Working at Height Flashcards
6 cards from real CITB practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Working at Height flashcards as text
Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, what is the employer's primary duty?
Answer: To avoid work at height where possible; where not, to plan, supervise, and carry out work at height safely
The WAH Regulations 2005 follow the avoid-prevent-mitigate hierarchy: avoid work at height if possible; prevent falls if not; minimise the consequences of a fall where prevention is not fully achievable.
How does the Work at Height Regulations 2005 define 'working at height'?
Answer: Work in any place from which a person could fall and injure themselves, including below ground level
The Regulations define 'at height' as any place from which a fall could result in injury — there is no minimum height threshold, and it includes excavations and holes at ground level.
When should a ladder be used for work at height?
Answer: Only when the risk assessment shows it is the most suitable equipment for a low-risk, short-duration task
Ladders should only be used when a risk assessment shows they are the most appropriate equipment — they are not a default choice, particularly for anything other than short-duration, low-risk tasks.
Which of the following is a collective protection measure for work at height?
Answer: Edge protection including guard rails and toe boards
Collective protection measures protect everyone in the area without requiring individual action — guard rails and toe boards are collective measures that reduce fall risk for all workers automatically.
At what angle should a portable ladder be set for safe use?
Answer: 75 degrees (1 out for every 4 up)
A portable ladder should be set at approximately 75 degrees — the 1-in-4 rule: for every 4 metres of height, place the base 1 metre out from the wall.
Under the WAH Regulations 2005, who must inspect working platforms before first use?
Answer: A competent person, who records the inspection
Regulation 12 requires working platforms from which a person could fall 2 metres or more to be inspected by a competent person before first use, after adverse weather, and at least every 7 days.