Free CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) Test for Managers and Professionals Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) Test for Managers and Professionals practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1A manager compares the likelihood of a worker being struck by a reversing vehicle with the possible severity of injury. What is this assessment evaluating?

   1. A.The hazard
   2. B.The level of riskCorrect answer: B
   3. C.The control measure
   4. D.The safe system of work

   Explanation: The source states: "Once you have identified the hazards, decide how likely it is that someone could be harmed and how serious it could be. This is assessing the level of risk." Likelihood and severity determine the level of risk; the reversing vehicle is the hazard.

   Reference: HSE Steps needed to manage risk — Assess the risks

2. 2A manager assesses daily average noise exposure from powered cutting equipment. At which level does HSE say hearing protection and hearing protection zones must be provided?

   1. A.80 dB(A)
   2. B.85 dB(A)Correct answer: B
   3. C.87 dB(A)
   4. D.90 dB(A)

   Explanation: HSE states: "The level at which employers must provide hearing protection and hearing protection zones is 85 dB(A) (daily or weekly average exposure)" 85 dB(A) is the upper action level. The lower action value and exposure limit are different thresholds.

   Reference: HSE Noise at work regulations — The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005

3. 3A manager specifies a 110 V centre-tapped-to-earth supply for site tools. What maximum voltage to earth is intended by this system?

   1. A.55 VCorrect answer: A
   2. B.110 V
   3. C.230 V
   4. D.400 V

   Explanation: HSE states: "You should use cordless tools or those that operate from a 110V centre tapped to earth (CTE) supply system so that the maximum voltage to earth does not exceed 55V." The centre tap halves the 110 V voltage relative to earth.

   Reference: HSE Electricity: Systems in buildings — Portable electrical equipment

4. 4A construction scaffold platform needs edge protection. What is the minimum top-guardrail height above the platform specified in HSE's construction guidance?

   1. A.470 mm
   2. B.900 mm
   3. C.950 mmCorrect answer: C
   4. D.1100 mm

   Explanation: HSE states: "For construction work, the top guardrail should be a minimum of 950mm above the working platform and any gap between the top rail and the intermediate rail should not exceed 470mm." 950 mm is the minimum height, rather than the intermediate-rail gap or a higher compliant height.

   Reference: HSE Construction work at height FAQs — How high should the guardrails on a scaffold be?

5. 5A site in England improves ordering accuracy so surplus material never becomes waste. Which stage of the waste hierarchy does this implement?

   1. A.PreventionCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Reuse
   3. C.Recycling
   4. D.Other recovery

   Explanation: The guidance states: "keep waste to a minimum by doing everything you reasonably can to prevent, reuse, recycle or recover waste (in that order)" Avoiding the production of waste is prevention, which comes before managing material that has already become waste.

   Reference: GOV.UK Business waste responsibilities — Your responsibilities

6. 6A commercial client commissions a project involving two contractors. Which pair of CDM appointments is required in addition to selecting the contractors and designers?

   1. A.Principal designer and principal contractorCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Planning consultant and building control surveyor
   3. C.Principal designer and site first aider
   4. D.Principal contractor and insurance surveyor

   Explanation: HSE states: "including the principal designer and principal contractor on projects involving more than one contractor" More than one contractor triggers both principal dutyholder appointments.

   Reference: HSE CDM 2015: Commercial clients — For all projects — appointments

7. 7A contractor removes the need to cut masonry on site by specifying factory-cut units. Which level of risk control does this achieve for the on-site cutting hazard?

   1. A.Substitution of the cutting method
   2. B.Engineering control of the cutting task
   3. C.Administrative control of the cutting task
   4. D.Elimination of the cutting taskCorrect answer: D

   Explanation: The source states: "can I get rid of the hazard altogether?" Removing the task gets rid of this hazard rather than containing it or controlling workers' exposure.

   Reference: HSE Steps needed to manage risk — Control the risks

8. 8A manager checks compliance with the 87 dB(A) daily or weekly noise exposure limit. Which exposure measure must be compared with this limit?

   1. A.Daily or weekly exposure before allowing for hearing protection
   2. B.Peak sound pressure after allowing for hearing protection
   3. C.Daily or weekly exposure after allowing for hearing protectionCorrect answer: C
   4. D.Peak sound pressure before allowing for hearing protection

   Explanation: HSE states: "There is also an exposure limit value of 87 dB(A), taking account of any reduction in exposure provided by hearing protection, above which workers must not be exposed." Compare daily or weekly exposure after attenuation, rather than unprotected exposure or a peak sound-pressure measure.

   Reference: HSE Noise at work regulations — The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005

9. 9An RCD is selected to provide additional protection against electric shock. What maximum tripping current does HSE recommend for reducing injury to people?

   1. A.10 mA
   2. B.30 mACorrect answer: B
   3. C.100 mA
   4. D.300 mA

   Explanation: HSE states: "To reduce the likelihood of injury to people the RCD should have a tripping current of not more than 30 milliamps (mA)." The question asks the highest recommended value; 10 mA is lower, not the maximum, and 100/300 mA exceed it.

   Reference: HSE Work using electrically powered equipment — Residual current devices

10. 10A scaffold remains in use for construction after its first-use inspection. Assuming no event requires an earlier inspection, what is the longest regular inspection interval stated by HSE?

    1. A.3 days
    2. B.7 daysCorrect answer: B
    3. C.14 days
    4. D.28 days

    Explanation: HSE states: "A scaffold used for construction should be inspected before it is used for the first time and then every 7 days, until it is removed." The routine interval is seven days; deterioration, adverse weather or substantial alteration can require earlier inspection.

    Reference: HSE Construction work at height FAQs — How often should a scaffold be inspected?