Site Card Test
Course menuHS&E DUCT

Exams / HS&E DUCT / Isolating fans and plant

Isolating fans and plant questions for the Ductwork (DUCT) specialist test

5 free questions on Isolating fans and plant, from section E. Specialist: HVACR – ductwork. 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

Practice Isolating fans and plantTake the free practice exam

Question 1

Easier ·Link to this question (question 1)

You need to clean the inside of a duct next to an air handling unit fan.

What must happen first?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Reach in while it spins slowly
  2. B. Turn it down to the lowest speed
  3. C. Ask someone to stand and watch the switch for you
  4. D. Stop the fan and isolate it
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Moving plant must be stopped and isolated.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Moving plant must be stopped and isolated.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Isolate the power.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says ensure moving plant has stopped and isolate electrical and other power supplies before maintenance.

Explanation

Before working on fans or plant, stop them and isolate the power.

Study

Question 2

Medium ·Link to this question (question 2)

The fan isolator is in a plant room on another floor.

What does HSE say to do?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Lock it off
  2. B. Leave a sticky note on the switch
  3. C. Trust that nobody will touch it
  4. D. Switch it off and on again to check
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says lock off machines if there is a chance the power could be accidentally switched back on.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. A note won't stop someone switching it on.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Lock it off.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Lock it off.

Explanation

Where someone could switch power back on, lock off the isolator.

Study

Question 3

Medium ·Link to this question (question 3)

An electrician is disconnecting a fan motor in the ductwork.

What does HSE say must be done before work starts?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Work on it live, wearing gloves
  2. B. Make it dead and prove it is dead with a tester
  3. C. Switch off and assume it is dead
  4. D. Touch the wires quickly to test them
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Make it dead and prove it.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says electricity supplies should be made dead and proved to be dead before work starts.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. It must be proved dead.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. That could kill.

Explanation

Make electrical supplies dead and prove them dead before work starts.

Study

Question 4

Medium ·Link to this question (question 4)

You need to work in a ceiling void above a live office to service dampers.

What does HSE say about access?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Stand on the ductwork itself
  2. B. Lean in from a chair
  3. C. Provide safe access and a safe place of work
  4. D. Crawl along the ceiling tiles and grid, spreading your weight
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Ductwork is not a working platform.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. You need safe access.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says you must provide safe access and a safe place of work for maintenance.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Ceiling tiles won't hold your weight.

Explanation

Maintenance needs safe access and a safe place of work.

Study

Question 5

Medium ·Link to this question (question 5)

Maintenance on a large air handling plant is high risk, with several trades involved.

What may be needed?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. A shorter shift for everyone
  2. B. A notice in the canteen
  3. C. Nothing beyond a quick chat
  4. D. A permit to work
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. A formal system of work is needed.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. A formal system of work is needed.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. High-risk work needs a formal system.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says formal systems such as a permit to work are needed in some cases for high-risk maintenance.

Explanation

Use a permit to work for high-risk maintenance.

Study

Study Isolating fans and plant

More E. Specialist: HVACR – ductwork topics