Working at Height Safety Flashcards

Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, when do the regulations apply?

Answer: Whenever there is a risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply to any work at height where there is a risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury, regardless of the height involved.

What is the correct hierarchy of control measures when planning work at height?

Answer: Avoid work at height; if unavoidable, prevent falls using collective measures; then minimise fall consequences

The hierarchy requires: first avoid work at height where reasonably practicable; then prevent falls using collective measures such as guardrails; finally minimise the distance and consequences of any fall.

At what angle should a leaning ladder be set for safe use?

Answer: 75 degrees to the ground, using the 1-in-4 rule

Ladders must be set at approximately 75 degrees, which follows the 1-in-4 rule: for every 4 metres of vertical height, the base should be 1 metre out from the wall.

When joining two sections of an extension ladder, what is the minimum number of rungs that must overlap?

Answer: 3 rungs

Extension ladder sections must overlap by at least 3 rungs to provide structural integrity and stability at the joint.

Which of the following is a collective fall prevention measure rather than a personal protective measure?

Answer: Edge protection comprising guardrails, intermediate rail, and toe boards

Collective measures such as guardrails, intermediate rails, and toe boards protect all workers in the area without relying on individual equipment being worn or used correctly.

What is the primary purpose of toe boards fitted at the edges of working platforms?

Answer: To stop tools, materials, and debris from falling and striking people below

Toe boards are installed at the edges of working platforms to stop tools, materials, and other objects from rolling or being kicked off the edge and falling onto people below.

Before using a ladder on site, what check must every user carry out?

Answer: A pre-use visual check to confirm the ladder is in a safe condition

Every user must perform a pre-use visual check before each use to identify any damage, defects, or contamination that could make the ladder unsafe.