IPAF Working at Height Regulations — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, what is the hierarchy of control for managing the risk of falls?
- Use PPE first, then collective protection, then avoid working at height
- Avoid working at height, prevent falls using collective or personal protection, minimise consequences of a fall (Correct answer)
- Minimise fall distance first, then use harnesses, then avoid the work
- Train workers to fall safely, then provide soft landing areas
Correct answer: Avoid working at height, prevent falls using collective or personal protection, minimise consequences of a fall
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 set out a clear hierarchy: first avoid working at height if possible; if not, prevent falls using guardrails, platforms, or personal fall protection; and if falls cannot be prevented, minimise the distance and consequences of a fall.
Question 2: Who has legal responsibility for ensuring safe working at height under UK law?
- Only the MEWP operator
- The equipment hire company
- The employer and any person who controls the work (Correct answer)
- The Health and Safety Executive
Correct answer: The employer and any person who controls the work
Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the employer and anyone who controls work at height (including principal contractors) have legal responsibility for ensuring it is carried out safely.
Question 3: What does PUWER 1998 require regarding the provision of MEWPs on site?
- MEWPs must be painted in high-visibility colours
- Work equipment must be suitable, maintained, inspected, and operators must be trained (Correct answer)
- MEWPs must be replaced every 5 years
- Only brand-new MEWPs may be used on construction sites
Correct answer: Work equipment must be suitable, maintained, inspected, and operators must be trained
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998 requires that work equipment including MEWPs is suitable for its intended use, properly maintained, regularly inspected, and that operators are adequately trained and competent.
Question 4: Under LOLER 1998, what must be produced following a thorough examination of a MEWP?
- A verbal confirmation to the site manager
- A written report by the competent person detailing findings and any defects (Correct answer)
- A photograph of the machine
- A certificate of insurance
Correct answer: A written report by the competent person detailing findings and any defects
Following a thorough examination under LOLER, the competent person must produce a written report detailing the examination carried out, any defects found, and whether the equipment is safe to continue in use. This report must be kept on file.
Question 5: What age must a person be to operate a MEWP on a UK construction site?
- 16 years old
- 18 years old (Correct answer)
- 21 years old
- 25 years old
Correct answer: 18 years old
A person must be at least 18 years old to operate a MEWP on a construction site in the UK. This is in line with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 regarding young persons and high-risk work activities.
Question 6: Which UK regulation specifically requires a rescue plan to be in place before any work at height begins?
- COSHH Regulations 2002
- Work at Height Regulations 2005 (Correct answer)
- Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
- Manual Handling Regulations 1992
Correct answer: Work at Height Regulations 2005
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (Regulation 4) specifically requires that adequate rescue procedures are in place before any work at height commences. This includes planning for the rescue of persons who may be stranded at height or suspended in a harness.
IPAF Working at Height Regulations
Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, what is the hierarchy of control for managing the risk of falls?