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Construction dust and silica questions for the CSCS MAP test

4 free questions on Construction dust and silica, from section B. Occupational health, wellbeing and welfare. Every question is original and explains why each option is right or wrong.

Last verified against HSE guidance and the law ·How we write our questions

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Question 1

Medium ·Link to this question (question 1)

Your team will cut a lot of concrete blocks with a cut-off saw.

Which control should you plan first?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Cutting the blocks faster to get it over with
  2. B. Water suppression or on-tool extraction
  3. C. Dust masks only, with no other control on the saw
  4. D. Sweeping up the dust at the end of each day
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Speed doesn't reduce the dust.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says control dust at source, for example with water suppression or on-tool extraction. RPE is usually needed as well.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. RPE should back up controls at source, not replace them.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Dry sweeping raises dust. And it doesn't stop exposure during cutting.

Explanation

Control dust at source with water or on-tool extraction, and back it up with suitable, fit-tested RPE.

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Question 2

Medium ·Link to this question (question 2)

Workers on your site wear tight-fitting dust masks (FFP3) for cutting.

What must be done to make sure the masks protect them?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Workers can share masks to save money
  2. B. Workers with beards can wear them, as long as the masks are tight
  3. C. Each wearer must be fit tested
  4. D. Nothing, as one size fits everyone
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Disposable masks are for one person, and each wearer must be fit tested.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Stubble and beards stop a tight-fitting mask from sealing.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says tight-fitting RPE must be fit tested for each wearer, as faces differ.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. A mask that doesn't seal lets dust in.

Explanation

Tight-fitting RPE must be fit tested for each wearer, and the wearer must be clean shaven where it seals.

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Question 3

Medium ·Link to this question (question 3)

A dusty task can't be done with water or extraction.

What must the RPE be?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Worn only when the supervisor is watching
  2. B. Suitable, fit tested and worn properly
  3. C. Any mask, even a paper nuisance-dust mask
  4. D. Shared between workers to save money
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. RPE only protects when it is worn throughout the task.
  • B. Right: Right. RPE must suit the hazard, be fit tested for tight-fitting masks, and be worn properly.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Nuisance-dust masks don't protect against construction dust.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Tight-fitting RPE is fitted to each wearer.

Explanation

Where RPE is needed it must be suitable, fit tested and worn throughout the task.

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Question 4

Medium ·Link to this question (question 4)

At the end of a dusty job, a worker starts dry sweeping the floor.

What is a better way to clean up?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Leave it for the next trade
  2. B. Sweep faster to get it over with
  3. C. A suitable vacuum, or wet methods
  4. D. Use compressed air to blow it away
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. The dust is still a hazard.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Faster sweeping raises more dust.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says avoid dry sweeping. Use a suitable vacuum or wet cleaning, so dust isn't raised.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Compressed air spreads dust into the air.

Explanation

Clean up dust with a suitable vacuum or wet methods. Don't dry sweep or use compressed air.

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