Mixed Deck — All CITB Topics Flashcards

What is the purpose of a site induction?

Answer: To inform workers about site-specific hazards, rules, emergency procedures, and welfare facilities before they start work

A site induction ensures every person entering the site understands the specific hazards, safety rules, emergency procedures (including assembly points), welfare facilities, and reporting requirements. No one should start work on site without completing an induction.

Which practice best reduces the risk of injury when pushing a load on a wheeled trolley?

Answer: Keeping the load height manageable, using smooth floors, and pushing rather than pulling where possible

Pushing is generally safer than pulling because posture is better aligned; smooth, level surfaces reduce effort, and appropriate load heights prevent awkward postures.

What does 'dead working' mean in the context of electrical safety?

Answer: Working on electrical systems that have been safely isolated from the supply and proved dead

'Dead working' means carrying out work on electrical equipment that has been safely isolated from all sources of supply and tested to confirm it is de-energised.

What minimum ratio of toilet facilities to workers is recommended on a construction site?

Answer: 1 toilet per 25 workers, with flushing facilities where a water supply is available

CDM 2015 guidance recommends at least 1 toilet per 25 workers; adequate provision is important for health, dignity, and preventing unsanitary site conditions.

What type of safety footwear is typically required on a construction site?

Answer: Steel or composite toe-cap boots with mid-sole protection, to S3 standard

Construction sites typically require S3 safety boots which include a protective toe cap (steel or composite), puncture-resistant mid-sole, water-resistant upper, and a cleated sole for grip. This protects against falling objects, sharp penetration, and slips.

What is the first thing you should do if you find a damaged electrical cable on site?

Answer: Stop using it and report it to your supervisor immediately

Damaged electrical cables must be taken out of use immediately and reported to prevent the risk of electric shock or fire.

What should you do if you notice a hazard on site that could cause harm?

Answer: Report it immediately to your supervisor or site manager

Under Section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, workers have a duty to report hazards and unsafe conditions to their employer or supervisor as soon as they are identified. Delays in reporting can lead to accidents and injuries.

Who is permitted to erect, alter, or dismantle a scaffold on a construction site?

Answer: Only a competent person who has received appropriate training

Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, scaffolding must only be erected, altered, or dismantled by competent persons who have received adequate training, such as a CISRS card holder. Using untrained persons creates serious fall risks.

What does the skull and crossbones GHS pictogram on a chemical container indicate?

Answer: The substance is acutely toxic and can cause death or serious injury after a single exposure

The skull and crossbones (GHS06) indicates acute toxicity categories 1–3 — the substance is fatal or toxic if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin after a single exposure.

What is the correct angle for placing a leaning ladder against a wall?

Answer: 1 unit out for every 4 units up

The safe angle for a leaning ladder is a ratio of 1:4 — for every 4 metres of height, the base should be 1 metre away from the wall. This is approximately 75 degrees and provides optimal stability.

What is a 'toolbox talk' on a construction site?

Answer: A short, informal safety briefing on a specific hazard or safe working practice relevant to the current work

A toolbox talk is a short (5-15 minute), focused safety briefing given to workers on a specific topic relevant to their current tasks. Topics might include working at height, manual handling, or site-specific hazards. They are a key part of ongoing safety communication on site.

When must electrical isolation be carried out on a construction site?

Answer: Before any maintenance or repair work is carried out on electrical equipment

Electrical isolation must be carried out before any maintenance or repair work to prevent accidental energisation and the risk of electric shock.

What voltage is recommended for portable electrical tools on UK construction sites?

Answer: 110V AC

110V centre-tapped to earth (CTE) is the standard for portable tools on UK construction sites, limiting the maximum shock voltage to 55V.

A CO2 fire extinguisher (black band) is most suitable for which type of fire?

Answer: Electrical equipment fires and flammable liquid fires

CO2 (carbon dioxide) extinguishers, identified by a black band, are ideal for electrical fires and flammable liquid fires (Class B). The CO2 displaces oxygen without leaving residue that could damage electrical equipment. They should not be used in confined spaces.

What does 'compartmentalisation' mean in fire safety?

Answer: Using fire-resistant construction elements to confine a fire to the area of origin and slow its spread

Compartmentalisation uses fire-resistant walls, floors, and doors to contain a fire within its area of origin, giving occupants more time to escape and reducing the spread of fire.

Under the PPE at Work Regulations 2022, may an employer charge workers for PPE required by law?

Answer: No — employers cannot charge employees for PPE required to comply with health and safety legislation

The PPE at Work Regulations 2022 explicitly prohibit employers from charging employees for PPE required under health and safety legislation — the cost must be borne by the employer.

On discovering a fire on a construction site, what is the correct order of actions?

Answer: Raise the alarm, evacuate to the assembly point, call the fire service

The correct procedure is: raise the alarm immediately (shout 'Fire!' and activate the nearest call point), evacuate via the nearest safe route to the designated assembly point, and call the emergency services (999). Only attempt to fight a small fire if trained and it is safe to do so.

What should a fire warden do during an evacuation?

Answer: Guide people to exits, check rooms and areas are clear, and report to the assembly point

Fire wardens are responsible for guiding people to the nearest safe exit, sweeping their designated area to ensure no one is left behind, closing doors and windows where safe to do so, and reporting to the assembly point with information about their area.

What are the three elements of the fire triangle?

Answer: Heat, fuel, and oxygen

The fire triangle consists of heat (ignition source), fuel (combustible material), and oxygen (from air). A fire cannot start or continue to burn without all three elements present. Removing any one element will extinguish the fire.

Which regulations require employers to assess risk from hazardous substances and implement control measures?

Answer: The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)

COSHH 2002 requires employers to assess exposure to hazardous substances, prevent or adequately control exposure, and monitor health where necessary.