, it will make the day go more quickly
D You can do away with protective equipment
Correct Answer: B Make sure someone responsible knows where you are
Explanation: Employees should adhere to safe working arrangements put in place by their employer. When working alone, such arrangements should include informing a responsible person of your location periodically.
13. 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
14. When should visual checks of portable hand-held equipment be made by the user? Give one answer
A Each time it is used
B Monthly
C Weekly
D When a replacement is needed
Correct Answer: A Each time it is used
Explanation: The user needs to be satisfied that the tool has no obvious defect before use.
15. What is the preferred nominal voltage for portable hand lamps for general use on construction sites? Give one answer
A 110 volts
B 150 volts
C 230 volts
D 400 volts
Correct Answer: A 110 volts
Explanation: 110 volt reduced low voltage systems are strongly preferred for the supply to such equipment.
16. 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.
17. Why may a confined space be dangerous to work in? Give one answer
A Air in the space may be unbreathable due to poisonous gas
B All of the hazards mentioned
C Temperature and poor ventilation may affect the worker
D There may not be sufficient working space
Correct Answer: B All of the hazards mentioned
Explanation: There can be a range of hazards associated with confined spaces, and these can include all of those mentioned
18. What is the minimum height of the top guard-rail of a scaffold above the edge from which someone is liable to fall? Give one answer
A 2 metres
B 470mm
C 910mm
D 950mm
Correct Answer: D 950mm
Explanation: This is a requirement of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
19. When working on a roof that has fragile, clear-plastic panels, what is the best way of preventing falls through the panels? Give one answer
A Cover the fragile panels with a strong material and secure the covers to stop them being dislodged
B It shouldn't be necessary to do anything, everyone knows the dangers
C Make sure that everyone is told where the panels are and to avoid treading on them
D Remove the panels carefully to leave an open space.
Correct Answer: A Cover the fragile panels with a strong material and secure the covers to stop them being dislodged
Explanation: Protection from falling through openings and fragile roof lights can be provided by barriers or with covers which can be secured or labelled with a warning.
20. Half the deaths on construction sites are caused by which one of the following? Give one answer
A Electrical misuse
B Falls from heights
C Misuse of plant and machinery
D Working in trenches/confined spaces
Correct Answer: B Falls from heights
Explanation: This is shown by HSE statistics.
21. Under what circumstances do the Work at Height Regulations permit a stepladder to be used on site? Give one answer
A At any time
B Never - stepladders are banned
C Only when a risk assessment shows that safer alternatives have been ruled out and the task is of low risk and of short duration
D Provided you can't fall 2 metres or more
Correct Answer: C Only when a risk assessment shows that safer alternatives have been ruled out and the task is of low risk and of short duration
Explanation: The WAH Regulations have not banned the use of ladders or stepladders, but they should be used sensibly.
22. What hazard is created when the head of a cold chisel 'mushrooms'? Give one answer
A Damage to the hammer head
B Flying steel splinters
C Reduced striking area
D Softens the impact
Correct Answer: B Flying steel splinters
Explanation: This question is looking for the 'hazard', which is the situation that can cause harm to people.
23. In an emergency situation at work you should do what? Give one answer
A Ensure your work mates are all accounted for
B Leave the site immediately
C Obey the site emergency procedure
D Phone the HSE Inspectorate
Correct Answer: C Obey the site emergency procedure
Explanation: A site emergency plan should have been drawn up and you should be familiar with the emergency procedure.
24. Ladders should be: Give one answer
A At the right angle
B In good condition
C Tied or footed
D Tied or footed AND at the right angle AND in good condition
Correct Answer: D Tied or footed AND at the right angle AND in good condition
Explanation: All the measures listed are required to reduce the risk of falls.
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. How often should a first-aider qualified in First Aid at Work (FAW) or Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) receive retraining? Give one answer
A Every four years
B Every six months
C Every three years
D Every two years
Correct Answer: C Every three years
Explanation: First Aid at Work (FAW) and Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) certificates are valid for three years and first-aiders are required to undertake retraining at the end of this period. However, the HSE also strongly recommends that first-aiders undertake annual (half-day) refresher training.
27. If someone has fallen off a ladder and they say their leg is broken, what should you do? Give one answer
A Bandage their legs together
B Help them to the cabin or mess hut
C Move the ladder so no-one trips over it
D Send for the first-aider
Correct Answer: D Send for the first-aider
Explanation: Competent first-aid treatment is essential, and should be summoned immediately.
28. At or above what level of daily personal noise exposure does an employer have to provide hearing protection if it is requested by an employee? Give one answer
A 80 dB(A)
B 85 dB(A)
C 90 dB(A)
D 95 dB(A)
Correct Answer: A 80 dB(A)
Explanation: This is one of the duties of employers under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 when the lower exposure action value of 80 dB(A) is reached or exceeded.
29. The effects of damage to your hearing by long-term exposure to high noise levels: Give one answer
A Are permanent
B Can be corrected by an operation
C Can be reversed to near normal, with time
D Will be reduced when you change jobs
Correct Answer: A Are permanent
Explanation: Hearing damage due to long-term noise exposure is irreversible.
30. 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.
31. What is a fire assembly point? Give one answer
A A place where fire extinguishers are kept
B A place where the fire brigade goes to
C The place to go when the fire alarm sounds
D The place where the fire alarm is
Correct Answer: C The place to go when the fire alarm sounds
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.
32. 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.
33. When considering what measures to take to protect people's health and safety, PPE should always be regarded as: Give one answer
A The best way to tackle the job
B The first line of defence
C The last resort
D The only practical measure
Correct Answer: C The last resort
Explanation: Engineering controls and safe systems of work should always be considered first.
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. What type of eye protection would you wear when using a cartridge-operated tool, such as a nail gun? Give one answer
A Chemical protection glasses
B Impact goggles
C Safety spectacles
D Sun glasses
Correct Answer: B Impact goggles
Explanation: When using a cartridge-operated tool, such as a nail gun, shatter proof goggles should be worn.
36. 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.
37. If there is a fatal accident on site, when must the Health and Safety Executive be informed? Give one answer
A Within 10 days
B Within 5 days
C Within 7 days
D Without delay
Correct Answer: D Without delay
Explanation: The enforcing authority must be notified by the quickest practicable means.
38. Which of the following have to be entered into the accident book? Give one answer
A All accidents causing an injury
B All accidents causing any damage
C Only accidents causing serious injury
D Only accidents causing time off work
Correct Answer: A All accidents causing an injury
Explanation: An accident causing an injury to an employee at work should be recorded in the accident book (BI 510).
39. When working in dusty conditions, what of the following would give the LEAST level of protection? Give one answer
A Compressed airline breathing helmet
B Half mask dust respirator
C Positive pressure powered respirator
D Self contained breathing apparatus
Correct Answer: B Half mask dust respirator
Explanation: Protection factors are given in HSE publication HSG53 'Respiratory protective equipment at work - A practical guide'
40. Following a reportable dangerous occurrence when must the enforcing authority be informed? Give one answer
A Within 24 hours
B Within 48 hours
C Within 5 days
D Without delay
Correct Answer: D Without delay
Explanation: The enforcing authority must be notified by the quickest practicable means.
41. Before picking up a load, you should: Give one answer
A Ask a work mate to help you
B Assess the risks
C Bend your knees
D Choose a pair of gloves
Correct Answer: B Assess the risks
Explanation: You or your employer must assess the risk of injury before lifting.
42. If there is a risk of injury from lifting loads what should you think about first? Give one answer
A How to lift the load
B What the weight of the load is
C Where to hold the load when lifting
D Whether the load needs to be lifted at all
Correct Answer: D Whether the load needs to be lifted at all
Explanation: If possible, it is best to avoid the risks from lifting altogether. This is the preferred requirement laid down in the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.
43. Where a load has to be lifted manually, what is the employer required to do by law? Give one answer
A Assess the risk of the task
B Assess the time the job will take
C Calculate the cost of the exercise
D Determine the number of people required
Correct Answer: A Assess the risk of the task
Explanation: This is a specific requirement of the Manual Handling Operations regulations 1992.
44. In manual handling, which of the following general statements is true? Give one answer
A Anyone can carry any load as long as they are strong enough
B Large loads should be broken down into smaller loads where possible
C Loads should be held at arm's length while carrying
D You should keep your back bent when lifting
Correct Answer: B Large loads should be broken down into smaller loads where possible
Explanation: This is a recommendation in HSE guidance(INDG143).
45. Regulations that govern health and safety on construction sites: Give one answer
A Apply only to inexperienced workers
B Apply only to large companies
C Are mandatory (that is, compulsory)
D Do not apply during 'out of hours' working
Correct Answer: C Are mandatory (that is, compulsory)
Explanation: The requirements of health and safety law are mandatory, and failure to follow them can lead to prosecutions.
46. 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.
47. 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.
48. If a Health and Safety Executive Inspector issues a "Prohibition Notice", this means that: Give one answer
A Specific work activities, highlighted on the notice, must stop
B The HSE must supervise all work from then on
C The HSE must supervise the work covered by the notice
D The Site Manager can choose whether or not to ignore the notice
Correct Answer: A Specific work activities, highlighted on the notice, must stop
Explanation: Prohibition notices are intended to Stop activities which can cause serious injury.
49. Companies employing five or more people must have a written Health and Safety Policy because: Give one answer
A The HSAWA 1974 requires it
B The Social Security Act requires it
C The principal contractor gives them work on site
D The trade unions require it
Correct Answer: A The HSAWA 1974 requires it
50. What is the MAXIMUM penalty that a Higher Court, can currently impose for a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act? Give one answer
A Unlimited fine and two years imprisonment
B £1,000 fine and six months imprisonment
C £15,000 fine and three years imprisonment
D £20,000 fine and two years imprisonment
Correct Answer: A Unlimited fine and two years imprisonment
Explanation: A Lower Court can impose a fine of up to £20,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment for certain offences. The potential fine in a Higher Court, however, is unlimited and the term of imprisonment can be up to 2 years.