PRACTICE QUESTIONS FOR HSE
Having completed your HSE training and you are set for the exam, it is good you test your
brain with these practice questions
1. What does HSE stand for?
A. Health Security and Engineering
B. Hazard Safety and Environment
C. Health, Safety and Environment
D. Health Services and Ecology
2. Which of the following is a key aim of HSE?
A. Promote global business
B. Improve income levels
C. Promote a culture of safety and prevent occupational hazards
D. Reduce training programs
3. An accident is best defined as:
A. An unexpected public event
B. A planned safety drill
C. An unplanned and unwanted occurrence caused by unsafe acts/conditions
D. A natural disaster
4. A near miss refers to:
A. A failed training session
B. A safety alert
C. An incident that could have resulted in injury/damage but didn’t
D. A simulation
5. Unsafe acts are usually caused by:
A. Weather conditions
B. Proper procedures
C. Ignorance or carelessness
D. Well-trained staff
6. Which of these is an example of an unsafe condition?
A. Wearing helmets
B. Good ventilation
C. Slippery floor
D. Scheduled training
7. One major aim of occupational health and safety is:
A. To increase retirement age
B. To promote welfare only for senior staff
C. To ensure worker well-being across physical, mental, and social domains
D. To eliminate breaks
8. Which of these is a direct cost of workplace injury to employers?
A. Loss of reputation
B. Lower tax income
C. Payment for work not performed
D. Community loss
9. A hazard is best described as:
A. Any equipment at work
B. The potential to cause harm
C. An optional safety measure
D. Employee rank
10. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used to:
A. Add to uniforms
B. Increase production
C. Protect workers from health and safety risks
D. Assist supervisors
11. Which of the following is a type of biological hazard?
A. Dust
B. Noise
C. Viruses
D. Vibration
12. The '3 Ps' of First Aid are:
A. Prepare, Protect, Prevent
B. Preserve life, Prevent further injury, Promote recovery
C. Provide, Preserve, Participate
D. Protect, Promote, Prevent
13. Which of the following is NOT a quality of a good first aider?
A. Honesty
B. Sympathy
C. Aggression
D. Firmness
14. What is the first step in CPR?
A. Apply pressure to chest
B. Shake and ask if victim is okay
C. Breathe into the mouth
D. Administer medication
15. What does the “A” in CPR’s ABC stand for?
A. Alert
B. Assessment
C. Airway
D. Apply
16. The law guiding control of hazardous substances in the workplace is known as:
A. FIRS
B. COSHH
C. OHSAS
D. ISO 45001
17. COSHH requires employers to:
A. Outsource safety issues
B. Ignore low-level hazards
C. Control substances hazardous to health
D. Report taxes
18. A chemical with a flammable symbol is classified under COSHH as:
A. Harmless
B. Regulated
C. Non-reactive
D. Hazardous
19. Which of the following is NOT a route of exposure to hazardous substances?
A. Breathing
B. Skin contact
C. Swallowing
D. Dreaming
20. What does PPE NOT include?
A. Safety helmets
B. Gloves
C. Overalls
D. Cell phones
21. What is the primary aim of defensive driving?
A. Save fuel
B. Overtake other drivers
C. Avoid accidents
D. Speed through traffic
22. Which of these is a common cause of road accidents?
A. Well-maintained cars
B. Road signs
C. Drunk driving
D. Proper training
23. Which document outlines precautions for working with chemicals?
A. Tax return
B. Appointment letter
C. Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
D. Payroll
24. The purpose of the “Permit to Work” system is to:
A. Approve salaries
B. Control hazardous work
C. Allocate uniforms
D. Measure performance
25. The main principle of accident prevention is to:
A. React after an injury
B. Ensure full productivity
C. Eliminate or reduce unsafe acts and conditions
D. Assign blame
26. A major goal of a health and safety committee is:
A. Train security
B. Decorate offices
C. Collaborate between workers and management for a safer workplace
D. Create salaries
27. Fire safety includes all EXCEPT:
A. Evacuation procedures
B. Use of extinguishers
C. Pouring fuel indoors
D. Fire drills
28. First Aid is complete when:
A. Victim is taken to hospital or doctor arrives
B. Gloves are worn
C. CPR is skipped
D. First aider becomes tired
29. What does the “E” in the 4 E’s of accident prevention stand for?
A. Emergency
B. Ergonomics
C. Engineering
D. Ecology
30. Which hazard is considered psychological?
A. Noise
B. Stress
C. Dust
D. Fire
31. The most effective way to control hazards is through:
A. PPE only
B. Elimination or substitution
C. Reporting hazards
D. Verbal warnings
32. The hierarchy of hazard control includes all EXCEPT:
A. Substitution
B. Elimination
C. Escalation
D. PPE
33. The “Golden Rule” of safety is:
A. Protect yourself only
B. Never take responsibility
C. If it’s not safe, don’t do it
D. Do as told
34. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) contains information on:
A. Food storage
B. Chemical properties and handling
C. Team meetings
D. Staff addresses
35. An example of mechanical hazard is:
A. Noise
B. Dust
C. Moving machine parts
D. Germs
36. Which of the following is a physical hazard?
A. Chemical fumes
B. Vibration
C. Fungi
D. Stress
37. A confined space is:
A. Any office space
B. A well-ventilated open hall
C. A space not designed for continuous occupancy
D. A chemical warehouse
38. Permit to Work is MOST required in:
A. Office admin
B. Routine cleaning
C. High-risk jobs like electrical or confined space entry
D. Staff meetings
39. In fire safety, what does PASS stand for in using an extinguisher?
A. Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
B. Push, Alarm, Switch, Stop
C. Pass Around Safety Standard
D. Pull, Alert, Support, Stand
40. What is the first step in fire response?
A. Jump into the fire
B. Panic and run
C. Raise the alarm
D. Call a friend
41. When should PPE be used?
A. As a last resort when hazards cannot be eliminated
B. Before hazard identification
C. After an injury
D. During interviews
42. What is the role of a fire warden?
A. Put out all fires alone
B. Attend staff parties
C. Ensure safe evacuation and raise fire alarms
D. Sign salary slips
43. Which of the following is an engineering control?
A. Warning signs
B. Isolation of hazard with barriers
C. Wearing gloves
D. Staff notice board
44. The most critical element of emergency preparedness is:
A. Panic training
B. Annual vacation
C. Effective response plan
D. Fire dancing
45. Which type of extinguisher is best for electrical fires?
A. Water
B. Foam
C. CO₂
D. Wet chemical
46. In ergonomics, the main concern is:
A. Managing machines
B. Matching the job to the worker
C. Extinguishing fires
D. Controlling gases
47. Ergonomic injuries often affect:
A. Liver
B. Skin
C. Muscles and joints
D. Hair
48. A key cause of poor ergonomics in offices is:
A. Air conditioning
B. Improper chair design
C. Wearing uniforms
D. Fixed working hours
49. Which of these is a method of waste management?
A. Hiding
B. Mixing
C. Segregation
D. Storage in canteens
50. What color code is commonly used for medical/infectious waste?
A. Yellow
B. Blue
C. Red
D. Green
51. Which of these is NOT a common HSE document?
A. Risk Assessment Form
B. Safety Policy
C. Hazard Log
D. Restaurant Menu
52. Reporting all near misses helps to:
A. Waste time
B. Improve lunch breaks
C. Prevent future accidents
D. Hide real hazards
53. A toolbox talk is:
A. Staff birthday celebration
B. Short safety discussion before work begins
C. Budget meeting
D. A type of hand tool
54. Incident investigation should begin:
A. After a month
B. After the team debrief
C. Immediately after the incident
D. When the manager returns
55. One benefit of accident investigation is:
A. Disciplining the victim
B. Learning to prevent recurrence
C. Issuing more PPE
D. Creating gossip
56. The 'Root Cause' of an incident refers to:
A. The victim’s excuse
B. The primary underlying reason for the incident
C. The weather report
D. An irrelevant observation
57. The person who initiates evacuation during an emergency is usually:
A. Fire alarm
B. The CEO
C. Emergency warden or fire marshal
D. The first aider
58. Workplace stress can lead to:
A. Productivity boost
B. Muscle gain
C. Accidents and absenteeism
D. Healthy eating
59. HSE audits are conducted to:
A. Check project designs
B. Entertain clients
C. Evaluate compliance with safety standards
D. Reduce salaries
60. A “risk assessment” helps to:
A. Appoint leaders
B. Estimate hazard popularity
C. Identify hazards, evaluate risk and determine control
D. Replace safety signs
61. A risk in HSE terms is defined as:
A. A definite injury
B. The likelihood that a hazard will cause harm
C. A budget constraint
D. A fire outbreak
62. Which of the following is not a step in risk assessment?
A. Identify the hazards
B. Eliminate the team
C. Evaluate the risks
D. Implement control measures
63. A chemical labeled with a skull and crossbones symbol is:
A. Explosive
B. Flammable
C. Toxic
D. Non-hazardous
64. Manual handling injuries mostly affect the:
A. Brain
B. Lower back and limbs
C. Eyes
D. Digestive system
65. Which of the following is a legal responsibility of the employer?
A. Ignore minor injuries
B. Provide a safe working environment
C. Share hazard reports on social media
D. Let staff decide safety rules
66. The primary purpose of safety signs is to:
A. Decorate the site
B. Reduce electricity bills
C. Communicate important safety instructions
D. Fill empty wall space
67. Which symbol indicates mandatory PPE use?
A. Red triangle
B. Blue circle
C. Green square
D. Yellow triangle
68. What does a red fire extinguisher usually contain?
A. Foam
B. Water
C. Dry powder
D. CO₂
69. Why is proper ventilation important in the workplace?
A. Reduce electricity bills
B. Control airborne contaminants
C. Improve uniform display
D. Enhance team bonding
70. A safety culture in an organization is reflected by:
A. Safety practices and attitudes across all levels
B. Written memos only
C. Number of extinguishers
D. Quantity of gloves distributed
71. First aid kits should be:
A. Hidden from unauthorized staff
B. Kept in locked drawers
C. Clearly labeled and easily accessible
D. Used only by management
72. What is the first thing to do when discovering an unconscious person?
A. Look for ID
B. Run away
C. Check for response and call for help
D. Pour water on them
73. In a basic fire triangle, the three elements are:
A. Fuel, oxygen, heat
B. Fire, extinguisher, person
C. Light, heat, smoke
D. Alarm, exit, drill
74. The key purpose of safety induction is to:
A. Celebrate new employment
B. Introduce job expectations
C. Familiarize new workers with safety procedures
D. Issue uniforms
75. Which is the first step in hazard identification?
A. Reporting to media
B. Reviewing incident logs
C. Conducting site inspections
D. Asking for bonus
76. What color code is often used for flammable materials?
A. Blue
B. Yellow
C. Red
D. Green
77. Noise-induced hearing loss is caused by:
A. Air conditioning
B. Prolonged exposure to high noise levels
C. Short meetings
D. Sleeping on duty
78. Which of the following is a health hazard rather than a safety hazard?
A. Falling objects
B. Wet floors
C. Chemical exposure
D. Loose electrical wires
79. When selecting PPE, it's important to consider:
A. Fashion trends
B. Color preferences
C. Type and level of hazard
D. Social media approval
80. Who is responsible for safety in the workplace?
A. Only the HSE Officer
B. Only top management
C. Every individual
D. External inspectors
81. Which HSE concept promotes anticipating hazards before they happen?
A. First Aid
B. Risk assessment
C. Fire drills
D. Auditing
82. What is the purpose of a job hazard analysis (JHA)?
A. Identify new job roles
B. Analyze team performance
C. Identify risks associated with specific job tasks
D. Evaluate job descriptions
83. What is the safest way to lift a heavy object manually?
A. Twist and pull
B. Keep your back bent
C. Bend your knees and keep back straight
D. Drag it backward
84. When should a fire drill be conducted?
A. Only after an incident
B. Once in a decade
C. Periodically, as part of emergency preparedness
D. During lunch hour
85. Why is reporting unsafe acts/conditions encouraged?
A. To punish offenders
B. To complete paperwork
C. To prevent accidents and promote safety culture
D. To meet HR targets
86. What is the correct way to check if a victim is breathing?
A. Watch for chest rise
B. Ask loudly
C. Shake them
D. Give water
87. The best method to deal with a chemical spill is to:
A. Walk away
B. Cover it with paper
C. Follow the spill response procedure in the SDS
D. Ask a cleaner to wipe it
88. A leading indicator in safety performance might be:
A. Number of injuries last year
B. Number of fire extinguishers
C. Number of safety audits or trainings conducted
D. Quantity of gloves ordered
89. Safety inspection frequency should be based on:
A. Project size
B. Office design
C. Nature of work and risk level
D. Staff complaints
90. A major benefit of regular toolbox talks is to:
A. Reduce meeting time
B. Impress visitors
C. Reinforce daily safety awareness and engagement
D. Eliminate hazard logs
91. Which fire extinguisher is most suitable for a cooking oil fire?
A. Water
B. Foam
C. Wet chemical
D. CO₂
92. Which of the following is a reactive hazard?
A. Strong acid + base mixture
B. Loud noise
C. High temperature
D. Tripping hazard
93. The RIDDOR regulation requires reporting of:
A. Staff salaries
B. Workplace injuries and dangerous occurrences
C. Training schedules
D. Fire drill calendars
94. When using PPE, workers must ensure:
A. They customize it
B. It fits properly and is worn correctly
C. It is shared
D. They report it to HR
95. Which of the following is a chronic health condition from workplace exposure?
A. Food poisoning
B. Electric shock
C. Asbestosis
D. Burn
96. What is the main purpose of an HSE Policy?
A. Reduce insurance fees
B. Declare the organization’s commitment to health and safety
C. Impress clients
D. Get permits
97. Workplace housekeeping involves:
A. Hiring external janitors
B. Arranging daily meetings
C. Maintaining clean and organized workspaces
D. Enforcing office gossip rules
98. The first stage of emergency management is:
A. Recovery
B. Response
C. Preparedness
D. Mitigation
99. A safety observation is:
A. Employee self-evaluation
B. A proactive check for unsafe acts/conditions
C. A team-building game
D. Legal compliance record
100. The best way to ensure safe chemical use is to:
A. Read safety data sheets
B. Wear nice gloves
C. Ask HR
D. Mix with water
101. The “buddy system” is used in:
A. Confined space entry
B. Payroll
C. Firefighting
D. Vehicle inspection
102. Who is primarily responsible for filling out incident reports?
A. HSE consultant
B. Project manager
C. Witness or supervisor
D. Storekeeper
103. Which document outlines responsibilities for health and safety?
A. Invoice
B. Organizational chart
C. HSE Policy
D. Sales report
104. Vibration hazards are commonly associated with:
A. Noise
B. Welding
C. Handheld power tools
D. Office meetings
105. A safe system of work includes:
A. Gossip control
B. Instructions to ensure work is carried out safely
C. Uniform policy
D. Time logging
106. Hazardous waste must be:
A. Mixed with general waste
B. Washed down drains
C. Stored, labeled, and disposed of properly
D. Left outdoors
107. In lifting operations, one must always:
A. Ask a friend to help
B. Twist and bend
C. Assess the load and plan the lift
D. Rush to complete the task
108. The correct order of emergency evacuation is:
A. Alarm → Run → Hide
B. Alarm → Evacuate → Muster Point → Headcount
C. Text → Pack → Exit
D. Alert → Wait → Resume work
109. The control of dust hazards involves:
A. Ignoring small particles
B. Proper ventilation and respiratory PPE
C. Sealing vents
D. Drinking water
110. HSE meetings help with:
A. Gossip control
B. Promoting safety communication and improvement
C. Approving leave
D. Firefighting competitions
111. Key reason to wear ear protection is to:
A. Avoid being overheard
B. Improve style
C. Prevent hearing loss
D. Cover for absent team members
112. A safety sign with a green square usually indicates:
A. Mandatory action
B. Fire hazard
C. Emergency escape or first aid
D. Chemical alert
113. When working at height, the safest approach is to:
A. Use ladders with one hand
B. Skip PPE
C. Use fall protection systems
D. Let someone else do it
114. One core objective of defensive driving is to:
A. Overtake faster
B. Minimize road rage
C. Anticipate hazards and prevent collisions
D. Increase mileage
115. How often should fire extinguishers be inspected?
A. Once a decade
B. Weekly
C. Monthly and annually by certified personnel
D. Every 5 years
116. What is the HSE golden rule regarding machinery use?
A. Borrow if needed
B. Always operate without supervision
C. Use only if trained and authorized
D. Operate based on instinct
117. One of the major tools for workplace safety awareness is:
A. Punch cards
B. Safety campaigns and posters
C. Coffee breaks
D. HR evaluations
118. Emergency exits must be:
A. Painted red
B. Wide and blocked
C. Clearly marked and accessible
D. Hidden from visitors
119. The color blue in safety signs means:
A. Warning
B. Prohibition
C. Mandatory action
D. Emergency
120. A near miss must be:
A. Ignored
B. Treated as minor
C. Investigated and reported
D. Shared during lunch
121. Ergonomics helps reduce:
A. Fire risks
B. Manual errors
C. Musculoskeletal disorders
D. Fire alarm delays
122. The most basic control for slips, trips, and falls is:
A. Posters
B. Surveillance
C. Good housekeeping
D. Mopping daily
123. What type of extinguisher is used for Class A fires (wood, paper)?
A. Water
B. Foam
C. CO₂
D. Wet chemical
124. What action is required after identifying a workplace hazard?
A. Ignore
B. Photograph and share
C. Assess risk and implement control
D. Move away quietly
125. Safety is most effective when:
A. It’s everyone’s responsibility
B. Assigned only to security
C. Left to supervisors
D. Discussed annually
126. Flammable liquid storage areas must be:
A. Locked and signed
B. Unlabeled
C. Next to kitchens
D. Painted white
127. Effective hazard communication requires:
A. Rumors
B. Daily jokes
C. Signs, labels, training, and communication
D. Memos only
128. One goal of environmental safety is to:
A. Increase profit
B. Reduce injuries
C. Protect people and the planet
D. Regulate electricity
129. Which is the correct lifting technique?
A. Bend your back and lift quickly
B. Use your legs and keep load close to your body
C. Carry over your head
D. Ask for a bonus first
130. In COSHH, which of the following is NOT a control measure?
A. Using correct PPE
B. Safe storage
C. Monitoring exposure
D. Leaving containers open
131. The first control measure in hazard management hierarchy is:
A. PPE
B. Administrative control
C. Elimination
D. Warnings
132. A work permit is important because it:
A. Increases taxes
B. Promotes professionalism
C. Controls high-risk activities safely
D. Grants leave
133. If an employee feels dizzy after exposure to a chemical, what should they do?
A. Finish the job
B. Take coffee
C. Report to HSE and seek medical help
D. Go home quietly
134. What does ISO 45001 relate to?
A. Environmental performance
B. Quality control
C. Occupational health and safety management systems
D. Food safety
135. What is the difference between hazard and risk?
A. No difference
B. Hazard is the harm potential; risk is the chance it happens
C. Risk is worse
D. Hazard includes bonuses
136. One benefit of reporting unsafe acts is:
A. Identify blame
B. Reduce morale
C. Prevent accidents
D. Increase admin work
137. Work-related stress is often caused by:
A. Long breaks
B. Good supervision
C. Excess workload and poor communication
D. Frequent safety training
138. Which of these is not a type of hazard?
A. Biological
B. Mechanical
C. Astrological
D. Psychological
139. What is the function of a muster point?
A. Social gathering
B. Cooking zone
C. Designated safe location during evacuation
D. Equipment storage
140. The best time to check fire exits is:
A. After a fire
B. Weekly
C. During a fire
D. Before an emergency occurs
141. Which PPE is used for eye protection?
A. Helmet
B. Safety boots
C. Goggles
D. Overalls
142. The safest way to use ladders is to:
A. Climb with tools in hand
B. Lean it on glass
C. Ensure firm footing and angle
D. Ask someone else to test it
143. Safety training should be conducted:
A. Only for new hires
B. Once a year
C. Regularly and when job roles change
D. Only during inspection
144. If a fire starts, your first action is to:
A. Fight it immediately
B. Evacuate the building
C. Take photos
D. Ignore it
145. Slips and trips account for a high percentage of:
A. Employee awards
B. Workplace injuries
C. Fire drills
D. Meetings
146. Unsafe manual handling can lead to:
A. Stomach pain
B. Legal issues
C. Musculoskeletal disorders
D. Team promotion
147. One way to promote HSE awareness is:
A. Private coaching
B. HSE campaigns and noticeboards
C. Cutting training time
D. Avoiding regulations
148. Wearing high-visibility clothing is important for:
A. Looking stylish
B. Team recognition
C. Being easily seen in dangerous areas
D. Promotion
149. Which group should participate in safety meetings?
A. Only managers
B. Safety officers only
C. Everyone
D. Admin staff only
150. Good HSE practice leads to:
A. More punishment
B. Better productivity and fewer incidents
C. Delayed projects
D. More government visits
