Working at Height Management

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

• AOnly work carried out more than two metres above the ground, measured from the working platform
• BWork at any height where a person could be injured by a fall, with no minimum height threshold✓
• CWork where a harness and lanyard are required by the method statement
• DAny work above ground level where a ladder or tower scaffold is being used to reach the workface

Answer: The Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply regardless of height, wherever a person could be injured by a fall — there is no minimum height threshold. HSE explicitly rejects any '2-metre rule': even a fall from below 2 metres, such as into an excavation or through a fragile surface, is covered if it could cause injury.

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

• AEliminate height, use collective protection (platforms, guardrails), then personal protection (harnesses)✓
• BOnly use harnesses
• CIssue harnesses first, then add guardrails if the work continues beyond a week
• 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 over 18 who holds a CSCS card, has been inducted and signs the register
• BAnyone with at least five years of site experience in their own trade
• CAnyone issued with a harness and lanyard who has signed the site's work at height register on arrival
• DA person with sufficient knowledge, experience, and training to manage work at height safely✓

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'?

• AThe height of the work and the access equipment chosen, since rescue is the emergency services' responsibility on construction sites
• BThe scaffold contractor's insurance details, company registration number and the weekly hire cost of the access equipment
• CHazards, persons at risk, existing controls, residual risk, supervision, rescue arrangements, and emergency procedures✓
• DThe purchase price of the access equipment being used and the date on which its hire period is due to finish on the site

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?

• AA tick-box insurance document
• BA plan for emergency rescue if a worker falls or is suspended; required when workers may be isolated or suspended✓
• COptional on site
• DA plan that relies on calling the fire and rescue service, who then take responsibility for reaching a suspended worker

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?

• ACollective is for visitors
• BThe two terms mean the same thing, since both of them describe equipment issued to individual operatives for their own use
• CCollective protects groups (guardrails, platforms); personal protects individuals (harnesses) and is a last resort✓
• DPersonal is the first choice

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?

• AInspection by competent person before first use, weekly during use, and after any damage or adverse weather✓
• BInspection once a year by the scaffolding supplier, with the handover certificate kept on file in the site office
• COnly visual checks
• DInspection is unnecessary

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?

• AAn integrated system including harness, lanyard, and secure anchorage point designed to stop a falling worker✓
• BA full-body harness on its own, which will arrest a fall provided that it has been correctly adjusted and fastened
• CA single length of rope tied around the waist and secured to the nearest available part of the structure being worked on
• DEquipment needed only where a fall of more than five metres is possible, as shorter falls are considered survivable

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, minimising injury.

What are the requirements for anchorage points for safety harnesses?

• AOnly fixings in the ceiling or roof structure directly above the worker, which are always strong enough to take the load of a fall
• BMust be secure, tested, able to withstand impact loads, and independent of the structure being worked on where possible✓
• CAny metal object within reach, such as a scaffold tube or a handrail, provided that it does not move when pulled on by hand
• DAny high point above the worker's head that looks solid and can take the weight of one person standing on it at the time

Answer: Anchorage points must be secure, properly installed and capable of withstanding the forces from arresting a fall, as specified for the anchor device (BS EN 795). They should be positioned to limit free fall and swing, and inspected by a competent person.

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

• AOnly required on scaffolding
• BPhysical barriers (guardrails, balusters) preventing falls from unprotected edges; required at all open edges✓
• CWarning signs, floor markings and a verbal briefing at the start of each shift
• DSuperseded wherever harnesses are worn

Answer: Edge protection is a physical barrier at an open edge: a main guard-rail at least 950 mm high, an intermediate guard-rail so that no unprotected gap exceeds 470 mm, and a toe board (Work at Height Regulations 2005, Schedule 2). It is the preferred control because it protects everyone without relying on the user.

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

• APassenger and goods lifts installed permanently in the finished building, which are inspected under separate lifting equipment regulations
• BEquipment suspended from above for workers (e.g., powered platforms, cradles); types include powered platforms and boatswain chairs✓
• CStep ladders
• DSafety harnesses

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

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

• AWork on fragile surfaces is never permitted under any circumstances, so the roof must always be replaced first
• BWarning signs at the roof edge on their own, with the work then carried out by whoever happens to be available
• CRisk assessment, protective measures (barriers or coverings), rescue plan, and trained personnel✓
• DNormal care is enough, provided the worker spreads their weight and avoids standing directly on a panel

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

What is the maximum recommended working time at height without a break?

• AUnlimited, provided the operative is wearing a harness attached to a suitable anchorage point
• BOne hour maximum, after which a different worker must take over the task
• CBreaks are not needed where operatives have been certified fit for work at height by an occupational health provider
• DWork at height should be limited; breaks should be taken to reduce fatigue and maintain concentration✓

Answer: Working at height is fatiguing and demands concentration. Plan breaks to manage fatigue. There is no fixed HSE time limit, so base them on the task, the conditions and the risk assessment.

What are 'weather precautions' for working at height?

• ARain and snow only, since wind affects cranes rather than people working at height
• BOutside the site manager's responsibility
• CControl measures for wind, rain, ice, and visibility (e.g., stopping work, additional ties, increased inspection)✓
• DSet aside in dry weather

Answer: Weather precautions include: monitoring conditions, stopping work in high winds, treating surfaces to prevent slipping in rain/ice, and reducing work during poor visibility.

What is a 'permit to work' for working at height?

• AA verbal agreement between the supervisor and the worker at the daily briefing
• BA formal system authorising work at height, specifying hazards, controls, competent persons, rescue arrangements, and supervisors✓
• CA photo card issued to operatives who have passed a working-at-height training course, which they carry on them while working aloft
• DA standard site form signed by the operative at induction, which then covers the work at height they carry out during the contract

Answer: A permit to work for working at height documents: the work to be done, hazards and controls, competent persons involved, rescue arrangements, and supervisor approval.

What training must workers have for working at height?

• ATraining is optional where the work is supervised, because the supervisor carries responsibility for the safety of the whole gang
• BSpecific training in WAHR, equipment use, hazard recognition, rescue procedures, and emergency response appropriate to the work✓
• CReading the equipment manufacturer's leaflet at induction, which is accepted in place of formal training for experienced operatives
• DThe general site induction, which already covers the hazards found on site

Answer: Workers must receive training specific to their work at height: hazard awareness, equipment use, inspection of equipment, rescue, and emergency procedures.

What is 'DROPS' (Dropped Objects Prevention Scheme)?

• AA scheme for cleaning down scaffolds and access platforms at the end of each working day before they are handed back
• BBest practice guidance to prevent dropped objects injuring people below (e.g., securing items, barriers, planning)✓
• CGuidance that applies only to offshore oil and gas installations and has no application on ordinary construction sites
• DA statutory scheme under CDM 2015, requiring registration and an annual audit

Answer: DROPS guidance includes: securing tools and materials to prevent drops, using tool lanyards, clear zones below work areas, and barriers to protect areas below.

What is a 'competency assessment' for working at height?

• AOnly for new starters
• BA formal evaluation confirming a person has knowledge, skills, and practical ability to work at height safely✓
• CA one-off check at induction, recorded on the CSCS card and valid for life
• DWaived once trained

Answer: Competency assessments confirm workers have theoretical knowledge and practical skills to perform their work at height safely. Assessments should be periodic.

What is 'supervision' of working at height?

• AFrom the site office
• BCompetent management of workers to ensure compliance with safe procedures and equipment use✓
• CA token gesture
• DA daily visit by the principal designer to check and sign off the scaffold before each shift begins

Answer: Supervision of work at height requires a competent person monitoring workers, ensuring procedures are followed, equipment is properly used, and conditions are safe.

Under WAHR 2005, what must be provided regarding information and instruction?

• AA written policy statement displayed on the site notice board, which workers are expected to read in their own time before starting work
• BInformation given only when a worker asks the supervisor a direct question about the equipment they have been issued with for the task
• CAn optional extra covered during the annual refresher session for operatives who work regularly at height, rather than at induction
• DComprehensive information and instruction on safe work at height including hazards, controls, equipment, and emergency procedures✓

Answer: WAHR 2005 requires that all workers receive information and instruction on working at height: hazards, safe procedures, equipment use, rescue, and emergency response.

How often must a scaffold be inspected where a person could fall two metres or more?

• AAt the start of every shift on which it is going to be used by any of the trades
• BAfter assembly only, unless the scaffold is later altered, extended or struck
• CAfter assembly, and then at least every seven days while it remains in use✓
• DEvery twenty-eight days, and again before it is finally dismantled

Answer: Inspection is required following assembly or installation, and at intervals not exceeding seven days thereafter, with a report by a competent person. Start-of-shift inspection is the excavation rule, not the scaffold rule — mixing the two up is common and gets sites into trouble both ways.

What else triggers an inspection of a scaffold, outside the seven-day cycle?

• AAny week in which the scaffold has not been used by anyone at all
• BA change in the trades using it, since every trade loads the structure differently
• CThe arrival of a new site manager who has not previously seen the scaffold structure
• DAny event likely to have affected its strength or stability, such as high winds✓

Answer: Weather is the usual trigger — high winds, but also impact from a vehicle or plant, or alteration by anyone. The seven-day interval is a maximum for routine inspection, not a licence to ignore what has happened to the structure in between.

Who is permitted to inspect a scaffold and produce the report?

• AA competent person whose training and experience match that type of scaffold✓
• BA site supervisor who holds a current SMSTS or SSSTS certificate
• CThe scaffolding contractor's commercial manager, as the responsible signatory
• DAn operative who has completed a working-at-height awareness course

Answer: Competence has to match the job: a basic tube-and-fitting scaffold and a complex design-drawn structure need different levels of knowledge. Holding a management certificate does not make someone competent to judge a scaffold, and neither does a general awareness course.

What does a scaffold tag at the access point tell you?

• AThe maximum number of people who are permitted on the scaffold at any one time
• BWhether the scaffold has been inspected and is currently safe to use✓
• CThe name of the scaffolding company that erected the structure
• DThe date the scaffold is scheduled to be dismantled and removed

Answer: The tag is the quick check before you climb: inspected, by whom, when, and whether it is fit to use. A missing tag, or one showing the scaffold is incomplete, means do not use it — go and find out why rather than assuming somebody forgot to update it.

A gap in the guard rail is stopping a bricklayer working. What should happen?

• AThe gap may be left if the bricklayer clips a harness to the scaffold instead
• BThe bricklayer may move one rail provided it is replaced before leaving the lift
• CA competent scaffolder alters it; the bricklayer must not adjust it themselves✓
• DWork continues and the alteration is raised at the next weekly inspection

Answer: Scaffolds are altered only by competent scaffolders. Trades removing a rail or a board to get at the work — and then not putting it back — is one of the most common causes of falls from scaffolds. A harness is not a substitute for collective protection that is already there.