Working at Height

What is the legal definition of 'working at height'?

• AWorking on a ladder
• BWork in any location with a risk of falling a distance that could cause personal injury✓
• COnly work above 2 metres
• DWork in tall buildings

Answer: Working at height is any work where there is a risk of falling and suffering personal injury, regardless of the actual height. This includes falls from stairs, platforms, and ground level.

What is the hierarchy of controls for working at height?

• AHarnesses, then nets, then barriers
• BElimination, collective protection, and individual protection✓
• CBarriers, then safety nets
• DHarnesses only

Answer: The hierarchy is: Eliminate the need (redesign work), then collective protection (guardrails, nets), and finally individual protection (harnesses) as a last resort.

What type of guardrails are required for fall protection?

• AAny type of barrier
• BTop rail at 950-1050 mm, intermediate rail at mid-height, kick board at base✓
• CJust a top rail
• DNo specific requirements

Answer: Guardrails must have: a top rail 950-1050 mm high, an intermediate rail at mid-height between top and base, a kick board at least 150 mm high, and sufficient strength.

What is a 'competent person' for working at height?

• AAnyone with a health and safety certificate
• BSomeone with adequate knowledge, skills, and experience of working at height procedures✓
• CAny manager
• DOnly professional scaffolders

Answer: A competent person for working at height has sufficient training, experience, and knowledge to plan, supervise, and manage work at height and recognize hazards.

What must be provided at the foot of a ladder to prevent slipping?

• AA wet surface
• BProper securing or stabilization to prevent sliding✓
• CCarpet
• DNo requirement

Answer: Ladders must be secured (tied) or used with a helper, or positioned on a stable surface at the correct angle (75 degrees) to prevent slipping or movement.

What is the correct angle for positioning a ladder?

• A45 degrees
• B60 degrees
• C75 degrees (4:1 ratio - for every 4 units up, 1 unit out)✓
• D90 degrees (vertical)

Answer: A ladder should be positioned at an angle of approximately 75 degrees to the ground, or 1 unit out for every 4 units up, to provide stability and prevent tipping.

What is a 'safety harness' used for in working at height?

• ATo carry tools
• BTo restrict movement to prevent falls or arrest a fall✓
• CTo hold clothing
• DTo carry personal belongings

Answer: A safety harness is worn to protect against falls by either preventing falls (restraint) or stopping a fall (arrest harness) when connected to appropriate anchor points.

Where should a harness anchor point be located?

• AAnywhere on the roof
• BAbove the worker, securely attached and capable of supporting the load✓
• CBelow the worker
• DTo the side only

Answer: Anchor points must be above the worker's position, securely attached to the structure, and capable of supporting the full weight in case of a fall (typically 10-15 kN).

What is the purpose of a 'permit to work' system for working at height?

• ATo record wages
• BTo document that work has been properly planned, assessed, and approved✓
• CTo track attendance
• DTo authorize overtime

Answer: A permit to work ensures work at height is properly authorized, planned, assessed for risks, appropriate controls are in place, and relevant personnel are informed.

What should be done before starting work at height?

• AJust start working
• BRisk assessment, method statement, competency check, and weather assessment✓
• CAsk for volunteers
• DOnly if it's not raining

Answer: Before work at height: conduct risk assessment, prepare method statement with controls, verify workers are competent and trained, and check weather conditions are suitable.

What are the risks of working near overhead power lines?

• ANo risk from power lines
• BElectric shock and arc flash even without contact✓
• COnly if the power is on
• DRisk only if wet

Answer: Overhead power lines create risk of electric shock even without direct contact due to arc flash. Minimum safe distances must be maintained (typically 6-8 metres).

What is 'wind effect' in the context of working at height?

• AJust minor inconvenience
• BWind can affect stability, balance, and increase fall risk✓
• COnly affects people with height fear
• DNot a safety concern

Answer: Wind can significantly affect stability and balance of workers and equipment at height. High winds may prevent work from proceeding safely.