Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Practice Test

The most likely cause of excessive dust exposure is the use of power tools without proper dust extraction. When power tools operate, they can create significant amounts of dust, especially when cutting, grinding, or sanding materials like wood, metal, or concrete. Without effective dust extraction systems in place, the dust generated becomes airborne, increasing the risk of inhalation and exposure to harmful particles. Dust can contain various harmful substances depending on the materials being worked on, and long-term exposure can lead to serious health issues, including respiratory problems. Effective dust extraction minimizes the amount of dust in the air, providing a safer working environment. While wearing a mask can help reduce the inhalation of dust, it does not eliminate the source of the dust itself, making it an ineffective long-term solution if dust is allowed to accumulate. Similarly, cleaning up with a broom can stir up fine particles into the air rather than effectively removing them, which can worsen dust exposure. Using wet materials might help to minimize dust when working, but it does not apply to scenarios where power tools are used without extraction.