CITB SPECIALISTS Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. What is the primary purpose of toe boards fitted at the edges of working platforms? → To stop tools, materials, and debris from falling and striking people below
2. What is the maximum permissible gap between scaffold boards on a working platform used by specialist trades? → 25mm
3. A plumber is working with lead-based solder on an older property. What health hazard must be controlled? → Lead fume inhalation — use local exhaust ventilation and respiratory protection
4. What is the primary role of the 'top man' (attendant) stationed outside a confined space during specialist operations? → To maintain communication with entrants and initiate emergency rescue procedures if needed
5. What is the Upper Exposure Action Value (UEAV) for noise in construction? → 85 dB(A) — at this level hearing protection use becomes mandatory
6. Which regulation governs the safe provision and use of work equipment, including MEWPs and hoists, on construction sites? → Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
7. What early symptom should a construction worker report that may indicate the development of HAVS? → Whitening (blanching) of fingers, especially in cold conditions
8. What is the purpose of 'purging' a confined space before specialist entry? → To displace hazardous atmospheres with clean air or inert gas before entry
9. Under CDM 2015, what must all workers on a construction site possess? → A CSCS card (or equivalent) demonstrating occupational competence
10. What does CDM 2015 stand for? → Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
11. How often must a working platform, from which a person could fall 2 metres or more, be formally inspected under the Work at Height Regulations 2005? → Before first use, every 7 days in use, and after any event that could affect stability
12. What must a specialist supervisor ensure is in place before any hot work (welding, cutting, grinding) begins on a construction site? → A hot work permit with fire watch arrangements
13. Under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, what is the daily Exposure Action Value (EAV) for hand-arm vibration? → 2.5 m/s² A(8)
14. Which type of respirator provides the highest protection factor for construction respiratory hazards? → A powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) or a supplied air breathing apparatus (SABA)
15. When joining two sections of an extension ladder, what is the minimum number of rungs that must overlap? → 3 rungs
16. What fire extinguisher is appropriate for an electrical fire? → CO2 (carbon dioxide) extinguisher
17. Which of the following is a collective fall prevention measure rather than a personal protective measure? → Edge protection comprising guardrails, intermediate rail, and toe boards
18. What must a specialist contractor do before drilling or chasing in walls in an occupied building? → Check for buried services using cable and pipe detectors before drilling or chasing
19. When must work at height cease on site? → Whenever conditions, including adverse weather, make it unsafe to continue
20. What is the primary health hazard when cutting fibre cement board (which may contain chrysotile)? → Inhalation of respirable fibres which can cause mesothelioma and asbestosis
21. Before any demolition work begins on a structure, what must a specialist demolition contractor produce under UK regulations? → A written demolition method statement based on a structural survey
22. What is the legal requirement for welfare facilities on a specialist construction site under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015? → Adequate welfare facilities must be provided from the start of the construction phase
23. What is the primary purpose of establishing an exclusion zone during specialist demolition operations? → To protect the public and workers from falling debris, dust, and structural collapse
24. What does the 'angle of repose' refer to in specialist excavation work? → The steepest angle at which soil or loose material can be stacked without sliding
25. Before using a ladder on site, what check must every user carry out? → A pre-use visual check to confirm the ladder is in a safe condition
26. What regulation requires specialist contractors to assess risks from manual handling? → Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended)
27. Which regulation specifically requires employers to carry out noise assessments where specialist operations may expose workers to harmful noise levels? → The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005
28. When must a specialist contractor provide a specific method statement for high-risk activities under CDM 2015? → Before the high-risk work commences, as part of the construction phase plan
29. Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, who has a duty to ensure that work at height is properly planned, supervised, and safe? → Every employer and self-employed person responsible for work at height under their control
30. What is the greatest risk when a plumber uses a blowtorch in a wall cavity? → Setting fire to hidden timber or insulation causing a concealed fire