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Subjects · Leaving Cert Agricultural Science

Leaving Cert Agricultural Science: Farm health & safety

How often Farm health & safety comes up on the Agricultural Science papers, every year it was asked, and questions to try.

HL Asked on 3 of the last 5 Higher Level papers, most recently in 2025. most years

OL Asked on 4 of the last 5 Ordinary Level papers, most recently in 2025. most years

Farm health & safety, Higher Level(8 marks)

Quick ones on Farm health & safety.

(a)What is the main danger when agitating slurry in a closed shed?
  1. Release of pure oxygen that feeds fires
  2. Release of toxic hydrogen sulfide gas
  3. The slurry setting solid in the tank
(b)Which PPE item is most important when handling concentrated sheep dip?
  1. Ear defenders (ear muffs)
  2. Steel-toe boots only
  3. Chemical-resistant gloves
(c)Why must a tractor's PTO shaft be fully guarded?
  1. It can catch clothing and cause fatal injury
  2. To reduce the fuel used by the tractor
  3. To stop the shaft overheating in summer
Show the answers

(a) Release of toxic hydrogen sulfide gas

(b) Chemical-resistant gloves

(c) It can catch clothing and cause fatal injury

Your turn: Higher Level questions on Farm health & safety.

Higher Level

Asked on 3 of the last 5 Higher Level papers, most recently in 2025. most years

Every paper, year by year

YearWhere it came up
2025Q3b
2024Not asked
2023Q12
2022Not asked
2021Q3a

Links open the State Examinations Commission’s paper for that year.

More Farm health & safety questions

Farm health & safety, 2 marks

A red circle with a diagonal bar on a safety sign means...

  1. That action is mandatory
  2. First aid is available here
  3. That action is prohibited
Show the answer

That action is prohibited

Red circle with a bar = do not, e.g. no smoking near the fuel store or no children in the yard.

Farm health & safety, 3 marks

Why must the seat belt be worn in a tractor fitted with a rollover protective structure (ROPS)?

  1. So the ROPS is not needed on flat land
  2. So the driver stays inside the protected zone
  3. So the tractor can go faster on slopes
Show the answer

So the driver stays inside the protected zone

If a tractor overturns, the ROPS protects only the space inside it. Without a belt the driver can be thrown out and crushed by the tractor.

Farm health & safety, 3 marks

To lower the risk of overturning sideways on a steep slope, a tractor should travel...

  1. Up and down the slope, not across it
  2. Across the slope in a high gear
  3. Across the slope with the loader raised
Show the answer

Up and down the slope, not across it

Driving across a slope moves the centre of gravity to one side and a tractor can roll. Keep loads low, speed slow and travel up and down where possible.

Ordinary Level

Asked on 4 of the last 5 Ordinary Level papers, most recently in 2025. most years

Every paper, year by year

YearWhere it came up
2025Q8
2024Q2b
2023Not asked
2022Q1, Q6
2021Q8a, Q8b

Links open the State Examinations Commission’s paper for that year.

More Farm health & safety questions

Farm health & safety, 2 marks

What is the main danger when slurry is agitated (mixed) in a shed?

  1. Too much oxygen in the air
  2. Dust from the meal store
  3. Toxic hydrogen sulphide gas
Show the answer

Toxic hydrogen sulphide gas

Mixing slurry releases hydrogen sulphide, which can kill people and animals within a few breaths. Move animals out, open all doors and stay out while mixing.

Farm health & safety, 2 marks

Why is an unguarded PTO shaft so dangerous?

  1. It makes the tractor tip over on slopes
  2. It can catch clothing and pull a person in
  3. It gives off toxic exhaust fumes near the driver
Show the answer

It can catch clothing and pull a person in

The shaft spins very fast. Loose clothing or hair wraps around it in a split second. Always fit a guard and stop the engine first.

Farm health & safety, 2 marks

What should you always do before getting off a tractor?

  1. Apply handbrake, lower linkage, remove key
  2. Leave the engine running in gear to save time
  3. Raise the front loader high out of the way
Show the answer

Apply handbrake, lower linkage, remove key

Safe stop: handbrake on, attachments lowered, engine off and key out. Many farm deaths happen when a tractor rolls or a raised load falls.

Other Agricultural Science topics

All of Leaving Cert Agricultural Science