NEBOSH CC Working at Height 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What inspection regime applies to a scaffold that is in use for more than seven days?
- Inspection at least every seven days (Correct answer)
- Daily inspection by any worker
- Inspection only when a defect is suspected
- Monthly inspection by an independent inspector
Correct answer: Inspection at least every seven days
Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, a scaffold in use for more than seven days must be inspected at intervals not exceeding seven days. This ensures that deterioration from weather or use is identified promptly.
Question 2: Which body produces the NASC TG20 guidance for tube-and-fitting scaffolding?
- National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) (Correct answer)
- Health and Safety Executive
- Chartered Institute of Building
- Construction Industry Training Board
Correct answer: National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC)
The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) produces TG20, which is the industry guidance for the design and erection of tube-and-fitting scaffolding in the UK. It provides a good practice guide for scaffolding.
Question 3: What is the minimum toe board height on a scaffold platform?
- 150mm (Correct answer)
- 100mm
- 200mm
- 250mm
Correct answer: 150mm
Toe boards on scaffold platforms must be at least 150mm high. They prevent tools, materials and debris from rolling or being kicked off the edge of the platform onto workers or members of the public below.
Question 4: What is a 'safety net' used for in working at height?
- To catch workers or materials that fall from a height (Correct answer)
- To prevent workers from reaching a fall hazard
- To anchor workers to a fixed point
- To cover openings in floors
Correct answer: To catch workers or materials that fall from a height
Safety nets are collective protective measures that are installed below working areas to catch workers and materials if they fall. They must be installed as close as practicable to the working level to minimise free fall distance.
Question 5: What is the primary hazard of working on fragile roofs?
- The roof surface may give way under the weight of a worker, causing a fall (Correct answer)
- The roof may be too steep to work on
- Sun glare may impair visibility
- The roof surface may be slippery when wet
Correct answer: The roof surface may give way under the weight of a worker, causing a fall
Fragile roofs (such as corrugated asbestos cement, fibreglass or old glass) may not support the weight of a worker. If the surface gives way, the worker falls through to the ground below, which can result in fatal injuries.
Question 6: What control measures should be used when working on a fragile roof?
- Crawl boards, roof edge protection and safety nets or harnesses (Correct answer)
- Only a hard hat and high-visibility vest
- No controls needed if the worker is experienced
- Ladders at every access point
Correct answer: Crawl boards, roof edge protection and safety nets or harnesses
When working on fragile roofs, crawl boards or roof ladders distribute the worker's weight, guard rails or barriers prevent falls at the edge, and safety nets or harnesses provide fall mitigation. A combination of measures is required.
NEBOSH CC Working at Height 3
What inspection regime applies to a scaffold that is in use for more than seven days?