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ECS Test 7

Mock Tests > ECS Test 7

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. 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.
2. Why should different types of waste be separated on site? Give one answer
A So the local council can charge Landfill Tax
B So the main contractor can check what's being thrown away
C So waste can be recovered more easily
D They will take up less room in the skip
Correct Answer: C So waste can be recovered more easily
Explanation: This is good practice, since waste recovery can save both energy and materials, compared to creating brand new materials or items. It will also cut the amount of waste that goes to landfill. If the waste is classed as hazardous (special waste in Scotland) then the effective separation of different wastes is a legal requirement.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. The Electricity at Work Regulations require that: Give one answer
A A training course is necessary before anyone can work with electricity
B Anyone supervised can work with electricity
C Only electricians can work with electricity
D Persons working with electricity must have the appropriate level of knowledge and experience
Correct Answer: D Persons working with electricity must have the appropriate level of knowledge and experience
Explanation: Competency is a requirement of r.16 of the EAW Regulations.
6. Which of the following should be used to prove a circuit or equipment is dead after isolation? Give one answer
A A lamp holder with a length of flex attached
B A multimeter
C A proprietary test lamp or two-pole voltage detector
D A voltage stick
Correct Answer: C A proprietary test lamp or two-pole voltage detector
Explanation: Accident history has shown that using incorrectly set multimeters or makeshift devices for voltage detection has often caused accidents. The use of non-contact voltage indicators (voltage sticks) is also not advised as the sole means of proving dead.
7. 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.
8. Which of the following is NOT best practice from a sustainability point of view? Give one answer
A Looking after the people working on or near the site
B Protecting the environment
C Saving materials, fuel, water and energy
D Sending unused and waste copper cables to landfill
Correct Answer: D Sending unused and waste copper cables to landfill
Explanation: Option D) would be wasting a valuable natural resource (copper) that could be effectively recovered for later use or recycling. Reusing or recycling copper has less environmental impact than mining and extracting new copper reserves.
9. When is live working permissible? Give one answer
A When it is unreasonable in all circumstances for the equipment to be made dead and suitable precautions are taken
B When the means of isolation cannot be identified
C When the person carrying out the work is a competent person
D When the person working on the equipment is wearing rubber gloves
Correct Answer: A When it is unreasonable in all circumstances for the equipment to be made dead and suitable precautions are taken
Explanation: This is a requirement under r.14 of the EAW Regulations. However, it does not mean that live working is then 'safe'
10. 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.
11. What action should you take if a workmate gets an electric shock? Give one answer
A Cut off the power and call for help
B Dial 999 and ask for the fire brigade
C Phone the electricity board immediately
D Try to pull them to safety
Correct Answer: A Cut off the power and call for help
Explanation: If you can switch the power off, the electric hazard will be removed. First aid assistance will then probably be required. Do not touch someone who is still in contact with live electrical cables as you could also receive an electric shock.
12. What is the purpose of using a 'permit to work' system? Give one answer
A To enable tools and equipment to be properly checked before the commencement of work
B To ensure that the client will pay for the work
C To ensure the job is carried out by the quickest method
D To help ensure a safe system of work
Correct Answer: D To help ensure a safe system of work
Explanation: A permit to work is a written system used to control certain types of hazardous work. They allow work to start only when site procedures have been clarified.
13. You have to enter a manhole in which you know there are toxic gases. You have all the PPE but there does not appear to be a rescue plan in place. What should you do? Give one answer
A Ask your mate to stand-by at the top of the manhole with a length of rope
B Do not enter the manhole until a rescue plan and rescue equipment are in place
C Just get on and do the job, it will probably be alright
D Plan to carry out the job in short bursts
Correct Answer: B Do not enter the manhole until a rescue plan and rescue equipment are in place
Explanation: A rescue plan must be in place before anyone enters a confined space. This is one of the requirements of the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997.
14. You have to walk across a site several times a day, but have to dodge a lot of site traffic. The first thing you should do is: Give one answer
A Have word with the drivers
B Jump on the back of a vehicle if you can, it's safer than walking
C Tell your supervisor about the danger
D Walk around the edges of the site to keep out of the way
Correct Answer: C Tell your supervisor about the danger
Explanation: Pedestrian routes should have been set up to keep people and vehicles apart, so inform your employer if the system is not working. Don't hitch rides on vehicles unless safe seating is provided.
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. If you only have a mains voltage (230 V) hand drill and you want to use it on a construction site which only has yellow (110 V) socket-outlets, what should you do? Give one answer
A Cut the plug off and fit a yellow one instead
B Make up an extension cable with a yellow plug on one end and a standard socket on the other end
C Obtain a 110 V drill or a cordless one for the work
D Use a transformer to boost the voltage
Correct Answer: C Obtain a 110 V drill or a cordless one for the work
Explanation: Electrical equipment must not be modified or operated at voltages other than their design voltage.
17. 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.
18. A scaffold tower must be erected by: Give one answer
A A trained and competent person
B Senior site staff
C The hire company who supply it
D The site foreman
Correct Answer: A A trained and competent person
Explanation: There are a number of organizations that provide training for the safe erection and use of tower scaffolds.
19. 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.
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 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.
22. What should you do immediately if you get a small cut on a finger whilst at work? Give one answer
A Ask your employer to report it to the HSE
B Carry on working
C Get first-aid
D Just wash it clean
Correct Answer: C Get first-aid
Explanation: It is important to obtain first-aid to prevent further harm (e.g. through infection). It should also be recorded in the accident book (BI 510).
23. 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
24. The type of accident that kills most construction site workers is: Give one answer
A Being hit by falling objects
B Electrical accident
C Falling from heights
D Trench collapses
Correct Answer: C Falling from heights
Explanation: Although the other dangers can kill or cause injury, falling from height is the biggest cause of fatalities.
25. 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.
26. All new fire extinguishers are coloured red or of bright self-coloured metal. How do you know the difference between types? Give one answer
A A different colour panel or band is on the body of the extinguishers
B During site induction, you will be told where the different types of extinguishers are
C The type of extinguisher is written on a sign next to it
D The weight and shape of the extinguisher
Correct Answer: A A different colour panel or band is on the body of the extinguishers
Explanation: Different coloured bands show extinguisher types e.g. black for CO2 and blue for dry powder.
27. 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.
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. 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.
30. Hearing protection should be worn: Give one answer
A at any workplace
B in designated areas
C in noisy internal areas only
D only on building sites
Correct Answer: B in designated areas
Explanation: Employees must wear hearing protectors when exposed at or above the upper exposure action values and within hearing protection zones.
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. 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. When would it be appropriate to wear a bump-cap instead of a safety helmet? Give one answer
A In warm weather
B In warm weather
C When there is no foreseeable risk of injury from falling or swinging objects
D When working on a ladder
Correct Answer: C When there is no foreseeable risk of injury from falling or swinging objects
Explanation: Industrial scalp protectors (bump caps) can protect against striking fixed obstacles, scalping or entanglements. They do not provide suitable protection against falling or swinging objects.
34. When an assessment of hazardous substances has been carried out under the COSHH Regulations, the risks and control measures should be explained to: Give one answer
A all employees on site
B the accounts department
C the operatives using the substance
D the person in charge of the stores
Correct Answer: C the operatives using the substance
Explanation: All those working with the hazardous substances in question need to know about any risks.
35. 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.
36. 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.
37. Which of the following statements is TRUE when an employer issues personal protective equipment (PPE)? Give one answer
A The employer can charge you for the full cost of it
B The employer can charge you for up to half the cost of it
C The employer can only charge you for it if you lose or damage it
D The employer cannot charge you for it
Correct Answer: D The employer cannot charge you for it
Explanation: Employers cannot charge for PPE such as hard hats, gloves, required by law (and the bulk of PPE is required by law).
38. You have suffered an accident at work which has made you incapable of your normal work for over 7 days. Which of the following actions MUST be taken by your employer? Give one answer
A A deduction is made from your wages for days lost
B The emergency services are asked to attend the site
C The local hospital is informed
D The relevant enforcing authority is informed
Correct Answer: D The relevant enforcing authority is informed
Explanation: An over-seven-day injury is one which is not a specified injury but results in the injured person being away from work or unable to do the full range of their normal duties for more than seven days (including any days they wouldn't normally be expected to work such as weekends, rest days or holidays) not counting the day of the injury itself.
39. Under which of the following circumstances must injury accidents be recorded in the accident book? Give one answer
A Any time they occur
B Only if you break a bone
C Only if you have time off work
D Only if you need to go to hospital
Correct Answer: A Any time they occur
Explanation: An accident causing an injury to an employee at work should be recorded in the accident book (BI 510).
40. 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).
41. What must an employer do with their accident records following completion of a construction project? Give one answer
A They are destroyed on site with other non-essential documents
B They are kept safe by the employer
C They are sent to the Health and Safety Executive
D They are sent to the employer's insurance company
Correct Answer: B They are kept safe by the employer
Explanation: Accident records must be kept by an employer for at least three years.
42. Before performing manual lifting what is the first thing you should do? Give one answer
A Assess the whole task
B Check the headroom
C Kick it to see if it is stable
D Weigh the article
Correct Answer: A Assess the whole task
Explanation: If you assess the whole task first, you will have a clear idea of possible hazards and how to overcome them, before lifting
43. A manual handling operation is defined as which one of the following? Give one answer
A Automated effort
B Human effort
C Mechanised and human effort
D Mechanised effort
Correct Answer: B Human effort
Explanation: Manual handling covers human effort only.
44. As an approximate guide the manual handling capacity of a two person team is: Give one answer
A The capacity of the strongest individual
B The capacity of the weakest individual
C The sum of their individual capacities
D Two thirds the sum of their individual capacities
Correct Answer: D Two thirds the sum of their individual capacities
Explanation: This is contained in HSE guidance on the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.
45. Who of the following would you expect to be responsible for managing health and safety on site? Give one answer
A Foreman
B HSE Inspector
C Main sub-contractor
D Your employer
Correct Answer: D Your employer
Explanation: The responsibility for management of health and safety at work rests with the employer.
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. 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 safe condition, for example "First Aid kit"? Give one answer
A Blue and white
B Green and white
C Red, black and white
D Yellow and black
Correct Answer: B Green and white
Explanation: Emergency escape and first-aid signs are rectangular or square and feature a white pictogram on a green background.
48. How can you help to prevent accidents? Give one answer
A Don't report them
B Know how to get help quickly
C Know where the first-aid kit is kept
D Report any unsafe conditions
Correct Answer: D Report any unsafe conditions
Explanation: Action to improve safety can only be taken if the risk is known about. Employees have a duty of care to other employees.
49. What do the letters CDM stand for? Give one answer
A Construction (Demolition Management) Regulations
B Construction (Design and Management) Regulations
C Control of Dangerous Materials Regulations
D Control of Demolition and Management Regulations
Correct Answer: B Construction (Design and Management) Regulations
Explanation: The CDM Regulations impose duties to manage construction projects, ensure physical safeguards are provided to prevent danger during such projects and that adequate welfare facilities are provided.
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.