Revising for your CSCS test should be quick, straightforward forward, and to the point, for this reason, we’ve created these short revision notes to help you revise for the CSCS test more effectively.
Passing the test shouldn’t just be about cramming the answers to every question, you should understand the concepts being conveyed in each question so you can apply those concepts in real-life situations.
The CSCS test revision guide below covers the questions you’ll face from the “working at height” section of the CITB Operatives test.
If you’re trying to get your CSCS labourer card you will be expected to know most of these before sitting your test.
You should go through each point carefully and then attempt the CSCS practice questions on working at height to ensure you fully understand.
CSCS Test Revision – Work at Height
- If you’re required to store materials on a working platform you must ensure that the platform can take the weight of the items being stored and you must ensure they’re stored in such a way that they cannot fall.
- The leading cause of accidents among construction workers is falling from height.
- The term “working at height” is used to describe any height that could result in injury if you fall. This does not have a fixed measurement for example 5m above the ground or 10m above ground.
- If you need to use podium steps keep in mind that these are not 100% safe and they can topple over.
- You should not paint ladders because the paint can easily mask or hide damaged areas of the ladder.
- If you’re about to use a ladder and you discover it’s damaged you should not use it and inform your colleagues and report it to your supervisor.
- If you need to place a ladder against a wall you should place it at a 75° angle.
- If you need to use a ladder to carry out a task you are responsible for inspecting the ladder before using it.
- To secure your ladder and ensure it doesn’t slip you should tie it at the top.
- A ladder should only be used as a place of work if you are carrying out light work for a short period of time.
- Whenever you’re on a ladder you must ensure that you have at least 3 points of contact with the ladder at all times.
- If you’re required to use a mobile tower scaffold you must ensure the wheel brakes are working and if they’re not working you should not use it.
- If you need to work on a mobile elevating work platform you must ensure you attach your harness lanyard to the designated anchor point of the platform.
- If you have to work on a flat roof, the best way to prevent yourself from falling over the edge is by installing a guard rail and toe-board.
- You should use crawling boards with handrails if you need to cross a fragile roof.
- Tube and fitting scaffolds should only be erected or dismantled by people who are trained, competent and authorised to carry out these tasks.
- If you need to use a mobile tower scaffold you must ensure that the ground is not soft or uneven.
- If you need to reach the working platform of a mobile tower scaffold you should use the built-in ladder on the tower.
- If you’re working at height and want to protect the people below from falling tools and materials you should use brick guards which will stop any items from falling over.
- If you need to use a ladder to reach a scaffold platform you must ensure that the ladder is extended 5 rungs above the platform and it must also be tied.
CSCS example questions on working at height
Here are a few CSCS test questions based on the working at height revision notes above.
- What is the leading cause of death among construction workers in the UK?
- At what height below or above ground level is considered working at height?
- Are podium steps 100% safe or can they topple over?
- Why should ladders not be painted?
- If you need to place a ladder against a wall, at what angle should it be placed?
- Who should inspect a ladder before using it?
- Should ladders be used to work for short periods of time or extended periods of time?
- What can you do to secure a ladder?
- How many points of contact should you have with a ladder at all times?
- Where should you attach your harness lanyard if you need to work on a mobile elevating working platform?
- What should you do if you need to cross a fragile roof?
- Can anyone erect and dismantle a scaffold?
Hopefully, these short CSCS test last-minute revision notes and example questions will help you to answer most of the questions you’ll face in the “working at height” section of the CITB operatives test.
You can take another quick CSCS card practice test on working at height here to ensure you fully understand the concepts explained above.