CSCS Electrical Safety 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the standard voltage for most hand-held power tools used on UK construction sites?
- 230V
- 110V (Correct answer)
- 415V
- 50V
Correct answer: 110V
110V centre-tapped to earth (CTE) is the standard for portable tools on construction sites because it limits the potential shock voltage to 55V to earth.
Question 2: What color are 110V step-down transformers typically painted on UK construction sites?
- Red
- Blue
- Yellow (Correct answer)
- Orange
Correct answer: Yellow
110V transformers on construction sites are painted yellow so workers can immediately identify them as the correct, safer voltage supply.
Question 3: Before using any electrical equipment on a construction site, what should you check first?
- The brand name of the manufacturer
- The weight and size of the equipment
- The PAT test label and physical condition of the equipment (Correct answer)
- Whether a colleague has used it before
Correct answer: The PAT test label and physical condition of the equipment
A valid PAT test sticker confirms the equipment has been formally tested, and a visual check for damage ensures it is safe to use before you start.
Question 4: What does PAT stand for in the context of electrical safety on construction sites?
- Power Approved Testing
- Portable Appliance Testing (Correct answer)
- Periodic Appliance Test
- Portable Approved Technology
Correct answer: Portable Appliance Testing
PAT stands for Portable Appliance Testing, a formal process of checking portable electrical equipment to ensure it is safe to use.
Question 5: Which regulation specifically governs electrical safety in the workplace in the UK?
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (Correct answer)
- Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
- Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
Correct answer: Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 impose a duty on employers to ensure all electrical systems are constructed and maintained so as to prevent danger.
Question 6: What should you do if you discover damaged electrical equipment on a construction site?
- Continue using it carefully to avoid wasting time
- Repair it yourself using insulation tape
- Take it out of service, attach a 'Do Not Use' label, and report it to a supervisor (Correct answer)
- Leave it where it is and hope someone else deals with it
Correct answer: Take it out of service, attach a 'Do Not Use' label, and report it to a supervisor
Damaged equipment must be immediately withdrawn from service, clearly labeled to prevent use by others, and reported so it can be properly inspected or repaired.
Question 7: What physical safeguards should be put in place when construction work must take place near overhead power lines?
- Warning signs only are sufficient
- Goal-post height restriction barriers and warning signs should be erected (Correct answer)
- A full site perimeter fence must be installed
- No safeguards are needed if workers are briefed verbally
Correct answer: Goal-post height restriction barriers and warning signs should be erected
Goal-post barriers restrict the height of vehicles and plant, while warning signs alert workers, together preventing accidental contact with live overhead cables.
CSCS Electrical Safety 1
What is the standard voltage for most hand-held power tools used on UK construction sites?