Working at Height

What is the minimum height for fall protection requirements in construction?

• A1 meter
• B2 meters✓
• C6 feet (approximately 1.8 meters)
• DAny work above ground level

Answer: The Work at Height Regulations require fall protection for work at heights of 2 meters or more. However, best practice suggests protection for heights above 1.5 meters.

According to the hierarchy of controls for work at height, what is the first priority?

• APersonal fall arrest equipment
• BEliminating the work at height through design or alternative methods✓
• CWorking ropes
• DHarnesses

Answer: The first priority is to avoid or eliminate work at height through design, using ground-level methods, or eliminating the need for the work entirely.

What is a guardrail and when should it be used?

• APersonal protective equipment worn on the wrist
• BA physical barrier preventing falls from edges; preferred control for most work at height✓
• CA type of safety harness
• DA rope system

Answer: Guardrails are passive barriers installed at edges (minimum 1.1m high). They are engineering controls and preferred over reliance on harnesses.

What should a supervisor check before allowing work on a scaffolding?

• AOnly that the scaffold exists
• BValid inspection certificate, structural integrity, safe access, correct loading✓
• CJust the worker's experience
• DWhether it's raining

Answer: Before permitting work, verify: inspection certification (within 7 days), visual condition, safe access/egress, appropriate loading capacity, and guardrails/safety nets in place.

How often must scaffolding be inspected?

• AOnce at installation
• BWeekly
• CEvery 7 days and after any alteration✓
• DNever - if it looks okay, it's safe

Answer: Scaffolding must be inspected every 7 days and after any significant alteration. A competent scaffold inspector must produce a certificate before work proceeds.

What are the requirements for ladder safety?

• ALadders can be left leaning against buildings indefinitely
• BUse angle of 75 degrees, secure at top, never leave unattended, only for short work✓
• CLadders are not a safe way to access height
• DNo special precautions are needed

Answer: Safe ladder use requires: 75-degree angle (4:1 ratio), secure top, feet on firm ground, never left unattended, and only for brief access. Better alternatives should be considered.

What is a personal fall arrest system (PFAS)?

• AA complete system including harness, lanyard, and anchor point to catch a falling worker✓
• BJust a harness
• CA rope system only
• DA type of training course

Answer: PFAS is a comprehensive system with three components: harness (body positioning), lanyard/rope, and anchor point. The system must be designed to arrest a fall safely.

What must be checked before using a fall arrest harness?

• AOnly that it fits the worker
• BCondition, damage, expiry date, proper fitting, and secure attachment✓
• CColor only
• DNothing - if it exists, it's safe

Answer: Before each use: inspect for damage/wear, check expiry date, ensure correct size for the worker, confirm proper fitting, and verify secure anchor points.

What is an 'edge protection'?

• ASpecial shoes for working near edges
• BPhysical barriers at edges preventing falls (guardrails, barriers, netting)✓
• CA warning sign only
• DNot a recognized safety measure

Answer: Edge protection includes guardrails (minimum 1.1m high with toe board), barriers, netting, and screens that prevent unauthorized access to unprotected edges.

What should a supervisor do if a worker refuses to use fall protection equipment?

• AAllow them to continue without equipment
• BStop the work immediately, explain the requirement, and escalate if non-compliance continues✓
• CSend them home without pay
• DIgnore the refusal

Answer: Work at height without proper fall protection is never permitted. The supervisor must stop work, explain the legal and safety requirement, and ensure compliance before work resumes.

What is competence in relation to work at height supervision?

• AAny supervisor can supervise work at height
• BThe supervisor must have training, knowledge, and experience in work at height hazards and controls✓
• COnly formal qualifications are required
• DExperience alone is sufficient

Answer: Competent supervision of work at height requires knowledge of hazards, controls, equipment inspection, emergency procedures, and the ability to recognize unsafe practices.

When should safety nets be used for fall protection?

• AOnly for training
• BWhen other protection is impractical and nets can catch falls from the relevant height✓
• CNever - they don't prevent falls
• DInstead of guardrails for all work

Answer: Safety nets are appropriate when other controls aren't feasible and when they're properly installed and regularly inspected. They must comply with specific standards.