CSCS Test Questions 2026 - Personal Protective Equipment

This CSCS card test includes 22 multiple-choice questions that assess your knowledge of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and its role in keeping construction workers safe on site.

These questions cover safety helmets, eye and face protection, hearing protection, respiratory protective equipment (RPE), protective gloves, safety footwear, high-visibility clothing, and safety harnesses.

You’ll also be tested on choosing the right PPE for different workplace hazards, understanding site safety rules, identifying approved safety markings, and correctly using, inspecting, maintaining, and replacing protective equipment. The pass mark is 20 out of 22. Good luck.

1. When choosing suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), what should be considered first?

Whether the item can be recycled after use

The specific hazard or risk involved in the task

The purchase price of the equipment

The expected lifespan of the PPE

Question 1 of 22

2. What is the main purpose of wearing personal protective equipment?

To reduce the risk of injury and work-related ill health

To satisfy insurance requirements only

To make workers easier to identify on site

To improve productivity

Question 2 of 22

3. What type of eye protection should be worn when there is a risk of flying particles or debris entering your eyes?

Impact-resistant safety goggles

Laser protection glasses

Goggles intended for chemical handling

Tinted goggles designed for welding

Question 3 of 22

4. In which situation is head protection generally not required on site?

When you are in a designated safe area, such as a site office

During hot weather conditions

When working by yourself

If you are a self-employed contractor

Question 4 of 22

5. If disposable foam earplugs keep coming loose, what should you do?

Stop work and ask to be shown the correct fitting technique

Wear two earplugs in each ear

Remove them and continue working without hearing protection

Replace them with rolled-up tissue paper

Question 5 of 22

6. When selecting PPE, which factor is important in ensuring adequate protection and comfort?

The manufacturer's logo

The age of the equipment

The colour of the equipment

The correct size and fit for the wearer

Question 6 of 22

7. How can you identify PPE that meets recognised safety standards?

By checking that it carries the CE or UK CA marking

By looking for the copyright symbol

By looking for the registered trademark symbol

By checking for the HSE logo

Question 7 of 22

8. What hazard does safety footwear with a protective midsole help guard against?

Blisters caused by damp conditions

Chemical spills affecting the underside of the foot

Ankle injuries caused by loss of grip

Sharp objects such as nails penetrating the sole of the boot

Question 8 of 22

9. Which item of PPE helps reduce the risk of developing dermatitis?

Safety helmet

Protective gloves

Safety goggles

Respiratory protective equipment (RPE)

Question 9 of 22

10. You're about to start an unfamiliar task. How do you know if additional PPE must be worn?

Read the general health and safety policy

Look on the company's website for guidance

Assume extra PPE is always necessary

Refer to the task risk assessment and control measures

Question 10 of 22

11. Where should respiratory protective equipment (RPE) be worn?

Around the neck to keep it ready for use

Over the ears to reduce noise exposure

Across the forehead beneath a safety helmet

Covering the nose and mouth to protect the respiratory system

Question 11 of 22

12. Wearing the correct protective gloves when working with hazardous substances can help prevent which condition?

Hand arm vibration syndrome

Vibration white finger

Skin disease

Arthritis

Question 12 of 22

13. Which statement about wearing a safety helmet during hot weather is correct?

It can be removed during the warmest part of the day

The helmet must be worn correctly whenever required by site rules

It may be worn backwards if that feels more comfortable

You can alter the helmet to improve ventilation and comfort

Question 13 of 22

14. When should protective safety boots be worn on a construction site?

Only when carrying out indoor work

At all times while on site

Until the project is nearly complete

Only when working at ground level

Question 14 of 22

15. You are required to wear a full-body safety harness but have never used one before. What is the best course of action?

Read the instruction booklet and start work immediately

Ask a colleague wearing a harness to explain it briefly

Try to figure it out yourself

Seek appropriate training and guidance before using it

Question 15 of 22

16. How should a safety helmet be positioned to provide the highest level of protection?

Tilted backwards on the head

Worn level and correctly fitted on the head

Worn backwards

Pulled down to cover the forehead

Question 16 of 22

17. In what situation is an employer required to provide personal protective equipment (PPE)?

Only when the employee pays for it

Whenever PPE is needed to reduce a workplace risk

Only when it is specified in the employment contract

Twice each year

Question 17 of 22

18. When operating equipment such as a grinder or cut-off saw, what is the most suitable eye and face protection?

Basic safety spectacles

Impact-resistant goggles or a full-face visor

Prescription glasses or sunglasses

Welding goggles

Question 18 of 22

19. Why might an employer issue waterproof clothing to employees working outdoors?

To reduce slips and falls by protecting workers from adverse weather

To keep workers comfortable so they take fewer breaks

To help maintain body warmth and reduce the risk of strains and injuries caused by cold, wet conditions

To lower the chance of catching illnesses such as leptospirosis

Question 19 of 22

20. Which statement about using personal protective equipment (PPE) is incorrect?

Workers must personally pay for any PPE that is lost or damaged

PPE should be stored correctly when not being used

PPE should be worn and used according to instructions

Damage or defects should be reported to a supervisor or manager

Question 20 of 22

21. What can be worn underneath a safety helmet to provide extra protection from cold weather?

A woolen beanie hat

A baseball-style cap

A hood attached to a jumper or sweatshirt

A liner or accessory approved by the helmet manufacturer

Question 21 of 22

22. If PPE becomes damaged while you are working, what should you do?

Continue using it until the end of the shift

Stop working and replace the damaged equipment immediately

Repair it yourself with tape or other materials

Share PPE with another worker

Question 22 of 22

CSCS Test Questions – Personal Protective Equipment

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