For this CSCS mock test, we’ll be looking at some common practice questions that are covered in the “Electrical safety and hand-held tools and equipment” section of the CSCS test revision book.
Like all of our other CSCS health and safety mock tests, our goal is to provide you with practice questions that are identical to the ones you encounter when taking your test so you can pass the first time and get your CSCS card.
If you’re preparing to take the test for your CSCS labourer card then you’ll be pleased to know that these practice questions are similar to the ones you’re going to face. This CSCS health and safety mock test consists of 15 random questions, some questions require a single and some questions require multiple answers so please ensure to read through each question carefully. All answers are at the bottom of the page.
1. What should you do if the guard from a power tool you need to use is missing?
a. Improvise and make your own
b. Carry on using it but be very careful and work very slowly
c. Use the tool as fast as you can to complete the task quickly
d. Do not use the tool unless you get the correct guard fitted
2. If you need to operate a power tool you must be:
a. Trained and competent
b. At least 16 years old
c. At least 18 years old
d. At least 21 years old
3. What should you do if the extension wire you need to use has a cut in the outer cover?
a. If you can’t see the copper wires inside then carry on using it
b. Use electrical tape to cover it and then carry on working
c. Report it immediately and make sure no one else uses it
d. Carry on using it but avoid going near the cut part
4. Which of these must you do if you’re required to use an extension cable? (Choose two answers)
a. You must only uncoil the length you need to use
b. You must uncoil the entire cable
c. Check the entire length and cable connectors for damage
d. You must only check the length you need for damage
5. Which of these must you do if you need to run an electrical cable across an area used by vehicles? (Choose two answers)
a. Ensure that you use yellow tape to wrap it as this would make it visible to drivers
b. Use spare wood or scaffold boards to cover the cable
c. Use a protective ramp to cover the cable
d. Put up a “Ramp Ahead” sign
6. What should you do if you’re required to work in an area that has exposed electrical cable?
a. Touch it quickly to ensure that it’s not live
b. If there are no sparks coming from the cable then it’s safe to assume that it’s not live
c. Move the cable out of your path and carry on working
d. Do not go near the cable and report to your supervisor immediately
7. What TWO things can you do to help prevent slips and trips while using an extension cable?
a. Run the cables and leads in the middle of the room so it can be visible to everyone
b. Run the cables and leads close to the wall
c. Run the cables and leads above head height over doorways and walkways
d. Tie up excess cables and leads into a very small coil
8. Why must you be fully trained before using a cartridge-operated tool?
a. Because they’re very heavy and can cause injuries if you lift them incorrectly
b. They can be dangerous to an inexperience person because they operate like a gun
c. If you use it incorrectly it can cause dermatitis
d. It has many exposed electrical parts
9. When should you check your tools and equipment for damage?
a. At least once a month
b. At least once every 3 months
c. At least once every 6 months
d. It should always be checked before you use it
10. Why should you use a RCD with 230 volt tools?
a. Because it reduces energy consumption and lowers the cost
b. Because it cuts off the power quickly if there’s a fault
c. It allows the tools to run at a safe speed
d. It allows the tools run at a higher speed
11. To check if a RCD connected to a power tool is working you should:
a. Press the test button on the RCD
b. Try running the tool at top speed to see if it cuts out
c. Switch the tool on and off
d. Switch the power on and off
12. What does the Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) label on a power tool tell you? (Choose two answers)
a. The year the tool was manufactured
b. The date the next safety check is due
c. The company the tool belongs to
d. The previous date the tool was tested
13. What is the recommended safe voltage for electrical equipment on a building site?
a. 5.5 volts
b. 9 volts
c. 12 volts
d. 110 volts
e. 230 volts
14. What should the colour of a 110-volt power cable and connector be:
a. Green
b. Yellow
c. Red
d. Black
15. Why is it that building sites use 110 volt instead of the regular 230 volt domestic supply?
a. Mainly because it is a lot cheaper
b. Because it’s less likely to kill you
c. It has less impact on the environment
d. Most power tools are designed for 110 volt only