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

PPE should be stored correctly when not being used

PPE should be worn and used according to instructions

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

Damage or defects should be reported to a supervisor or manager

Question 1 of 22

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

Worn backwards

Pulled down to cover the forehead

Worn level and correctly fitted on the head

Tilted backwards on the head

Question 2 of 22

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

When working by yourself

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

During hot weather conditions

If you are a self-employed contractor

Question 3 of 22

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

Refer to the task risk assessment and control measures

Look on the company's website for guidance

Assume extra PPE is always necessary

Read the general health and safety policy

Question 4 of 22

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

Share PPE with another worker

Stop working and replace the damaged equipment immediately

Repair it yourself with tape or other materials

Continue using it until the end of the shift

Question 5 of 22

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

To improve productivity

To satisfy insurance requirements only

To make workers easier to identify on site

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

Question 6 of 22

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

Covering the nose and mouth to protect the respiratory system

Over the ears to reduce noise exposure

Around the neck to keep it ready for use

Across the forehead beneath a safety helmet

Question 7 of 22

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

The helmet must be worn correctly whenever required by site rules

It may be worn backwards if that feels more comfortable

It can be removed during the warmest part of the day

You can alter the helmet to improve ventilation and comfort

Question 8 of 22

9. 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 9 of 22

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

The expected lifespan of the PPE

The specific hazard or risk involved in the task

The purchase price of the equipment

Whether the item can be recycled after use

Question 10 of 22

11. 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 11 of 22

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

By looking for the copyright symbol

By looking for the registered trademark symbol

By checking that it carries the CE or UK CA marking

By checking for the HSE logo

Question 12 of 22

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

Safety goggles

Protective gloves

Safety helmet

Respiratory protective equipment (RPE)

Question 13 of 22

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

Skin disease

Vibration white finger

Arthritis

Hand arm vibration syndrome

Question 14 of 22

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

Welding goggles

Prescription glasses or sunglasses

Basic safety spectacles

Impact-resistant goggles or a full-face visor

Question 15 of 22

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

The colour of the equipment

The correct size and fit for the wearer

The age of the equipment

The manufacturer's logo

Question 16 of 22

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

Sharp objects such as nails penetrating the sole of the boot

Ankle injuries caused by loss of grip

Chemical spills affecting the underside of the foot

Blisters caused by damp conditions

Question 17 of 22

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

Only when carrying out indoor work

Only when working at ground level

Until the project is nearly complete

At all times while on site

Question 18 of 22

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

Replace them with rolled-up tissue paper

Stop work and ask to be shown the correct fitting technique

Remove them and continue working without hearing protection

Wear two earplugs in each ear

Question 19 of 22

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

Goggles intended for chemical handling

Impact-resistant safety goggles

Laser protection glasses

Tinted goggles designed for welding

Question 20 of 22

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

Whenever PPE is needed to reduce a workplace risk

Only when it is specified in the employment contract

Twice each year

Only when the employee pays for it

Question 21 of 22

22. 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

Try to figure it out yourself

Ask a colleague wearing a harness to explain it briefly

Seek appropriate training and guidance before using it

Question 22 of 22

CSCS Test Questions – Personal Protective Equipment

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