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ECS Test 13

Mock Tests > ECS Test 13

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. What can help to prevent harm to the environment from oil spillages? Give one answer
A A supply of water to flush the spill away
B Cover the spillage with soil
C Store oils in an area that can catch any spills, such as a bund or a drip tray.
D Turning liquid containers upside down so the top can't come off
Correct Answer: C Store oils in an area that can catch any spills, such as a bund or a drip tray.
Explanation: The use of a bund (fully walled storage area) or a drip tray will help any spillage to be contained in a small area for clear up. 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. In addition to preserving fire separation between areas of a building, which other important fire safety function can fire-stopping achieve? Give one answer
A Preventing premature structural collapse
B Reducing noise transmission
C Reducing nuisance fire alarms
D Saving energy
Correct Answer: A Preventing premature structural collapse
Explanation: During the fire, it is essential that the load-bearing capacity of elements of the building structure are maintained until the occupants have escaped. Timber studs, joists or 'I' beams, for example, may only have a short survival time if exposed to fire and may rely on linings, such as plasterboard ceiling, for fire resistance. Services passing through such linings should therefore be fire-stopped.
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. The use of a multi-lock hasp with the appropriate number of padlocks is a recommended method of safe isolation where: Give one answer
A Individual circuit breaker locking off devices are not available
B Individual circuit breakers are not identified at the distribution board
C More than one person will be working on circuits supplied from the same distribution board
D You know the health and safety inspector is in the area
Correct Answer: C More than one person will be working on circuits supplied from the same distribution board
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. Which of the following is classed as hazardous/special waste? Give one answer
A Empty cement bags
B Fluorescent light tubes
C Non-asbestos Insulation
D Polythene and shrink wrap
Correct Answer: B Fluorescent light tubes
Explanation: Hazardous wastes (special wastes in Scotland) are specified in waste legislation. Fluorescent tubes are included because of their mercury content.
7. Under environmental law, which statement is true? Give one answer
A Companies and individuals can be prosecuted if they do not follow the law
B Companies can be prosecuted, but not individuals
C It is legal to disturb protected species' habitats
D It is legal to transport business waste without proper paperwork
Correct Answer: A Companies and individuals can be prosecuted if they do not follow the law
Explanation: Most environmental law is enforced against companies, but the regulator in the relevant part of the UK (the Environment Agency, SEPA or NIEA) can also prosecute company officers and even have powers to prosecute employees if they wilfully contribute to environmental harm.
8. What colour cable USUALLY signifies 110 volt power supply on site? 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. The probes of voltage detectors and test instruments used on electrical systems should be: Give one answer
A Accompanied by a calibration certificate
B Coloured red
C Manufactured in the UK
D Shaped or have barriers to prevent finger contact with the tips
Correct Answer: D Shaped or have barriers to prevent finger contact with the tips
Explanation: In addition, to protect against damage by overcurrent whilst in use, the probes or instrument should incorporate suitable high breaking capacity (hbc) fuses with a low current rating (usually not exceeding 500 mA), or current-limiting resistors.
10. While digging a trench, you uncover a length of yellow marker tape at a depth of about 150mm. What does the presence of the marker tape mean? Give one answer
A The area has a high water-table and precautions must be taken to prevent an in-rush of water
B The excavation has reached a depth where the sides must now be supported
C There is a buried electrical cable and further excavation must be carried out with care
D There is contaminated soil below the level of the marker tape and all excavation must stop
Correct Answer: C There is a buried electrical cable and further excavation must be carried out with care
Explanation: The coloured tape indicates that there are buried services below the route of the tape.
11. A mobile plant operator can let you ride in the machine: Give one answer
A At any time
B If it is designed to carry passengers
C If it is raining
D If you have a long way to go
Correct Answer: B If it is designed to carry passengers
Explanation: Don't hitch rides on vehicles unless safe seating is provided.
12. Test instruments used for working on electrical systems should: Give one answer
A Be less than 10 years old
B Be yellow in colour
C Have insulated test probes
D Have non-insulated test probes
Correct Answer: C Have insulated test probes
Explanation: To protect the user from electric shock whilst using the instrument, i.e. handling the probes.
13. To prove a circuit or equipment is dead after isolation what is the FIRST activity in the sequence of events? Give one answer
A Check between line and earth
B Check between line and neutral
C Check that the voltage detector is working on a proving device, known live source or in- built test feature
D Make sure equipment is not working
Correct Answer: C Check that the voltage detector is working on a proving device, known live source or in- built test feature
Explanation: This will prove that that the voltage detector (such as a two-pole voltage detector or proprietary test lamp) is working, i.e. indicating voltage.
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. How often should user (visual) checks be carried out on portable electrical equipment? Give one answer
A At least once a year
B Every day
C Every time you use it
D Once a week
Correct Answer: C Every time you use it
Explanation: All items of portable electrical equipment should be visually checked for safety by the user before being put into use.
16. If you are about to use a power tool and discover the guard is missing, you should: Give one answer
A Make up a temporary guard yourself
B Not use the tool until a proper guard has been fitted
C Use the tool but try to work quickly
D Use the tool but work carefully and slowly
Correct Answer: B Not use the tool until a proper guard has been fitted
Explanation: Visual checks should be carried out before using equipment. Any faults should be reported immediately and rectified before use.
17. What must be considered first when planning to carry out work in a confined space? Give one answer
A Can the work be done from the outside
B Has sufficient manpower been allocated
C Has the job been priced properly
D Have the correct tools been arranged
Correct Answer: A Can the work be done from the outside
Explanation: Working outside will remove the risks of working in the confined space.
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. 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.
21. The electric drill you are about to use has a faulty on/off switch. What action should you take? Give one answer
A Find another machine and carry on working
B Stop work and inform your supervisor
C Tape the switch on to keep it running and carry on working
D Try and fix the fault
Correct Answer: B Stop work and inform your supervisor
Explanation: It is essential that supervisors are aware of faulty or damaged equipment.
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. 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. What does the sound of a siren on-site normally indicate? Give one answer
A A fire
B A toxic escape
C An emergency
D An explosion
Correct Answer: C An emergency
25. Most deaths on site are caused by: Give one answer
A Chemical burns
B Falling from height
C Solvent inhalation
D Vehicle movements
Correct Answer: B Falling from height
Explanation: Although the other dangers can kill or cause injury, falling from height is the bigger cause of fatalities.
26. The rung of a wooden ladder has started to split, what should you do? Give one answer
A Cut the bad bit out
B Do not use it, tell your supervisor
C Jump on it to see if it holds your weight
D Tape it up
Correct Answer: B Do not use it, tell your supervisor
Explanation: It is essential that supervisors are aware of faulty or damaged equipment.
27. Which fire extinguisher should not be used on flammable liquid fires? Give one answer
A Carbon dioxide
B Foam
C Powder
D Water
Correct Answer: D Water
Explanation: Flammable liquids spread if attacked by water extinguishers.
28. A red-labelled fire extinguisher should NOT be used: Give one answer
A On burning clothes
B On burning furniture
C On wood fires
D Where there is a risk of electrocution
Correct Answer: D Where there is a risk of electrocution
Explanation: Red denotes water. Liquids should not be used on electrical fires, since they can conduct electricity.
29. 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.
30. Which of the following is not required to be provided under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations? Give one answer
A Drinking Water
B Hot Food
C Toilet Facilities
D Washing Facilities
Correct Answer: B Hot Food
Explanation: Guidance on the provision of welfare facilities as required by CDM is given in HSE publication 'Health and Safety in Construction'.
31. Excessive sunlight on bare skin can cause which serious health problem? Give one answer
A Acne
B Dermatitis
C Rickets
D Skin cancer
Correct Answer: D Skin cancer
Explanation: Ultraviolet rays in sunlight can cause sunburn and premature ageing of the skin. The most serious effect, however, is an increased chance of developing skin cancer.
32. If you discover a fire at work, what should you do first: Give one answer
A Raise the alarm and warn fellow workers
B Run around looking for an alarm to sound
C Telephone 999
D Use a fire extinguisher to put it out
Correct Answer: A Raise the alarm and warn fellow workers
Explanation: Raising the alarm will reduce the risk to others, particularly if the fire spreads.
33. A colleague has drilled holes in the top of his safety helmet because the weather is hot. Is this: Give one answer
A Acceptable
B Acceptable if the holes are small
C His choice
D In breach of legal requirements
Correct Answer: D In breach of legal requirements
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).
34. 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.
35. Asbestos is suspected in the workplace, during renovation do you: Give one answer
A Ignore it
B Paint it
C Remove it
D Seek guidance immediately
Correct Answer: D Seek guidance immediately
Explanation: Competent advice must be sought, to prevent exposure to the worker or others, either at the time, or subsequently.
36. If you are drilling into concrete with a masonry drill, in which one of the following circumstances will you need to wear eye protection? Give one answer
A Always
B Not if drilling into the floor
C Only if the drill is bigger than 10mm
D Only when drilling overhead
Correct Answer: A Always
Explanation: Suitable eye protection must always be worn when working with power-driven tools where chippings are likely to fly or abrasive materials could be propelled.
37. Why is it important to report 'near miss' accidents to your employer? Give one answer
A It's the law
B So lessons can be learned, preventing an accident next time
C So that someone can be disciplined
D To make the figures look good
Correct Answer: B So lessons can be learned, preventing an accident next time
Explanation: The HSE advises that 'near misses' should be investigated to prevent their recurrence.
38. 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'
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 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.
41. Which would you consider to be generally correct when lifting a load? Give one answer
A Keep the load away from the body
B Larger loads should be split into smaller loads if possible
C The feet should be together and the load lifted at arm's length
D When lifting you should bend your back
Correct Answer: B Larger loads should be split into smaller loads if possible
Explanation: This is a recommendation in HSE guidance(INDG143).
42. 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).
43. What would you NOT consider in making a judgement of the risks from a load? Give one answer
A Its centre of gravity
B Its colour
C Its size and condition
D Its weight
Correct Answer: B Its colour
Explanation: A, C and D can all affect the difficulty of lifting an object.
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. Complete the following sentence: A risk assessment Give one answer
A Is a means of analysing what might go wrong
B Is a piece of paper required by law
C Isn't particularly useful
D prevents accidents
Correct Answer: A Is a means of analysing what might go wrong
Explanation: Risk assessment involves a careful review of what can cause harm and the practical measures to be taken to reduce the risk of harm.
46. 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 prohibited activity, for example "No access for pedestrians"? Give one answer
A Blue and white
B Green and white
C Red, black and white
D Yellow and black
Correct Answer: C Red, black and white
Explanation: Prohibitory signs are round and feature a black pictogram on a white background with red edging and diagonal line.
47. Identify one method of enforcing regulations that are available to the Health and Safety Executive: Give one answer
A Health Notice
B Improvement Notice
C Increasing insurance premiums
D Obstruction Notice
Correct Answer: B Improvement Notice
Explanation: Improvement notices require action to achieve standards which meet health and safety law.
48. 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.
49. 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.
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).