CSCS Test Questions - Electrical Safety, Tools & Equipment

These CSCS test questions on electrical safety, tools and equipment cover key site safety topics, including RCDs, PAT testing, power tools, extension leads, battery safety, electrical hazards, pre-use inspections, and safe working practices around overhead and underground services.

Based on realistic construction site scenarios, these 31 CSCS test questions online will help you identify unsafe conditions, use equipment safely, and reduce the risk of electric shock, trips, and other common workplace hazards.

To pass this CSCS electrical safety test, you must score at least 27 out of 31. There is no time limit, and once you complete the test, you’ll receive an instant pass/fail result and the opportunity to review all questions, answers, and explanations.

1. What should you do before adjusting an electric hand tool?

Ask a supervisor to do it for you

Ensure the power tool is switched off only

Make sure you are wearing safety gloves if you leave it plugged into the power socket

Ensure the power tool is switched off and it is unplugged from the socket

Question 1 of 31

2. What would you do if you notice a live electrical wire fall into a puddle of water?

Notify others nearby

Avoid the area completely

Immediately remove the cord from the water

Carry on working and report it later

Question 2 of 31

3. What is considered a safe voltage when using electrical equipment on a construction site?

115 volts

240 volts

110 volts

220 volts

Question 3 of 31

4. While using a hammer, you notice the head has become loose. What should you do?

Warn nearby workers and carry on

Keep using the hammer carefully until the job is finished

Continue using it more carefully

Stop using the hammer immediately and have it repaired or replaced

Question 4 of 31

5. What should you do if you’re using an electric hand tool and it suddenly cuts out?

Switch it off, unplug it, look for signs of damage

Shake it and see if it starts again

Leave it plugged in (to save time) and look for signs of damage

Switch the power on and off constantly to see if it would start again

Question 5 of 31

6. What is the safest way to protect an extension lead while also helping to prevent trip hazards?

Route the cable above head height whenever possible

Cover the cable with loose pieces of timber

Mark the cable with yellow tape

Run the cable along the shortest route

Question 6 of 31

7. What does a prohibition notice attached to equipment indicate?

The equipment is unsafe and must not be operated until its made safe

It may still be used carefully

It can be used under supervision

Only managers may use it

Question 7 of 31

8. Battery-powered tools are usually preferred in a construction environment over their electrical counterparts because ___.

They're lighter to carry around

They do not need to undergo electrical inspection

They’re cheaper to run and maintain

You won’t get an electrical shock from them

Question 8 of 31

9. You are about to use a pneumatic (air-powered) tool. Which three hazards should you be aware of? (Select three answers)

Radiation exposure

Electric shock

Hose whip caused by a poorly secured hose

Flying debris and airborne particles

Hand-arm vibration from prolonged use

Question 9 of 31

10. Which voltage can cause sever injury or death?

110 volts

220 volts

480 volts

All listed voltages can cause death

Question 10 of 31

11. Why should spare batteries not be carried loose inside a tool bag?

They may not hold a full charge for as long

They can release harmful gases inside confined spaces

They could start a fire

They will make the tool bag too heavy to carry safely

Question 11 of 31

12. How can you check if a residual current device (RCD) connected to a power tool is working correctly?

Turn the tool on and off repeatedly

Run the tool at its slowest speed

Push the test button on the RCD

Run the tool at its highest speed

Question 12 of 31

13. A residual current device (RCD) should be used with 230v tools because ___.

It makes the tool energy efficient

It allows the tool to run faster

It quickly cuts off the power if a fault is detected

It automatically lowers the voltage

Question 13 of 31

14. You discover that an extension lead has a cut or damaged outer sheath. What should you do?

Report the damage and ensure the cable is taken out of use

Continue using it if the inner wires are not visible

Wrap insulation tape around the damaged section

Continue using it but stay clear of the damaged part

Question 14 of 31

15. What should you do if you have to work near an electric cable which has exposed wires?

Stay clear of the cable and carry on with your work

Move the cable out of your way and start working

Stay away from the cable and report it to your supervisor

Touch it to see if it’s live

Question 15 of 31

16. If you have to use a power tool with a rotating blade you should ___.

Adjust the guard to allow just enough blade to get the job done

Adjust the guard so that most of the blade is visible

Ensure you are wearing safety gloves then remove the guard

Remove the guard so that you can work faster

Question 16 of 31

17. Which of these items would NOT need to undergo a PAT test in the workplace?

A plug-in battery charger

A coffee machine

A battery operated drill

A television

Question 17 of 31

18. Under what circumstances is it safe to carry out work near overhead electricity lines?

When weather conditions are dry

If you avoid touching the cables directly

When the electrical supply has been isolated or confirmed as disconnected

When using a wooden ladder

Question 18 of 31

19. If you need to use an extension lead on site, what two safety checks should you do first? (Select two answers)

Wipe the cable down with a damp cloth

Fully unwind the cable before use

Inspect the entire cable and all plugs/connectors for signs of damage

Check only the part of the cable that will be visible during use

Only uncoil the section of cable you plan to use

Question 19 of 31

20. You need to run an electrical cable across a route used by site vehicles. Which two precautions should be taken? (Select two answers)

Provide suitable warning signs to alert drivers to the hazard

Suspend the cable at head height

Protect the cable using a cable ramp

Wrap the cable in high-visibility tape

Cover the cable with scaffold boards

Question 20 of 31

21. What does this sign mean?

high voltage sign

High voltage

Low voltage

Lightning strike possible

110 Voltage

Question 21 of 31

22. Before using a power tool, you should carry out a visual inspection, what are the TWO main things you should look for? (Choose 2 answers)

Make sure the carry case isn’t damaged

Make sure the manufacturer’s logo isn’t damaged

Make sure switches, triggers, and guards are correctly adjusted

Make sure the power lead, plug and casing aren’t damaged

Question 22 of 31

23. You have selected the correct tool for a job. What additional safety check should always be completed before use?

Check that it was inspected earlier in the week

Carry out a pre-use inspection to confirm the tool is safe to operate

Ensure the tool was sourced from a builders' merchant

Confirm the tool was manufactured in the UK

Question 23 of 31

24. What should you do to protect yourself from electric shock if you have to use a 230-volt tool?

Ensure safety screens are placed around you

Use the tool in short bursts to minimize risk

Ensure you are wearing rubber boots and gloves

Use a residual current device (RCD)

Question 24 of 31

25. You have been asked to locate underground services using a cable avoidance tool (CAT). Although you have used similar equipment before, you have never been shown how to operate this particular model. What should you do?

Tell your supervisor that you have not been trained to use this specific model

Proceed without using the CAT scanner

Ask a colleague for a quick demonstration

Read the instruction manual and begin work

Question 25 of 31

26. Which two actions will help reduce the risk of trips and injuries caused by trailing leads and extension cables? (Select two answers)

Use only lightweight 230V extension leads

Coil excess cable into the tightest loop possible

Route cables along walls or away from pedestrian walkways

Run cables overhead where possible, such as above doorways and access routes

Use cables that have never been used before

Question 26 of 31

27. What should you do if you need to use a power tool and the guard is missing?

Do not use the tool until it has been fitted with a proper guard

Use the tool in short bursts to minimize risk

Try to make your own

Put on safety gloves and continue working

Question 27 of 31

28. What does the term PAT mean?

Professional Appliance Test

Portable Appliance Test

Portable Application Test

Professional Aptitude Test

Question 28 of 31

29. A nearby worker is using a petrol-powered cut-off saw to cut concrete blocks. Which three hazards could affect people working close by? (Select three answers)

Occupational dermatitis

Vibration white finger

Excessive noise levels

Flying fragments from the material being cut

Airborne dust generated during the cutting process

Question 29 of 31

30. What is the main advantage of using battery-powered tools instead of electrical ones?

They are more powerful

They are cheaper to maintain

They produce less noise

They’re safer

Question 30 of 31

31. Building sites usually use a 110-volt electricity supply instead of a 230-volt supply because ___.

It’s less likely to kill someone

It’s better for electrical tools

It is much cheaper

It’s more environmentally friendly

Question 31 of 31

CSCS Test Questions – Electrical Safety, Tools and Equipment

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