IPAF Fall Protection and PPE 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What type of harness must be worn by operators when working inside an MEWP platform?
- A sit harness attached to the waist only
- A full body harness with a dorsal or sternal attachment point (Correct answer)
- A safety belt clipped to the guardrail
- A lap belt provided by the manufacturer
Correct answer: A full body harness with a dorsal or sternal attachment point
A full body harness with a dorsal or sternal attachment point is required to distribute arrest forces safely across the body.
Question 2: Where should an MEWP operator attach their lanyard when inside the work platform?
- To the nearest guardrail post
- To the manufacturer-designated anchor point inside the platform (Correct answer)
- To the boom arm of the machine
- To another colleague's harness for shared protection
Correct answer: To the manufacturer-designated anchor point inside the platform
The lanyard must be attached to the manufacturer-designated anchor point inside the platform, which is designed and tested to withstand fall arrest loads.
Question 3: What is the primary function of a restraint lanyard when used in an MEWP?
- To arrest a fall after the operator has left the platform
- To prevent the operator from reaching a position where a fall could occur (Correct answer)
- To connect two operators together for mutual safety
- To secure tools and equipment inside the basket
Correct answer: To prevent the operator from reaching a position where a fall could occur
A restraint lanyard is set at a length that prevents the operator from reaching the platform edge, stopping them from falling in the first place.
Question 4: Which personal protective equipment item is mandatory for all MEWP operators under IPAF guidelines?
- High-visibility vest only
- Full body harness and safety helmet as a minimum (Correct answer)
- Safety boots and gloves only
- Ear defenders and eye protection
Correct answer: Full body harness and safety helmet as a minimum
IPAF guidelines mandate that all MEWP operators wear a full body harness and safety helmet as the minimum PPE requirement when working in a platform.
Question 5: Before starting work, when should an MEWP operator inspect their full body harness?
- Only after a fall event has been reported
- Before each use, as a pre-use inspection (Correct answer)
- Once a week regardless of frequency of use
- Only when the harness looks visibly damaged
Correct answer: Before each use, as a pre-use inspection
A pre-use inspection before each use ensures any defects are identified before the harness is relied upon for fall protection.
Question 6: What action must be taken with a full body harness that has been subjected to a fall arrest?
- Clean it thoroughly and return it to service
- Remove it from service immediately and have it inspected by a competent person (Correct answer)
- Shorten the lanyard and continue using it
- Report the fall but continue using the harness if no visible damage is found
Correct answer: Remove it from service immediately and have it inspected by a competent person
After a fall arrest, internal webbing fibres may be damaged even if the harness looks intact, so it must be withdrawn and inspected by a competent person before any further use.
Question 7: Under which UK legislation is an employer required to provide suitable PPE, including harnesses, to MEWP operators?
- The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 only
- The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (Correct answer)
- The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
- The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
Correct answer: The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 place a legal duty on employers to provide suitable PPE where risks cannot be controlled by other means.
IPAF Fall Protection and PPE 1
What type of harness must be worn by operators when working inside an MEWP platform?