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Haryana BSEH Senior Secondary NSQF Construction study materials
Haryana BSEH Senior Secondary NSQF Construction study resources

Haryana BSEH Senior Secondary NSQF Construction practice questions

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Question 1Introduction to the Construction Industry, Sectors and Career Pathways

A construction company is awarded a contract to build a four-lane highway, a bridge over a river and a water-supply pipeline for a district. These works belong mainly to which sector of the construction industry?

  1. Residential construction
  2. Industrial construction
  3. Commercial construction
  4. Infrastructure construction Correct answer.

Explanation

Infrastructure construction covers public transport and utility works such as highways, bridges, pipelines, dams and power systems. Residential construction provides housing, commercial construction provides business premises, and industrial construction provides factories and production facilities. The described package is therefore classified as infrastructure.

Question 2Introduction to the Construction Industry, Sectors and Career Pathways

The National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) places skill qualifications in a series of levels. How many levels does the NSQF have?

  1. Six
  2. Eight
  3. Twelve
  4. Ten Correct answer.

Explanation

The NSQF is a ten-level framework that links qualifications to increasing knowledge, skill and responsibility. A learner can progress from entry-level roles at the lower levels to advanced professional competence at level 10.

Question 3Introduction to the Construction Industry, Sectors and Career Pathways

On a building project, who prepares the architectural design and drawings that show the layout, form and spaces of the building?

  1. The architect Correct answer.
  2. The plumber
  3. The surveyor
  4. The mason

Explanation

The architect prepares the architectural design, drawings and space layout of a building and coordinates them with structural and service designs. Masons, plumbers and surveyors execute or support construction work but do not create the architectural concept.

Question 4Introduction to the Construction Industry, Sectors and Career Pathways

Before excavation begins on a construction project, detailed drawings, a bill of quantities, a construction schedule and a site layout plan are prepared. This work is carried out during which stage?

  1. Foundation and substructure stage
  2. Superstructure and finishing stage
  3. Handover and defect-liability stage
  4. Pre-construction and planning stage Correct answer.

Explanation

Pre-construction and planning covers feasibility, design coordination, cost estimation, scheduling, statutory approvals and site layout before excavation starts. Foundation, superstructure, finishing and handover activities happen only after these plans are ready.

Question 5Introduction to the Construction Industry, Sectors and Career Pathways

Which construction professional measures work items and prepares cost estimates, bills of quantities and interim payment certificates?

  1. A crane operator
  2. A carpenter
  3. A structural welder
  4. A quantity surveyor Correct answer.

Explanation

A quantity surveyor measures work items and prepares cost estimates, bills of quantities and payment certificates. This role links design information with contract pricing and financial control.

Question 6Introduction to the Construction Industry, Sectors and Career Pathways

A builder wants to reduce the environmental impact of a new school building. Which choice is the clearest example of sustainable construction practice?

  1. Using recycled aggregate and passive solar design Correct answer.
  2. Increasing the thickness of all internal plaster
  3. Replacing the water supply with temporary tankers
  4. Hiring more unskilled labour for earthwork

Explanation

Sustainable construction reduces resource use and environmental impact through recycled materials, energy-efficient design and better natural lighting and ventilation. Increasing plaster, adding unskilled labour or using tankers does not address the building's long-term environmental performance.

Question 7Introduction to the Construction Industry, Sectors and Career Pathways

After completing an NSQF construction course, a learner wants to progress towards a supervisory role on site. Which step is most directly aligned with that goal?

  1. Switching to a trade unrelated to construction work
  2. Completing a higher-level supervision qualification while gaining site experience Correct answer.
  3. Avoiding apprenticeship to start employment sooner
  4. Working only as an unskilled helper for many years

Explanation

Supervisory roles require a combination of higher-level technical qualification and practical site experience. Progression through NSQF-aligned courses and apprenticeships is designed to build exactly this mix of knowledge and supervised practice.

Question 8Introduction to the Construction Industry, Sectors and Career Pathways

In a construction project, which party is responsible for independently checking that the work meets the specified quality and safety standards on behalf of the client?

  1. The material supply contractor
  2. The equipment hiring agency
  3. The client's quality inspector Correct answer.
  4. The contractor's site mason

Explanation

Quality assurance on behalf of the client is carried out by the client's engineer or quality inspector, who checks materials, workmanship and safety against the specification. Contractors build the work, while suppliers and equipment hirers provide inputs.

Question 9Introduction to the Construction Industry, Sectors and Career Pathways

Which of the following is an example of a specialty trade contractor rather than a general contractor?

  1. A firm that arranges project financing
  2. A firm that installs elevators and escalators Correct answer.
  3. A firm that manages the whole building contract
  4. A firm that prepares the architectural concept

Explanation

A specialty trade contractor performs a defined technical package, such as lift and escalator installation, electrical systems or plumbing, rather than taking responsibility for the whole building. General contractors manage the overall contract and coordinate specialist firms.

Question 10Introduction to the Construction Industry, Sectors and Career Pathways

Under the NSQF, what is the main purpose of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?

  1. To certify skills gained through informal work experience Correct answer.
  2. To allow a worker to skip safety induction
  3. To replace formal training with a written test
  4. To provide a loan for buying tools

Explanation

Recognition of Prior Learning assesses and certifies skills that a worker has acquired through informal or non-formal work experience. It does not remove safety requirements or replace the need for assessment against NSQF standards.

Question 11Introduction to the Construction Industry, Sectors and Career Pathways

In a construction project, what is the role of the client (also called the owner)?

  1. The party that designs the structural frame and foundation
  2. The party that supervises the trades and checks daily work
  3. The party that supplies materials to the site on credit
  4. The party that commissions the project and provides the funding Correct answer.

Explanation

The client, or owner, is the party that initiates the project, owns the resulting asset and provides the funds. Designers, contractors, supervisors and suppliers are appointed to meet the client's requirements, but they do not fund the project themselves.

Question 12Introduction to the Construction Industry, Sectors and Career Pathways

A worker who cuts, shapes and fits timber to make door frames, roof members and formwork is known as a:

  1. Plumber
  2. Carpenter Correct answer.
  3. Mason
  4. Painter

Explanation

Carpentry is the trade that cuts, shapes and fits timber for door frames, roof members, formwork and similar components. Masons work with brick, block and mortar, while plumbers and painters handle pipework and surface finishes.

Question 13Introduction to the Construction Industry, Sectors and Career Pathways

What is the main purpose of an apprenticeship in a construction trade?

  1. To combine paid on-the-job training with related technical instruction Correct answer.
  2. To provide classroom lessons only, with no practical training on site
  3. To certify a worker as skilled without any practical assessment
  4. To let a learner skip trade training and start directly as a site supervisor

Explanation

An apprenticeship is a structured training route in which a learner works on site under supervision while also receiving related technical instruction, usually with a stipend. It leads to a recognised trade qualification only after practical and theoretical assessment.

Question 14Introduction to the Construction Industry, Sectors and Career Pathways

Which construction sector includes projects such as oil refineries, chemical plants and large manufacturing units?

  1. Commercial building construction
  2. Industrial construction Correct answer.
  3. Institutional building construction
  4. Residential building construction

Explanation

Industrial construction covers facilities used for production and processing, such as refineries, chemical plants, power plants and large manufacturing units. Residential, commercial and institutional construction cover buildings used for living, business and public services respectively.

Question 15Introduction to the Construction Industry, Sectors and Career Pathways

What is the main responsibility of a structural engineer on a building project?

  1. Managing the client's property sales after the building is completed
  2. Designing the frame so it safely carries the expected loads Correct answer.
  3. Preparing the bill of quantities and interim payment certificates
  4. Selecting finishes, furniture and interior colours for the client

Explanation

A structural engineer analyses and designs the load-bearing frame, including foundations, columns, beams and slabs, so that it safely resists dead, live and environmental loads. Cost estimating, interior selection and property sales belong to other professionals.

Question 16Introduction to the Construction Industry, Sectors and Career Pathways

How does a real estate developer differ from a building contractor?

  1. The developer finances and sells the project, while the contractor builds it Correct answer.
  2. The developer supplies only labour, while the contractor supplies only materials
  3. The developer designs the structure, while the contractor checks its quality
  4. The developer works for government, while the contractor works for private owners

Explanation

A developer identifies the opportunity, arranges land and finance, and sells or leases the completed property. The contractor is appointed to execute the construction works, so the two roles are functionally different even when one firm performs both.

Question 17Introduction to the Construction Industry, Sectors and Career Pathways

In a building project, what does the abbreviation MEP cover?

  1. Mechanical, electrical and plumbing services Correct answer.
  2. Management, execution and planning
  3. Materials, equipment and procurement
  4. Measurement, estimation and payment

Explanation

MEP stands for mechanical, electrical and plumbing services, such as heating, ventilation and air-conditioning, lighting and power, and water supply and drainage. These packages are usually installed by specialised subcontractors.

Question 18Introduction to the Construction Industry, Sectors and Career Pathways

On a construction project, what is the main contractor responsible for?

  1. Providing the architectural concept and detailed drawings
  2. Arranging the client's bank loan and property insurance
  3. Executing the main construction works and coordinating the subcontractors Correct answer.
  4. Independently certifying that the finished work meets the specification

Explanation

The main contractor signs the principal contract with the client, executes the main works and coordinates specialist subcontractors, the programme and site safety. Architectural drawings come from the design team, and independent quality certification is done by a separate agency.

Question 19Introduction to the Construction Industry, Sectors and Career Pathways

Which statement best describes the difference between a skilled construction worker and a site supervisor?

  1. A skilled worker is always self-employed, while a supervisor is always a government officer
  2. A skilled worker performs trade tasks, while a supervisor organises and checks the crew Correct answer.
  3. A skilled worker designs the building, while a supervisor obtains the building permit
  4. A skilled worker plans the project budget, while a supervisor prepares the bill of quantities

Explanation

A skilled worker carries out trade tasks such as masonry, carpentry or wiring to the specified standard. A supervisor plans the daily work, allocates labour and materials, and checks that the crew's output meets quality and safety requirements.

Question 20Introduction to the Construction Industry, Sectors and Career Pathways

Demolition of old structures, site preparation, and installation of electrical wiring within buildings are grouped in industry classification as:

  1. Infrastructure construction
  2. Specialised construction activities Correct answer.
  3. Industrial construction
  4. Real estate activities

Explanation

In standard industry classification, demolition, site preparation, electrical installation, plumbing and finishing are treated as specialised construction activities rather than complete building or civil engineering projects. They are distinct from real estate activities, which deal with buying, selling and renting property.

Question 21Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) at Construction Sites

At a construction site, a worker must enter an area where overhead brickwork is being carried out. Which item of personal protective equipment is specifically intended to protect the head from falling objects?

  1. Cotton hand gloves
  2. A high-visibility reflective vest
  3. Steel-toe safety boots
  4. An industrial safety helmet Correct answer.

Explanation

A safety helmet has a hard shell and a suspension system that absorb and spread the impact of a falling object. A reflective vest improves visibility, safety boots protect the feet, and cotton gloves protect the hands, but none of these protects the head from impact.

Question 22Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) at Construction Sites

At the end of a shift on a multi-storey construction floor, which practice best prevents tripping hazards for the next work team?

  1. Stacking loose timber and offcuts in a marked disposal area Correct answer.
  2. Placing empty cement bags beside the staircase landing
  3. Storing paint tins near the edge of a floor opening
  4. Leaving extension cables across the walkway for quick reuse

Explanation

Good housekeeping removes loose material from walking and working areas. Stacking timber and offcuts in a marked disposal area keeps the floor clear, while cables, bags, and paint tins left in walkways or near openings create trip, fire, and falling-object hazards.

Question 23Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) at Construction Sites

On a construction site, a circular sign with a red border and a diagonal red bar over a black symbol indicates what?

  1. A mandatory action that must be carried out
  2. A warning of a nearby electrical hazard
  3. A prohibition of the activity shown Correct answer.
  4. A safe condition such as a first-aid point

Explanation

In the standard safety sign system, a red circle with a diagonal bar is a prohibition sign, so the activity shown is forbidden. A blue circle gives a mandatory instruction, a yellow triangle warns of a hazard, and a green rectangle or square indicates a safe condition.

Question 24Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) at Construction Sites

A worker is excavating a trench 2.0 m deep in loose sandy soil with no shoring. Which control should be applied before anyone enters the trench?

  1. Place a warning cone at one end and then proceed
  2. Pump out groundwater only after workers enter
  3. Allow entry if the worker wears a helmet and gloves
  4. Shore the full depth or batter the sides safely Correct answer.

Explanation

A trench about 2 m deep in loose sandy soil can collapse suddenly and bury a worker. Shoring, shielding, or safe battering must protect the full excavated depth before entry, and a competent person should inspect the excavation. A helmet, cone, or pump does not prevent collapse.

Question 25Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) at Construction Sites

A painter must work at a roof edge 4 m above ground where a guardrail cannot be fixed. Which fall-arrest arrangement is appropriate?

  1. A waist belt tied to a scaffold tube at foot level
  2. A full-body harness on a certified anchor above the worker Correct answer.
  3. A red rope warning line set one metre from the edge
  4. A safety net laid on the ground below the roof edge

Explanation

Fall arrest requires a full-body harness connected to a certified anchor point that is independent and, where practicable, above the worker, with a shock-absorbing lanyard. A waist belt can cause serious injury and is not acceptable; a ground-level net and a warning line do not arrest a fall.

Question 26Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) at Construction Sites

On a site, a 230 V portable grinder has a damaged cable sheath exposing inner wires. What is the correct immediate action?

  1. Isolate, tag, and withdraw the grinder from service Correct answer.
  2. Ask the operator to wear rubber gloves while using it
  3. Wrap the damaged section with ordinary insulating tape
  4. Move the grinder to a drier area and continue using it

Explanation

A damaged cable is a defective electrical tool and must be taken out of service immediately. The supply should be isolated, the tool tagged, and repairs made by a competent person before reuse. Tape, gloves, or moving the tool do not remove the shock and fire risk.

Question 27Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) at Construction Sites

Which fire extinguisher is suitable for a small fire involving live electrical wiring in a site office?

  1. Wet chemical extinguisher
  2. Carbon dioxide extinguisher Correct answer.
  3. Water stored-pressure extinguisher
  4. Foam extinguisher

Explanation

Carbon dioxide extinguishers are non-conductive and leave no residue, so they are suitable for small fires involving live electrical equipment. Water and foam contain conductive material, and wet chemical extinguishers are intended for cooking oil fires.

Question 28Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) at Construction Sites

A worker must inspect a newly constructed septic tank chamber. Which combination of precautions is required before entry?

  1. Gas testing, ventilation, a standby person, and retrieval line Correct answer.
  2. Opening the cover for five minutes, then entering alone
  3. A safety helmet, a torch, and a mobile phone
  4. A dust mask and immediate entry after opening the cover

Explanation

A septic tank chamber is a confined space that may contain methane, hydrogen sulphide, or low oxygen. Entry requires atmospheric testing, forced ventilation, a permit, a standby attendant, and a retrieval harness and line; a phone, torch, or dust mask gives no protection against an unsafe atmosphere.

Question 29Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) at Construction Sites

Two workers use a concrete cutter for 6 hours, and the noise level at the operator's ear is 102 dB(A). Which statement correctly applies the hierarchy of noise control?

  1. Issue earplugs first and continue the task for the full shift
  2. Eliminate or substitute the process, then apply engineering, administrative, and PPE controls Correct answer.
  3. Rotate operators hourly and rely on a warning sign at the gate
  4. Provide hearing protection only after ringing in the ears is reported

Explanation

Noise control follows the hierarchy of controls: remove or substitute the noisy process first, then use engineering measures such as enclosures or silencers, then administrative measures such as rotation, and use hearing protection as the last defence. Issuing earplugs alone does not control the source and may not provide adequate protection at 102 dB(A).

Question 30Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) at Construction Sites

A worker falls from a ladder but is unhurt. The supervisor says that no report is needed because there was no injury. Why is this approach incorrect under site safety practice?

  1. A near miss must be recorded and investigated so its cause is corrected Correct answer.
  2. The worker should be moved to another site to avoid extra paperwork
  3. Only injuries needing hospital treatment are reportable, so no record is needed
  4. The ladder should be scrapped without any written record of the event

Explanation

A near miss is an incident with potential for serious harm even though no one was injured. Recording and investigating it allows the root cause, such as a defective ladder or poor access, to be corrected before a fall causes injury. Waiting for a reportable injury loses this preventive opportunity.

Question 31Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) at Construction Sites

On a construction site, a rectangular green sign with a white symbol of a running person and a directional arrow indicates which facility?

  1. A prohibition on entering the marked zone
  2. A safe condition such as an escape route Correct answer.
  3. A mandatory requirement to wear a safety harness
  4. A warning of a slippery floor ahead

Explanation

Green rectangular signs are safe-condition signs in the workplace safety sign system. They identify escape routes, emergency exits, first-aid points and similar safe facilities. A running-person symbol with a directional arrow therefore marks the way to safety, not a warning or a prohibition.

Question 32Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) at Construction Sites

A worker is about to use a hand-held angle grinder to cut a steel angle on a construction site. Which protection is the minimum required for the eyes?

  1. Impact-rated safety goggles Correct answer.
  2. Ordinary sunglasses with dark lenses
  3. A welding helmet with a dark filter
  4. No eye protection if the cut is short

Explanation

Angle grinders throw high-speed metal fragments and sparks towards the operator, so impact-rated eye protection is needed. Close-fitting safety goggles protect the eyes from all directions and are the minimum for this task. Sunglasses and welding filters do not provide impact protection.

Question 33Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) at Construction Sites

A construction worker must lift a 25 kg bag of cement from the floor. Which technique best reduces the risk of back injury?

  1. Bend at the waist, keep legs straight and lift quickly
  2. Hold the bag at arm's length and twist to place it aside
  3. Bend the knees, keep the load close and lift smoothly Correct answer.
  4. Lift the bag above shoulder height before carrying it

Explanation

Manual handling injury risk falls when the load is kept close to the body and the lift is driven by the leg muscles. Bending the knees and lifting smoothly avoids the spinal compression and twisting that cause most back injuries. Twisting, arm's-length holding and fast jerking movements increase the load on the lower back.

Question 34Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) at Construction Sites

Workers must cut concrete blocks with a powered saw, which produces respirable crystalline silica dust. Which control should be used first according to the hierarchy of control?

  1. Issue each worker a disposable dust mask rated FFP1
  2. Use a wet-cutting method that suppresses the dust at source Correct answer.
  3. Post a warning sign asking nearby workers to stay away
  4. Rotate workers so that no one is exposed for a full shift

Explanation

The hierarchy of control places measures that remove or suppress the hazard at source above administrative controls and PPE. Wet cutting suppresses silica dust before it becomes airborne and is therefore preferred over signage, worker rotation or respirators. Respirators are the last line of defence when source controls cannot reduce exposure adequately.

Question 35Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) at Construction Sites

A scaffold access point carries a red tag marked 'Do not use'. A worker needs to reach a work platform on that scaffold. What is the correct action?

  1. Use the scaffold after removing the red tag and informing the supervisor
  2. Do not use the scaffold and report the tag to the supervisor Correct answer.
  3. Use the scaffold only if the worker wears a full body harness
  4. Use the scaffold if the climb is shorter than one storey

Explanation

A red scaffold tag indicates that the scaffold has been inspected and found unfit for use, for example because of missing ties, boards or guardrails. Only a competent person can authorise remedial work and change the tag status. Workers must stay off the scaffold and report the condition rather than bypass the tag.

Question 36Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) at Construction Sites

A welder must carry out hot work on a steel beam close to stored timber on a construction site. Which control is essential before the welding starts?

  1. A fire extinguisher kept in the site office
  2. A warning sign that welding is in progress
  3. A hot work permit, cleared combustibles and a fire watch Correct answer.
  4. A bucket of water placed ten metres away

Explanation

Hot work such as welding produces sparks and slag that can ignite combustible material some distance away. A permit system confirms that combustibles are removed or protected, that firefighting equipment is at hand and that a fire watch covers the work and the period after it. Water, signs or an extinguisher in a distant office do not provide that control.

Question 37Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) at Construction Sites

On a construction site, a 230 V portable tool is to be used outdoors where the ground may be damp. Which device gives the best automatic protection against a shock from earth leakage?

  1. A longer earth electrode at the site office
  2. A 30 mA residual current device at the supply Correct answer.
  3. A 5 A fuse in the plug
  4. A voltmeter connected across the tool

Explanation

A 30 mA residual current device detects small earth-leakage currents and trips quickly enough to reduce the risk of a fatal shock. Fuses protect cables against overload but do not respond to small leakage currents through a person. Voltmeters and remote earth electrodes do not provide automatic disconnection.

Question 38Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) at Construction Sites

During a hot summer day, a worker pouring concrete begins to feel dizzy, has a headache and stops sweating. Which action is most appropriate?

  1. Give the worker a hot drink and continue at a slower pace
  2. Ignore the symptoms because sweating stops after acclimatisation
  3. Ask the worker to rest in the sun for five minutes
  4. Move the worker to shade, loosen clothing and get first aid Correct answer.

Explanation

Dizziness, headache and cessation of sweating are warning signs of heat exhaustion or impending heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. The worker should be moved to a cool place, cooled and assessed by a first aider or medical service. Continuing work or giving hot drinks worsens dehydration and raises core temperature.

Question 39Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) at Construction Sites

An excavator is about to dig a trench where old service drawings show buried electricity cables, but the drawings are marked 'approximate'. Which action should be taken before machine digging begins?

  1. Assume the cables are deeper than the trench
  2. Feel for resistance with the machine bucket
  3. Use hand-dug trial pits and a cable locator Correct answer.
  4. Dig slowly with the machine while a worker watches

Explanation

Approximate service drawings are not reliable enough to permit mechanical excavation directly above buried cables. Safe practice is to locate services with a cable avoidance tool and confirm their position by careful hand digging of trial holes. Machine buckets and slow watching cannot prevent a sudden strike on a live cable.

Question 40Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) at Construction Sites

A contractor is asked to demolish an old single-storey site building constructed in the 1970s. Which action is required before demolition work begins?

  1. Wetting the whole building and starting demolition the same day
  2. An asbestos survey followed by licensed removal of asbestos-containing material Correct answer.
  3. Roof demolition first with fibre checks afterwards
  4. Dust masks for workers and demolition carried out at night

Explanation

Buildings from the 1970s may contain asbestos in roofing sheets, lagging, ceiling tiles and cement products. An asbestos survey must identify the material before demolition, and removal must be done by trained and licensed workers with the correct controls. Wetting, dust masks or retrospective checking do not make demolition of asbestos-containing material safe.

Question 41Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) at Construction Sites

At the site entrance, a worker sees a solid blue circular sign showing a white safety helmet. What does this sign require?

  1. Safety helmet use is recommended for visitors only
  2. Safety helmet inspection is due at the first-aid point
  3. Safety helmet use is mandatory beyond the sign Correct answer.
  4. Safety helmet storage is available beyond the sign

Explanation

A solid blue circular sign is a mandatory sign. It tells people that a specific action, here wearing a safety helmet, must be taken in the area beyond the sign. The white helmet symbol refers to head protection, not to storage, inspection, or visitors only.

Question 42Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) at Construction Sites

A worker is applying a two-pack epoxy floor coating in a basement store with little natural airflow. The label warns of harmful solvent vapour. Which control should be used first to protect the worker?

  1. Wear a dust mask and continue with the basement door open.
  2. Work faster so that the exposure time in the basement is shorter.
  3. Place an electric fan at the basement entrance blowing air toward the worker.
  4. Use local exhaust ventilation and forced general ventilation in the basement. Correct answer.

Explanation

Solvent vapour from the epoxy coating should be captured at source and diluted with clean air. Local exhaust ventilation removes vapour near the worker, and forced general ventilation improves airflow in the basement. A dust mask does not protect against solvent vapour, and shortcuts such as working faster or blowing air toward the worker do not control exposure reliably.

Question 43Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) at Construction Sites

A maintenance fitter must replace a worn drive belt on a site concrete mixer. The mixer is fed from a fixed distribution board. Which sequence best controls the electrical risk?

  1. Ask another worker to watch the mixer during the whole belt replacement.
  2. Lock off and tag the isolator, then prove the mixer dead. Correct answer.
  3. Switch off at the local stop button and replace the belt with the panel open.
  4. Wear insulating gloves and replace the belt while the mixer turns slowly.

Explanation

Locking and tagging the isolator prevents the mixer from being started unexpectedly while the fitter is at the belt. The mixer must then be proved dead at the point of work before the belt is removed. A local stop button is not a lockable isolation, and an observer or insulating gloves do not remove the risk of unexpected start-up.

Question 44Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) at Construction Sites

Concrete pump washout water is being hosed toward a site stormwater drain that discharges to a roadside ditch. Which action best meets environmental control requirements?

  1. Add a neutralizing powder to the stormwater drain after the washout is completed.
  2. Allow solids to settle in the roadside ditch and remove them the next working day.
  3. Dilute the washout water with tap water before it enters the stormwater drain.
  4. Use a lined washout pit and dispose of the contents off site. Correct answer.

Explanation

Concrete washout water is strongly alkaline and can pollute the roadside ditch and wider watercourse if it enters the stormwater drain. It must be contained in a lined washout pit or bunded area and then disposed of off site through an approved route. Diluting it, letting it settle in the drain, or adding neutralizing powder after discharge does not prevent the pollution.

Question 45Construction Materials: Properties, Testing and Storage

At a construction site, cement bags are to be stored for a few weeks before use. To reduce lumping caused by the weight of the bags above, the stack height should normally not exceed how many bags?

  1. 5 bags
  2. 20 bags
  3. 15 bags
  4. 10 bags Correct answer.

Explanation

Cement bags are commonly stacked to a maximum height of about 10 bags on a dry raised platform. Greater height compresses the lower bags and can cause setting or lumping, especially in humid conditions. Bags should also be used in first-in, first-out order and kept away from damp walls and floors.

Question 46Construction Materials: Properties, Testing and Storage

A first-class burnt clay brick is soaked in cold water for 24 hours for a water absorption test. Its water absorption should not exceed what percentage of its dry weight?

  1. 15%
  2. 20% Correct answer.
  3. 25%
  4. 10%

Explanation

As per common brick classification, a first-class brick should absorb not more than 20% of its dry weight after 24 hours of soaking. Lower absorption generally indicates a denser and more durable brick. Higher values are permitted for second- and third-class bricks.

Question 47Construction Materials: Properties, Testing and Storage

The increase in the bulk volume of moist sand due to the film of water around particles is called:

  1. bulking Correct answer.
  2. segregation
  3. honeycombing
  4. bleeding

Explanation

Bulking is the increase in volume of sand when moisture coats the particles and keeps them apart. It matters in volume batching because a moist sand measure contains less actual sand than a dry measure. Bulking is greatest at a moisture content of roughly 4-6% for fine sand.

Question 48Construction Materials: Properties, Testing and Storage

In a field silt test, a sand sample occupies 200 mL in a measuring cylinder and the silt layer above it measures 15 mL. What is the silt content by volume?

  1. 5.0%
  2. 3.5%
  3. 15.0%
  4. 7.5% Correct answer.

Explanation

Silt content by volume is calculated as (silt layer volume ÷ sand volume) × 100, so (15 ÷ 200) × 100 = 7.5%. Excessive silt in sand reduces bond and strength in concrete and mortar. Sand with high silt content should be washed before use.

Question 49Construction Materials: Properties, Testing and Storage

During a slump test, the concrete sample collapses completely and spreads out on the base plate. What is the most appropriate site interpretation?

  1. The mix has reached its design compressive strength.
  2. The mix has excessive coarse aggregate and is harsh.
  3. The mix is too dry and needs more water.
  4. The mix is likely too wet and may segregate during placing. Correct answer.

Explanation

A collapsed slump shows that the fresh mix has very high workability and little internal cohesion. Such a mix is likely to segregate, bleed, and lose uniformity during transport and placing. The slump test is a workability test, not a strength test, so it cannot show that design strength has been reached.

Question 50Construction Materials: Properties, Testing and Storage

A clay brick sample is tested for efflorescence. After drying, a thin white salt deposit covers less than 10% of the surface. How is this brick classified?

  1. Serious efflorescence
  2. Slight efflorescence Correct answer.
  3. Heavy efflorescence
  4. Nil efflorescence

Explanation

Efflorescence is classified by the area covered by the white salt deposit after the standard test. A deposit covering less than 10% of the surface is called slight efflorescence. Heavy efflorescence covers 10% to 50%, and serious efflorescence covers more than 50%.