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ECS Test

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You have 30 minutes to answer 50 ECS Test Health and Safety questions. You must score 43 out of 50 to pass. Good luck!

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1. Do individuals have any responsibility for minimising the amount of waste created on site? Give one answer
A No, it's the responsibility of the client
B Only during site clean-up, at the end of the project
C Only if asbestos removal is being carried out
D Yes, everyone on site has this responsibility
Correct Answer: D Yes, everyone on site has this responsibility
Explanation: Your actions will help your company, and others on site, to procure sensibly and to organise the job so that materials and substances are not wasted. Waste reduction is the best option when trying to manage site waste.
2. 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.
3. What should you do if you disturb fire-stopping around a wiring system penetrating a wall or floor whilst carrying out work? Give one answer
A Ensure that the fire-stopping is reinstated to the necessary standard as soon as possible
B Fill any holes or gaps with squashed paper
C Highlight this on any certification
D Nail a piece of wood over any gaps
Correct Answer: A Ensure that the fire-stopping is reinstated to the necessary standard as soon as possible
Explanation: It is essential that the integrity of fire compartments is maintained during the construction of buildings and on their completion. Compromising compartmentation, such as failing to adequately fire-stop (seal) openings for services to pass through, can undermine fire precautions catastrophically. 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 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. The lowest level of electrical current which can harm the human body is normally measured in: Give one answer
A Amps
B Kiloamps
C Microamps
D Milliamps
Correct Answer: D Milliamps
Explanation: Research has shown that a person is in serious danger of a fatal electric shock at, or above, approximately 30 milliamps.
9. A portable electric generator on site has two power outlets, 110 volts and 230 volts. What colour would the 110 volt outlet be? 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.
10. 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.
11. Which of the following statements is true with regard to the dangers of electricity? Give one answer
A Electricity is dangerous at any time because you cannot tell by looking at a cable whether or not it is live
B Electricity is only dangerous if you are not wearing wellington boots
C Electricity is only dangerous in wet weather
D Electricity is perfectly safe so long as you wear cotton gloves
Correct Answer: A Electricity is dangerous at any time because you cannot tell by looking at a cable whether or not it is live
Explanation: The features which make electricity so dangerous are that you cannot see, hear or smell it. It can give you a very unpleasant surprise. Always assume that cables are live.
12. 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.
13. You have to enter a manhole in which you believe there could be toxic gases. You have not been provided with any Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE). What should you do? Give one answer
A Just get on with the job, and accept the risks
B Look into the manhole to see if you can see any harmful gases
C Sniff the atmosphere in the manhole to see if you can smell harmful gases
D Tell your supervisor that you will need RPE, and if necessary, training in confined space working
Correct Answer: D Tell your supervisor that you will need RPE, and if necessary, training in confined space working
Explanation: An employer must provide all necessary personal protective equipment and respiratory protective equipment when an employee is required to enter a confined space. This is one of the requirements of the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997.
14. What is the preferred nominal voltage for portable hand lamps for general use on construction sites? Give one answer
A 110 volts
B 150 volts
C 230 volts
D 400 volts
Correct Answer: A 110 volts
Explanation: 110 volt reduced low voltage systems are strongly preferred for the supply to such equipment.
15. When using an extension cable reel, which of the following statements is correct? Give one answer
A Do not exceed the reeled or unreeled rating as appropriate
B Leave as much as possible coiled up on the reel
C Only uncoil what you need
D Uncoil it fully every time
Correct Answer: A Do not exceed the reeled or unreeled rating as appropriate
Explanation: The rating of a partially unreeled extension cable is much lower than when fully unreeled. Overheating of the cable will occur if the rating is exceeded. Care should also be taken to prevent extension cables becoming a tripping hazard.
16. 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.
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. Half the deaths on construction sites are caused by which one of the following? Give one answer
A Electrical misuse
B Falls from heights
C Misuse of plant and machinery
D Working in trenches/confined spaces
Correct Answer: B Falls from heights
Explanation: This is shown by HSE statistics.
19. What hazard is created when the head of a cold chisel 'mushrooms'? Give one answer
A Damage to the hammer head
B Flying steel splinters
C Reduced striking area
D Softens the impact
Correct Answer: B Flying steel splinters
Explanation: This question is looking for the 'hazard', which is the situation that can cause harm to people.
20. 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.
21. 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).
22. 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.
23. 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.
24. 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.
25. 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.
26. When discharging carbon dioxide fire extinguishers, the nozzle: Give one answer
A Becomes very cold
B Becomes very hot
C Becomes warm
D Doesn't change temperature
Correct Answer: A Becomes very cold
Explanation: The expansion of CO2 gas coming out of the nozzle causes rapid cooling.
27. 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
28. 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.
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 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. The effects of damage to your hearing by long-term exposure to high noise levels: Give one answer
A Are permanent
B Can be corrected by an operation
C Can be reversed to near normal, with time
D Will be reduced when you change jobs
Correct Answer: A Are permanent
Explanation: Hearing damage due to long-term noise exposure is irreversible.
32. 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.
33. 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.
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. 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)
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. When using personal protective equipment (PPE) legally you must do which of the following? Give one answer
A Clean it properly once a week
B Not interfere with it or misuse it
C Replace it at your own expense if it is damaged
D Return it to the manufacturer when damaged
Correct Answer: B Not interfere with it or misuse it
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)
38. 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.
39. Before picking up a load, you should: Give one answer
A Ask a work mate to help you
B Assess the risks
C Bend your knees
D Choose a pair of gloves
Correct Answer: B Assess the risks
Explanation: You or your employer must assess the risk of injury before lifting.
40. 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
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. If there is a risk of injury from lifting loads what should you think about first? Give one answer
A How to lift the load
B What the weight of the load is
C Where to hold the load when lifting
D Whether the load needs to be lifted at all
Correct Answer: D Whether the load needs to be lifted at all
Explanation: If possible, it is best to avoid the risks from lifting altogether. This is the preferred requirement laid down in the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.
43. 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.
44. 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.
45. In the context of a risk assessment, what do you understand by the term risk? Give one answer
A An unsafe act or condition
B Any work activity that can be described as dangerous
C Something with the potential to cause injury
D The likelihood that harm from a particular hazard will occur
Correct Answer: D The likelihood that harm from a particular hazard will occur
Explanation: Hazard and risk are not the same. Risk reflects the chance of being harmed by a hazard
46. 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.
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 mandatory activity, for example "Safety helmets must be worn"? Give one answer
A Blue and white
B Green and white
C Red, black and white
D Yellow and black
Correct Answer: A Blue and white
Explanation: Mandatory signs are round and feature a white pictogram on a blue background.
48. 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.
49. What is an "Improvement Notice"? Give one answer
A A notice from the client to the principal contractor to speed up the work
B A notice issued by a Building Control Officer to deepen foundations
C A notice issued by an HSE/local authority Inspector to enforce compliance with health and safety legislation
D A notice issued by the site principal contractor to tidy up the site
Correct Answer: C A notice issued by an HSE/local authority Inspector to enforce compliance with health and safety legislation
Explanation: Improvement notices require action to achieve standards which meet health and safety law.
50. The Health and Safety Executive is: Give one answer
A Part of the National Health Service
B Part of the police force
C The jury in health and safety court cases
D The regulatory body for the promotion of health and safety at work
Correct Answer: D The regulatory body for the promotion of health and safety at work
Explanation: The Health and Safety Executive is part of the Department for Work and Pensions.