Login Sign Up

ECS Test 4

Mock Tests > ECS Test 4

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!

Sign up to keep track of your progress

Tests Taken

Last Score

Average Score

Your Progress

2 votes - average 5 out of 5

ECS Test 4 Quick View

Click the question box to reveal the correct answer. You can print the ECS Test 4 questions and answers by clicking the printer icon below.

1. Which of the following should you do on site in the interest of sustainability? Give one answer
A Bury waste material
B Comply with site instructions on handling waste materials
C Pour waste liquids down a drain off-site
D Run plant and equipment when they are not needed
Correct Answer: B Comply with site instructions on handling waste materials
Explanation: Your actions will help your company, and others working on site, to achieve more sustainable work practices, such as waste recovery.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Where mains voltage is used to supply portable equipment on a construction site, what additional protection is required? Give one answer
A Cable avoidance tool
B Residual current device (RCD)
C Step-down generator
D Step-down transformer
Correct Answer: B Residual current device (RCD)
Explanation: Reduced low voltage systems (e.g. 110 volt centre point earthed) are strongly preferred in such circumstances. Where only mains voltage (230 V) equipment is available, however, a 30 mA RCD will give additional protection against fatal electric shock.
8. 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.
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. 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.
11. Why may young people be more at risk on site? Give one answer
A There is no requirement to provide PPE to young people
B There is no specific legislation applying to them
C They are inexperienced and may not recognize danger
D They are usually left to work alone to gain experience
Correct Answer: C They are inexperienced and may not recognize danger
Explanation: Health and Safety guidance lists young people as often being 'at particular risk', due to their lack of practical experience.
12. Under the Electricity at Work Regulations, live working is considered: Give one answer
A As entirely acceptable
B Never to be allowed
C Only to be allowed in exceptional circumstances
D To be normally permitted
Correct Answer: C Only to be allowed in exceptional circumstances
Explanation: Extra controls must be employed, including training, supervision and use of suitable tools and protective equipment.
13. 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.
14. What action should you take if an electric drill cuts out while you are using it? Give one answer
A Put it back into the tool box
B Remove it from use and tell your supervisor
C Shake it about a bit
D Switch the power off and on
Correct Answer: B Remove it from use and tell your supervisor
Explanation: The drill may be faulty. If so, tell your supervisor and remove the drill from service.
15. If an electric drill gives off blue smoke from the motor, you should: Give one answer
A Pour water over it
B Stop work for 30 minutes
C Switch it off and report it
D Use a CO2 extinguisher
Correct Answer: C Switch it off and report it
Explanation: Defective electric hand tools must not be used. Stop what you are doing and inform your supervisor.
16. 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
17. On a mobile elevating work platform, what should you attach your safety harness to? Give one answer
A A nearby pipe or scaffold
B A secure anchorage point inside the platform
C A strong part of the structure you are working on
D The boom of the machine
Correct Answer: B A secure anchorage point inside the platform
Explanation: The priority is to stay within the platform (which is the safest place), and in any event you cannot be sure of the strength of other fixtures.
18. Of the following, which is the poorest method of securing a ladder? Give one answer
A Having someone foot the ladder
B Securing the base of the ladder
C Tying the ladder
D Using a ladder stability device
Correct Answer: A Having someone foot the ladder
Explanation: Footing a ladder is the last resort and should be avoided. Other more suitable access equipment should be used where practicable.
19. What do the letters SWL stand for? Give one answer
A Safe working level
B Safe working load
C Satisfactory weight limit
D Satisfactory working limit
Correct Answer: B Safe working load
Explanation: Machinery and accessories for lifting loads should be clearly marked to indicate their safe working loads.
20. 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.
21. 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.
22. 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.
23. 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.
24. When can you work from a ladder? Give one answer
A For short periods and then only if it is safe to do so
B When it is available
C When it is long enough
D When not being used for access
Correct Answer: A For short periods and then only if it is safe to do so
Explanation: Ladders are primarily means of access, not workplaces. They can be worked from, but only if the use of other, more suitable, work equipment is not appropriate and the task is of low risk and of short duration.
25. What should you do if you hear the fire alarm? Give one answer
A Evacuate the premises to a designated place of safety
B Go towards the sound to find out what is going on
C Ignore it because it might be someone playing around
D Leave work for the day
Correct Answer: A Evacuate the premises to a designated place of safety
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.
26. What colour is a water filled fire extinguisher, or its label? Give one answer
A Black
B Cream
C Green
D Red
Correct Answer: D Red
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. 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.
29. If someone has fallen over and has stopped breathing, what is the first thing you should do? Give one answer
A Attend to any broken bones
B Send for help
C Try to give the casualty a drink
D Try to start the casualty breathing
Correct Answer: B Send for help
Explanation: Do not delay in sending for help; then try to start the casualty breathing.
30. What are the lower and upper action values with regard to daily personal noise exposure, as defined in the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005? Give one answer
A 70 dB(A) and 80dB(A)
B 75 dB(A) and 85dB(A)
C 80 dB(A) and 85 dB(A)
D 85 dB(A) and 90dB(A)
Correct Answer: C 80 dB(A) and 85 dB(A)
Explanation: Daily personal noise exposure is the average noise level experienced by an individual over an 8 hour period.
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. 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.
33. Exposure to asbestos fibres may cause which one of the following? Give one answer
A Asbestosis
B Asthma
C Dermatitis
D Glandular fever
Correct Answer: A Asbestosis
Explanation: Breathing in asbestos fibres can also lead to a number of other diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma
34. 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.
35. When MUST an employer provide their employees with personal protective equipment (PPE)? Give one answer
A Every 5 years
B If the client or main contractor specifies it in the contract
C Twice a year
D When they may be exposed to a risk to their health & safety which cannot be controlled another way
Correct Answer: D When they may be exposed to a risk to their health & safety which cannot be controlled another way
Explanation: As required by regulation 4 of the PPE Regulations.
36. Which one of the following must apply to any hard hat provided? Give one answer
A It is CE - marked
B It is less than 1 year old
C It is less than 2 years old
D It is less than 5 years old
Correct Answer: A It is CE - marked
Explanation: All PPE should be CE - marked, indicating that it meets the basic health and safety requirements.
37. 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).
38. 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.
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. What immediate action should you take if you suffer an injury through carrying a load? Give one answer
A Advise your doctor of your injury
B Carry on working as best you can
C Tell your supervisor or employer
D Tell your working companion
Correct Answer: C Tell your supervisor or employer
Explanation: All injuries must be recorded in the Company accident book (BI 510).
41. 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.
42. 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.
43. Which of the following is advisable when lifting a load manually? Give one answer
A Bend the knees, keep the back as straight as possible, use power of legs
B Bend the knees, keep the back straight, use power of back
C Keep legs and back straight, use power of legs
D Keep legs straight, bend back, use power of legs
Correct Answer: A Bend the knees, keep the back as straight as possible, use power of legs
Explanation: Stooping can increase the stress on the lower back. However, stooping slightly may be preferable to adopting a squatting posture, which can place excessive loads on knees and hips.
44. What does 'Kinetic lifting' mean? Give one answer
A Getting a friend to help you with the load
B Lifting in the most safe and effective way
C Using a crane or some other mechanical means
D Using a forklift truck or pallet truck
Correct Answer: B Lifting in the most safe and effective way
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. What do the blue and white health and safety signs tell you? Give one answer
A The hazards in the area
B Things you must do
C Things you must not do
D Where the nearest fire exit is
Correct Answer: B Things you must do
Explanation: Blue and white signs show a 'mandatory' requirement.
47. In what circumstances can an HSE Improvement Notice be issued? Give one answer
A By warrant through the police
B If there is a breach of legal requirements
C Only between Monday and Friday on site
D Through the prosecution office
Correct Answer: B If there is a breach of legal requirements
Explanation: Improvement notices require action to achieve standards which meet health and safety law.
48. Employers are required to provide information to their employees on their health and safety rights and responsibilities and how to get advice by: Give one answer
A Displaying a poster or giving them leaflets approved by the HSE
B E-mailing the information to them
C Making them read the company health and safety policy
D Telling them verbally when they start work for them
Correct Answer: A Displaying a poster or giving them leaflets approved by the HSE
Explanation: This is a requirement of the Health and Safety Information for Employees Regulations (as amended).
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. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and any regulations made under the Act are: Give one answer
A Advisory to companies and individuals
B Legally binding
C Not compulsory, but should be complied with if convenient
D Practical advice for the employer to follow
Correct Answer: B Legally binding
Explanation: The requirements of health and safety law are mandatory and failure to follow them can lead to prosecution.