IPAF Fall Protection and PPE 3

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Between the shoulder blades at the upper back

Answer

The small of the back (lumbar region)

Answer

The centre of the chest

Answer

The hip bone on either side

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Yes, if the platform has adequate guardrails

Answer

Yes, provided the lanyard is less than 1 m long

Answer

Yes, but only for scissor lifts at low heights

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Red for pass, black for fail

Answer

Blue tags for new equipment, yellow for equipment over 5 years old

Answer

No colour system — only written records are required

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Tape the damaged area and continue, reporting it at the end of the shift

Answer

Use the harness only for low-level work below 2 m

Answer

Tie a knot in the webbing to bypass the damaged section

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

To comply with a legal requirement to keep all PPE bagged at all times

Answer

To prevent other workers from borrowing it without permission

Answer

To satisfy LOLER record-keeping requirements

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Remove the lanyard from service and replace it before commencing work

Answer

Use the snap hook carefully and avoid applying sideways loads

Answer

Apply tape to hold the gate shut temporarily

Answer

Report it to the supervisor after the shift is completed

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Injuries caused by falling debris striking a suspended operator

Answer

Psychological anxiety experienced when working at height

Answer

Damage to the harness caused by dynamic loading during a fall arrest