PASMA Working at Height Regulations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How often must a tower scaffold be inspected under WAHR 2005?
- Monthly
- Before first use, after any event likely to affect stability, and at regular intervals not exceeding 7 days (Correct answer)
- Only once when it is first erected
- Every 28 days
Correct answer: Before first use, after any event likely to affect stability, and at regular intervals not exceeding 7 days
WAHR 2005, Schedule 6, requires inspection before first use, after any event that could affect stability (e.g., adverse weather, collision), and at intervals not exceeding 7 days while the tower remains erected.
Question 2: What must be produced following an inspection of a tower scaffold?
- A verbal report to the site manager
- A written inspection report that is kept on site (Correct answer)
- A photograph only
- Nothing — inspection records are optional
Correct answer: A written inspection report that is kept on site
A written report must be completed after each inspection and kept available on site. It must record the condition of the tower, any defects, and the name of the competent person who carried out the inspection.
Question 3: Under WAHR 2005, who is a 'competent person' for inspecting scaffolding?
- Any person on the construction site
- A person with sufficient training, experience, and knowledge to identify hazards and defects (Correct answer)
- Only an HSE inspector
- Only the tower scaffold manufacturer
Correct answer: A person with sufficient training, experience, and knowledge to identify hazards and defects
A competent person is someone who has adequate training, practical experience, and sufficient knowledge to identify defects and hazards. For tower scaffolds, PASMA training is the industry-recognised standard.
Question 4: What duty does an employee have under the Work at Height Regulations 2005?
- No duties — all responsibility lies with the employer
- To use work at height equipment properly and report any hazards they identify (Correct answer)
- To carry out their own risk assessments without supervision
- To inspect all scaffolding on site regardless of training
Correct answer: To use work at height equipment properly and report any hazards they identify
Employees must use equipment provided for work at height in accordance with their training, report any hazards or defects they identify, and follow the safe systems of work established by their employer.
Question 5: WAHR 2005 requires that work at height equipment is inspected. How long must inspection records be kept?
- 7 days
- Until the next inspection
- Until the end of the project or 3 months, whichever is greater (Correct answer)
- There is no requirement to keep records
Correct answer: Until the end of the project or 3 months, whichever is greater
Inspection records must be retained on site until the next inspection, and then kept at the office for a minimum of 3 months after that. Some duty holders retain them for the duration of the project as best practice.
Question 6: What does WAHR 2005 say about working in adverse weather conditions at height?
- Work can continue as long as PPE is worn
- Work at height must not be carried out when weather conditions could jeopardise health or safety (Correct answer)
- Work must stop only during thunderstorms
- Weather conditions are not mentioned in the regulations
Correct answer: Work at height must not be carried out when weather conditions could jeopardise health or safety
Regulation 4 of WAHR 2005 requires that work at height does not take place when weather conditions (wind, rain, ice, snow) could endanger the health or safety of any person involved.
PASMA Working at Height Regulations 2
How often must a tower scaffold be inspected under WAHR 2005?