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 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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Damaged webbing significantly reduces the strength of the harness, so it must be withdrawn from service immediately and clearly labelled to prevent accidental reuse.

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

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.

IPAF PAL Card Practice Test

IPAF PAL Card Practice Test

IPAF Fall Protection and PPE 3