Working at Height Flashcards

Under Irish construction regulations, what is defined as 'working at height'?

Answer: Any work where a person could fall and be injured, regardless of the height above ground

Working at height includes any place where, if precautions were not taken, a person could fall and injure themselves. This includes ground level where there is a risk of falling into a pit or excavation.

What is the correct order of the hierarchy of controls for working at height?

Answer: Avoid the work at height if possible; use collective protection (e.g. scaffolding); use personal fall protection (e.g. harness)

The hierarchy prioritises avoiding work at height if possible. If unavoidable, collective protection (guardrails, scaffolding) protects everyone without relying on individual compliance. Personal fall protection (harnesses) is the last resort.

What is the minimum height for guardrails on a scaffold platform in Ireland?

Answer: 950 mm (approximately 1 metre)

Under Irish construction regulations, guardrails on scaffold platforms must be at least 950 mm high, with a mid-rail and toe board also required to prevent falls and objects being kicked off.

When is it acceptable to use a leaning ladder as the primary means of access on a construction site?

Answer: Only for short duration work of low risk where other equipment is not reasonably practicable

Ladders should only be used where risk is low, duration is short, and it is not reasonably practicable to use safer alternatives. They are access tools, not work platforms for prolonged tasks.

What is the correct angle for positioning a leaning ladder on a construction site?

Answer: 75 degrees (1 metre out for every 4 metres up — the 1 in 4 rule)

The correct angle for a leaning ladder is approximately 75 degrees, following the 1 in 4 rule: for every 4 metres of vertical height, the base should be 1 metre away from the wall.

What does MEWP stand for in construction safety?

Answer: Mobile Elevating Work Platform

MEWP stands for Mobile Elevating Work Platform, which includes cherry pickers, scissor lifts, and boom lifts. They are often a safer alternative to ladders and scaffolds for certain tasks.