Fall Protection and PPE Flashcards

Which part of the body should the dorsal attachment ring on a full body harness sit on?

Answer: Between the shoulder blades at the upper back

The dorsal attachment ring should sit between the shoulder blades so that during a fall the harness loads the strongest part of the torso and keeps the operator upright.

Can a safety waist belt be used as an alternative to a full body harness for MEWP operations?

Answer: No, a waist belt alone is not acceptable for fall arrest in an MEWP

A waist belt concentrates arrest forces on the abdomen and can cause serious internal injuries; a full body harness is required to distribute loads across the whole body.

What colour-coding scheme is commonly used in the UK to track harness annual inspection dates?

Answer: A rotating colour system (e.g. red/green) changed each inspection period to show current validity at a glance

Many UK companies use a rotating colour-coded tag system so that site supervisors can immediately see whether a harness has been inspected within the current inspection period without checking paperwork.

If an MEWP operator discovers a harness webbing is frayed or cut before starting work, what should they do?

Answer: Remove the harness from service, label it as defective, and obtain a replacement before commencing work

Damaged webbing significantly reduces the strength of the harness, so it must be withdrawn from service immediately and clearly labelled to prevent accidental reuse.

What is the purpose of storing a harness in a bag or purpose-made container when not in use?

Answer: To protect the webbing from UV light, chemicals, and physical damage that could degrade its strength

UV radiation, chemical contamination, and mechanical abrasion can degrade harness webbing without visible signs, so correct storage in a protective bag or case extends service life and maintains safety.

An MEWP operator notices that the snap hook on their lanyard does not lock positively when closed. What should they do?

Answer: Remove the lanyard from service and replace it before commencing work

A snap hook that does not lock positively can roll-out under load, causing the lanyard to detach, so the lanyard must be removed from service immediately and replaced.

Which of the following best describes the term 'suspension trauma' in the context of MEWP fall protection?

Answer: A medical emergency caused by prolonged hanging in a harness, restricting blood flow to the legs

Suspension trauma (orthostatic shock) can occur within minutes of hanging motionless in a harness as blood pools in the legs, making prompt rescue critical after any fall arrest.