CITB Managers Working at Height Regulations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What must be done with a scaffold inspection report under the Work at Height Regulations 2005?
- It must be kept on site and available for inspection for 3 months (Correct answer)
- It can be disposed of after the scaffold is dismantled
- It only needs to be completed if defects are found
- It must be sent to the HSE within 24 hours
Correct answer: It must be kept on site and available for inspection for 3 months
Regulation 12(7) requires that a report of every scaffold inspection is prepared by the competent person within 24 hours of the inspection. The report must be kept at the site until the work is completed, and then retained for 3 months after that.
Question 2: A ladder is being used for construction work. Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, in what circumstances may a ladder be used as a workplace?
- Whenever the worker prefers to use one
- Only when a risk assessment shows it is justified because of the low risk and short duration of the task (Correct answer)
- Only for access, never as a workplace
- Only if it is an industrial-grade ladder
Correct answer: Only when a risk assessment shows it is justified because of the low risk and short duration of the task
Schedule 6 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 permits ladders as a workplace only where a risk assessment has shown that the use of more suitable equipment is not justified because of the low risk and short duration of the task, or due to features of the site that cannot be altered.
Question 3: What constitutes a 'fragile surface' under the Work at Height Regulations 2005?
- Only glass panels
- A surface that would be liable to fail if a person's weight were applied to it (Correct answer)
- Any surface that is wet or slippery
- Only surfaces made of corrugated materials
Correct answer: A surface that would be liable to fail if a person's weight were applied to it
Regulation 2 defines a fragile surface as a surface that would be liable to fail if any reasonably foreseeable loading were applied to it. This includes cement fibre sheets, glass skylights, corroded metal sheeting, and any material that cannot safely support a person's weight.
Question 4: Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) are commonly used on construction sites. What is a key management requirement when using a MEWP?
- Any worker can operate a MEWP without training if they have a driving licence
- Operators must be trained and competent, and the MEWP must be inspected under LOLER and PUWER (Correct answer)
- MEWPs do not require any inspection once purchased
- Only the site manager needs to know how to operate the MEWP
Correct answer: Operators must be trained and competent, and the MEWP must be inspected under LOLER and PUWER
MEWP operators must be trained and competent (IPAF or equivalent certification is industry standard). MEWPs are subject to LOLER 1998 (thorough examination every 6 months) and PUWER 1998 (maintained in safe condition). A rescue plan must also be in place.
Question 5: Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, what is the duty regarding falling objects?
- There is no specific duty regarding falling objects
- Steps must be taken to prevent objects falling, and where this is not reasonably practicable, to prevent injury from falling objects (Correct answer)
- Only hard hats need to be worn
- Falling objects are only a concern above 5 metres
Correct answer: Steps must be taken to prevent objects falling, and where this is not reasonably practicable, to prevent injury from falling objects
Regulation 10 requires that every employer shall take suitable and sufficient steps to prevent, so far as reasonably practicable, any person being struck by a falling object likely to cause personal injury. This includes using toe boards, brick guards, netting, and exclusion zones.
Question 6: A manager is planning work near an unprotected roof edge. What is the preferred control measure according to the hierarchy in the Work at Height Regulations 2005?
- Issue workers with safety harnesses attached to a running line
- Install temporary edge protection such as guardrails and toe boards (Correct answer)
- Brief workers to stay away from the edge
- Place warning signs near the edge
Correct answer: Install temporary edge protection such as guardrails and toe boards
Collective protection measures such as guardrails and toe boards are preferred over personal protection (harnesses) in the hierarchy. Guardrails protect everyone in the area without relying on individual behaviour, making them more reliable. Harnesses are a lower-tier measure used when collective protection is not reasonably practicable.
CITB Managers Working at Height Regulations 2
What must be done with a scaffold inspection report under the Work at Height Regulations 2005?