CSCS Trial Guide 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of fire extinguisher is safe to use on electrical equipment fires?
- Water (red label)
- Foam (cream label)
- CO2 (black label) (Correct answer)
- Dry powder (blue label) only
Correct answer: CO2 (black label)
CO2 extinguishers (black label) are safe for electrical fires because the agent is non-conductive.
Question 2: What does the term 'toolbox talk' refer to on a construction site?
- A formal risk assessment meeting
- A brief, informal safety briefing given to workers on a specific topic (Correct answer)
- An inventory check of hand tools
- A weekly union meeting regarding pay
Correct answer: A brief, informal safety briefing given to workers on a specific topic
A toolbox talk is a short, focused safety briefing conducted at the work site to raise awareness of a specific hazard or procedure.
Question 3: Under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, what should an employer do FIRST to protect workers?
- Provide back support belts to all workers
- Train workers in correct lifting techniques
- Avoid the need for manual handling where reasonably practicable (Correct answer)
- Limit loads to a maximum of 20 kg
Correct answer: Avoid the need for manual handling where reasonably practicable
The regulations require employers to first eliminate manual handling hazards before considering other controls like training or PPE.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a near miss report on a construction site?
- To discipline the worker involved in the incident
- To identify hazards and prevent future accidents before someone is injured (Correct answer)
- To satisfy insurance company requirements only
- To record time lost due to the incident
Correct answer: To identify hazards and prevent future accidents before someone is injured
Reporting near misses helps identify and eliminate hazards before they result in actual injuries or fatalities.
Question 5: How often should a portable electrical tool (110V) used on a construction site be PAT tested?
- Every 5 years
- Every 3 years
- Annually
- Every 3 months (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Every 3 months
Construction site equipment at 110V should be PAT tested every 3 months due to the harsh environment and heavy use.
Question 6: What is the recommended voltage for power tools used outdoors or on construction sites in the UK?
- 240V AC
- 110V AC via a centre-tapped transformer (Correct answer)
- 12V DC battery
- 415V three-phase
Correct answer: 110V AC via a centre-tapped transformer
110V centre-tapped to earth (CTE) reduces the shock risk to a maximum of 55V to earth if a fault occurs.
Question 7: What does a COSHH data sheet provide information about?
- The cost and supplier details of a substance
- The health hazards, safe handling, and emergency procedures for a substance (Correct answer)
- The quantity of substance required for a specific task
- The insurance liability for using a substance
Correct answer: The health hazards, safe handling, and emergency procedures for a substance
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS/COSHH sheet) provides essential information on hazards, handling, storage, and emergency first aid measures.
CSCS Trial Guide 3
Which type of fire extinguisher is safe to use on electrical equipment fires?