CSCS Safe Working Practices 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a toolbox talk on a construction site?
- To assign daily work tasks to each worker
- To brief workers on specific hazards and safe methods before starting work (Correct answer)
- To record attendance for payroll purposes
- To discuss project timelines and deadlines
Correct answer: To brief workers on specific hazards and safe methods before starting work
Toolbox talks are short briefings that inform workers about specific hazards and safe working methods relevant to the day's tasks.
Question 2: When working near overhead power lines, what is the minimum safe approach distance if the voltage is unknown?
- 1 meter
- 3 meters
- 6 meters (Correct answer)
- 10 meters
Correct answer: 6 meters
When voltage is unknown, a minimum exclusion zone of 6 meters from overhead power lines must be maintained.
Question 3: Which type of fire extinguisher should NEVER be used on an electrical fire?
- CO2 (carbon dioxide)
- Dry powder
- Water (Correct answer)
- Halon
Correct answer: Water
Water extinguishers conduct electricity and can cause electrocution if used on electrical fires.
Question 4: What does a blue circular safety sign on a construction site indicate?
- A warning of a specific hazard
- A prohibition — something you must NOT do
- A mandatory instruction that must be followed (Correct answer)
- Safe condition information such as a first aid point
Correct answer: A mandatory instruction that must be followed
Blue circular signs indicate mandatory actions — things workers must do, such as wearing specific PPE.
Question 5: If you discover a colleague has been overcome by fumes in a confined space, what should you do FIRST?
- Enter immediately to pull them out
- Call for emergency services and raise the alarm without entering (Correct answer)
- Put on your hard hat and gloves before entering
- Wait outside to see if they recover on their own
Correct answer: Call for emergency services and raise the alarm without entering
Never enter a confined space to rescue someone without proper rescue equipment and training — raise the alarm and call emergency services first.
Question 6: Under OSHA regulations, how often must employers provide safety training to new construction workers?
- Every five years
- Only when a new hazard is introduced
- Before they are exposed to workplace hazards (Correct answer)
- After the 90-day probationary period
Correct answer: Before they are exposed to workplace hazards
OSHA requires that workers receive safety training before being exposed to workplace hazards, not after the fact.
Question 7: What is the correct action when you find a damaged power tool on site?
- Continue using it carefully until the end of the shift
- Tag it out of service and report it to your supervisor (Correct answer)
- Attempt to repair it yourself if the damage looks minor
- Leave it where it is for someone else to deal with
Correct answer: Tag it out of service and report it to your supervisor
Damaged tools must be taken out of service using a lockout/tagout procedure and reported so they can be properly repaired or replaced.
CSCS Safe Working Practices 2
What is the primary purpose of a toolbox talk on a construction site?