CITB Working at Height Safety — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, what should be your first consideration before carrying out any task at height?
- Use a safety harness at all times
- Avoid working at height altogether if possible (Correct answer)
- Ensure a colleague is watching from below
- Wear a hard hat
Correct answer: Avoid working at height altogether if possible
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 follow a hierarchy: first avoid work at height where possible, then prevent falls using the right equipment, and finally minimise the consequences of a fall. Avoidance is always the first priority.
Question 2: What is the correct angle for placing a leaning ladder against a wall?
- 1 unit out for every 2 units up
- 1 unit out for every 4 units up (Correct answer)
- 1 unit out for every 3 units up
- 1 unit out for every 5 units up
Correct answer: 1 unit out for every 4 units up
The safe angle for a leaning ladder is a ratio of 1:4 — for every 4 metres of height, the base should be 1 metre away from the wall. This is approximately 75 degrees and provides optimal stability.
Question 3: When must edge protection be provided on a scaffold platform?
- Only when working above 5 metres
- Only when specifically requested by the site manager
- When there is a risk of a person or materials falling from the edge (Correct answer)
- Only when the scaffold is more than 3 bays wide
Correct answer: When there is a risk of a person or materials falling from the edge
Edge protection (guard rails, toe boards, and intermediate rails) must be provided wherever there is a risk of persons or materials falling from a scaffold platform, regardless of height. This is a legal requirement under the Work at Height Regulations.
Question 4: What should you check BEFORE using a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP)?
- That the ground is firm, level, and the outriggers are fully extended (Correct answer)
- That there is another MEWP nearby as backup
- That the wind speed is below 50 mph
- That the machine has been painted recently
Correct answer: That the ground is firm, level, and the outriggers are fully extended
Before using a MEWP, you must ensure the ground conditions are suitable (firm and level) and that all outriggers or stabilisers are fully deployed as per the manufacturer's instructions. Unstable ground is a leading cause of MEWP overturning.
Question 5: A tower scaffold should not be used in winds exceeding what speed?
- 15 mph
- 23 mph (Correct answer)
- 35 mph
- 50 mph
Correct answer: 23 mph
Tower scaffolds should not be used when wind speeds reach 23 mph (Force 5 on the Beaufort scale) or above, as they can become unstable. Workers should monitor weather conditions and cease work at height when winds are too strong.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of a toe board on a scaffold?
- To provide a step for climbing onto the platform
- To prevent materials and tools from falling off the edge (Correct answer)
- To mark the boundary of the working area
- To provide additional structural support to the scaffold
Correct answer: To prevent materials and tools from falling off the edge
Toe boards (minimum 150mm high) are fitted at the edge of scaffold platforms primarily to prevent tools, materials, and debris from being kicked or rolling off the edge and striking people below.
CITB Working at Height Safety
Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, what should be your first consideration before carrying out any task at height?