SOLAS Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Ireland — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the safe current level that can typically cause ventricular fibrillation (heart stopping) in a human?

500 milliamps
As little as 50 milliamps (0.05 A) passing through the chest (Correct answer)
10 amps
1 amp only under wet conditions

Correct answer: As little as 50 milliamps (0.05 A) passing through the chest

Current as low as 50 milliamps passing through the body across the chest can cause ventricular fibrillation. Even 10 milliamps causes painful muscle contractions. This is why low voltage equipment and RCDs are so important on construction sites.

Question 2: When daily noise reaches the upper exposure action value of 85 dB(A), what action must an employer take?

Simply monitor the noise level and keep records
Provide hearing protection to workers who request it
Establish mandatory hearing protection zones and enforce their use (Correct answer)
Reduce the working day to four hours

Correct answer: Establish mandatory hearing protection zones and enforce their use

At the upper exposure action value of 85 dB(A), employers must establish hearing protection zones, supply appropriate hearing protection, and ensure its mandatory use within those zones.

Question 3: What is the purpose of sole boards (base plates) on a scaffold?

To make the scaffold taller
To prevent rust on the scaffold tubes
To provide a surface for storing materials
To distribute the scaffold load over a larger area of ground, preventing the standards from sinking or moving, and providing a stable, level base (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To distribute the scaffold load over a larger area of ground, preventing the standards from sinking or moving, and providing a stable, level base

Sole boards (timber boards placed under base plates) distribute the concentrated load from each scaffold standard over a wider area of ground. Without them, the base plates can sink into soft ground, causing the scaffold to become unstable. They must be of adequate size, placed on firm, level ground, and not stacked to level an uneven surface.

Question 4: What does 'reducing the risk to the lowest reasonably practicable level' mean in Irish manual handling regulations?

Implementing all controls that are feasible given the cost, time, and effort compared to the benefit of risk reduction (Correct answer)
Eliminating all risk completely regardless of cost
Reducing risk only when workers complain
Providing PPE only

Correct answer: Implementing all controls that are feasible given the cost, time, and effort compared to the benefit of risk reduction

Reasonably practicable means weighing the risk against the sacrifice (cost, time, disruption) needed to reduce it. If the risk is significant and the control measure is achievable, it must be implemented.

Question 5: What does CSCS stand for in the context of Irish construction safety?

Construction Skills Certification Scheme (Correct answer)
Construction Site Control System
Certified Safety Construction Standard
Construction Safety Card Scheme

Correct answer: Construction Skills Certification Scheme

CSCS stands for Construction Skills Certification Scheme. It is the passport card scheme in Ireland that certifies workers have received basic safety training appropriate to their role.

Question 6: What does the 'A' in dB(A) refer to when measuring occupational noise exposure?

The amplitude of the sound wave in pascals
The absolute peak sound pressure level recorded
A frequency weighting that reflects how the human ear perceives sound at different pitches (Correct answer)
The average sound level measured over a full working week

Correct answer: A frequency weighting that reflects how the human ear perceives sound at different pitches

The A-weighting filter adjusts measured sound levels to approximate the sensitivity of human hearing across the frequency spectrum, making dB(A) the standard unit for assessing hearing damage risk.

Question 7: What is the purpose of an assembly point on a construction site?

The main site entrance for contractors
A place to store emergency equipment
A location where tool inspections are carried out
A designated safe area where all workers gather after evacuation so that a headcount can be taken (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A designated safe area where all workers gather after evacuation so that a headcount can be taken

The assembly point is a pre-designated area away from the building where workers gather after evacuation. A roll call or headcount confirms everyone is safe and helps identify anyone who may be trapped.

Question 8: According to the hierarchy of control, what is the first and most effective step an employer should take to control noise hazards on site?

Eliminate or reduce noise at source through engineering or substitution (Correct answer)
Erect noise hazard warning signs at the site entrance
Issue hearing protection to every worker immediately
Carry out audiometric testing for all staff

Correct answer: Eliminate or reduce noise at source through engineering or substitution

The hierarchy of control requires elimination or reduction of the hazard at source — for example by using quieter equipment or damping vibrating surfaces — before relying on personal protective equipment.

Question 9: What is the danger of wearing damaged or poorly fitting PPE on a construction site?

It may cause communication difficulties
It looks unprofessional but provides adequate protection
It reduces comfort only
It may fail to provide the intended protection, leaving the worker exposed to the hazard (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It may fail to provide the intended protection, leaving the worker exposed to the hazard

Damaged or ill-fitting PPE can fail to provide the protection it was designed to give. For example, a hard hat with a cracked shell, a harness with worn stitching, or a dust mask that does not seal to the face will not protect the wearer.

Question 10: What hazard does standing water in an excavation present on a construction site?

Only a risk to equipment corrosion
A risk of cold-related illness only
A minor inconvenience that workers can manage by wearing wellies
Risk of drowning, destabilisation of excavation walls, and concealment of hazards on the floor (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Risk of drowning, destabilisation of excavation walls, and concealment of hazards on the floor

Standing water in an excavation can drown a worker who falls in, soften the soil causing wall collapse, and conceal sharp objects, cables, or voids on the floor. Water must be pumped out before workers enter.

Question 11: What type of safety footwear is required on most Irish construction sites?

Steel toe cap only, no midsole requirement
Any closed-toe shoe
Rubber wellington boots only
Steel toe cap boots rated to EN ISO 20345 with penetration-resistant midsole (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Steel toe cap boots rated to EN ISO 20345 with penetration-resistant midsole

Construction safety footwear must meet EN ISO 20345, providing steel (or composite) toe cap protection against impact and compression, plus a penetration-resistant midsole to protect against nails and sharp objects.

Question 12: What does a near miss incident on a construction site represent?

An unplanned event that did not result in injury or damage but had the potential to do so (Correct answer)
A close call with a vehicle that caused property damage only
An accident where someone was injured but not seriously
A minor injury that did not require first aid

Correct answer: An unplanned event that did not result in injury or damage but had the potential to do so

A near miss is an event that could have caused harm but did not. Near misses are valuable warning signals that must be reported and investigated — they indicate that a serious accident is possible if conditions are not changed.

Question 13: What hazards must be considered when scaffolding is erected near overhead power lines?

Overhead power lines are not a hazard to scaffolding
Power line hazards only exist above 33 kV
Only wooden scaffolds are at risk
Risk of electrocution from scaffold tubes, metal fittings, or materials contacting or arcing to live power lines — minimum clearance distances must be maintained and ESB Networks must be contacted (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Risk of electrocution from scaffold tubes, metal fittings, or materials contacting or arcing to live power lines — minimum clearance distances must be maintained and ESB Networks must be contacted

Overhead power lines pose a fatal electrocution risk during scaffold erection, use, or dismantling. Metal scaffold tubes, fittings, and long materials can contact or arc to live lines. The HSA requires: contacting ESB Networks before work near lines, maintaining minimum clearance distances (which vary by voltage), using barriers and warning signs, and considering line diversion or isolation.

Question 14: How often must an excavation on a construction site be formally inspected in Ireland?

Once a week on Monday morning
Only at the start of the excavation
Only when it exceeds 3 metres in depth
Before every work shift, after any ground movement or blasting, and after any unexpected fall of material (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Before every work shift, after any ground movement or blasting, and after any unexpected fall of material

Excavations must be inspected by a competent person before each shift, after any event that may have affected stability (rain, vibration, blasting), and when there is any indication of danger.

Question 15: What is the minimum width for a scaffold working platform?

At least 600 mm wide (3 boards) for a working platform, and wider if materials need to be stacked or if there is heavy foot traffic (Correct answer)
Any width is acceptable if guardrails are present
400 mm (one board wide)
200 mm is sufficient for access only

Correct answer: At least 600 mm wide (3 boards) for a working platform, and wider if materials need to be stacked or if there is heavy foot traffic

A scaffold working platform must be at least 600 mm (3 boards) wide to provide safe standing and working space. For platforms where materials are stored, wider platforms (at least 800 mm to 1,000 mm or more) are required. Boards must be fully supported, secured against movement, and overlap their supports by at least 50 mm (but not more than 150 mm).

Question 16: What is the purpose of trench sheeting or shoring in an excavation?

To cover the excavation when not in use
To support the sides of the excavation and prevent soil collapse (Correct answer)
To channel groundwater away from the excavation
To provide a working platform inside the trench

Correct answer: To support the sides of the excavation and prevent soil collapse

Trench sheets, shoring boxes, or drag boxes support the walls of an excavation, preventing soil from collapsing onto workers. They must be designed or selected based on soil type, depth, and surcharge loads.

Question 17: What is the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and what powers does it have in Ireland?

An advisory body with no enforcement powers
The national body responsible for enforcing health and safety law — it can inspect workplaces, issue notices, prosecute, and shut down dangerous sites (Correct answer)
A trade union organisation
A European Union agency based in Ireland

Correct answer: The national body responsible for enforcing health and safety law — it can inspect workplaces, issue notices, prosecute, and shut down dangerous sites

The HSA is Ireland's national body responsible for securing health, safety, and welfare at work. It has powers to inspect, investigate, issue Improvement and Prohibition Notices, and prosecute for breaches of legislation.

Question 18: Under Irish Construction Regulations, who is permitted to erect, alter, or dismantle scaffolding?

Anyone with a general construction safety card
Only the site foreman
Only competent persons who have received appropriate training and hold a valid CSCS scaffolding card for the type of scaffold being erected (Correct answer)
Any construction worker

Correct answer: Only competent persons who have received appropriate training and hold a valid CSCS scaffolding card for the type of scaffold being erected

Under the Construction Regulations 2013, scaffolding must only be erected, altered, or dismantled by competent persons under the supervision of a competent person. Scaffolders must hold a valid CSCS card for the appropriate scaffold category (basic, advanced, or system). This ensures they have the training and assessed competence for the work.

Question 19: What is the first action a construction worker should take upon discovering a fire on site?

Attempt to fight the fire with the nearest extinguisher
Call the fire brigade before raising the alarm
Raise the alarm immediately to warn others, then evacuate (Correct answer)
Continue working until the fire spreads

Correct answer: Raise the alarm immediately to warn others, then evacuate

The first priority is always to raise the alarm to warn others on site. Only attempt to fight a small fire with an extinguisher if you have been trained, the fire is small, and you have a clear escape route.

Question 20: What is the recommended minimum safe distance from an underground electrical cable when using a mechanical excavator?

0.5 metres — hand digging should be used within 0.5 m of a known cable (Correct answer)
Any distance is acceptable if the cable is marked
5 metres
2 metres

Correct answer: 0.5 metres — hand digging should be used within 0.5 m of a known cable

Mechanical excavation should stop at least 0.5 metres from a known buried electrical cable. Hand digging should then be used to expose the cable safely. Even with marking, cables may not be exactly where records show.

Question 21: What must happen if asbestos-containing materials are suspected during construction work on an older building in Ireland?

Stop all work immediately, do not disturb the material, inform the supervisor, and arrange for a licensed asbestos survey or removal (Correct answer)
Continue carefully and wear a dust mask
Wet the material down and remove it quickly to minimise exposure
Report it to the HSA before taking any action

Correct answer: Stop all work immediately, do not disturb the material, inform the supervisor, and arrange for a licensed asbestos survey or removal

When asbestos is suspected, work must stop immediately. The material must not be disturbed. Licensed asbestos removal contractors must be engaged for any disturbance or removal. This is a legal requirement under Irish asbestos regulations.

Question 22: What does a red prohibition sign on a construction site mean?

An action is not allowed (Correct answer)
A safe condition exists
A mandatory action is required
A hazard is present

Correct answer: An action is not allowed

Red circular signs with a diagonal line indicate prohibition — they show actions that are not permitted, such as no smoking or no unauthorised entry.

Question 23: What must a worker do if they discover an unsafe condition on a construction site?

Wait for the next safety inspection
Fix it themselves without telling anyone
Continue working and report it at the end of the shift
Report it to their supervisor immediately (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Report it to their supervisor immediately

Workers have a legal duty under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 to report hazards to their employer or supervisor without delay. Prompt reporting prevents accidents.

Question 24: What does a green safety sign indicate on a construction site?

A mandatory action
Safe conditions, including emergency exits, first aid, and assembly points (Correct answer)
A hazard warning
A prohibition

Correct answer: Safe conditions, including emergency exits, first aid, and assembly points

Green signs indicate safe conditions, such as the location of emergency exits, first aid stations, and assembly points. They guide people to safety during an emergency.

Question 25: What must happen before any alterations are made to a completed scaffold?

Only verbal approval from the site foreman is needed
Changes can be made as long as guardrails remain
Nothing — anyone can modify a scaffold
The competent person/scaffold supervisor must assess the proposed change, a RED tag must be applied, the alteration must be carried out by qualified scaffolders, and the scaffold must be re-inspected before use (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The competent person/scaffold supervisor must assess the proposed change, a RED tag must be applied, the alteration must be carried out by qualified scaffolders, and the scaffold must be re-inspected before use

Before any alterations: a competent person must assess the impact on structural integrity, a RED (do not use) tag must be placed on the scaffold, only qualified scaffolders may carry out the work, the scaffold designer may need to approve significant changes, and a full re-inspection by a competent person is required before the scaffold is returned to service with a GREEN tag.

Question 26: What is a Residual Current Device (RCD) and why is it used on construction sites?

A safety device that detects earth faults and cuts power within milliseconds to prevent fatal electrocution (Correct answer)
A lockout device for isolating equipment during maintenance
A piece of equipment that measures electrical consumption
A device that regulates voltage to tools

Correct answer: A safety device that detects earth faults and cuts power within milliseconds to prevent fatal electrocution

An RCD detects imbalances in current flow (indicating a fault or someone touching a live conductor) and disconnects power in 30 milliseconds or less, potentially before a fatal shock can be delivered.

Question 27: What is the lower exposure action value (LEAV) for daily personal noise exposure under Irish health and safety regulations?

75 dB(A)
80 dB(A) (Correct answer)
85 dB(A)
90 dB(A)

Correct answer: 80 dB(A)

Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, the lower exposure action value for daily noise is 80 dB(A), at which point employers must begin taking steps such as providing hearing protection on request.

Question 28: What safety measures are required for refuelling construction plant?

Refuel with the engine running to save time
Switch off the engine, no smoking or naked flames within the designated distance, use appropriate fuel containers, have fire extinguisher available, control spills, and refuel in a well-ventilated area away from ignition sources (Correct answer)
No special measures are required for diesel plant
Only petrol-powered plant requires precautions

Correct answer: Switch off the engine, no smoking or naked flames within the designated distance, use appropriate fuel containers, have fire extinguisher available, control spills, and refuel in a well-ventilated area away from ignition sources

Safe refuelling requires: engine switched off and allowed to cool, no smoking or open flames in the vicinity, use of approved fuel containers and nozzles, a fire extinguisher readily available, spill containment measures (drip trays), cleaning up any spills immediately, refuelling in well-ventilated areas, and proper storage of fuel away from ignition sources and site boundaries.

Question 29: What is the safest way to carry a long object such as a plank on a construction site?

Carry it vertically over the shoulder
Run with it to reduce the time spent carrying
Drag it along the ground
Carry it horizontally with the front end slightly raised and warn others nearby (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Carry it horizontally with the front end slightly raised and warn others nearby

Long objects should be carried horizontally, with the front raised slightly to avoid tripping hazards. Workers nearby must be warned as the extended length creates a risk of striking people.

Question 30: When must safety gloves be worn on a construction site?

Only when using power tools
At all times regardless of the task
Only when told to by a supervisor
When handling sharp, rough, hot, or chemically hazardous materials where hand injury risk exists (Correct answer)

Correct answer: When handling sharp, rough, hot, or chemically hazardous materials where hand injury risk exists

Gloves must be selected and worn based on the specific hand hazards — cut resistance for sharp materials, thermal protection for hot work, chemical resistance for COSHH substances. The correct glove for the task must be selected.

SOLAS Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Ireland

The SOLAS CSCS test assesses the health, safety, and environmental knowledge required by construction operatives on Irish construction sites, covering topics such as PPE, fire safety, excavations, scaffolding, noise, vibration, and electrical hazards.

Questions

45 min

Time Limit

90%

To Pass

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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

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