Working at Height Management

Under the Work at Height Regulations (WAHR) 2005, what is defined as 'working at height'?

• AAny work above ground level
• BWork where a fall of 2 meters or more could occur and cause injury✓
• COnly work above 5 meters
• DOnly on scaffolding

Answer: WAHR 2005 defines working at height as any work where a fall could occur and cause injury. The threshold is typically 2 meters, but lower heights can apply depending on circumstances.

What does the hierarchy of control for working at height specify?

• AHarnesses first
• BEliminate height, use collective protection (platforms, guardrails), then personal protection (harnesses)✓
• COnly use harnesses
• DWarnings and signage only

Answer: Hierarchy for working at height: 1) Avoid work at height, 2) Collective protection (platforms, guardrails, nets), 3) Personal protective equipment (harnesses). Each level must be fully explored before moving to the next.

What is a 'competent person' in the context of working at height?

• AAnyone with a harness
• BA person with sufficient knowledge, experience, and training to manage work at height safely✓
• COnly supervisors
• DAnyone aged over 18

Answer: A competent person for working at height has: knowledge of WAHR, understanding of risks, awareness of applicable standards, and sufficient training and experience.

What must be included in a 'working at height risk assessment'?

• AOnly the height of the work
• BHazards, persons at risk, existing controls, residual risk, supervision, rescue arrangements, and emergency procedures✓
• COnly weather conditions
• DOnly equipment specifications

Answer: Risk assessments for work at height must address: hazards (falling objects, weather, surfaces), who is at risk, control measures, supervision needs, rescue plans, and emergency procedures.

What is a 'rescue plan' and when is it required?

• ANever required
• BA plan for emergency rescue if a worker falls or is suspended; required when workers may be isolated or suspended✓
• COnly for high buildings
• DOnly a theoretical document

Answer: A rescue plan must detail how to safely rescue workers who may fall or become suspended. It is required when workers could be left suspended or unable to self-rescue.

What is the difference between 'collective' and 'personal' protective measures for working at height?

• ANo difference
• BCollective protects groups (guardrails, platforms); personal protects individuals (harnesses) and is a last resort✓
• CPersonal is always preferred
• DCollective is never adequate

Answer: Collective protection (guardrails, platforms, safety nets) protects workers generally. Personal protection (harnesses, lanyards) is a last resort when collective measures are not feasible.

What inspection standards must be met for scaffolding used for working at height?

• ANo inspection is needed
• BInspection by competent person before first use, weekly during use, and after any damage or adverse weather✓
• COnly annual inspection
• DOnly visual checks

Answer: Scaffolding must be inspected by a competent person: before first use, weekly during use, and after any damage or weather events that may affect safety.

What is a 'fall arrest system' and what are its components?

• AA harness only
• BAn integrated system including harness, lanyard, and secure anchorage point designed to stop a falling worker✓
• COnly a rope
• DOnly needed for falls over 5 meters

Answer: A fall arrest system consists of: body harness, lanyard/rope, and secure anchorage point. When a worker falls, the system distributes force and stops the fall, minimizing injury.

What are the requirements for anchorage points for safety harnesses?

• AAny high point is suitable
• BMust be secure, tested, able to withstand impact loads, and independent of the structure being worked on where possible✓
• COnly ceiling fixtures
• DAny metal object

Answer: Anchorage points must: be secure and properly installed, be capable of withstanding anticipated impact loads (typically 15 kN), and be positioned to minimize swing distances.

What is 'edge protection' and when is it required?

• AOnly warning signs
• BPhysical barriers (guardrails, balusters) preventing falls from unprotected edges; required at all open edges✓
• COnly required on scaffolding
• DNever required if harnesses are used

Answer: Edge protection (guardrails with top rails at 1.1 m and mid-rails, or other barriers) must prevent falls from unprotected edges. It is the preferred control for working at height.

What is 'suspended access equipment' and what are the main types?

• AOnly elevators
• BEquipment suspended from above for workers (e.g., powered platforms, cradles); types include powered platforms and boatswain chairs✓
• COnly harnesses
• DOnly ladders

Answer: Suspended access equipment includes powered platforms, cradles, boatswain chairs, and other suspended systems for accessing high locations. These require specialized training and inspection.

What must be done before working on a 'fragile surface' (e.g., skylights, rooflights)?

• ANothing special; just work normally
• BRisk assessment, protective measures (barriers or coverings), rescue plan, and trained personnel✓
• COnly warning signs
• DNot permitted

Answer: Fragile surfaces require: risk assessment, physical protection (barriers or coverings preventing falls through), competent supervision, and rescue plans.