Foundation Test (Tier 1)
ConstructSafe Foundation Health & Safety Assessment
The ConstructSafe Foundation Test is a basic health and safety assessment used in the New Zealand construction industry. It's designed to confirm that workers understand the essential safety practices required on any construction site, regardless of their role or experience level.
It’s often the first step for anyone wanting to work on a site, especially as many employers and contractors require it before allowing access.
It is made up of 50 questions and are either multi-choice or point and click. The audio through supplied headphones (or bringing your own is preferred) is there to eliminate language barriers.
The Assessment
Candidates must bring with them a valid ID (Drivers Licence, Passport or Gun Licence) and present to one of the ConstructSafe Testing South Island team.
To Pass you need a score of 85% If your score is less than this, your instructor will talk to you about your options. Where your score is 60-84%, an immediate resit is available (depending on time). Anything lower than 60%, we will refer back to whoever booked you for your test, before resitting.
The assessment begins with a mandatory section of 10 questions which focuses on the minimum required knowledge of construction health and safety:
Principles of reporting
Legal obligations to report health and safety incidents and occurrences
The right to refuse to undertake work not trained or competent to carry out
Escalating serious health and safety issues on site
Reacting to situations presenting immediate danger
Recognising substances which cause impairment
Employers duties to communicate known risks and controls
Engagement with health and safety representatives • Empowerment to stop work
The remainder of the assessment is then divided into 8 categories where 5 questions from each are randomly selected from the question bank.
Below is an outline of categories and question topics:
General
Site access and security
Drugs and alcohol
Sun exposure
Housekeeping
Manual handling
Hand arm vibration
Safety signs and symbols
Working At Height
What counts as working at height
Fall prevention vs fall arrest
Safe use of equipment
Reporting damaged equipment
Weather conditions affecting height work
Hazardous Substances
Long term health effects
Immediate health effects
Acute safety risks arising from dangerous substances
Safety data sheets
Spills
Signs and symbols
Emergencies
Emergency plans
Immediate actions
Types of emergency
Training and drills
Emergency equipment
Utilities & Services
Risk assessment and planning
Permits and competency requirements
Common risks and precautions
Identification of services
Site Traffic
Traffic management plans
Common risk controls
Exclusion zones and blind spots
Vehicle movement plans
Mobile Plant
Associated risks
Common precautions
Competency requirements for operators
Confined Spaces
Definition of a confined and restricted spaces
Associated risks
Permits and training requirements
All Assessments
Foundation (Tier 1)
Trades (Tier 2)
Supervisory (Tier 3)
Management (Tier 4)
Professions (Tier 5)
Get In Touch
Hours
Mon – Friday 7:00am – 5:00pm or By Appointment
Saturday & Sunday – By Appointment
Phone:
Administration: 021 105 5515
Testing Manager: 021 926 068