CSCS Test Practice Questions – Electrical Safety, Tools and Equipment – CSCS Mock Test | CSCS Revision

The 34 CSCS test practice questions below cover all the questions from the Electrical safety, tools and equipment section of the CITB Health Safety and Environment test 2026.

This section focuses on how to work safely with various tools and the steps to take to ensure the tools you use are examined and safe for use.

To pass this test, you’ll need to get at least 30 of these CSCS test practice questions correct. Please ensure that you read each question carefully, as many require multiple answers. Good luck.

1. What should you do if you are using a power tool and it cuts out?

Unplug and plug-in the tool a few times to see if it helps

Switch the tool on and off a few times to see if it helps

Turn off and unplug the tool, then look for signs of damage

Hit it a few times and see if it comes on

Question 1 of 34

2. You should not store loose batteries in a tool bag because___.

It will make the bag heavier

It will reduce the battery life

It could start a fire

It will damage the battery

Question 2 of 34

3. You need to work near an overhead power line, when would it be safe to do so?

If you are wearing rubber gloves

If you are wearing rubber sole safety boots

Only if you use a wooden ladder for access

When the power is switched off

Question 3 of 34

4. What should the colour of a 110-volt power cable and connector be:

Black

Green

Yellow

Red

Question 4 of 34

5. Which TWO of these would NOT require portable appliance testing (PAT)? (Choose 2 answers)

A hammer and bolster

A Battery-powered drill

A 110v extension cable

A 110v transformer

A plug-in beaker

Question 5 of 34

6. What should you do if the extension wire you need to use has a cut in the outer cover?

If you can’t see the copper wires inside then carry on using it

Carry on using it but avoid going near the cut part

Use electrical tape to cover it and then carry on working

Report it immediately and make sure no one else uses it

Question 6 of 34

7. What important information should a Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) label on a power tool tell you?

The previous date the tool was tested

The company the tool belongs to

The name of the last person who used the tool

The year the tool was manufactured

Question 7 of 34

8. Which of these must you do if you’re required to use an extension cable? (Choose 2 answers)

Check the entire length and cable connectors for damage

You must only check the length you need for damage

You must only uncoil the length you need to use

You must uncoil the entire cable

Question 8 of 34

9. What would you do if you’re using a hammer and the head comes loose?

Continue using the hammer but use it very slowly

Continue using the hammer but warn colleagues in the area

Stop using the hammer and get another that’s appropriate for the job

Continue using the hammer only if you’re using protective gloves

Question 9 of 34

10. You have been given a power tool to use on site, what must you do before using the tool?

Ensure you inspect the tool before using it

Check and make sure it’s still under warranty

Check and make sure it was manufactured in the UK

Nothing, just carry on using the tool

Question 10 of 34

11. What should you do to protect yourself from an electric shock if you are using 230-volt equipment?

Use a residual current device (RCD)

Wear safety boots with a rubber sole

Place safety screens around the area you are working

Wear rubber gloves

Question 11 of 34

12. What should you do if you’re required to work in an area that has exposed electrical cable?

If there are no sparks coming from the cable then it’s safe to assume that it’s not live

Touch it quickly to ensure that it’s not live

Do not go near the cable, report it to your supervisor immediately

Move the cable out of your path and carry on working

Question 12 of 34

13. You are given a task that requires using a power tool and need to carry out a visual inspection. Which TWO of these should you ensure when carrying out the visual inspection? (Choose 2 answers)

Ensure the manufacturer’s label hasn’t been removed

Ensure the power lead, plug and casing are not damaged

Ensure the carry case for the tool is not damaged

Ensure the switches, triggers and safety guard are in good working order and correctly set

Question 13 of 34

14. You have to adjust an electric hand-tool, what should you do before attempting to adjust it?

Ensure it’s plugged in so that you can test it while adjusting

Ensure it’s turned off; it does not need to be unplugged

Ensure your supervisor is watching you

Ensure it’s switched off and unplugged

Question 14 of 34

15. To check if an RCD connected to a power tool is working you should:

Switch the power on and off

Switch the tool on and off

Try running the tool at top speed to see if it cuts out

Press the test button on the RCD

Question 15 of 34

16. Which THREE of these hazards are likely to affect a worker who is using an air-powered tool? (Choose 3 answers)

They could contract weil’s disease

They could get an electric shock

Hand arm vibration

They could be struck by a hose that’s not properly secured

Flying fragments and airborne dust

Question 16 of 34

17. Which of these is considered best practice when it comes to using a power tool with a rotating blade?

Adjust the guard so that most of the blade is visible

Adjust the guard to expose only the amount of blade needed for the job

Ensure you’re wearing leather gloves then remove the guard, this will help you to work faster

Remove the guard, this will help you to work faster

Question 17 of 34

18. Why should you use a RCD with 230 volt tools?

Because it reduces energy consumption and lowers cost

It allows the tools to run at a safe speed

It allows the tools run at a higher speed

Because it cuts off the power quickly if there’s a fault

Question 18 of 34

19. Why is it that building sites use 110-volt instead of the regular 230-volt supply?

Most power tools are designed for 110 volt only

Mainly because it is a lot cheaper

Because it’s less likely to kill you

It has less impact on the environment

Question 19 of 34

20. Which of these is MOST likely to happen if you run an abrasive wheel faster than its recommended speed?

The tool could catch fire

The wheel could shatter and send debris flying

The wheel could become clogged and stop working

The safety guard could shatter

Question 20 of 34

21. What is the recommended safe voltage for electrical equipment on a building site?

9 volts

12 volts

230 volts

110 volts

5.5 volts

Question 21 of 34

22. Should hand tools such as saws, hammers, screwdrivers and wire cutters be inspected?

No, hand tools do not need inspecting

Yes, you should inspect them every-time you need to use them

No, only electrical tools need inspecting

Yes, the should be checked once a month only

Question 22 of 34

23. Which TWO statements below are TRUE when it comes to power tools? (Choose 2 answers)

Power tools should always be unplugged when not in use

To prevent damage to the tool, you should always carry a power tool by its cord

To save time, you should leave your power tools plugged in while setting and adjusting

Anyone who uses a power tool must be trained and competent to use it

Question 23 of 34

24. Why must you be fully trained before using a cartridge-operated tool?

They can be dangerous to an inexperience person because they operate like a gun

If you use it incorrectly it can cause dermatitis

It has many exposed electrical parts

Because they’re very heavy and can cause injuries if you lift them incorrectly

Question 24 of 34

25. What does it mean if the tool you are about to use has been issued with a prohibition notice?

The tool must not be used until it is made safe

Only a supervisor can use the tool

You can only use the tool if your supervisor is present

You can only use the tool if you have been trained to use it correctly

Question 25 of 34

26. What should you do if you are using a generator to power some lighting and the lamp blows?

Replace the lamp yourself but ensure you disconnect the lighting from the generator first

Replace the lamp yourself but ensure you DO NOT disconnect the lighting from the generator

Try your best to work without any lighting

Wait until a qualified electrician is available to change the lamp

Question 26 of 34

27. If you need to operate a power tool you must be:

At least 21 years old

Trained and competent

At least 18 years old

At least 16 years old

Question 27 of 34

28. When should you check your tools and equipment for damage?

At least once a month

At least once every 3 months

It should always be checked before you use it

At least once every 6 months

Question 28 of 34

29. What TWO things can you do can you do to help prevent slips and trips while using an extension cable? (Choose 2 answers)

Tie up excess cables and leads into a very small coil

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

Run the cables and leads close to the wall

Run the cables and leads in the middle of the room so it can be visible to everyone

Question 29 of 34

30. Which of these must you do if you need to run an electrical cable across an area used by vehicles? (Choose 2 answers)

Ensure that you use yellow tape to wrap it as this would make it visible to drivers

Put up a “Ramp Ahead” sign

Use a protective ramp to cover the cable

Use spare wood or scaffold boards to cover the cable

Question 30 of 34

31. What should you do if the guard from a power tool you need to use is missing?

Carry on using it but be very careful and work very slowly

Improvise and make your own

Use the tool as fast as you can to complete the task quickly

Do not use the tool unless you get the correct guard fitted

Question 31 of 34

32. What is the MAIN reason why battery-powered tools are preferred instead of their electrical counterparts?

They do not have to undergo portable appliance testing

They're cheaper to buy and maintain

They're more powerful

Battery-powered tools are safer, as they will not give you an electric shock

Question 32 of 34

33. What should you do if you’re given a cable avoiding tool to use while working but you don’t know how to use it?

Inform your supervisor that you have not been trained to use it

Ask someone to show you how to use it

Carry out the task without using it

Continue using it and figure it out as you go along

Question 33 of 34

34. A colleague near you is cutting concrete blocks with a petrol cut-off saw, which THREE of these immediate hazards are most likely to affect YOU? (Choose 3 answers)

Hand arm vibration

Excessive noise levels

Flying debris/fragments

Dermatitis

Inhaling harmful dust

Question 34 of 34