Working at Height Safety Flashcards

What is the key difference between a fall restraint system and a fall arrest system?

Answer: Fall restraint prevents a worker from reaching the fall hazard; fall arrest stops a worker after a fall has begun

A fall restraint system physically limits a worker's movement so they cannot reach an unprotected edge, whereas a fall arrest system is designed to stop a fall that has already started.

Which regulation governs the safe provision and use of work equipment, including MEWPs and hoists, on construction sites?

Answer: Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)

PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) requires that all work equipment, including MEWPs and lifting equipment, is suitable, maintained, and used safely.

Regarding the safe working load (SWL) of a working platform, which statement is correct?

Answer: The SWL varies by design; it must be calculated and clearly marked on or near the platform

The safe working load depends on the design and construction of each specific platform and must be clearly marked to ensure it is not overloaded.

In the context of working at height, what is a 'fragile surface'?

Answer: A surface that cannot safely support the weight of a person and materials, such as roof lights or corrugated cement sheets

A fragile surface is one that will not safely bear the weight of a person and materials, examples include roof lights, corrugated asbestos-cement sheeting, and thin plastic sheeting.

What competency is required before a person may erect, alter, or dismantle scaffolding on a UK construction site?

Answer: They must hold a relevant CISRS (Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme) qualification

Scaffolding erection, alteration, and dismantling must be carried out by competent persons, typically those holding CISRS cards appropriate to the level and type of scaffolding.

Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, who has a duty to ensure that work at height is properly planned, supervised, and safe?

Answer: Every employer and self-employed person responsible for work at height under their control

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 place a duty on every employer and self-employed person to ensure that all work at height under their control is properly planned, appropriately supervised, and carried out safely.

What must happen to a harness and lanyard after they have been used to arrest a fall?

Answer: Both must be taken out of service and destroyed; the worker must also be assessed for suspension trauma

After arresting a fall, both the harness and lanyard must be permanently taken out of service and destroyed due to internal structural damage; the worker must also be checked for suspension trauma even if apparently unharmed.