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Hot work and welding questions for the CSCS test

7 free questions on Hot work and welding, from section D. High risk activities. 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)

You are about to use a gas torch to cut a steel pipe inside a building under construction. Read these statements: 1. Clear combustible materials away from the work area. 2. Have a suitable fire extinguisher at hand. 3. Keep a careful watch for fire while the work goes on. 4. A permit to work is never used for hot work.

Which of the statements are correct?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. 1, 2 and 3 only
  2. B. 1, 2, 3 and 4
  3. C. 1 and 4 only
  4. D. 2 and 3 only
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE lists clearing combustibles, suitable extinguishers and a careful watch as the precautions for hot work. Statement 4 is wrong: a permit to work is often used.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Statement 4 is not true. HSE says a permit to work system can help manage hot work, especially on larger projects.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Statement 4 is not true, and statements 2 and 3 are both true and should be included.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Statement 1 is also true. Combustible material near hot work is one of the main causes of fires.

Explanation

Before hot work, clear combustibles, have an extinguisher at hand, keep watch during the work, and check the area afterwards. A hot work permit is often needed.

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Question 2

Medium ·Link to this question (question 2)

A fire has broken out near a set of gas cylinders, and one of them is in the flames.

What should you do?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Spray it with a fire extinguisher until it has cooled down
  2. B. Get clear, raise the alarm, call the fire service
  3. C. Drag the cylinder out of the fire
  4. D. Open the valve to let the pressure out
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. You would have to get close to the cylinder. Leave cooling it to the fire service.
  • B. Right: Right. A cylinder in a fire can burst. HSE advises not approaching it, evacuating the area around it and calling the fire and rescue service.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Never approach a cylinder that has been in a fire. It can burst without warning.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. HSE says don't try to vent a heated cylinder. Get away and call the fire service.

Explanation

If a gas cylinder is in a fire, don't approach it. Raise the alarm, get everyone well clear and call the fire and rescue service.

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Question 3

Medium ·Link to this question (question 3)

A welder is working inside a plant room on a construction site, and welding fume is building up.

What is the most effective way to reduce the fume?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Give the welder a simple dust mask
  2. B. Weld for shorter periods with long breaks
  3. C. Capture it at the source with extraction (LEV)
  4. D. Open the door and let it clear naturally
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. A dust mask won't control the fume well, and doesn't protect anyone else in the room.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Shorter periods may lower the dose but don't control the fume. Extraction at the source is needed.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says the most effective way to reduce welding fume is to capture it at source with local exhaust ventilation (LEV). RPE is used where LEV isn't enough.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. General airflow doesn't remove the fume from the welder's breathing zone.

Explanation

Welding fume can cause lung disease. Capture it at the source with LEV, and use suitable RPE where LEV isn't enough.

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Question 4

Easier ·Link to this question (question 4)

A welder is working near a walkway that other workers use.

What helps protect the people walking past?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Welding only in the dark
  2. B. Nothing, as only the welder is at risk
  3. C. Screens around the welding area
  4. D. Telling people not to look at the welding
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Working in the dark makes other hazards worse and doesn't protect anyone.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Arc light and UV can harm people nearby too.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says screens protect passers-by and nearby workers from the welding arc light, which can cause arc eye.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. People may glance by accident. Screens give proper protection.

Explanation

Arc welding gives off intense light and UV. Use screens to protect people nearby, and the welder needs filtered eye protection.

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Question 5

Easier ·Link to this question (question 5)

You are chipping slag off a weld with a chipping hammer.

What eye protection does HSE say to wear?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. None, if you keep your eyes half closed
  2. B. Sunglasses
  3. C. A dust mask
  4. D. Goggles
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Hot slag can fly into your eyes. Wear goggles.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Sunglasses are not made to stop flying slag.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. A dust mask doesn't protect your eyes.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says wear goggles when chipping slag or wire brushing welds.

Explanation

Wear goggles when chipping slag or wire brushing, and protect skin from spatter with suitable clothing and gloves.

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Question 6

Medium ·Link to this question (question 6)

A labourer offers to use the oxy-acetylene cutting set while the trained operator is on a break.

What does HSE recommend?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Only trained people should use acetylene equipment
  2. B. Anyone can use it for short jobs
  3. C. It is fine if the labourer watched the operator earlier
  4. D. Anyone can use it once the permit is signed
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE recommends that acetylene is only used by people trained to use it, with suitably designed equipment.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Acetylene can cause fires and explosions. Only trained people should use it.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Watching is not training.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. A permit doesn't make an untrained person competent.

Explanation

Gas cutting and welding equipment must only be used by trained people, with suitable equipment and precautions.

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Question 7

Medium ·Link to this question (question 7)

A welder is welding steel outdoors on a breezy day. Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) has been set up next to them.

What does HSE say about this?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. The welder should hold their breath while welding
  2. B. LEV can't be relied on outdoors, so suitable RPE is needed
  3. C. Outdoors the wind removes all the fume, so nothing is needed
  4. D. LEV works better outdoors than indoors
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. This doesn't work and is not a control.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says you cannot rely on LEV to capture welding fume outdoors. Where LEV doesn't give adequate control, suitable RPE must be provided.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. The welder can still breathe in fume, especially leaning over the work.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Wind blows the fume away from the extraction hood.

Explanation

Outdoors, LEV can't be relied on to capture welding fume. Welders need suitable RPE.

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