SSSTS Cheat Sheet 2026

The 21 highest-yield SSSTS 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 supervisor's duty when new hazards are identified during the construction phase that were not in the original Construction Phase Plan? → Report the new hazard to the Principal Contractor so the CPP can be updated
2. How long is an SSSTS certificate valid before renewal is required? → 5 years
3. What is a site supervisor's duty regarding contractors working within their area of supervision? → To ensure they work in accordance with the site rules and safe systems of work
4. What should a site supervisor do if a subcontractor's method statement does not adequately address a site-specific hazard? → Reject the method statement and require it to be revised before work commences
5. What does the hierarchy of control measures specify as the most effective method of controlling risk? → Eliminating the hazard entirely
6. What records should be kept after a toolbox talk? → A record of the topic, date, location, presenter and the names of all workers who attended
7. Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, which of the following activities does NOT constitute 'work at height'? → A worker sitting at a desk on the third floor of an office building
8. Which body should be notified of a work-related death in addition to the HSE? → The police must also be informed of any workplace death
9. What organisation administers the SSSTS qualification in the UK? → CITB (Construction Industry Training Board)
10. What does 'RAMP' stand for in the context of health and safety risk assessment? → Recognise the hazard, Assess the risk, Manage the control, and Periodically review
11. What does RIDDOR stand for? → Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013
12. Which of the following is classified as a PERSONAL (rather than collective) fall protection measure? → Personal fall arrest harness and lanyard
13. Under CDM 2015, what document must the Principal Contractor prepare before construction begins? → Construction Phase Plan
14. How often should welfare facilities on a construction site be cleaned? → Regularly — at minimum once per day, and more frequently on sites with large workforces
15. What is the legal minimum provision of rest break entitlement for adult construction workers under the Working Time Regulations 1998? → A rest break of at least 20 minutes when the working day exceeds 6 hours
16. What does 'residual risk' mean after control measures have been applied? → The remaining level of risk after all practicable control measures have been implemented
17. How frequently must a scaffold be inspected by a competent person under the Work at Height Regulations 2005? → At least every 7 days and after any event likely to have affected its stability
18. What is a 'dangerous occurrence' under RIDDOR 2013? → A specified near-miss event that must be reported even if no one is injured
19. What does the term 'risk' mean in health and safety? → The combination of the likelihood of harm occurring and the severity of the consequence
20. What does the term 'hazard' mean in health and safety? → Something with the potential to cause harm
21. What does 'likelihood × severity' produce in a risk matrix? → A risk rating that prioritises which hazards need the most urgent attention