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ECS Test 6

Mock Tests > ECS Test 6

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. Which of the following is NOT part of 'environmentally-friendly' construction? Give one answer
A Creating a dust nuisance to residents in neighbouring properties
B Minimising the amount of waste you create during a job
C Preventing water and soil pollution
D Saving energy
Correct Answer: A Creating a dust nuisance to residents in neighbouring properties
Explanation: Neighbours outside the site are an important part of the wider environment. They may be affected by nuisance (such as noise, dust or even light at night), and they may complain to the client, main contractor or the local enforcing authority. Creating certain types of nuisance is an offence under the Environmental Protection Act.
2. If you have unused material left, what should you do before you consider putting non-hazardous waste items into a skip? Give one answer
A Check whether someone else on your team can make use of it
B Make sure there is a label on it
C Put it in a plastic bag and put it in a skip
D Weigh it
Correct Answer: A Check whether someone else on your team can make use of it
Explanation: Although reducing the amount of waste is the first priority, the reuse of waste materials is much better than disposal, which is the most expensive option and which should be the last resort. Reuse is a better waste management option than recovery.
3. What are fire-stops designed to do? Give one answer
A Close the fire doors automatically
B Delay the passage of fire and smoke through openings in walls and floors
C Estinguish a fire
D Protect services (such as wiring systems) against fire damage
Correct Answer: B Delay the passage of fire and smoke through openings in walls and floors
Explanation: Fire-stops are designed to maintain the fireproofing of a wall or floor assembly. Fire-stopping delays the spread of fire and, generally, the spread of smoke as well.
4. The Electricity at Work Regulations apply to: Give one answer
A All voltage systems
B Only extra-low voltage systems
C Only high voltage systems
D Only low voltage systems
Correct Answer: A All voltage systems
Explanation: The EAW Regulations cover the safe use of electricity in work activities, irrespective of voltage.
5. Which of the following should be disposed of as hazardous/special waste? Give one answer
A Aerosol sealant canisters
B Glass fibre insulation
C Timber, plywood and MDF off-cuts
D Used nuisance dust masks
Correct Answer: A Aerosol sealant canisters
Explanation: Hazardous wastes (special wastes in Scotland) are specified in waste legislation. Aerosol sealants are included because they can explode if not recovered or disposed of properly, and they may still contain hazardous solvents.
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. 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.
9. The maximum AC voltage which the human body can withstand without long term physiological effects in dry conditions is: Give one answer
A 110 volts
B 230 volts
C 400 volts
D 50 volts
Correct Answer: D 50 volts
Explanation: Regarded as a non-fatal voltage level.
10. Your job involves you working near to hanging electrical cables which have bare ends. What should you do? Give one answer
A Attempt to push the cables back into the ceiling void so that you can start work
B Carry on working, as there shouldn't be a problem
C Inform your supervisor and keep well away
D Touch the cables to see if they are live
Correct Answer: C Inform your supervisor and keep well away
Explanation: You must always assume that exposed cables are live until you know they are not. Contact with live electrical cables can kill.
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. 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.
14. Your supervisor asks you to use a powered hand-tool which has a rotating blade. You notice that the guard is missing from the blade. What do you do? Give one answer
A Contact the manufacturer of the tool
B Inform your supervisor that the tool is unsafe and that the guard must be replaced before it is used
C Try to make an improvised guard yourself
D Use the tool anyway, you haven't had an accident with it before
Correct Answer: B Inform your supervisor that the tool is unsafe and that the guard must be replaced before it is used
Explanation: It is essential that supervisors are aware of faulty or damaged equipment.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. The power hand tool you are about to use has burn marks visible on the cable. What should you do? Give one answer
A Carry on and get the job done
B Obtain another machine and carry on, but don't tell anyone
C Tape over the affected area and continue
D Tell your supervisor about the defect and do not use the tool
Correct Answer: D Tell your supervisor about the defect and do not use the tool
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. A ladder giving access to a scaffold can generally be safely used, provided that: Give one answer
A Any broken rungs are clearly marked
B It does not move when you climb up it
C It is tied and extends at least 1 metre above the platform
D The foot of the ladder is firmly wedged
Correct Answer: C It is tied and extends at least 1 metre above the platform
Explanation: Access ladders should extend at least 1 metre above the landing point to provide a safe handhold.
23. 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.
24. 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.
25. 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
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. If you came across an injury on site, what is the first thing you should do? Give one answer
A Contact a first aider
B Inform the HSE
C Tell the casualty to visit their doctor
D Try and find out what happened
Correct Answer: A Contact a first aider
Explanation: Competent first-aid treatment is essential, and should be summoned immediately.
28. Which of the following must an employer consider when making provisions for first aid? Give one answer
A How much will it cost
B How much working space will be wasted
C The likely types of injury
D Whether the local ambulance service can be used
Correct Answer: C The likely types of injury
Explanation: Employers must match first-aid provision to the nature of risks at work.
29. 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.
30. Which of the following would not reduce the risks from hand-arm vibration when using a hammer-action tool? Give one answer
A Making sure one person does all the work with the tool
B Selecting the lowest vibration tool that is suitable and which can do the work efficiently
C Wearing gloves to keep the hands warm
D Working as a team to share the work out
Correct Answer: A Making sure one person does all the work with the tool
Explanation: Where tools require constant or frequent use, rotas will avoid individuals having long exposure to vibration. The use of low-vibration tools and keeping the hands warm in cold conditions will also reduce the risks.
31. 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
32. Can you tell by the smell of a product whether it is likely to cause harm? Give one answer
A No
B Only if you have been trained
C Only within an enclosed space
D Yes
Correct Answer: A No
Explanation: Many harmful substances have no smell
33. Why is personal hygiene so important? Give one answer
A Because the COSHH regulations require it
B So you don't smell
C To protect your own and others' health
D To stop you catching something nasty
Correct Answer: C To protect your own and others' health
34. Can you opt out of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE)? Give one answer
A No, you cannot opt out
B Yes, by informing the site supervisor
C Yes, by writing officially to your employer
D Yes, if it is uncomfortable
Correct Answer: A No, you cannot opt out
Explanation: You cannot legally "opt out" of being protected from significant risks at work. This includes wearing the necessary PPE.
35. 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.
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. When should a safety helmet be worn on site? Give one answer
A At all times unless there is no foreseeable risk of injury to the head other than by falling.
B Only when something may fall
C When walking to and from a place of work
D When you are out in the open air
Correct Answer: A At all times unless there is no foreseeable risk of injury to the head other than by falling.
Explanation: The circumstances when there is no foreseeable risk of head injury from falling or swinging objects or striking the head against something will be very limited in most construction work.
38. Which of the following can you learn from an accident? Give one answer
A A combination of human error and mechanical failure always causes injury
B How human error is always a cause
C Ideas on how you would prevent it happening again
D That mechanical failures are most dangerous
Correct Answer: C Ideas on how you would prevent it happening again
Explanation: An accident investigation should not only assess the cause, but also how similar accidents can be prevented in the future.
39. Which of the following should be recorded in the accident book following an accident? Give one answer
A The date and time the accident occurred
B The weather conditions
C Your National Insurance Number
D Your date of birth
Correct Answer: A The date and time the accident occurred
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. The weather conditions would only be included if they contributed to the accident
40. 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.
41. When moving a load fitted with wheels which of the following is generally true? Give one answer
A It is safer to pick it up and carry it
B Pulling is preferable to pushing
C Pushing and pulling are equally risky
D Pushing is preferable to pulling
Correct Answer: D Pushing is preferable to pulling
Explanation: The operator should try to push rather than pull when moving a load, provided they can see over it and control steering and stopping.
42. 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.
43. What should be the first consideration when you are about to lift a load on your own? Give one answer
A Assess whether it is safe to lift it on your own
B Ensure you lift with a bent back
C Ensure you wear appropriate PPE
D Wear gloves and grip properly
Correct Answer: A Assess whether it is safe to lift it on your own
Explanation: Employees should assess whether there is a risk of injury before lifting. If they are not sure they should seek advice from their supervisor.
44. What should you do first before lifting or moving a load? Give one answer
A Assess the weight
B Bend your knees
C Keep a straight back
D Put on gloves
Correct Answer: A Assess the weight
Explanation: You or your employer must assess the risk of injury before lifting.
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 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. 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. 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.
49. 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.
50. 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