10 questions, graded as you go, with the reason for every answer. No sign-up.
What this covers
Work at height law
Guard rails
Scaffolds
Ladders
Stepladders
Mobile towers
Fragile roofs
MEWPs
Harnesses
Falling objects
Sample questions
What is the first question to ask when planning a job that involves work at height?
Can the work be done without working at height?
Is there a harness available for each worker?
How quickly can a scaffold be put up for it?
Has a ladder of the right length been ordered?
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A. Can the work be done without working at height?
The hierarchy starts with avoiding work at height where reasonably practicable, for example by assembling at ground level or using long-reach tools. Harnesses come much later because they only limit the consequences of a fall.
Reference: Work at Height Regulations 2005, regulation 6
Which of these is a collective measure that prevents falls?
A full body harness and fall-arrest lanyard
A guard rail fitted along the open edge
A safety net rigged beneath the work area
An airbag system laid on the floor below
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B. A guard rail fitted along the open edge
Guard rails protect everyone at the edge and stop the fall happening. Nets and airbags are also collective, but they only reduce the distance and consequences of a fall once it has happened.
Reference: Work at Height Regulations 2005, regulations 6 and 8
On a working platform in construction, what is the minimum height of the top guard rail above the edge from which a person could fall?
750 mm
910 mm
950 mm
1,100 mm
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C. 950 mm
The top guard rail must be at least 950 mm above the edge. The figure of 910 mm applied under earlier regulations and still catches people out.
Reference: Work at Height Regulations 2005, Schedule 2
