Health and Safety Past Paper PDF

Section 1 ================================================== Q1 (Question 24): Who of the following would you expect to be responsible for managing health and safety on site? - A: Foreman - B: Your employer - C: Main sub-contractor - D: HSE Inspector Answer: B Explanation: The respon...

Section 1 ================================================== Q1 (Question 24): Who of the following would you expect to be responsible for managing health and safety on site? - A: Foreman - B: Your employer - C: Main sub-contractor - D: HSE Inspector Answer: B Explanation: The responsibility for management of health and safety at work rests with the employer. Q2 (Question 19): What is the MAXIMUM penalty that a Higher Court, can currently impose for a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act? - A: £20,000 fine and two years' imprisonment - B: £15,000 fine and three years' imprisonment - C: £1,000 fine and six months imprisonment - D: Unlimited fine and two years' imprisonment Answer: D Explanation: A Lower Court can impose a fine of up to £20,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment for certain offences. The potential fine in a Higher Court, however, is unlimited and the term of imprisonment can be up to 2 years. Q3 (Question 9): Employers are required to provide information to their employees on their health and safety rights and responsibilities and how to get advice by: - A: Telling them verbally when they start work for them - B: Displaying a poster or giving them leaflets approved by the HSE - C: Making them read the company health and safety policy - D: E-mailing the information to them Answer: B Explanation: This is a requirement of the Health and Safety Information for Employees Regulations (as amended). Q4 (Question 7): What is an Improvement Notice? - A: A notice issued by the site principal contractor to tidy up the site - B: A notice from the client to the principal contractor to speed up the work - C: A notice issued by a Building Control Officer to deepen foundations - D: A notice issued by an HSE/local authority Inspector to enforce compliance with health and safety legislation Answer: D Explanation: Improvement notices require action to achieve standards which meet health and safety law. Q5 (Question 11): Which one of the following must be in a company's written Health and Safety Policy? - A: Aims and objectives of the company - B: Organisation and arrangements in force for carrying out the health and safety policy - C: Name of the Health and Safety Adviser - D: Company Director's home address Answer: B Explanation: This is a specific requirement of the Health and Safety at Work Act. Q6 (Question 33): What colours are emergency exit signs? - A: Green and white - B: Red and yellow - C: Red and white - D: Blue and white Answer: A Explanation: The colours are prescribed in the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations. Section 2 ================================================== Q1 (Question 20): What should you do first before lifting or moving a load? - A: Put on gloves - B: Assess the weight - C: Keep a straight back - D: Bend your knees Answer: B Explanation: You or your employer must assess the risk of injury before lifting. Q2 (Question 18): As an approximate guide the manual handling capacity of a two person team is: - A: The sum of their individual capacities - B: The capacity of the strongest individual - C: The capacity of the weakest individual - D: Two thirds the sum of their individual capacities Answer: D Explanation: This is contained in HSE guidance on the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992. Q3 (Question 3): Which is the part of your body MOST LIKELY to be injured during a manual handling activity which involves moving a heavy load? - A: Knees - B: Forearms - C: Chest - D: Back Answer: D Explanation: HSE statistics show that most manual handling injuries are to the back. Q4 (Question 24): When an article has to be moved for a long distance, you should: - A: Use a barrow or trolley - B: Get someone else to do it for you - C: Drag it all the way - D: Carry it all the way Answer: A Explanation: The use of handling aids can reduce the risk of injury. Section 3 ================================================== Q1 (Question 5): Which of the following has the power to examine an accident record? - A: An HSE inspector - B: An Insurance company - C: A doctor - D: A workmate Answer: A Explanation: HSE inspectors have a range of powers, including this one. Q2 (Question 1): What should you ensure if you suffer an injury through a manual handling operation? - A: You get paid for the job - B: The injury is recorded - C: You get help and carry on working - D: You take time off work Answer: B Explanation: All injuries must be recorded in the company accident book (BI 510). Q3 (Question 27): Which of the following can you learn from an accident? - A: A combination of human error and mechanical failure always causes injury - B: Ideas on how you would prevent it happening again - C: That mechanical failures are most dangerous - D: How human error is always a cause Answer: B Explanation: An accident investigation should not only assess the cause, but also how similar accidents can be prevented in the future. Section 4 ================================================== Q1 (Question 9): When must you wear all personal protective equipment (PPE) provided by your employer? - A: As instructed by your employer - B: Only if it fits - C: When you want to - D: Only when you need to Answer: A Explanation: Under the PPE at Work Regulations 1992, employees must wear PPE as instructed. Q2 (Question 11): What type of eye protection would you wear when using a cartridge-operated tool, such as a nail gun? - A: Impact goggles - B: Sun glasses - C: Safety spectacles - D: Chemical protection glasses Answer: A Explanation: When using a cartridge-operated tool, such as a nail gun, shatter proof goggles should be worn. Q3 (Question 14): When an employee has been issued with eye protection, what are their duties under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations? - A: To ensure that they are the right type of protector - B: Not to loan the equipment to other operatives - C: To use the protection in accordance with training and instruction - D: To pay for replacement of lost eye protection Answer: C Explanation: Regulation 10(2) requires that every employee shall use any PPE in accordance with the training and instruction received. Q4 (Question 5): In normal use, what item of PPE is NOT essential for the operator of a cartridge-operated tool, such as a nail gun? - A: Safety eye wear - B: Hearing protection - C: Wellington boots - D: Safety helmet Answer: C Explanation: Wellingtons do not offer protection against the specific risks associated with the use of a cartridge-operated tool, although safety footwear must always be work when there is a risk of a foot injury. Section 5 ================================================== Q1 (Question 21): Wearing suitable hearing protection: - A: Stops you hearing distracting conversations - B: Stops you hearing all noise - C: Brings noise down to an acceptable level - D: Repairs damaged hearing Answer: C Explanation: Hearing protection still allows some noise to reach the ear, but, if it has been correctly chosen, will reduce noise levels to an acceptable level. Q2 (Question 26): What should you do if the toilets on your site are continually dirty? - A: Ignore the problem - its normal on a construction site - B: Make sure you tell someone who can sort it out - C: Find some cleaning materials and clean it up yourself - D: Ask in a nearby cafe or pub if you can use their toilets Answer: B Explanation: How often welfare facilities on site require cleaning will depend on the number of people on site and how quickly they get dirty. The person in control of the site should make sure someone is responsible for keeping the facilities clean and tidy. Q3 (Question 5): Can you tell by the smell of a product whether it is likely to cause harm? - A: No - B: Only within an enclosed space - C: Yes - D: Only if you have been trained Answer: A Explanation: Many harmful substances have no smell. Section 6 ================================================== Q1 (Question 40): For a holistic approach to fire safety - to plan for all aspects of fire safety - the three main areas that need to be considered are design, construction and... - A: Occupation - B: Fire stopping - C: Maintenance - D: Demolition Answer: C Explanation: Design, construction and maintenance are the main aspects to be considered as part of a holistic view to fire safety covering all elements to cover all aspects. Q2 (Question 7): What should you do if you hear the fire alarm? - A: Ignore it because it might be someone playing around - B: Leave work for the day - C: Evacuate the premises to a designated place of safety - D: Go towards the sound to find out what is going on Answer: C 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. Q3 (Question 36): Intumescent materials used to provide fire-stopping are designed to: - A: Expand when subjected to smoke - B: Shrink when subjected to heat - C: Expand when subjected to heat - D: Prevent noise transmission Answer: C Explanation: A limited number of fire-resistant materials may be used to provide fire-stopping. These include intumescent products, which are designed to expand and provide fire-stopping when subjected to heat. Examples include intumescent 'pillows'. Q4 (Question 1): An emergency route(s) must be provided on construction sites to ensure: - A: Safe passage to the open air - B: Safe passage to the rest area - C: Safe passage to a secure place of safety - D: Safe passage to the ground from height Answer: C Q5 (Question 20): If you came across an injury on site, what is the first thing you should do? - A: Tell the casualty to visit their doctor - B: Inform the HSE - C: Contact a first-aider - D: Try and find out what happened Answer: C Explanation: Competent first-aid treatment is essential, and should be summoned immediately. Q6 (Question 46): What is a key consideration for individuals to ensure safety at work? - A: Pushing personal limits to complete a job at any cost - B: Having a go at jobs without proper training - C: Recognising the limitations of competence and not exceeding your own limitations - D: Ignoring boundaries to complete a job in the quickest manner possible Answer: C Explanation: Competence includes the recognition and awareness of the limitations of your own competence, and not undertaking jobs or tasks for which you haven't received proper training as this will lead to unsafe and potentially dangerous practices. Q7 (Question 42): When man-made substances, such as rubber, burn, the colour of the smoke is typically: - A: White - B: Black - C: Grey - D: Yellow Answer: B Explanation: The black colour of smoke from burning man-made substances, including rubber, is primarily due to incomplete combustion of carbon-based materials, and soot particles suspended in the air making the smoke appear black. Q8 (Question 23): Which of the following must an employer consider when making provisions for first aid? - A: How much working space will be wasted - B: How much will it cost - C: Whether the local ambulance service can be used - D: The likely types of injury Answer: D Explanation: Employers must match first-aid provision to the nature of risks at work. Q9 (Question 29): A workmate lifting a big box suddenly shouts 'oh, my back' and drops the box. What should you do? - A: Tell them to leave it for someone else to lift - B: Send for the first-aider - C: Help them to lift the box - D: Find them somewhere comfortable to sit and rest Answer: B Explanation: The priority for any back injury is to obtain first-aid advice, in order to prevent further damage. Section 7 ================================================== Q1 (Question 26): What is the best method of securing a ladder? - A: Tying it to a suitable point - B: Using an effective ladder stability device - C: Wedging the ladder (e.g. against a wall) - D: Having the ladder footed Answer: A Explanation: Tying the ladder is the safest option, making sure both stiles are tied. Q2 (Question 16): What is the minimum height of the top guard-rail of a scaffold above the edge from which someone is liable to fall? - A: 470mm - B: 910mm - C: 950mm - D: 2 metres Answer: C Explanation: This is a requirement of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Q3 (Question 7): Before being used, a ladder should be inspected: - A: By the foreman - B: By the user - C: By the manufacturer - D: By the Safety Officer Answer: B Explanation: The user needs to be satisfied that the ladder is in a safe condition before using it. Q4 (Question 15): A scaffold tower must be erected by: - A: A trained and competent person - B: The hire company who supply it - C: The site foreman - D: Senior site staff Answer: A Explanation: There are a number of organizations that provide training for the safe erection and use of scaffold towers. Q5 (Question 4): How many people should be working on a ladder at one time? - A: One on each section of an extension ladder - B: One - C: Two - D: Three if it is long enough Answer: B Explanation: Only one person should be working on a ladder, although another person may be footing it, for extra stability. Section 8 ================================================== Q1 (Question 16): What is the preferred nominal voltage for portable hand tools on construction sites? - A: 12 volts - B: 24 volts - C: 110 volts - D: 230 volts Answer: C Explanation: 110 volt reduced low voltage systems are strongly preferred for the supply to such equipment. Q2 (Question 1): What do the letters SWL stand for? - A: Safe working level - B: Satisfactory weight limit - C: Satisfactory working limit - D: Safe working load Answer: D Explanation: Machinery and accessories for lifting loads should be clearly marked to indicate their safe working loads. Q3 (Question 4): Any damaged equipment must be: - A: Reported to your supervisor - B: Thrown away immediately - C: Labelled as damaged before use - D: Locked up so no one can use it Answer: A Explanation: It is essential that supervisors are aware of faulty or damaged equipment. Q4 (Question 23): To operate a powered hand tool you must be: - A: 16 years old or over - B: 18 years old or over - C: 21 years old or over - D: Trained and competent Answer: D Explanation: There are no general age restrictions in legislation relating to the use of work equipment. Any person using work equipment. however, must be competent to do so, which will require initial and refresher training. Section 9 ================================================== Q1 (Question 4): To determine the safety of the atmosphere in an excavation, which of the following is essential. - A: Sniffing the atmosphere after entry - B: Using a gas detector - C: Only entering for a short period to enable a quick escape - D: Looking for toxic gases Answer: B Explanation: Use a suitable detector. Many dangerous gases have no smell and cannot be seen. Workers can be overcome in seconds in dangerous atmospheres. Q2 (Question 15): 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: - A: Have word with the drivers - B: Walk around the edges of the site to keep out of the way - C: Tell your supervisor about the danger - D: Jump on the back of a vehicle if you can, it's safer than walking Answer: C 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. Q3 (Question 14): When working alone: - A: Make sure someone responsible knows where you are - B: You can do away with protective equipment - C: Don't bother anyone if you have a problem, always sort it out yourself - D: Wear headphones, it will make the day go more quickly Answer: A 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. Section 10 ================================================== Q1 (Question 19): Electrical installations on construction sites should be periodically inspected and tested: - A: Every 3 months - B: Every year - C: Every 6 months - D: Every month Answer: A Explanation: Three monthly inspections of construction site installations are recommended in IET Guidance Note 3. Q2 (Question 6): To prove a circuit or equipment is dead after isolation what is the FIRST activity in the sequence of events? - A: Make sure equipment is not working - B: Check between line and earth - C: Check that the voltage detector is working on a proving device, known live source or in built test feature - D: Check between line and neutral Answer: C Explanation: This will prove that that the voltage detector (such as a two-pole voltage detector or proprietary test lamp) is working, i.e. indicating voltage. Q3 (Question 4): Under the Electricity at Work Regulations, live working is considered: - A: As entirely acceptable - B: To be normally permitted - C: Only to be allowed in exceptional circumstances - D: Never to be allowed Answer: C Explanation: Extra controls must be employed, including training, supervision and use of suitable tools and protective equipment. Q4 (Question 24): For all live working activities it is necessary to: - A: Carry out a risk assessment as required by the EAW Regulations. - B: Wear rubber gloves only - C: Be accompanied - D: Keep your fingers crossed Answer: A Q5 (Question 9): Which of the following is NOT a requirement of low voltage safe isolation practice? - A: Ensuring that the correct point of isolation is identified - B: The person carrying out the work is issued with insulating gloves - C: A caution notice should be applied at the point of isolation - D: The conductors are proved to be dead at the point of work Answer: B Explanation: Safe isolation practice refers to dead working. The use of insulating gloves will generally only be applicable to live working. Q6 (Question 13): Where mains voltage is used to supply portable equipment on a construction site, what additional protection is required? - A: Step-down transformer - B: Step-down generator - C: Cable avoidance tool - D: Residual current device (RCD) Answer: D 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. Section 11 ================================================== Q1 (Question 5): You need to clean up some oil that has leaked from machinery onto the ground. What is the right way to do this? - A: Put the oily contaminated soil into the general waste skip - B: Put the oily contaminated soil into a suitable container that takes hazardous waste - C: Put it under some off-cuts so that the oil cannot be seen - D: Wash the oil away with water and detergent Answer: B Explanation: Oil-contaminated wastes are classified as hazardous/ special waste in waste legislation. The Hazardous Waste Regulations (Special Waste Regulations in Scotland) require such waste to be properly segregated or otherwise treated, and then recovered or disposed of in an approved way. Following the other options would be an offence under waste legislation. Q2 (Question 11): Which of the following does NOT help sustainability during construction projects? - A: Leaving engines and motors running when they are not needed - B: Segregating waste - C: Vehicle sharing or using public transport to get to work - D: Avoiding overheating site huts Answer: A Explanation: Option A generates local air pollution and carbon dioxide emissions (which contribute to global warming), and also increases the noise nuisance. Q3 (Question 20): When storing liquids (such as oils, fuels or chemicals) on-site, what must you do? - A: Always use the nearest container - B: Use a transparent container so you can check how much liquid is in it - C: Ensure the liquid material is stored safely and securely, and out of the way of site traffic - D: Keep the tops off, to prevent pressure from building up Answer: C Explanation: Any spillage could get into the ground or drains, which is likely to be an offence under environmental legislation.