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Gas work and gas safety questions for the Plumbing (JIB) (PLUM) specialist test

6 free questions on Gas work and gas safety, from section E. Specialist: Plumbing (JIB). 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)

A householder asks you to move their gas cooker while you refit the kitchen.

Who may work on the gas fittings?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Any plumber with their own tools
  2. B. A labourer, if supervised
  3. C. The householder, if careful
  4. D. A Gas Safe registered engineer
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Gas work needs a Gas Safe registered engineer.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Gas work needs a Gas Safe registered engineer.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Gas work needs a Gas Safe registered engineer.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says work on gas fittings must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer who is qualified for that work.

Explanation

In homes and most workplaces, only a Gas Safe registered engineer, qualified for that work, may work on gas.

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Question 2

Medium ·Link to this question (question 2)

Your firm is taking on a gas engineer as a subcontractor.

How should you check they can do the work?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Check the Gas Safe Register
  2. B. Look at the logo on their van
  3. C. Ask for a business card
  4. D. Take their word for it
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says check the person is registered and qualified, on the Gas Safe Register website or by phone.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Anyone can put a logo on a van.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. A card proves nothing.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Check the register.

Explanation

Check gas engineers on the Gas Safe Register, including what work they are qualified for.

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Question 3

Easier ·Link to this question (question 3)

You smell gas while working in a plant room.

What should you do?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Switch the lights on so you can see the pipes better
  2. B. Turn off the supply and call the emergency line
  3. C. Use a lighter to find where the leak is
  4. D. Carry on, as small leaks clear on their own
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. A switch can spark and ignite gas.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says if you suspect a leak, turn off the supply and phone the gas emergency number (or the LPG supplier). If in doubt, evacuate.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. A flame could cause an explosion.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. A leak must be dealt with straight away.

Explanation

Smell gas: turn off the supply, call the gas emergency number (0800 111 999 for natural gas) and get out if in doubt.

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Question 4

Medium ·Link to this question (question 4)

A gas leak in a building has been reported and the supply turned off.

When can the gas be turned back on?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. After about an hour, once the room has aired
  2. B. When the windows are open
  3. C. When a competent person has fixed the leak
  4. D. When the smell has gone
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Time doesn't fix a leak.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. The leak must be fixed first.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says don't restore the gas supply until a competent person has dealt with the leak.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. The leak may still be there.

Explanation

Keep the gas off until a competent person has dealt with the leak.

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Question 5

Medium ·Link to this question (question 5)

A customer wants the air vent in their boiler room blocked up to stop draughts.

What should you tell them?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. It can be blocked in winter only
  2. B. It can be blocked if the door is left open
  3. C. It can be blocked with foam if a carbon monoxide alarm is fitted
  4. D. It mustn't be blocked, as the boiler needs air
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. The appliance needs air all year.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Don't block air inlets.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Air inlets must not be blocked.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says rooms with gas appliances need adequate ventilation, and air inlets must not be blocked.

Explanation

Never block air inlets, flues or chimneys for gas appliances. Without air, they can make carbon monoxide.

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Question 6

Medium ·Link to this question (question 6)

A worker wants to use a gas-fired heater to dry out a small room with no ventilation.

What does HSE say?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Don't, as carbon monoxide could build up
  2. B. It is fine if the door is shut to keep heat in
  3. C. It is fine for short periods
  4. D. It is fine if nobody smells anything
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says gas equipment should not be used in poorly ventilated spaces, and must not make dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. That would make carbon monoxide build up faster.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Carbon monoxide can kill quickly.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Carbon monoxide has no smell.

Explanation

Don't use gas appliances in poorly ventilated spaces: carbon monoxide can build up, and you can't smell it.

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