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Personal protective equipment questions for the CSCS test

7 free questions on Personal protective equipment, from section C. 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 start with a new firm. Your supervisor gives you safety glasses and gloves for the job, then says their cost will come out of your wages.

Is this allowed?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Yes, if you keep the PPE when you leave the firm
  2. B. Only for gloves, because they wear out quickly
  3. C. No, PPE needed for work must be free
  4. D. Yes, as long as the cost is spread over a few weeks
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Who keeps it at the end does not change the rule. PPE provided for work must not be charged for.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. PPE that wears out still has to be replaced free of charge when it is needed for the work.
  • C. Right: Right. The Health and Safety at Work Act says employers must not charge workers for things done to protect their health and safety at work. That includes PPE used only at work.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Spreading the cost does not make it allowed. PPE needed for work must be provided free.

Explanation

Your employer must provide the PPE you need for your work and must not charge you for it. You must use it properly and report if it is lost or damaged.

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Question 2

Easier ·Link to this question (question 2)

You drop your safety helmet from the second lift of a scaffold. When you pick it up, there is a crack in the shell.

What should you do?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Tape over the crack and keep wearing it
  2. B. Keep wearing it, as a small crack won't make a difference
  3. C. Take it off and work without a helmet for the rest of the day
  4. D. Get a replacement and stop using the damaged one
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Tape does not restore the helmet's strength. It could fail if something falls on you.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Any damage can weaken the helmet. It must be replaced.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Head protection is needed on almost all sites. Get a replacement before you carry on.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says head protection should be in good condition, and if it is damaged, throw it away. A cracked shell won't protect you properly.

Explanation

Check your PPE before use. A damaged safety helmet must be replaced, not repaired.

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Question 3

Medium ·Link to this question (question 3)

A contractor plans to deal with the dust from cutting blocks only by giving everyone a disposable mask.

Why is this not enough?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. PPE is the last control, not the only one
  2. B. Disposable masks are banned on construction sites
  3. C. Masks must only be given to workers who ask for them
  4. D. It is fine, because masks are the most effective control
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. PPE is the final control option. The dust should first be reduced at the source, for example with water or extraction. PPE only protects the person wearing it.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. They are not banned. But they must be the right type, fit properly, and be used as well as other controls.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. The employer must decide what PPE is needed and provide it. The problem here is relying on PPE alone.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. HSE says PPE tends to be less effective and reliable than other controls.

Explanation

PPE is the last line of protection. Remove or reduce the hazard at the source first, then use PPE for what is left.

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Question 4

Easier ·Link to this question (question 4)

You are about to use an angle grinder to cut a steel bar. Sparks and bits of metal will fly off.

What eye protection should you wear?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. None, if you keep your face turned away from the disc
  2. B. Goggles or a face shield rated for impact
  3. C. Your normal glasses, as they cover your eyes
  4. D. Sunglasses, to cut out the glare of the sparks
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Fragments can bounce in any direction. Wear eye protection.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says choose eye protection for the hazard, such as impact, dust, splash or molten metal. Options include safety spectacles, goggles and face shields.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Ordinary glasses are not made to stop flying metal and can shatter.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Sunglasses are not impact-rated. They won't stop flying fragments.

Explanation

Wear eye protection that suits the hazard. For grinding and cutting, use impact-rated goggles or a face shield.

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Question 5

Medium ·Link to this question (question 5)

You are using a pillar drill to make holes in steel brackets. You are wearing loose work gloves.

What is the risk?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. The gloves will wear out faster
  2. B. The drill bit could get hot and burn through the glove
  3. C. The gloves could catch and drag your hand in
  4. D. There is none, as gloves always make you safer
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Wear is not the problem. The danger is the glove being caught by the drill.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. The main danger is the glove being caught and your hand pulled in.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says avoid gloves when operating machines such as bench drills, where they might get caught.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Gloves protect against many hazards, but not near rotating parts, where they can get caught.

Explanation

PPE must suit the task. Gloves are not worn near rotating parts such as drills, where they could be caught.

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Question 6

Easier ·Link to this question (question 6)

You are carrying blocks and kerbs on a groundworks site.

What footwear should you wear?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Trainers, as they are lighter to walk in
  2. B. Any boots, as long as they are waterproof
  3. C. Wellingtons with no toe protection
  4. D. Boots with steel toecaps or equivalent
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Trainers don't protect your feet from dropped blocks or nails.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Waterproof is useful, but you also need toe protection and the right sole for the site.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Ordinary wellingtons don't protect against dropped objects.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says construction workers are expected to wear protective footwear on site, and steel toecaps (or equivalent) protect against dropped objects.

Explanation

Wear protective footwear on site. Steel toecaps or equivalent protect against dropped objects.

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Question 7

Medium ·Link to this question (question 7)

You need to wear a safety helmet and ear defenders at the same time.

What should you use?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Ear defenders made to fit your helmet
  2. B. Normal ear defenders, with the helmet balanced on top
  3. C. Just the ear defenders, as the helmet gets in the way
  4. D. Just the helmet, as it covers your ears
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says some safety helmets have, or can be fitted with, specially designed eye or hearing protection. PPE worn together must work together.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. The helmet won't sit properly and could fall off. The defenders may not seal either.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. You still need head protection. Use PPE that is made to be worn together.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. A helmet does not protect your hearing.

Explanation

If you need more than one type of PPE, it must work together. Use ear defenders or eye protection made to fit your helmet.

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