These CSCS practice questions are nearly identical to the one you’ll encounter on you test

day so if you can answer all these practice questions correctly you’ll be well on your way to
acing the respiratory risks section of your CSCS test. All the answers are provided at the
end of each questions.

1. High levels of dust can be inhaled when performing tasks such as grinding,
drilling, sanding and cutting. These levels are most dangerous when:
a. Working in a small room.
b. Using the tool in a large, indoor area.
c. Working outdoor on a calm day.
d. Using the tool outside when it is windy.

2. You need to sweep up dust that was created during your shift. You should:
a. Place a protective mask over your nose and mouth.
b. Ensure that there is adequate ventilation.
c. Dampen down the area.
d. All of the above.

3. You are required to undertake some work that will produce dust. What will you
need to do?
a. Only work for a short period of time.
b. Avoid the work, as dust can harm your respiratory system.
c. Begin work immediately; dust is hardly dangerous.
d. Wear the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) and use devices that will control
airborne dust.

4. When using water to help control the levels of dust when cutting, what should you
do?
a. Make certain that you are using as much water as possible.
b. Pour water onto a surface before you begin cutting.
c. Ask a co-worker to stand next to you and pour water directly onto your workspace.
d. Make sure that the flow of water is adjusted correctly.

5. What TWO methods can you use to reduce the amount of dust from becoming
airborne?
a. Place a dust collector on the machine.
b. Wear a protective mask.
c. Keep your area neat.
d. Work carefully and slowly.
e. Wet cutting

6. When using a power tool for cutting and grinding, why is it important for the dust
to be collected?
a. It will save time and avoid a mess.
b. A machine guard is not necessary if the dust is collected.
c. Dust can be harmful if it is inhaled.
d. The tool performs better if dust is collected.

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7. Occupational asthma can make it impossible to work with specific materials. How
is it caused?
a. Constant exposure to rat droppings.
b. Constant exposure to harmful levels of noise.
c. Cutaneous (skin) contact with a hazardous materials.
d. Breathing in hazardous substances such as dust, vapours and fumes

8. Being exposed to which of these items will NOT cause lung infections or
diseases?
a. Bird faeces. b. Strong odours.
c. Asbestos fibres. d. Silica in dust form.

9. A nest of pigeons along with droppings are discovered in an area where you will
be working. What should you do?
a. Let the birds leave before continuing with your work.
b. Cease work and ask a supervisor what you should do.
c. Attempt to catch the birds.
d. Continue with your tasks.

10. More construction workers die or suffer long-term health impacts from which of
the following?
a. Tripping and falling. b. Accidents involving vehicles.
c. Falling from great heights. d. Inhaling hazardous substances.

11. You are working with a chemical and require respiratory protective equipment
(RPE). If none has been given, what do you do?
a. Work as quickly as possible.
b. Smell the chemical to determine whether it is dangerous.
c. Begin work but take breaks at five-minute intervals.
d. Do not work until the proper equipment and training have been provided.

12. You are provided with a dust mask to protect against dangerous fumes but this
mask is partially damaged. What should you do?
a. Begin your work but take regular breaks.
b. Wear a second mask above the first.
c. Work as quickly as possible.
d. Do not start working until you are supplied with the proper protective equipment.

13. Which of these tasks does NOT cause silica dust to enter into the air?
a. Sawing wood. b. Cutting stones and blocks.
c. Demolition of concrete floors or screeds. d. Sweeping up rubble

14. When you are drilling, grinding, sanding or dusting, how can you protect your
lungs from long-term respiratory damage?
a. Wear goggles and use a dust extractor or only wet-cut.
b. Use a regular dust mask, goggles and hearing protection.
c. Only use a FFP3-rated mask and goggles.
d. Use a FFP3 rated mask, an extraction device or wet cut, impact goggles and hearing
protection

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15. Solvents in paints and resins can lead to:
a. Lung issues.
b. Headaches, nausea and dizziness.
c. Other effects on the body.
d. All of the above.

1. All unsafe working practices should be reported immediately; whose responsibility

is it to report unsafe working practices?
a. Your supervisor only
b. Only the site manager can do this
c. Only a health and safety rep can do this
d. It’s everyone’s responsibility to report unsafe working practices

2. What should you do if you’re unsure about a particular topic discussed during a
site induction?
a. Ask a colleague to clarify
b. Meet with the presenter at the end of the day to discuss it
c. Ask the presenter to explain further
d. Ask your health and safety rep to explain at your next break

3. Prohibition notices are given to equipment that:

a. Only supervisors can use
b. Only managers can use
c. Only skilled workers can use
d. Should not be used until it’s made safe

4. While carrying out a task you realize that another contractor’s work is putting your
safety at risk; what should you do?
a. Approach the contractor and have a chat about the situation
b. Speak to your supervisor concerning the matter
c. Speak to the contractor’s supervisor’s concerning the matter
d. Carry on working but keep a close eye on what’s going on around you

5. As an employee it’s your responsibility to do all the following EXCEPT: (choose 2

answers)
a. Raise concerns about safety issues b. Write your own risk assessments
c. Report unsafe working practices d. Provide your own PPE

6. In the event of an accident a first aider can do all the following EXCEPT:
a. Perform CPR
b. Bandage your cuts or wounds
c. Move you while you’re unconscious
d. Prescribe and give you medicines to help you recover

7. Which of these does not belong in the fire triangle?

a. Fuel b. Oxygen c. Source of ignition d. CO2

8. When using fire extinguishers the term PASS stands for_____.

a. Pull, aim, squeeze, sweep b. Point, aim, squeeze, sweep
c. Pull, aim, squeeze, smother d. Point, aim, squeeze, smother

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9. What should you do if you have no hearing protection and someone is using very
noisy equipment near you?
a. Work quickly then move away from that area
b. Leave the area immediately and get the right hearing protection for your situation
c. Ask the person to wait until you leave to use it
d. Carry on working and just try to ignore the noise

10.Who can use a class 3 ladder to carry out work on a building site?
a. Only a supervisor can use a class 3 ladder onsite
b. Anyone can use a class 3 ladder onsite
c. Class 3 ladders should not be used onsite
d. Only a trained worker can use a class 3 ladder onsite

1. The health and safety sign below is used to indicate:

a. Fire hose location
b. Fire assembly location
c. Fire extinguisher location
d. Fire alarm point

2. What should you do if you discover a child wondering around on a construction

site?
a. Escort the child to safety immediately
b. Just ignore it as it’s not your problem
c. Find your supervisor and report it
d. Find your site manager and report it

3. What does the health and safety sign below mean?

a. Dangerous to the environment
b. Hot liquid
c. Corrosive
d. Irritant

4. What does the health and safety sign below mean?

a. Dangerous to the environment
b. No fishing in this area
c. Do not dump refuse here
d. Protected wildlife area

5. If high visibility clothing is needed to carry out your work, who should provide
this?
a. Your employer needs to provide it then have the cost deducted from your wages
b. Your local job centre will provide this
c. Your employer needs to provide this
d. You need to buy your own

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6. To help prevent injuries caused by manual handling you should do all the
following EXCEPT:
a. Learn proper lifting and carrying techniques
b. Use lifting equipment
c. Disperse your items into smaller loads
d. Carry as much items as possible to get the task completed faster

7. Class B fires are fires involving all of the following except? Choose two answers.
a. Kerosene b. Propane c. Gasoline d. Cooking oil

8. Which class of fire does magnesium and aluminium materials fall under?
a. Class D b. Class B c. Class A d. Class F

9. Which of these two types of fire extinguishers are most suitable for use on
electrical fires? Choose two answers.
a. Water b. Foam c. Wet Chemical
d. CO2 e. Dry Powder

10. In the event of a fire you should do all the following EXCEPT:
a. Exit the building immediately using the nearest lift
b. Call the fire brigade
c. Operate the nearest fire alarm
d. Tackle the fire if safe and trained to do so
ANSWERS

http://builderstest.com/
Being able to manage and prevent misuse of hazardous materials should be a main
priority in any working environment; these materials can cause severe injury and even
death. A lot of these hazardous substances can be transferred from your clothing to
someone else’s clothing without either of you realizing.
In most cases these hazardous substances have an immediate effect, but materials such
as asbestos are well known for being transferable. These lay undetectable on a person’s
clothes just waiting to be transferred to the next person.
This toxic substance affects men, women and children and should not be taken lightly if
detected. Almost all companies that hire workers who deal directly with hazardous
substances make the CSCS test mandatory, this ensures that employees are aware of the
dangers and effects of dealing with hazardous materials.
Here’s what a few of the CSCS test questions about hazardous substances will look
like:

1. The term COSHH is associated with? ( Read more about COSHH )

a. Proper lifting techniques b. Safe use of electrical equipment
c. Safe use of handling hazardous materials d. Safe use of ladders

2. Upon discovering asbestos on a work site what should you do?

a. Place it in a rubbish bin and carry on working
b. Take it outside and toss it away
c. Give it to your supervisor for testing
d. Immediately cease work and inform colleagues

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3. After discovering an unlabelled bottle of chemicals what should you do?
a. Take a quick smell to determine what it is b. Dispose of it immediately
c. Ignore it because it’s in a bottle d. Report it to your supervisor

4. Hazardous substances can be identified by?

a. The symbol on the label b. The colour of the container
c. The colour of the substance d. It will have a blue label on the container

5. Where can you find information about hazardous substances?

a. Your contract of employment b. The COSHH assessment
c. Your HSE poster d. Your time sheet

6. Which of the following is possible if you inhale asbestos dust?

a. Dermatitis b. Leptospirosis c. Lung disease d. HAVS

7. The best way to tell if a specific substance is asbestos is by___.

a. Having it tested at a lab
b. Take it to your supervisor and ask him
c. Ask your colleagues if it looks like asbestos
d. Try to identify the distinctive smell asbestos gives off

8. If your job requires you to use a hazardous substance whose responsibility is it to

explain the health risks and safe method of work you need to follow.
a. Your health and safety rep only
b. Your supervisor
c. An HSE officer
d. No one needs to tell you; you’ll have to read the COSHH assessment for further
information

9. What do the signs below mean?

10. To ensure your safety when using hazardous substances you should:
a. Seek advice from your colleagues on how to safely use it
b. Ensure the job is done as quickly as possible to reduce exposure time
c. Read the health and safety poster at your workplace
d. Ensure you read and fully understand the COSHH assessment and follow the
instructions for safe use
ANSWERS TO THE CSCS TEST QUESTIONS ABOVE
1. C 2. D 3. D 4. A 5. B 6. C 7. A 8. B 9. Corrosive, Explosive,
Flammable, Substance can cause long term serious health problems 10. D

Mandatory signs (Blue signs) – Hearing protection must be worn, Safety boots must be
worn, Head protection must be worn, eye protection must be worn, hand protection must be
worn etc.

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Safe condition signs (Green signs) – Fire exit sign, Emergency eye wash, Fire assembly
point, First aid box etc.
Hazard warning signs (Yellow signs) – Scaffolding incomplete, Trip hazard, Danger drop
below etc.
Prohibition signs (Red signs) – Do not enter, No smoking, Do not oil or clean moving
machinery, Do not use ladder etc.
This cscs card practice test will have 18 questions all relating to health and safety signs
and all the answers can be found in the CSCS Revision Section.
1. Prohibition signs are identified by which colour?
a. Yellow b. Blue c. Green d. Red

2. Mandatory signs are identified by which colour?

a. Green b. Blue c. Red d. Yellow

3. Hazard signs are identified by which colour?

a. Yellow b. Blue c. Green d. Red

4. What does the sign in Fig 1 mean?

5. What does the sign in Fig 2 mean?

6. What does the sign in Fig 3 mean?

7. What does the sign in Fig 4 mean?

8. What does the sign in Fig 5 mean?

9. What does the sign in Fig 6 mean?

10. What does the sign in Fig 7 mean?

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11. What does the sign in Fig 8 mean?

12. What does the sign in Fig 9 mean?

13. What does the sign in Fig 10 mean?

14. What does the sign in Fig 11 mean?

15. What does the sign in Fig 12 mean?

16. What does the sign in Fig 13 mean?

17. What does the sign in Fig 14 mean?

18. What does the sign in Fig 15 mean?

1.d 2.b 3.a 4.Safety Boots 5.Safety hat 6.Ear Protecter 7.No entry to
scaffolding site
8.Stop,No entry 9.Do not clean or oil 10.Do not touch 11.Slippery surface 12.Danger
high voltage
13.Danger of crushing 14.Caution of unsafe roof

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As you will learn from some of the CSCS test questions below, being constantly exposed to
very noisy environments can have severe health complications. Most of these can lead to
long term health problems and hopefully by the end of this CSCS practice test you will
realize just how important and necessary it is to protect your hearing while at work.

1. Over time, excess noise can damage your ability to hear. Can such a condition be
reversed?
a. Yes, but you will be forced to change your current job
b. With time, the condition may repair itself
c. The damage is permanent and cannot be reversed
d. You will need surgery to repair your hearing loss

2. You have just finished working with a particularly noisy piece of equipment and
you have a ringing in your ears. What does this symptom imply?
a. Your body has been exposed to excess vibration
b. You may be coming down with the flu or a respiratory infection
c. The level of noise was high, but it was still safe
d. You’ve temporarily damaged your hearing

3. Over time, excess noise can damage your hearing. Which of these is an early sign
of this?
a. Infections of the inner ear
b. There are no early signs
c. A rash may appear around the outside of your ear
d. A ringing sound or even a temporary hearing loss may occur

4. Give TWO separate answers as to how excess noise can affect your health.
a. Loss of hearing
b. Constant ear infections
c. An excess build-up of wax in your ears
d. Persistent headaches
e. A condition known as “vibration white finger”

5. You believe that excess noise at the job site has damaged your hearing. What do
you need to do?
a. Take a few sick days and rest
b. Have your doctor or employer arrange a hearing test for you
c. Place cotton wads in your ears to prevent any future damage
d. There is nothing that you can do. The damage is permanent and cannot be undone

6. You find yourself on the job site next to a co-worker who is using a loud piece of
machinery. You are wearing no hearing protection. What do you need to do?
a. Immediately stop and speak with the supervisor of your co-worker
b. Continue working, as the job site will always be noisy
c. Tell the worker to stop what they are doing
d. Leave the area until you have secured the correct personal protective equipment (PPE)

7. It is a general rule that noise levels may be excessive if you must shout to speak to
someone how far away?
a. 6 metres b. 4 metres c. 5 metres d. 2 metres

9
8. You job requires you to wear ear defenders while on site. However, one of the
pads is missing. What should you do?
a. Use a piece of cloth and wrap it around the shell while continuing to work
b. Wear them as they are and continue working
c. Do not wear them. Work without hearing protection
d. Wait until the pad is replaced before entering into a noisy area

9. When working in a “Hearing Protection Zone”, you must:

a. Use hearing protection when the noises are too loud to stand
b. Be careful not to make excess noise
c. Wear the appropriate hearing protection at all times
d. Have adequate hearing protection in-case you need it

10. By wearing hearing protection you will:

a. Eliminate all possibilities of being exposed to excess noise levels
b. Reduce the amount of noise you’re exposed to
c. Improve your hearing
d. Reverse any previous hearing problems

If you’re preparing to take the test for your CSCS labourer card then you’ll be pleased to
know that these practice questions are similar to the ones you’re going to face. This CSCS
health and safety mock test consists of 15 random questions, some questions require a
single and some questions require multiple answers so please ensure to read through each
question carefully. All answers are at the bottom of the page.

1. What should you do if the guard from a power tool you need to use is missing?
a. Improvise an make your own
b. Carry on using it but be very careful and work very slowly
c. Use the tool as fast as you can to complete the task quickly
d. Do not use the tool unless you get the correct guard fitted

2. If you need to operate a power tool you must be:

a. Trained and competent b. At least 16 years old
c. At least 18 years old d. At least 21 years old

3. What should you do if the extension wire you need to use has a cut in the outer
cover?
a. If you can’t see the copper wires inside then carry on using it
b. Use electrical tape to cover it and then carry on working
c. Report it immediately and make sure no one else uses it
d. Carry on using it but avoid going near the cut part

4. Which of these must you do if you’re required to use an extension cable? (Choose
two answers)
a. You must only uncoil the length you need to use
b. You must uncoil the entire cable
c. Check the entire length and cable connectors for damage
d. You must only check the length you need for damage

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5. Which of these must you do if you need to run an electrical cable across an area
used by vehicles? (Choose two answers)
a. Ensure that you use yellow tape to wrap it as this would make it visible to drivers
b. Use spare wood or scaffold boards to cover the cable
c. Use a protective ramp to cover the cable
d. Put up a “Ramp Ahead” sign

6. What should you do if you’re required to work in an area that has exposed
electrical cable?
a. Touch it quickly to ensure that it’s not live
b. If there are no sparks coming from the cable then it’s safe to assume that it’s not live
c. Move the cable out of your path and carry on working
d. Do not go near the cable and report to your supervisor immediately
7. What TWO things can you do can you do to help prevent slips and trips while
using an extension cable?
a. Run the cables and leads in the middle of the room so it can be visible to everyone
b. Run the cables and leads close to the wall
c. Run the cables and leads above head height over doorways and walkways
d. Tie up excess cables and leads into a very small coil
8. Why must you be fully trained before using a cartridge-operated tool?
a. Because they’re very heavy and can cause injuries if you lift them incorrectly
b. They can be dangerous to an inexperience person because they operate like a gun
c. If you use it incorrectly it can cause dermatitis
d. It has many exposed electrical parts
9. When should you check your tools and equipment for damage?
a. At least once a month b. At least once every 3 months
c. At least once every 6 months d. It should always be checked before you use it

10. Why should you use a RCD with 230 volt tools?
a. Because it reduces energy consumption and lowers cost
b. Because it cuts off the power quickly if there’s a fault
c. It allows the tools to run at a safe speed
d. It allows the tools run at a higher speed

11. To check if a RCD connected to a power tool is working you should:

a. Press the test button on the RCD
b. Try running the tool at top speed to see if it cuts out
c. Switch the tool on and off
d. Switch the power on and off

12. What does the Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) label on a power tool tell
you?(Choose two answers)
a. The year the tool was manufactured b. The date the next safety check is due
c. The company the tool belongs to d. The previous date the tool was tested

13. What is the recommended safe voltage for electrical equipment on a building
site?
a. 5.5 volts b. 9 volts c. 12 volts d. 110 volts e. 230 volts

11
14. What should the colour of a 110 volt power cable and connector be:
a. Green b. Yellow c. Red d. Black

15. Why is it that building sites use 110 volt instead of the regular 230 volt domestic
supply?
a. Mainly because it is a lot cheaper
b. Because it’s less likely to kill you
c. It has less impact on the environment
d. Most power tools are designed for 110 volt only

1. Site inductions should be attended by?

a. Supervisors only b. Everyone who will be onsite
c. Managers only d. Short term visitors only

2. Being exposed to engine oil can cause?

a. Hearing problems b. Skin problems
c. Lung cancer d. Temporary loss of breath

3. Which of these are common causes of accidents on a construction work site?

a. Slips, trips and falls b. Falling from height
c. Inhaling hazardous substances d. All of the above

4. For maximum safety disposable masks should be discarded after?

a. 6 days b. 2 weeks c. 1 day or 1 shift d. 3 days

5. Besides hearing loss what can excessive noise cause?

a. Headaches b. Temporary blindness
c. Skin disease d. Heart disease

6. What does this sign mean?

a. Danger fragile roof
b. Caution tripping hazards on roof
c. No entry roof unsafe
d. Danger roof incomplete

7. What does this sign mean?

a. Eye protection recommended
b. Opaque eye protection must be worn
c. Eye protection not needed beyond this point
d. Eye protection must be worn

8. What does this sign mean?

a. Hand washing area
b. Protective gloves must be worn
c. Protective gloves recommended
d. Use barrier cream

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Regardless of the type of test you’re taking, these revision notes will come in handy as it
answers most of the knowledge questions you’ll face from the general responsibilities
section.

1. To help prevent accidents and maintain a safe working environment everyone on-site
should report unsafe working conditions.

2. When you attend your site induction you must pay attention to all safety topics discussed,
if there’s something you don’t understand you should ask the presenter to explain it
again until you fully understand.

3. It is the legal duty of your employer to provide risk assessments; it’s not your
responsibility to write your own risk assessments.

4. We should all try our best to maintain a clean and tidy working environment because this
willhelp to reduce the number of slips, trips and falls in the workplace.

5. If for some reason you believe that the work being carried out by another contractor puts
you safety at risk you should stop working and speak to your supervisor immediately.

6. if you need to use a tool which has been given a prohibition notice this means that the
tool is unsafe and you should not use it until it has been made safe.

7. If you turn up to work one day and someone says that the site has been issued with a
prohibition notice this means you must stop all work as the site is unsafe for work.

8. If an HSE inspector inspects you working and issues an improvement notice this means
thatyou are not working in a safe way.

9. Whenever you are at work, the Health and Safety at Work places legal duties on
everyone at work not just employers.

10. If for some reason you believe that the safety rules explained at your site induction is
outdated you should speak to your supervisor and share your opinion.

11. The Health and Safety at Work act is important to everyone at work because it places
legal duties on employers to provide a safe working environment and it also places
legal duties on you to follow the safe system of work that’s put in place.

12. Your site manager is responsible for managing health and safety on your construction
site.

13. A risk assessment is vital for on-site safety as it identifies hazards and it explains
how you can carry out a task safely.

14. The word “hazard” is quite common in any workplace. The term hazard is used to
describeanything at work which has the potential to cause harm or injury to you.

15. You can expect to learn about the site health and safety rules during the site
induction.

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16. The term tool box talk is used to describe a short training session on a specific
health and safety topic.

17. Everyone who will be working on-site should attend the site induction.

18. Two key topics which are normally discussed at the site induction are the site safety
rules and the emergency procedures in place.

19. The term near miss is used to describe an accident which could have resulted in
injury.

20. We can all help to prevent accidents by reporting near misses and unsafe working
conditions.

The hand-arm vibration phenomenon

When employees use or come into close contact with powered machinery and hand tools,
the vibration such equipment generates is then transmitted directly to their hands and
arms.Prolonged exposure can be harmful to health, often resulting in HAVS (hand-arm
vibration syndrome) or CTS (carpal tunnel syndrome). It’s known that the tendency to
develop vibration damage in the hand and arm can vary considerably between individuals –
some may develop symptoms after just a few years of exposure, whilst others seem to be
immune and able towork for decades without experiencing significant problems.
Construction workers are particularly likely to be at risk from HAVS when using the
following tools and machinery:
Concrete breakers, compactors and pokers
Sanders, disc cutters and grinders
Chipping hammers
Hammer drills
Chainsaws
Scabblers or needle guns.
In addition, construction workers who regularly use hammer-action tools and equipment in
excess of 15 minutes per day, or are required to use rotary and similar tools beyond one
hour per day, may well be at an increased vibration-exposure risk.

Hand-arm vibration syndrome

Sustained vibration can damage not only nerves and blood vessels in the wrist and indeed
throughout the entire length of the arm, but also cause damage to muscles and joints.
These types of damage can occur alone or in combination, and nerve damage especially
can cause permanent damage if it remains undetected until the later stages. Common
symptoms include the painful ‘vibration white finger‘ which results in acute discomfort in
the fingers affected. If the symptoms are disregarded, HAVS can develop into a condition
causing severe disability.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Exposure to sustained vibration is also one of the major causes of carpal tunnel syndrome.
This nerve disorder can involve numbness, tingling, weakness and pain in parts of the hand
and arm.

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Minimising the risks
Employers have a duty to protect workers against HAVS but employees should be
proactive too – for example by checking whether a job could be done differently to limit, or
even eliminate, the use of power tools and/or vibrating machinery. Health surveillance plays
an essential role in detecting and responding to the early signs and symptoms of potentials
HAVS damage.

Sensible precautions:
wherever possible, use low-vibration equipment;
in order to minimise your exposure to hand-arm vibration, always choose the correct tool
for every job and ensure all on-site tools and machinery are well-maintained and in good
repair. Worn and faulty equipment, apart from being dangerous and inefficient, is also more
prone to vibration;
likewise, all tools and machinery must also be properly sharpened to increase safety and
speed completion of the job;
wherever possible, workers should split the task by doing other jobs in between, thus
avoiding prolonged exposure to vibration;
workers should refrain from gripping workpieces or tools tightly. This is not only good
practice because it prevents accidents by improving manual control; it also minimises the
risk of HAVS.
tools should be carefully stored to avoid handles becoming excessively cold;
promote healthy blood circulation by: i) wearing suitably warm and waterproof clothing; ii)
keeping fingers well-massaged and exercised during breaks; iii) reducing, or giving up,
smoking which otherwise tends to reduce blood flow;
any hand symptoms experienced should always be reported at once; either to your
employer or the designated person responsible for injuries and health checks;
follow all instructions and recommended control measures adopted in the workplace to
minimise the HAVS risk;
consult your designated workplace or trade union safety representative for further
information and advice.

CSCS Quick Revision Notes on Fire Prevention and Control

1. When you first arrive on site you will hear the term fire assembly point, this is
the location you must go if you hear the fire alarm.

2. The first thing you must do upon discovering a fire is raise the fire alarm.

3. If you’re working and you hear the fire alarm you must stop what you’re doing
immediately and go to the fire assembly point.

4. If your job requires a “hot work permit” this means that the job you’re about to do could
start a fire.

5. A hot work permit tells you a lot about controlling and minimizing the risk of a fire but it
does not tell you where your local fire station is located.
6. If you’re carrying out a job which requires a hot work permit you will need to have a fire
extinguisher close to where you are working and you must check and ensure there’s
no signs of fire after you’ve finished working.

7. A fire needs three basic elements; these are oxygen, heat and fuel.

15
8. After using a CO2 fire extinguisher you should not touch the nozzle because it will be
very cold.

9. You should not use foam or water fire extinguishers on electrical fires because
these are conductors of electricity.

10. A water fire extinguisher is one of the most widely used fire extinguisher, these are used
to tackle fires that involve solid combustibles e.g. paper, wood and plastics.

11. Dry powder fire extinguishers can be identified by its blue colour band.

12. CO2 (carbon dioxide) fire extinguishers can be identified by its black colour band.

13. Foam fire extinguishers can be identified by its cream colour band.

14. Wet chemical fire extinguishers can be identified by its yellow colour band.

15. If there’s frost present on the valve of a LPG cylinder this means that there’s a leak in
the valve.

16. The location of the fire assembly point and other safety procedures will be explained to
youduring your site induction.

17. One simple way we can all help to prevent fire hazards is by keeping our work area
cleanand by using correct bins to store waste.

18. If you need to work in an area which is a fire escape route you must ensure your tools
and equipment do not block the route.

19. There are many fire risks on site but two of the most common are poor housekeeping
and uncontrolled hot works.

20. If there’s a large fire in your work area and you’re not trained to use a fire extinguisher
you should not attempt to tackle the fire and go to your fire assembly point
immediately.

Fire Extinguisher Colours

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Red
Solid red is one of the most common fire extinguisher colours, and it can be found in
many domestic, commercial and industrial environments.
Contains water.
Safe for use on solid combustible materials like paper, wood and textiles.
Should not be used around electrical equipment or electrical outlets.
Suitable for use on class A fires. (ordinary combustibles).

Cream
A fire extinguisher with a cream band above the operating instructions contains
foam, and they are a more versatile (but more expensive) alternative to red
extinguishers.
Contains Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF).
Is safe for use on solid combustible materials as well as flammable liquids.
AFF foam creates a layer which can help prevent fires from re-igniting after it has been
extinguished.
Suitable for use on class A and B fires. (combustible or flammable liquids).

Blue
Fire extinguishers with a blue colour code contains dry powder, and they are a
multipurpose extinguisher which can be found in many different risk environments.
Contains a dry powder which smothers fires.
Is safe for use on solid combustible materials, flammable liquids and gases.
Is safe for use on fire classes A, B and C (flammable gases).
A special powder is also available for class D (metal fires), but these are not suitable for
use on any other fire class.
Always ensure that the gas supply has been shut off before tackling a flammable gas fire.

Black
Fire extinguishers with a black coding contain carbon dioxide (CO2) gas, and they
are often found in environments which are at risk of electrical fires.
Sprays CO2 gas which suffocates the fire and displaces the amount of oxygen in the air.
Can be used on fires involving electrical equipment and flammable liquid fires.
Is safe for use on class B fires.
Leaves no residue behind so it is one of the cleanest ways to extinguish a fire.
It is very important that black fire extinguishers are used in well ventilated areas because
the CO2 can cause asphyxiation.

Yellow
A yellow coding signifies a wet chemical extinguisher, and these are typically suited
to kitchen environments.
Contains a special chemical agent which coats and blankets the fire with a layer of foam.
Unlike other foam extinguishers, the wet chemical has a faster acting cooling effect.
Should only be used on class F fires which contain cooking fats and oils but it can also be
used on class A fires as well.
The fire extinguisher colour code acts as a visual aid for users to determine what type of fire
the extinguisher is suitable for. Using an extinguisher from the wrong colour code can be
hazardous, so any person working in a high risk environment like a kitchen or industrial
setting should know the different fire extinguisher colours and their purposes.

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