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
The points below are the core of what the CITB test wants you to know on this topic. Learn these and most questions answer themselves.
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
The questions stay in English, exactly like the real CITB test, but you can listen to each one read aloud in native Polish. Press Play in Polish below to try it.
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 practice questions
Five questions in the real CITB format: one stem, four lettered options, one correct answer. Select Reveal explanation to check your answer and read why it is right.
Q1. What is the primary purpose of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)?
- A.To improve visibility
- B.To provide comfort
- C.To prevent dust from entering the eyes
- D.To protect the wearer from inhaling hazardous substances
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?
- A.After two weeks
- B.After they become damaged or difficult to breathe through
- C.Once a month
- D.After each shift
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?
- A.It protects eyes but not lungs
- B.It cannot filter out gases or vapors
- C.It is reusable
- D.It is expensive
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?
- A.Hearing loss
- B.Increased risk of skin cancer
- C.Lung diseases such as asbestosis
- D.Digestive problems
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?
- A.High levels of fine dust and mist
- B.Only large particles
- C.Vapors and gases
- D.Noise
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.
Common mistakes
These misconceptions catch people out in the test and on site. Unlearn them before you sit the real exam.
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
Build a complete picture by practising these related syllabus areas too: