The CSCS test questions below are based on hazardous materials and hazardous substances. To pass your CSCS test and get your CSCS card you’ll need to have a good understanding of how to protect yourself and others from dust, fumes, vapours and other hazardous materials and substances in your workplace.
As of April 2012, there have been two newly added sections to the CSCS test, the first focuses on respiratory risks and the second focuses on environmental issues. Both of these sections highlight the importance of knowing how to deal with and dispose of substances that can cause damage to the human body and the environment.
Being able to manage and prevent misuse of hazardous materials should be the main priority in any working environment; these materials can cause severe injury and even death. A lot of these hazardous substances can be transferred from your clothing to someone else’s clothing without either of you realizing it.
In most cases, these hazardous substances have an immediate effect, but materials such as asbestos are well known for being transferable. These lay undetectable on a person’s clothes just waiting to be transferred to the next person.
This toxic substance affects men, women and children and should not be taken lightly if detected. Almost all companies that hire workers who deal directly with hazardous substances make the CSCS test mandatory, this ensures that employees are aware of the dangers and effects of dealing with hazardous materials.
Here’s what a few of the CSCS test questions about hazardous substances will look like:
1. The term COSHH is associated with? ( Read more about COSHH )
a. Proper lifting techniques
b. Safe use of electrical equipment
c. Safe use of handling hazardous materials
d. Safe use of ladders
2. Upon discovering asbestos on a work site what should you do?
a. Place it in a rubbish bin and carry on working
b. Take it outside and toss it away
c. Give it to your supervisor for testing
d. Immediately cease work and inform colleagues
3. After discovering an unlabelled bottle of chemicals what should you do?
a. Take a quick smell to determine what it is
b. Dispose of it immediately
c. Ignore it because it’s in a bottle
d. Report it to your supervisor
4. Hazardous substances can be identified by?
a. The symbol on the label
b. The colour of the container
c. The colour of the substance
d. It will have a blue label on the container
5. Where can you find information about hazardous substances?
a. Your contract of employment
b. The COSHH assessment
c. Your HSE poster
d. Your timesheet
6. Which of the following is possible if you inhale asbestos dust?
a. Dermatitis
b. Leptospirosis
c. Lung disease
d. HAVS
7. The best way to tell if a specific substance is asbestos is by___.
a. Having it tested at a lab
b. Take it to your supervisor and ask him
c. Ask your colleagues if it looks like asbestos
d. Try to identify the distinctive smell asbestos gives off
8. If your job requires you to use a hazardous substance, whose responsibility is it to explain the health risks and safe method of work you need to follow?
a. Your health and safety rep only
b. Your supervisor
c. An HSE officer
d. No one needs to tell you; you’ll have to read the COSHH assessment for further information
9. What do the signs below mean?
10. To ensure your safety when using hazardous substances you should:
a. Seek advice from your colleagues on how to safely use it
b. Ensure the job is done as quickly as possible to reduce exposure time
c. Read the health and safety poster at your workplace
d. Ensure you read and fully understand the COSHH assessment and follow the instructions for safe use
