Safe Pass Practice Test (SOLAS) 2026: Practice test 3

1. Question 1 of 20

   Who may operate a piece of construction plant, such as a dumper or excavator?

   • AAnyone who holds a full car driving licence
   • BOnly someone who is trained and authorised to operate it
   • CAnyone, if the usual operator is on a break
   • DAnyone who has watched the machine being used for a few days
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Only someone who is trained and authorised to operate it

   Untrained operators are a major cause of plant accidents.

2. Question 2 of 20

   A truck is reversing on site. What helps prevent people being struck?

   • ASwitching off the reversing alarm so it does not annoy neighbours
   • BWalking behind the truck to guide it back
   • CA trained signaller (banksman), with people kept out of the area
   • DSounding the horn once and then reversing quickly
   Show answer

   Answer: C. A trained signaller (banksman), with people kept out of the area

   Reversing vehicles cause many deaths. Use trained signallers and keep pedestrians clear.

3. Question 3 of 20

   Why should you wear the seat belt on a dumper or other plant that has rollover protection?

   • AIt keeps you inside the protective frame in a rollover
   • BIt is only needed by passengers, not drivers
   • CIt stops the seat getting dirty or torn
   • DIt is only needed when you drive on public roads
   Show answer

   Answer: A. It keeps you inside the protective frame in a rollover

   If you are thrown out during a rollover you can be crushed. The seat belt keeps you in the protected zone.

4. Question 4 of 20

   How should pedestrians and vehicles be managed on site?

   • ALet them share the same route at all times
   • BLet pedestrians walk behind dumpers
   • CLet vehicles drive on footpaths
   • DKeep them apart with separate routes where possible
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Keep them apart with separate routes where possible

   Separating people and vehicles is one of the best ways to prevent being struck.

5. Question 5 of 20

   Leptospirosis (Weil's disease) can be caught on site from which source?

   • AWorking outside in cold weather
   • BWater or wet ground contaminated by rat urine
   • CLoud noise from machines and breakers
   • DStrong sunlight on bare skin
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Water or wet ground contaminated by rat urine

   Cover cuts, wear gloves and wash your hands before eating or smoking to reduce the risk.

6. Question 6 of 20

   At what daily noise exposure does the lower exposure action value apply?

   • A80 dB(A)
   • B70 dB(A)
   • C50 dB(A)
   • D100 dB(A)
   Show answer

   Answer: A. 80 dB(A)

   At 80 dB(A) the employer must assess the risk, make hearing protection available and give information and training.

7. Question 7 of 20

   What is the upper exposure action value for daily noise exposure?

   • A80 dB(A)
   • B85 dB(A)
   • C75 dB(A)
   • D95 dB(A)
   Show answer

   Answer: B. 85 dB(A)

   At or above 85 dB(A), hearing protection must be used and a noise control programme put in place.

8. Question 8 of 20

   What is the noise exposure limit value that must not be exceeded, allowing for hearing protection?

   • A85 dB(A)
   • B90 dB(A)
   • C87 dB(A)
   • D80 dB(A)
   Show answer

   Answer: C. 87 dB(A)

   The exposure limit value of 87 dB(A) takes account of the protection given by hearing protectors.

9. Question 9 of 20

   Using vibrating tools like breakers for long periods can cause which condition?

   • AHand-arm vibration syndrome
   • BWeil's disease
   • CContact dermatitis
   • DOccupational asthma
   Show answer

   Answer: A. Hand-arm vibration syndrome

   Hand-arm vibration syndrome causes tingling, numbness and white fingers. Use low-vibration tools, limit time on the tool, take breaks and report symptoms early.

10. Question 10 of 20

    Your safety helmet is cracked. What should you do?

    • AKeep using it until the job ends
    • BWear it back to front
    • CGet it replaced
    • DTape the crack
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Get it replaced

    Damaged PPE may not protect you. Report it and get a replacement.

11. Question 11 of 20

    You see this sign at the gate of a site. What must you do?

    • ALook out for low bridges
    • BWear a safety helmet on site
    • CTake off your helmet
    • DBuy a helmet at the gate
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Wear a safety helmet on site

    A blue circle is a mandatory sign. This one means head protection must be worn.

12. Question 12 of 20

    You see this sign on the door of a compressor house. What must you do?

    • ASwitch off your phone
    • BListen for alarms
    • CKeep quiet inside
    • DWear hearing protection inside
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Wear hearing protection inside

    This mandatory sign marks an area where hearing protection must be worn.

13. Question 13 of 20

    You see this sign beside a grinding bench. What must you do?

    • AWear eye protection
    • BGet an eye test
    • CUse the eyewash station
    • DTurn on extra lighting
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Wear eye protection

    This mandatory sign means safety glasses or goggles must be worn.

14. Question 14 of 20

    You see this sign on a fence around part of the site. What does it tell you?

    • AIt is an exit route
    • BVisitors are welcome
    • COnly authorised people may go in
    • DThe area is a safe meeting point
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Only authorised people may go in

    This prohibition sign means no access for unauthorised persons.

15. Question 15 of 20

    You see this sign on a switch room door. What does it warn you about?

    • ADanger of electricity
    • BA storm is coming
    • CA radio mast
    • DA phone charging point
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Danger of electricity

    This yellow warning sign shows a risk of electric shock.

16. Question 16 of 20

    Before lifting a heavy or awkward load by hand, what should you do first?

    • ALift it as fast as you can to get it over with
    • BTwist your body so you can see where you are going
    • CCheck if a mechanical aid can be used and plan the lift
    • DCarry it alone so no one else is held up
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Check if a mechanical aid can be used and plan the lift

    Avoid manual handling where you can. If not, plan the lift, check the load and the route, and get help if needed.

17. Question 17 of 20

    When carrying a load by hand, where should you hold it?

    • ATo one side, away from your body
    • BAbove your head
    • CClose to your body, at about waist height
    • DAt arm's length
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Close to your body, at about waist height

    Keeping the load close reduces the strain on your back.

18. Question 18 of 20

    Which phone number calls the emergency services in Ireland?

    • A1800 only
    • B111 or 101
    • C112 or 999
    • D911 only
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 112 or 999

    In Ireland you can call 112 or 999 for the fire service, ambulance, Gardaí or coast guard.

19. Question 19 of 20

    The fire alarm sounds on site. What should you do?

    • AFinish your task first, then leave the site by the main gate
    • BGo to the canteen to collect your bag, phone and coat
    • CWait at your work area to see if there is any smoke or fire
    • DStop work and go to the assembly point by the nearest safe route
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Stop work and go to the assembly point by the nearest safe route

    Go straight to the assembly point so everyone can be accounted for.

20. Question 20 of 20

    Which extinguisher is suitable for a fire in electrical equipment?

    • AWater
    • BA wet blanket
    • CA bucket of sand mixed with water
    • DCarbon dioxide (CO2)
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Carbon dioxide (CO2)

    CO2 does not conduct electricity. Never use water on an electrical fire.

Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.

The real test: 45 of 50 on the computer-based renewal test. The first course ends with a multiple-choice assessment that the tutor reads aloud.