CSCS Ireland Working at Height

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

950 mm (approximately 1 metre)

Answer

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.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

CSCS Ireland Practice Test

CSCS Ireland Practice Test

CSCS Ireland Working at Height