Respiratory risks: why it matters
Breathing in construction dust causes thousands of deaths every year from lung disease, far more than site accidents. The damage builds silently over years, so the test treats respiratory risk as a serious long-term killer.
The worst offender is respirable crystalline silica (RCS) from cutting concrete, stone and brick. Wood dust and other fine dusts also cause asthma and cancer. Control is by stopping the dust at source first, with respiratory protective equipment (RPE) as a last line.
Respiratory risks revision notes
Respiratory questions reward one habit of thought: stop the dust at source first, and reach for a mask only for what is left. Learn why silica is so dangerous and where RPE fits from the notes below, and the answers become clear.
Silica is the main hazard
Cutting, grinding or drilling concrete, stone, brick and mortar releases respirable crystalline silica. Breathing it in causes silicosis, COPD and lung cancer. The dust is far too fine to see in the air.
Control at source first
Stop the dust before it reaches the lungs: use less hazardous methods, water suppression to damp it down, or on-tool dust extraction (LEV). These protect everyone, not just the person wearing a mask.
RPE is the last line
Respiratory protective equipment is used for the dust that controls cannot remove. A disposable mask must be at least FFP3 for fine dust, or use a powered respirator.
Face-fit testing
A tight-fitting mask only works if it seals to your face, so it must be face-fit tested to you. Facial hair breaks the seal, a clean-shaven face is needed for tight-fitting RPE.
Dry cutting is dangerous
Cutting dry releases a huge cloud of fine dust. Always cut wet or with extraction. A single uncontrolled dry cut can expose you well over the safe limit.
Health surveillance
Where exposure is significant, workers should have lung-function health surveillance to catch early signs of disease before they become disabling.
Hear a question in Polish
These questions turn on specifics, the class of mask, why a face-fit test matters, or why dry cutting is so risky. Press Play in Polish below to hear a real question read aloud alongside the English.
Which of the following is a common symptom of exposure to dust on a construction site?
Headache
Coughing
Stomach pain
Dizziness
Every wrong answer can also come with an AI explanation that points to the specific rule behind the correct answer, so you learn from each mistake instead of just memorising. Native Polish audio and AI explanations are two things you will not find on other CSCS practice sites.
Respiratory risks quiz, five questions
Five respiratory risks questions in the real CITB format. Look out for the ones on FFP3 masks, face-fit testing and controlling dust at source. Answer each one and it is marked straight away, with the reason it is right.
0 of 5 answered
Score: 0 / 5
Q1. What is the primary purpose of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)?
Reveal explanation
Correct answer: D. To protect the wearer from inhaling hazardous substances
RPE is designed to protect workers from inhaling harmful substances in the air.
Q2. When should disposable dust masks be replaced?
Reveal explanation
Correct answer: B. After they become damaged or difficult to breathe through
Disposable masks should be replaced when they are damaged or hard to breathe through.
Q3. What is the limitation of using a dust mask as RPE?
Reveal explanation
Correct answer: B. It cannot filter out gases or vapors
Dust masks cannot filter out gaseous substances and are only effective against particles.
Q4. What is a risk of not wearing RPE when working with asbestos?
Reveal explanation
Correct answer: C. Lung diseases such as asbestosis
Asbestos exposure can lead to serious lung diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.
Q5. An RPE with a P3 filter is suitable for protecting against what?
Reveal explanation
Correct answer: A. High levels of fine dust and mist
P3 filters are suitable for high levels of fine dust particles, including toxic ones.
Answer all five to see how you did on respiratory risks
The real CITB test is 50 questions in 45 minutes, with a 45 out of 50 pass mark. Our free mock test uses the same format and needs no account.
Common mistakes
These respiratory shortcuts feel harmless because the damage is silent and slow. Unlearn them before the test, and before your next cut releases dust you cannot see.
Mistake 1: “A paper nuisance mask is enough for dust.”
Correct: A basic paper or comfort mask does almost nothing against fine silica. You need at least an FFP3 mask or powered RPE, and it must be face-fit tested to seal properly.
Mistake 2: “You can wear a tight mask with a beard.”
Correct: Stubble or a beard breaks the seal of a tight-fitting mask, so dust leaks straight in. Either be clean-shaven for tight-fitting RPE or use a loose-fitting powered hood.
Mistake 3: “Dry cutting is fine if it is quick.”
Correct: Even a short dry cut can release dust far above the safe limit. Always use water suppression or on-tool extraction, because the lungs cannot clear this fine dust.
Related CSCS topics
Respiratory risk sits alongside the other substances and protection topics on site. These related areas complete the picture: