CITB Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CITB facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which standard governs the selection and use of safety helmets on UK construction sites? → BS EN 397 (industrial safety helmets)
2. What colour is a water fire extinguisher? → Red with no colour band
3. When using a harness and lanyard for fall arrest, what is the maximum free-fall distance permitted? → 2 metres
4. When must electrical isolation be carried out on a construction site? → Before any maintenance or repair work is carried out on electrical equipment
5. What colour label typically indicates that electrical equipment has passed a PAT test? → Green
6. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, who is the 'responsible person' for fire safety on a construction site? → The employer or person with control of the premises
7. What is a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD)? → An injury or condition affecting muscles, joints, tendons, or the spine
8. Which exposure route most commonly causes skin disorders on construction sites? → Dermal (skin) contact
9. What is particularly important regarding electrical safety when working in wet conditions? → Use equipment rated for wet conditions and ensure RCDs are always in circuit
10. Who is permitted to erect, alter, or dismantle a scaffold on a construction site? → Only a competent person who has received appropriate training
11. What should you do before using a portable electrical tool? → Visually inspect the cable, plug, and casing for damage
12. Which document should be consulted to select appropriate respiratory protective equipment for a specific dust? → The COSHH assessment and the SDS, cross-referenced with HSE guidance on RPE selection
13. A tower scaffold should not be used in winds exceeding what speed? → 23 mph
14. Under RIDDOR 2013, within how many days must an employer report a work-related accident causing a worker to be off work for more than 7 consecutive days? → 15 days
15. Which piece of primary legislation places a general duty on employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees at work? → The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
16. What is the maximum height at which a stepladder should normally be used for work? → Where you can maintain three points of contact and the task is short duration
17. Which construction scenario poses the highest fire risk from arson? → Unoccupied sites with poor perimeter security and accumulated combustible waste
18. What is the correct posture for a safe manual lift? → Keep the back straight, bend the knees, hold the load close to the body, and lift smoothly
19. Which control measure is MOST effective in the manual handling hierarchy? → Mechanical automation that eliminates manual handling entirely
20. An employee reports back pain related to a manual handling task. What action should the supervisor take first? → Stop the task, review the risk assessment, and seek medical advice for the employee
21. High-visibility clothing is typically required on construction sites to protect against which hazard? → Being struck by moving vehicles or plant
22. What minimum ratio of toilet facilities to workers is recommended on a construction site? → 1 toilet per 25 workers, with flushing facilities where a water supply is available
23. What type of safety footwear is typically required on a construction site? → Steel or composite toe-cap boots with mid-sole protection, to S3 standard
24. What is the correct angle for placing a leaning ladder against a wall? → 1 unit out for every 4 units up
25. Which regulation requires employers to appoint one or more competent persons to assist them with health and safety? → Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 reg.7
26. What device should be used with 230V equipment on a construction site to provide protection against electric shock? → Residual Current Device (RCD)
27. Under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, when should PPE be used as a control measure? → Only when other control measures cannot adequately reduce the risk
28. Underground cables must always be treated as live unless: → They have been isolated and proved dead by a competent person
29. What does a circular blue sign with a white symbol indicate on a construction site? → A mandatory instruction — something you MUST do
30. How should hazardous substances be stored on a construction site? → In a secure, ventilated area away from ignition sources with appropriate signage