Exams / HS&E Operatives / Asbestos awareness / Question 4
HS&E Operatives practice question: Asbestos awareness (4 of 7) B. Occupational health A free question from our original HS&E Operatives practice exam. Try it, then open the answer to see why each option is right or wrong.
Last verified October 2026 against HSE guidance and the law ·How we write our questions
While drilling through a wall, you break into a hidden panel and a grey dust comes out. You think it might be asbestos.
What should you do?
Choose one answer.
A A. Sweep up the dust and carry onB B. Finish the hole quickly, then report itC C. Hoover it up with the site vacuum cleanerD D. Stop work straight away and assume it is asbestosShow the answer and explanation Answer: D
A. Wrong: Wrong. Sweeping puts fibres into the air. Stop and get the area dealt with properly.B. Wrong: Wrong. Carrying on releases more fibres. Stop now.C. Wrong: Wrong. An ordinary vacuum cleaner can blow fine asbestos fibres back into the air.D. Right: Right. HSE says stop work immediately, confirm what it is or assume it is asbestos. Keep others away and tell your supervisor.Explanation If you think you have disturbed asbestos, stop work at once, keep others away and tell your supervisor.
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