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Sri Lanka NVQ L3 Mason study materials
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Sri Lanka NVQ L3 Mason practice questions

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Question 1Occupational Health, Safety and Environment on Masonry Sites

Which item of personal protective equipment is worn to protect a mason's head from falling objects?

  1. A hard hat Correct answer.
  2. Ear defenders
  3. A high-visibility vest
  4. A dust mask

Explanation

A hard hat is designed to absorb impact from falling objects and knocks to the head. It must be worn on masonry sites where overhead work or falling material is possible.

Question 2Occupational Health, Safety and Environment on Masonry Sites

Which footwear is appropriate for general masonry work?

  1. Steel-toe boots Correct answer.
  2. Everyday sports shoes
  3. Ordinary leather sandals
  4. Rubber slippers

Explanation

Steel-toe boots protect the toes from falling blocks and give grip and support on uneven ground. Footwear must also be in good condition and suitable for the site.

Question 3Occupational Health, Safety and Environment on Masonry Sites

Fine dust from cutting concrete blocks is most harmful when it enters the body by...

  1. absorption through the eyes
  2. contact with the ears
  3. inhalation into the lungs Correct answer.
  4. skin contact on the hands

Explanation

Cutting concrete and blocks releases respirable crystalline silica, which is breathed into the lungs and can cause silicosis. Water suppression or dust extraction and suitable respiratory protection reduce the risk.

Question 4Occupational Health, Safety and Environment on Masonry Sites

What is the safe way for a mason to lift a heavy cement bag from the ground?

  1. Bend at the waist with straight legs
  2. Hold the load at arm's length
  3. Twist the trunk while lifting
  4. Bend knees, keep load close Correct answer.

Explanation

The safe lifting method is to bend the knees, keep the back straight and hold the load close to the body. Twisting or lifting with straight legs puts strain on the back.

Question 5Occupational Health, Safety and Environment on Masonry Sites

Good housekeeping on a masonry site mainly helps to...

  1. improve block appearance
  2. speed up bricklaying work
  3. reduce the cost of cement
  4. prevent slips and trips Correct answer.

Explanation

Keeping walkways clear and stacking materials neatly prevents slips, trips and falling material. Housekeeping is a basic control measure on every construction site.

Question 6Occupational Health, Safety and Environment on Masonry Sites

A red circular sign with a diagonal bar on a site machine usually means...

  1. safe escape route
  2. mandatory eye protection
  3. fire equipment location
  4. prohibition: do not use Correct answer.

Explanation

Red circular signs with a diagonal bar are prohibition signs, telling people not to do something. A sign on a machine may mean it is out of service or must not be operated.

Question 7Occupational Health, Safety and Environment on Masonry Sites

A workmate has a small cut on his hand from a block. What should be done first?

  1. Rub cement dust into the cut
  2. Clean the cut and cover it Correct answer.
  3. Give a hot drink and rest
  4. Send him back to work at once

Explanation

A minor cut should be cleaned and covered with a sterile dressing to prevent infection and dirt entering the wound. The injury should also be reported and recorded according to site procedure.

Question 8Occupational Health, Safety and Environment on Masonry Sites

When chipping concrete by hand with a cold chisel, who should wear eye protection?

  1. Only the person using the chisel
  2. Only the helper holding the block
  3. Only when the supervisor is present
  4. Everyone working in the area Correct answer.

Explanation

Chipping concrete throws fragments that can injure anyone nearby, so eye protection is needed by all workers in the area. The user and helpers should wear impact-rated goggles or a face shield.

Question 9Occupational Health, Safety and Environment on Masonry Sites

A working platform on a scaffold must have guardrails and toe boards to...

  1. improve the appearance of the scaffold
  2. stop falls of people and material Correct answer.
  3. carry the weight of the scaffold tubes
  4. protect the platform from rain water

Explanation

Guardrails prevent workers from falling and toe boards stop tools and materials being kicked off the platform. Together they form part of the edge protection required at height.

Question 10Occupational Health, Safety and Environment on Masonry Sites

When a ladder is used for short-duration work, it should be set at an angle of about...

  1. 1 in 8 (about 82 degrees)
  2. 1 in 2 (about 63 degrees)
  3. 1 in 4 (about 75 degrees) Correct answer.
  4. Vertical (90 degrees)

Explanation

The rule of thumb is a 1 in 4 angle, meaning one unit out for every four units up, which is about 75 degrees. This gives stability while keeping the ladder from being too flat or too steep.

Question 11Occupational Health, Safety and Environment on Masonry Sites

Prolonged skin contact with wet cement can cause...

  1. hearing loss
  2. loss of balance
  3. cement dermatitis and burns Correct answer.
  4. colour blindness

Explanation

Wet cement is alkaline and abrasive, and prolonged contact can cause dermatitis and serious chemical burns. Gloves, long sleeves and washing facilities help prevent this.

Question 12Occupational Health, Safety and Environment on Masonry Sites

The guard on an angle grinder is important because it...

  1. stops flying debris and disc pieces Correct answer.
  2. makes the tool lighter to hold
  3. increases the cutting speed of the disc
  4. keeps the cutting disc cool

Explanation

The guard covers the rotating disc and contains sparks, dust and fragments if the disc breaks. It must never be removed or wedged open during use.

Question 13Occupational Health, Safety and Environment on Masonry Sites

Before using a portable electric mixer, a mason should...

  1. paint the mixer housing black
  2. check the cable and plug Correct answer.
  3. make sure the site gate is locked
  4. fill the water tank fully

Explanation

Damaged cables and plugs can cause electric shock, so they must be inspected before the tool is connected. Portable tools should also be used with residual current protection on site.

Question 14Occupational Health, Safety and Environment on Masonry Sites

When site noise makes it difficult to talk to someone two metres away, the mason should...

  1. remove the machine guard
  2. work faster to finish early
  3. continue work and speak louder
  4. wear hearing protection Correct answer.

Explanation

If you must shout to be heard at about two metres, the noise level is high enough to damage hearing. Hearing protection should be worn and noisy tasks kept away from other workers.

Question 15Occupational Health, Safety and Environment on Masonry Sites

To reduce the risk of heat stress while working in strong sun, a mason should...

  1. skip breaks to finish early
  2. avoid drinking until the end of the shift
  3. wear thick dark clothing
  4. drink water often and rest in shade Correct answer.

Explanation

Drinking water frequently and taking rest breaks in shade helps the body control its temperature. Heavy clothing and avoiding fluids increase the risk of heat exhaustion.

Question 16Occupational Health, Safety and Environment on Masonry Sites

How should empty cement bags and waste oil be handled on a masonry site?

  1. Thrown into the site drain
  2. Sorted for correct disposal Correct answer.
  3. Burned with other rubbish at the end of the day
  4. Buried in the back garden

Explanation

Waste must be segregated and sent to the proper disposal point so it does not pollute soil or water. Burning or dumping waste on site is not acceptable.

Question 17Occupational Health, Safety and Environment on Masonry Sites

Before a mason enters a deep trench, the main danger to check for is...

  1. too much cement in store
  2. collapse of trench sides Correct answer.
  3. the number of wheelbarrows
  4. the colour of the soil

Explanation

A deep trench can collapse suddenly and bury a worker, so it must be shored, battered or otherwise supported. A competent person should inspect it and entry should follow the site's excavation procedure.

Question 18Occupational Health, Safety and Environment on Masonry Sites

A permit-to-work system on a construction site is used mainly to...

  1. record the number of blocks laid
  2. order materials from the supplier
  3. calculate the wages of masons
  4. control high-risk tasks Correct answer.

Explanation

A permit-to-work is a formal check that high-risk tasks such as hot work or confined-space entry are properly controlled before they start. It records the precautions, the authorisation and the time limits.

Question 19Occupational Health, Safety and Environment on Masonry Sites

A mason must wear a full body harness with a lanyard when...

  1. mixing mortar in a tub
  2. working on a low bench
  3. carrying blocks on flat ground
  4. working at an open edge Correct answer.

Explanation

Fall arrest equipment is required where a person could fall from height and there is no adequate guardrail or other edge protection. The harness must be anchored to a suitable point and used by a trained worker.

Question 20Occupational Health, Safety and Environment on Masonry Sites

Which practice best reduces dust spreading from a block-cutting area?

  1. Using water or extraction Correct answer.
  2. Cutting blocks in the wind
  3. Sweeping dust with a dry broom
  4. Cutting faster without water

Explanation

Water suppression or local exhaust extraction controls dust at the point where it is made. Dry sweeping and cutting without water simply spread fine dust into the air.

Question 21Occupational Health, Safety and Environment on Masonry Sites

A scaffold tag marked 'DO NOT USE' indicates that the scaffold...

  1. can be used by one person only
  2. has not been handed over as safe Correct answer.
  3. is safe for light duties only
  4. may be used after a verbal check

Explanation

A 'DO NOT USE' tag means the scaffold is incomplete or defective and has not been formally handed over for use. Only a competent person can remove the tag after the scaffold is made safe.

Question 22Occupational Health, Safety and Environment on Masonry Sites

Before entering a confined space such as a deep manhole, a worker must first...

  1. light a match to test for gas
  2. send a mate down without equipment
  3. open the cover and enter quickly
  4. test the air and have a rescue plan Correct answer.

Explanation

Confined spaces can contain toxic gas or too little oxygen, so the atmosphere must be tested and a rescue plan prepared before entry. Entry should follow a permit-to-work and be monitored by a standby person.

Question 23Occupational Health, Safety and Environment on Masonry Sites

When a load is being lifted by a crane, a mason should...

  1. walk across the lifting area quickly
  2. hold the load with one hand
  3. keep clear of the suspended load Correct answer.
  4. stand under the load to guide it

Explanation

Never stand or walk under a suspended load because the load or sling can fail. The lifting area should be barricaded and workers kept clear until the load is landed.

Question 24Occupational Health, Safety and Environment on Masonry Sites

Prolonged use of a vibrating breaker or grinder can lead to...

  1. vibration white finger Correct answer.
  2. cement burns on the feet
  3. scaffold collapse
  4. cement dermatitis

Explanation

Hand-arm vibration from powered tools can damage nerves and blood vessels, causing tingling, numbness and vibration white finger. Limiting trigger time, using low-vibration tools and keeping hands warm reduce the risk.

Question 25Worksite Preparation, Setting Out and Levelling

What is normally the first task when preparing a building site for setting out?

  1. Erecting scaffolding around the building
  2. Setting out the foundation lines on the plot
  3. Mixing mortar for the first footing course
  4. Clearing vegetation and topsoil Correct answer.

Explanation

Setting out requires clear, firm ground, so vegetation, roots and topsoil are stripped before any pegging begins. Pegs and lines placed on soft or obstructed ground would move and give unreliable dimensions.

Question 26Worksite Preparation, Setting Out and Levelling

Which tool is used to check that a surface is horizontal?

  1. A plumb bob
  2. A chalk line
  3. A spirit level Correct answer.
  4. A cold chisel

Explanation

A spirit level holds a bubble in a curved tube, and the bubble centres only when the base of the tool rests on a horizontal surface. It is the standard tool for checking whether a bed, sill or line is level.

Question 27Worksite Preparation, Setting Out and Levelling

On site, the 3-4-5 method is used to...

  1. set out a right angle between two lines Correct answer.
  2. check the slump of a concrete mix
  3. work out the volume of concrete needed
  4. measure the height of an existing wall

Explanation

A triangle with sides in the ratio 3:4:5 always contains a right angle between the two shorter sides. Masons use multiples of these numbers with a tape to lay out square corners.

Question 28Worksite Preparation, Setting Out and Levelling

In levelling work, a datum is best described as...

  1. a type of cement used for bedding
  2. a fixed reference level Correct answer.
  3. a timber peg at a corner
  4. a graduated measuring staff

Explanation

A datum is a fixed, known level to which all other levels on the site are referred. Bench marks are the physical points that carry that datum level.

Question 29Worksite Preparation, Setting Out and Levelling

Which items of personal protective equipment are basic requirements on a building site?

  1. A raincoat and an umbrella
  2. A wristwatch and cotton gloves
  3. Safety boots and helmet Correct answer.
  4. Sunglasses and open sandals

Explanation

A helmet protects the head from falling objects and safety boots protect the feet from sharp debris and heavy loads. Both are minimum requirements on any construction site.

Question 30Worksite Preparation, Setting Out and Levelling

What is a bench mark in levelling?

  1. A wooden platform used for mixing
  2. A fixed point of known level Correct answer.
  3. A type of surveyor's tripod
  4. A painted mark on a brick wall

Explanation

A bench mark is a permanent or semi-permanent point whose reduced level has been established. All backsights and later levels in the run are referred back to it.

Question 31Worksite Preparation, Setting Out and Levelling

Which item transfers a level between two points on a small site without using a surveying instrument?

  1. A plumb bob
  2. A mason's trowel
  3. A steel tape on its own
  4. A water level Correct answer.

Explanation

Water in a transparent hose settles at the same height at both ends, so a water level transfers a horizontal level over short distances. It is a simple and accurate substitute for a level on small jobs.

Question 32Worksite Preparation, Setting Out and Levelling

The first staff reading taken on a bench mark at the start of a levelling run is called the...

  1. intermediate sight
  2. change point
  3. backsight Correct answer.
  4. foresight

Explanation

The first reading after the instrument is set up, taken on a point of known level, is the backsight. It is used to calculate the height of instrument for that setup.

Question 33Worksite Preparation, Setting Out and Levelling

How is the height of instrument calculated in the height of instrument method?

  1. Reduced level of the datum minus the foresight reading
  2. Reduced level of datum plus backsight Correct answer.
  3. Foresight reading minus the backsight reading
  4. Staff reading multiplied by the sighting distance

Explanation

The height of instrument is the reduced level of the line of sight. It equals the known reduced level of the backsight point plus the backsight staff reading.

Question 34Worksite Preparation, Setting Out and Levelling

When the bubble of a dumpy level is centred in its tube, what is ensured?

  1. The tripod legs are all of equal length
  2. The instrument is focused on the staff
  3. The staff is held vertically
  4. The line of sight is horizontal Correct answer.

Explanation

Centring the bubble with the foot screws brings the line of sight into a horizontal position, which is the condition for valid readings. The staff must separately be held vertical and properly focused.

Question 35Worksite Preparation, Setting Out and Levelling

A rectangular building is set out and both diagonals are measured. They read exactly the same. What does this confirm?

  1. The pegs are at the correct level
  2. The correct floor area has been marked
  3. All four sides are equal in length
  4. The corners are square Correct answer.

Explanation

Equal diagonals in a four-sided figure whose opposite sides are equal confirm that the corners are right angles. Diagonal checks must always be combined with side measurements.

Question 36Worksite Preparation, Setting Out and Levelling

What is the main purpose of batter boards in setting out?

  1. To protect the corner pegs from damage
  2. To support the concrete while it cures
  3. To carry the setting-out lines Correct answer.
  4. To carry the roof timbers of the shed

Explanation

Batter boards are fixed clear of the excavation so the building lines can be stretched across them. The lines can then be re-established easily after digging has removed the original pegs.

Question 37Worksite Preparation, Setting Out and Levelling

A drain is laid to a gradient of 1 in 50. What does this mean?

  1. a fall of 50 mm in every one metre
  2. a slope angle of 50 degrees from level
  3. 1 vertical to 50 horizontal Correct answer.
  4. 50 units vertical for every 1 unit horizontal

Explanation

A gradient written as 1 in 50 means one unit of vertical fall for every 50 units of horizontal distance. Over a 50 m length the drain would drop 1 m.

Question 38Worksite Preparation, Setting Out and Levelling

How must a levelling staff be held when a reading is taken?

  1. Balanced on the head of the tripod
  2. Resting loosely on soft soil
  3. Leaning slightly towards the instrument
  4. Vertically on the point being measured Correct answer.

Explanation

The staff must be plumb at the point, because any lean makes the reading longer than the true vertical height and gives a wrong level. Most staves carry a circular bubble to help hold them upright.

Question 39Worksite Preparation, Setting Out and Levelling

Why is a change point used in a levelling run?

  1. To allow the instrument to be moved forward Correct answer.
  2. To record the air temperature at the site
  3. To mark the boundary of the plot
  4. To fix the datum level of the site

Explanation

At a change point the same staff position is read as a foresight and then as a backsight from the new instrument position. This links the two setups and carries the levels forward along the run.

Question 40Worksite Preparation, Setting Out and Levelling

Which action removes parallax when reading a level?

  1. Reading the staff from a long distance away
  2. Focusing the eyepiece and objective Correct answer.
  3. Turning the instrument through 180 degrees
  4. Lowering the tripod legs onto soft ground

Explanation

Parallax is the apparent movement of the cross hairs against the staff image. It disappears when both the eyepiece and the objective are focused so that the image and the cross hairs lie in the same plane.

Question 41Worksite Preparation, Setting Out and Levelling

A plumb bob is used on site to...

  1. mark a right angle on the ground
  2. transfer a point vertically above a peg Correct answer.
  3. check the level of the finished concrete surface
  4. measure horizontal distance on sloping ground

Explanation

A plumb bob hangs on a string and defines a true vertical line. It is used to carry a point from a peg up to a line, or from a line down to the ground.

Question 42Worksite Preparation, Setting Out and Levelling

Using the height of instrument method, a foresight reading larger than the backsight on the datum means the new point is...

  1. at exactly the same level
  2. of unknown relation to the datum
  3. lower than the datum point Correct answer.
  4. higher than the datum point

Explanation

The new reduced level is the height of instrument minus the foresight, so a larger foresight gives a smaller level. The ground has fallen by the difference between the two readings.

Question 43Worksite Preparation, Setting Out and Levelling

How should cement bags be stored on site?

  1. Mixed with sand to save space
  2. On a raised platform under cover Correct answer.
  3. Stacked directly on the ground in the open
  4. Left in the sun to keep them dry

Explanation

Cement absorbs moisture and sets hard if it becomes damp, so bags are kept off the ground on pallets and under a waterproof cover. Stack height is also limited so that bags do not set under their own weight.

Question 44Worksite Preparation, Setting Out and Levelling

In the two-peg test, the level is first set up exactly midway between two pegs. Why is this position chosen?

  1. To cancel the effect of collimation error Correct answer.
  2. To shorten the time needed for the test
  3. To make the staff readings easier to read
  4. To remove errors from Earth curvature only

Explanation

With equal sight distances any collimation error affects both readings by the same amount, so the difference in level between the pegs is still correct. Moving the instrument close to one peg then exposes the error.

Question 45Worksite Preparation, Setting Out and Levelling

A bench mark has a reduced level of 100.000 m. The backsight on it is 1.250 m and the foresight on a new point is 1.625 m. What is the reduced level of the new point?

  1. 99.625 m Correct answer.
  2. 100.375 m
  3. 101.625 m
  4. 99.375 m

Explanation

Height of instrument = 100.000 + 1.250 = 101.250 m. New reduced level = 101.250 − 1.625 = 99.625 m, so the new point lies 0.375 m below the bench mark.

Question 46Worksite Preparation, Setting Out and Levelling

A mason sets out a square corner using the 3-4-5 rule, with 2.40 m and 3.20 m measured along the two lines. What should the diagonal measure?

  1. 4.80 m
  2. 3.60 m
  3. 4.00 m Correct answer.
  4. 5.60 m

Explanation

The measured sides are 0.8 × 3 and 0.8 × 4, so the diagonal must be 0.8 × 5 = 4.00 m. Any other reading means the corner is not square and the lines must be adjusted.

Question 47Worksite Preparation, Setting Out and Levelling

A level is set up with a datum reduced level of 50.000 m and a backsight of 1.200 m. An inverted staff reading of 2.450 m is then taken on the underside of a beam. What is the reduced level of that underside?

  1. 48.750 m
  2. 53.650 m Correct answer.
  3. 51.200 m
  4. 55.100 m

Explanation

Height of instrument = 50.000 + 1.200 = 51.200 m. For an inverted staff the reading is added, so 51.200 + 2.450 = 53.650 m, which lies above the line of sight.

Question 48Worksite Preparation, Setting Out and Levelling

A drain 24 m long is to be laid with a fall of 1 in 60. What is the total fall along the drain?

  1. 0.36 m
  2. 0.60 m
  3. 0.24 m
  4. 0.40 m Correct answer.

Explanation

Total fall = length ÷ gradient denominator = 24 ÷ 60 = 0.40 m. This fall is taken up evenly from the high end to the low end of the drain.

Question 49Tools, Equipment and Material Handling

Which tool is used to pick up, spread and trim mortar when laying bricks?

  1. Bricklayer's trowel Correct answer.
  2. Cold chisel
  3. Hacksaw
  4. Plumb bob

Explanation

A bricklayer's trowel has a flat, diamond-shaped steel blade that allows mortar to be lifted from a board, spread along a bed joint and trimmed at the brick edges. The back edge of the blade is also used to tap bricks into line.

Question 50Tools, Equipment and Material Handling

A spirit level is used on site to check whether a surface is:

  1. free from dust
  2. correctly painted
  3. of the required thickness
  4. horizontal or vertical Correct answer.

Explanation

The bubble in the vial of a spirit level stays centred only when that vial is truly level, or truly plumb when a vertical vial is used. The mason therefore uses the tool to confirm that courses, sills and wall faces are horizontal or vertical.