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ECS Test 5

Mock Tests > ECS Test 5

You have 30 minutes to answer 50 multiple choice ECS Test questions. You need 43out 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. 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.
3. Which of the following does the Electricity at Work (EAW) regulations apply to? Give one answer
A All persons engaged for work purposes
B Employees only
C Employers only
D Self employed persons only
Correct Answer: A All persons engaged for work purposes
Explanation: The EAW Regulations impose duties on employers, employees and the self employed.
4. Optical fibre cable remnants should not be left lying around on site because: Give one answer
A Laser beams still exist in the cut pieces
B They are toxic
C They can be hot and burn upon contact
D They can pierce the skin or eyes
Correct Answer: D They can pierce the skin or eyes
Explanation: Fibre fragments can enter the bloodstream and cause infections in the skin or eyes. All fibre waste, particularly small pieces, should be placed in suitable receptacles.
5. You are on site and you need to dispose of some waste liquid that has oil in it and you are not sure what to do with it. What should you do? Give one answer
A Ask your supervisor about the correct way to deal with this waste.
B Dispose of it in a sealed container into the site skip
C Pour it onto the ground, it will soak away
D Take it outside and set light to it
Correct Answer: A Ask your supervisor about the correct way to deal with this waste.
Explanation: Dealing with hazardous/special waste will include proper storage and segregation before it is taken away by an authorized waste carrier as required by environmental legislation. An oil spillage could also get into the ground or drains, which may also be an offence under environmental law. Burning waste on site is also an offence, under air pollution legislation, and can lead to local complaints.
6. Other site workers are complaining that you are generating too much dust. What should you do? Give one answer
A Ignore them - it's none of their business
B Issue the other site workers with dust masks
C Stop work and inform your supervisor
D Tell them you have nearly finished
Correct Answer: C Stop work and inform your supervisor
Explanation: Excessive dust may be a health hazard to you and those around you, but even if it is not a health hazard, excessive dust can be a 'statutory nuisance (under the Environmental Protection Act). Even when it is not a statutory nuisance, it can lead to complaints from neighbours and possible damage to neighbouring property.
7. The specific effects on the human body of a major electric shock are one of the following: Give one answer
A Broken bones
B Burns and cardiac arrest
C Chest pains
D Dermatitis
Correct Answer: B Burns and cardiac arrest
8. 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.
9. What is the most serious effect that electric shock can have if you come into contact with a live part? Give one answer
A The electric current can cause a slight tingling in the fingers
B The electric current can cause burn marks on the fingers
C The electric current can cause the finger muscles to twitch
D The electric current can cause the heart to stop, resulting in death
Correct Answer: D The electric current can cause the heart to stop, resulting in death
Explanation: Contact with live electrical parts can be fatal. If you do not know otherwise, always assume that electrical parts are live.
10. When working in a confined space, such as a sewer, what danger may occur? Give one answer
A Boredom
B Build up of harmful gases
C Getting wet through
D Not enough time for the job to be done
Correct Answer: B Build up of harmful gases
Explanation: Sewer gases can be inflammable and suffocating.
11. Before entering an excavation to start work, it must first be: Give one answer
A Covered over and left overnight
B Filled with water then drained
C Inspected by a competent person
D Inspected by the HSE
Correct Answer: C Inspected by a competent person
Explanation: Excavation work is hazardous. A competent person, knowledgeable about how to reduce risks, notably from collapse of the walls, must inspect the excavation first.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. An electric drill is to be used. Before use, who should carry out a check on the tool? Give one answer
A Electrician
B Foreman
C Storeman
D User
Correct Answer: D User
Explanation: The user needs to be satisfied that the tool has no obvious defect before use.
15. What is the recommended maximum voltage for portable hand lamps when working in confined or damp locations? Give one answer
A 110 volts
B 230 volts
C 400 volts
D 50 volts
Correct Answer: D 50 volts
Explanation: Where the environment is damp, or restricting and conductive, the magnitude of any electric shock will be higher than under normal conditions. Hand lamps in such locations should therefore be supplied from a SELV (separated extra-low voltage) system, i.e. having a maximum voltage of 50 volts and which is electrically separated from earth.
16. If an extension cable is to be run across a site road, what action should you take? Give one answer
A Don't do anything to protect the cable
B Lay the cable over wooden boards
C Place a rubber protection ramp over it and put up a sign stating 'Ramp Ahead'
D Throw wooden boards over it
Correct Answer: C Place a rubber protection ramp over it and put up a sign stating 'Ramp Ahead'
Explanation: It is essential that the cable is protected from damage caused by passing traffic. A sign will warn road traffic of the ramp.
17. If you have to work at height and it is not possible to erect a scaffold, or use any other type of working platform or mobile elevating work platform, then you should: Give one answer
A Wear a harness and lanyard at all times
B Work without fall protection at all times when no one else is about
C Work without fall protection, provided the weather is not too windy
D Work without fall protection, provided you have a mate with you
Correct Answer: A Wear a harness and lanyard at all times
Explanation: The harness will greatly reduce the likelihood of injury if you fall.
18. What should you do if your work activity requires you to wear a full body safety harness and one is not available? Give one answer
A Borrow a harness from a colleague
B Carry on working and hope that everything will be alright
C Make a harness from items found on site
D Stop work immediately and tell your supervisor that you do not have the correct PPE
Correct Answer: D Stop work immediately and tell your supervisor that you do not have the correct PPE
Explanation: Always advise the supervisor if you do not have the correct PPE.
19. 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.
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. Why should aluminium ladders be kept away from wet lime or cement? Give one answer
A It may corrode the ladder
B It will stain the aluminium
C It will stain your clothes
D The ladder may become statically charged
Correct Answer: A It may corrode the ladder
Explanation: Aluminium can corrode in certain situations, notably if in prolonged contact with lime or cement.
22. What is the ideal angle for a ladder against a wall and floor? Give one answer
A Four metres up for every metre out from the wall
B One metre up for every metre out from the wall
C One metre up for every two metres out from the wall
D Two metres up for every metre out from the wall
Correct Answer: A Four metres up for every metre out from the wall
Explanation: The correct angle for a ladder is 75 degrees, which an be judged using the angle indicator marked on the stiles of some ladders or using the 1 in 4 rule.
23. When working above public areas, what should be considered? Give one answer
A Keeping the areas open to the public
B Keeping the job going
C Preventing complaints from the public
D The danger of falling materials
Correct Answer: D The danger of falling materials
Explanation: There is a significant risk to the public from falling materials, if this is not considered before and during work.
24. 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.
25. A workmate burns their hand on a piece of very hot metal. What should you do first? Give one answer
A Cover the burn with something dry
B Put their hand in cold water if it is available
C Rub some cream or Vaseline into the burn
D Warn other people about the piece of hot metal
Correct Answer: B Put their hand in cold water if it is available
Explanation: Burns need immediate and sustained cooling
26. 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.
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. 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.
29. You are most likely to catch Weil's disease (Leptospirosis) if you: Give one answer
A Drink water from a standpipe
B Fix showers or baths
C Work near air conditioning units
D Work near wet ground, waterways or sewers
Correct Answer: D Work near wet ground, waterways or sewers
Explanation: Anyone who is exposed to rat urine is at risk, particularly sewer workers and farmers. Those in contact with canal or river water are also at risk.
30. An emergency route(s) must be provided on construction sites to ensure: Give one answer
A Safe passage to a secure place of safety
B Safe passage to the ground from height
C Safe passage to the open air
D Safe passage to the rest area
Correct Answer: A Safe passage to a secure place of safety
31. 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.
32. 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).
33. 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.
34. Which one of the following should you do if your personal protective equipment (PPE) is damaged? Give one answer
A Carry on working
B Obtain new equipment when available
C Reduce the amount of time you use it
D Report to your Supervisor without delay
Correct Answer: D Report to your Supervisor without delay
Explanation: Employees are required to report any defective PPE to their employer (PPE at Work Regulations 1992, Regulation 7)
35. 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.
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. The collapse of scaffolding is only notifiable to the enforcing authority as a reportable dangerous occurrence when the scaffolding is which one of the following? Give one answer
A Any height
B Over 10 metres in height
C Over 15 metres in height
D Over 5 metres in height
Correct Answer: D Over 5 metres in height
Explanation: This is one of the requirements of RIDDOR.
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. What is the aim of carrying out an accident investigation? Give one answer
A To determine the cause(s) and prevent similar accidents
B To establish the cost of any damage incurred
C To establish what injuries were sustained
D To find out who is at fault
Correct Answer: A To determine the cause(s) and prevent similar accidents
Explanation: An accident investigation should not only assess the cause, but also how similar accidents can be prevented in the future.
40. If a load has an uneven centre of gravity, how should you lift it? Give one answer
A Keep the heaviest side of the load away from you
B Keep the heaviest side of the load on the strongest arm
C Keep the heaviest side of the load on the weakest arm
D Keep the heaviest side of the load towards you
Correct Answer: D Keep the heaviest side of the load towards you
Explanation: There is less risk of injury if a weight's centre of gravity is near the torso.
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. Where there has been a major change in a manual handling operation, what should the employer do? Give one answer
A Monitor the cost of change
B Monitor the operation being undertaken
C Review the number of people involved
D Review the original risk assessment
Correct Answer: D Review the original risk assessment
Explanation: This is a specific requirement of the Manual Handling Operations regulations 1992.
43. Which of the following would NOT make a load easier to handle manually Give one answer
A Painting it a bright colour
B Providing suitable handles or hand grips
C Reducing its weight
D Securing the load so that it does not shift unexpectedly
Correct Answer: A Painting it a bright colour
44. 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.
45. Who would you expect to carry out a risk assessment on your working site? Give one answer
A A competent person
B A visiting HSE Inspector
C The CDM Co-ordinator
D The construction project designer
Correct Answer: A A competent person
Explanation: A risk assessment must be conducted by a 'competent person'.
46. What must be done before any work begins? Give one answer
A Assessment of risk
B Emergency plan
C Geological survey
D Soil assessment
Correct Answer: A Assessment of risk
Explanation: This is a legal requirement of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations.
47. 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.
48. The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations require the colour coding of signs. What colours are used on a sign indicating a warning, for example "Fork-lift trucks operating"? Give one answer
A Blue and white
B Green and white
C Red and white
D Yellow and black
Correct Answer: D Yellow and black
Explanation: Warning signs are triangular and feature a black pictogram on a yellow background with black edging.
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.