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Work equipment and hand tools questions for the CSCS MAP test

4 free questions on Work equipment and hand tools, from section C. General safety. 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

Easier ·Link to this question (question 1)

You are buying a new bench saw for the site joinery shop.

What must the saw be under PUWER?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. The cheapest model available
  2. B. Fitted with guards that can be removed to make cutting faster
  3. C. Usable by anyone on site without any training
  4. D. Suitable for the job, with guards and an emergency stop
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Price is not the test. It must be suitable and safe.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Guards must stay in place.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. HSE says only people with adequate training should use it.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says work equipment must be suitable, safe and maintained, with protective devices such as guarding and emergency stops.

Explanation

Work equipment must be suitable, maintained, inspected, fitted with protective devices, and used only by trained people.

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Question 2

Medium ·Link to this question (question 2)

A new starter has never used a disc cutter before.

What must happen before they use one?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. They get adequate training
  2. B. They watch a video on their phone
  3. C. They use it once, unsupervised, to learn how it works
  4. D. Nothing, as disc cutters are simple to use
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says work equipment must be used only by people who have had adequate information, instruction and training.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. A video alone is unlikely to be adequate training.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Learning by trial is dangerous.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Disc cutters can cause very serious injuries.

Explanation

Only people with adequate information, instruction and training should use work equipment.

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Question 3

Medium ·Link to this question (question 3)

A new mixer has been installed in the site batching area.

What does PUWER say about inspection?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. It never needs inspecting if it is new
  2. B. Only the manufacturer can look at it
  3. C. Inspection is only for cranes
  4. D. Inspect it after installation
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Installation errors can make new equipment unsafe.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. It must be inspected by a competent person.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. PUWER applies to all work equipment.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says work equipment must be maintained in a safe condition and inspected, including after it is installed.

Explanation

Work equipment must be inspected after installation and maintained in a safe condition.

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Question 4

Medium ·Link to this question (question 4)

A machine on site has no clear way to cut it off from its power supply.

Why is this a problem under PUWER?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. It must be possible to isolate it
  2. B. It isn't a problem if it has a guard
  3. C. It is only a problem if it is old
  4. D. Only the operator needs to know how to turn it off
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says work equipment needs suitable protective measures, including adequate means of isolation from energy sources.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Guards matter, but you also need to be able to isolate it.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. All equipment needs a way of isolating it.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. It must be possible to isolate it safely, for maintenance and emergencies.

Explanation

Equipment must have guards, emergency stops where needed, and a means of isolation from energy sources.

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