SAFE PASS Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Under what circumstances can an employee refuse to work under Irish law? → When they reasonably believe there is a serious and imminent danger
2. What should you never do during a site emergency evacuation? → Never use lifts, never go back for personal belongings, never re-enter until declared safe
3. What must an employer provide for first aid on a construction site? → Trained first aiders, a first aid kit, and a first aid room if the site is large enough
4. What must every employee do under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005? → Take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others
5. Under Irish law, at what age can a person legally work on a construction site? → 16 years with restrictions, 18 for certain tasks
6. Why should you keep a load close to your body when lifting? → It reduces the strain on your back by minimising the lever effect
7. What is the difference between a hazard and a risk? → A hazard is a source of potential harm; a risk is the likelihood that harm will occur
8. What document must be kept on a construction site and made available to HSA inspectors? → The Safety and Health Plan
9. When can a ladder be used for work at height under Irish regulations? → Only for short duration, low-risk work where other equipment is not justified
10. What colour are mandatory safety signs? → Blue and white
11. What is the danger of using damaged electrical equipment on site? → Electric shock, electrocution, or fire
12. Under Irish law, what must an employer prepare if they have more than 3 employees? → A Safety Statement
13. What is a site evacuation alarm? → An audible warning system that alerts all workers to evacuate the site
14. How often must portable fire extinguishers on a construction site be formally inspected by a competent person? → At least annually
15. What is an AED and where should it be located on a construction site? → An Automated External Defibrillator — in an accessible central location, clearly signed
16. What is the purpose of a toolbox talk? → To provide short, focused safety briefings on specific hazards or tasks
17. What are Codes of Practice in Irish safety law? → Practical guidance on compliance with safety legislation
18. What hazard does working near overhead power lines present? → Electrocution — electricity can arc through the air
19. What is a biological hazard on a construction site? → Leptospirosis from rat urine in standing water
20. Which class of fire involves flammable liquids such as petrol, paint, and oil? → Class B
21. What type of eye protection is suitable for grinding work? → Safety goggles that seal around the eyes
22. What role does stretching play in preventing manual handling injuries? → It prepares muscles and joints for physical work, reducing strain risk
23. What must an employer do if a workplace accident results in more than 3 days' absence? → Report it to the HSA
24. What welfare facilities must be available for emergency situations? → Clean water, first aid room, toilet facilities, and a means of communication
25. What is a roof ladder used for? → To provide safe access and distribute weight when working on sloping roofs
26. What is the correct procedure for inspecting a safety harness? → Check all webbing, stitching, buckles, and D-rings for damage before each use
27. What is the correct way to set down a heavy load? → Reverse the lifting procedure: bend knees, keep back straight, lower gradually
28. Which class of fire involves flammable gases such as LPG and natural gas? → Class C
29. What is the first step when assessing a manual handling task? → Consider whether the load can be moved by mechanical means instead
30. What are the symptoms of a herniated disc caused by poor lifting? → Severe back pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs