CSCS Electrical Safety Test

0 votes, 0 avg

HS&E TEST

Electrical Safety and Tools

1 / 43

If a power tool has a portable appliance testing (PAT) label on it, what information should be included on the label?

The tool's earth-loop impedance

Who tested the tool before it left the factory

When the tool was made

When the tool was last tested

2 / 43

Apart from dust, vibration, noise and flying fragments, identify another significant hazard in this image.

No emergency procedures defined

Safety shoes not okay

Electrical wire can stuck in feet, which may lead to an accident

There is no supervisor

3 / 43

What is the main danger when using a chisel or bolster with a mushroomed head?

You are more likely to hit your hand with the chise head

It will shatter and send fragments flying into the air

The shaft of the chisel will bend, putting a strain on your wrist

The hammer could slip off the head of the bolsters or chisel

4 / 43

Why is it essential to be fully trained before using a cartridge-operated tool?

They have exposed electrical parts

They operate like a gun and can be dangerous in inexperienced hands

They are heavy and could cause manual handling injuries

They can cause dermatitis when used for long periods

5 / 43

Which item of equipment would not require portable appliance testing (PAT)?

Plug in portable halogen light

Battery-powered rechargeable drill

110 volt transformer

110 volt extension lead

6 / 43

Why do building sites use a 110 volt electricity supply instead of a 230 volt supply?

It moves faster along the cables

It is less likely to kill you

It is cheaper

It is safer for the environment

7 / 43

What should you do if an extension cable has a cut in its outer cover?

Put a bigger fuse in the cable plug

Check the copper wires aren't showing in the cut and then use the cable

Put electrical tape around the damaged part

Report the fault and make sure that no one else uses the cable

8 / 43

If someone near you is using a petrol cut-off saw (disc cutter) to cut concrete blocks, what three immediate hazards are likely to affect you?

Flying fragments

Contact dermatitis

High noise levels

Vibration white finger

Harmful dust in the air

9 / 43

How do residual current devices (RCDs) work?

By storing electric charge

By showing a flashing light

By cutting power quickly if there is a fault

Giving an audible warning

10 / 43

When do you need to check tools and equipment for damage?

Every day

At least once a year

Each time before use

Once a week

11 / 43

Do simple hand tools like trowels, screwdrivers, saws and hammers need to be inspected?

Only if someone else has borrowed the tools

Yes, the tools should be checked each time they are used

No, it is not necessary to check such tools

Only if the tools have not been used for a few weeks

12 / 43

What does it mean if the equipment you are using is issued with a prohibition notice?

Only supervisors can use it until further notice

You can use it as long as you take more care

You must not use it until it is made safe

You must not use it unless your supervisor is present

13 / 43

Where is the best place for a portable residual current device (RCD) to be fitted?

Inside the main transformer

Between the plug of a 230 volt tool and the supply socket

Near to the main fuse box

Anywhere in the 230 volt supply to the building

14 / 43

You need to use an air-powered tool. What three hazards are likely to affect you?

Being struck by a poorly secured hose

An electric shock

Radiation

Airborne dust and flying fragments

Hand-arm vibration

15 / 43

What should you do if the guard is missing from a power tool?

Try to make another guard

Use the tool but try to work quickly

Do not use the tool until a proper guard has been fitted

Use the tool but work carefully and slowly

16 / 43

What should be done before adjusting an electric hand tool?

Switch it off but leave the plug in the socket

Put tape over the power switch before adjusting

You should never adjust an electric hand tool yourself

Switch it off and remove the plug from the socket

17 / 43

Why should a residual current device (RCD) be used with 230 volt tools?

It lowers the voltage automatically

It makes the tool run at a safe speed

It quickly cuts off the power if there is a fault

It saves energy and lowers costs

18 / 43

Which two of the following statements about power tools are true?

You should always carry the tool by its cord

A power tool should be unplugged by pulling its cord

Power tools should always be left plugged in when you check or adjust them

You should always unplug the tool when you are not using it

You must be trained and competent to use any power tool

19 / 43

What is the recommended maximum voltage for electrical equipment on construction sites?

12 volts

230 volts

110 volts

24 volts

20 / 43

Which requirement must be met before operating a power tool?

You must be trained and competent

You must be over 18 years old

You must only operate it when your supervisor is present

You must have a gold CSCS card

21 / 43

When is it safe to work close to an overhead power line?

If it is not raining whilst you are working

If you do not touch the line for more than 30 seconds

If the power is switched off

If you use a wooden ladder for access

22 / 43

Why are battery-powered tools preferred over 110 volt tools in a construction environment?

They are cheaper to run

They are more powerful

They are safer

They are quieter

23 / 43

Why is it dangerous to run an abrasive wheel faster than its recommended maximum speed?

The safety guard cannot be used

The motor could burst into flames

The wheel will get clogged and stop

The wheel could shatter into many pieces

24 / 43

What is best practice when using a power tool with a rotating blade?

Adjust the guard to expose just enough blade to let you do the job

Remove the guard but wear leather gloves to protect your hands

Adjust the guard to expose the maximum amount of blade

Remove the guard so that you can clearly see the blade

25 / 43

What two things should you do if you need to use an extension cable?

Check the whole cable and connectors for damage

Uncoil the whole cable

Only check the part of the cable you need for damage

Clean the cable with a damp cloth

Only uncoil the length of cable you need

26 / 43

You need to work near an electric cable but the cable has bare wires. What should you do?

Push the cable out of the way so that you can start work

Tell your supervisor and keep well away from the cable

Quickly touch the cable to see if it is live

Check there are no sparks coming from the cable and then start work

27 / 43

What is the main advantage of using battery-powered tools rather than electrical ones?

They do not need to be tested or serviced

They are cheaper to run

They will not give you hand-arm vibration

They will not give you a serious electric shock

28 / 43

Which method is used to check if a residual current device (RCD) connected to a power tool is working?

Run the tool at top speed to see if it cuts out

Switch the tool on and off

Press the test button on the RCD

Use a hand-held RCD test meter

29 / 43

You have been asked to dig to expose power cables. You have been given a cable avoidance tool (CAT) to detect them but you haven't been shown how to use it. What should you do?

Dig the hole without using the cable avoidance tool

Read the manual before you start work

Tell your supervisor that you haven't been trained

Ask a colleague to show you how to use it

30 / 43

What are the two main functions of the guards on cutting and grinding machines?

To balance the machine

To give you a firm handhold

To stop materials getting onto the blade or wheel

To stop fragments flying into the air

To stop you coming into contact with the blade or wheel

31 / 43

You have been asked to use a hand tool or power tool on site. You know that it is the right tool for the job. What else must you check?

That it was made in the UK

That it is inspected before you use it

That it was bought from a builders' merchant

That it is inspected at the start of each week

32 / 43

You are using a generator to power some lighting when a lamp blows. You have a spare lamp. What should you do?

Replace the lamp without disconnecting the generator

Carry on working in the dark

Wait for a fully qualified electrician with a NICEIC card

Disconnect the lighting from the generator before replacing the lamp

33 / 43

What two things should you do to reduce trips and injuries caused by untidy leads and extension cables?

Make sure your cables have not been used before

Run cables and leads above head height and over the top of doorways and walkways

Only use thinner 230 volt extension cables

Tie any excess cables and leads up into the smallest coil possible

Keep trailing cables and leads close to the wall

34 / 43

What should you do if the electrical equipment you are using cuts out?

Shake it to see if it will start again

Pull the electric cable to see if it is loose

Switch off the power and look for signs of damage

Switch the power off and on a few times

35 / 43

Which item of equipment would not require portable appliance testing (PAT)?

Plug-in breaker

110 volt extension lead

110 volt transformer

Hammer and bolster

36 / 43

You need to use a 230 volt item of equipment. How should you protect yourself from an electric shock?

Wear rubber boots and gloves

Use a generator which has been serviced

Put up safety screens around you

Use a portable residual current device (RCD)

37 / 43

Residual current devices (RCDs) should have a mechanical (trip) test at which intervals?

Before each use

If not used for week or more

Monthly

Daily

38 / 43

What colour is a 110 volt power cable and connector?

Red

Blue

Yellow

Black

39 / 43

What should you do if the head on your hammer becomes loose?

Keep using it but be aware that the head could come off at any time

Find another heavy tool to use instead of the hammer

Tell the other people near you to keep out of the way

Stop work and get the hammer repaired or replaced

40 / 43

What is the best way to protect an extension cable and also reduce trip hazards?

Run the cable above head height

Cover the cable with pieces of wood

Cover the cable with yellow tape

Run the cable by the shortest route

41 / 43

What are the two main visual inspections you should carry out before using a power tool?

Check switches, triggers and make sure the guard are adjusted and work correctly

Make sure the manufacturer's label hasn't come off

Make sure the carry case isn't broken

Check the power lead, plug and casing are in good condition

Check it is marked with a security stamp

42 / 43

What two things should you do if you need to run an electrical cable across an area used by vehicles?

Cover the cable with scaffold boards

Cover the cable with a protective ramp

Wrap the cable in yellow tape so that drivers can see it

Run the cable at head height

Put up a sign that says 'Ramp ahead'

43 / 43

Why is it considered poor practice to store batteries loose in a tool bag?

If the terminals short out, they could cause a fire

They give off a poisonous gas in a confined space

You might forget to charge them

The tool bag will be heavy and could damage your back

Your score is

The average score is 0%

Exit

How was the test? Please submit your rating and give us a feedback!

Thank you for taking the time to complete a mock test on our website. We appreciate your effort and dedication.

We wish you the best of luck in your preparation and future exams. If you have any feedback or suggestions, please let us know.

Why is Electrical Safety Important?

Electrical hazards are one of the leading causes of injuries and fatalities on construction sites. Workers often deal with exposed wires, faulty equipment, and high-voltage systems, making proper safety awareness essential. The CSCS Electrical Safety Test ensures that construction workers understand electrical risks, safe practices, and emergency procedures.

What Will You Learn in This Test?

This test assesses your knowledge of electrical hazards, safety procedures, and regulatory compliance. By taking this test, you will learn:

The most common electrical hazards on construction sites
How to safely use electrical tools and equipment
The importance of grounding, insulation, and circuit protection
How to identify and respond to electrical emergencies
Employer and employee responsibilities under UK electrical safety regulations

Key Topics Covered:

Common Electrical Hazards – Exposed wiring, wet conditions, overloaded circuits, and faulty tools.
Safe Use of Electrical Equipment – How to inspect and handle power tools safely.
Electrical Safety Measures – Importance of Residual Current Devices (RCDs), circuit breakers, and proper insulation.
Emergency Response – How to react to electric shocks and report electrical faults.
Legal Responsibilities – Compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations.