Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Practice Test

Using water suppression to reduce dust is most effective for which of the following activities?

1. Painting drywall

2. Pneumatic chiselling of concrete

3. Using a circular saw

4. Sanding wood

The correct answer is: Pneumatic chiselling of concrete

Using water suppression to reduce dust is most effective during the pneumatic chiseling of concrete due to the nature of the activity, which produces a significant amount of dust and fine particles that can be harmful if inhaled. The water helps to bind the dust particles together, preventing them from becoming airborne and facilitating easier cleanup. Pneumatic chiseling generates a great deal of dust because it involves breaking up hard concrete surfaces, which creates fine particles and debris. When water is applied, it dampens the dust, preventing it from spreading throughout the work area and reducing the exposure risk to workers and others nearby. In contrast, activities such as sanding wood, painting drywall, or using a circular saw may produce dust but do not benefit as much from water suppression. Sanding can create fine wood particles that are generally more manageable with dust extraction systems rather than water. Painting drywall typically involves applying a wet compound, which can actually become problematic if water is introduced solely for dust control. Using a circular saw produces fine dust, and while water can be used in some cases to suppress dust, it’s not as effective as it is in the chiseling process, especially on solid, heavy materials like concrete.