PASMA Working at Height Regulations 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which Act provides the overarching legal framework under which WAHR 2005 sits?
- The Factories Act 1961
- The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (Correct answer)
- The Employment Rights Act 1996
- The Building Act 1984
Correct answer: The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
WAHR 2005 is made under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA 1974), which is the primary piece of UK health and safety legislation. HSWA 1974 provides the overarching framework for all workplace health and safety regulations.
Question 2: Under WAHR 2005, what must an employer ensure about the place where work at height is performed?
- That it is painted a bright colour
- That it is safe, stable, of sufficient dimensions, and with suitable conditions (Correct answer)
- That it is above 4 metres from ground level
- That it has CCTV coverage
Correct answer: That it is safe, stable, of sufficient dimensions, and with suitable conditions
Every place of work at height must be stable, have sufficient strength for the purpose, have a suitable surface, be of sufficient dimensions to allow safe passage and working, and have suitable environmental conditions.
Question 3: What is a 'fragile surface' under WAHR 2005?
- Any surface that has been recently painted
- A surface that would be liable to fail if any reasonably foreseeable loading were applied to it (Correct answer)
- A surface made of metal
- Any surface above 10 metres
Correct answer: A surface that would be liable to fail if any reasonably foreseeable loading were applied to it
A fragile surface is one that is liable to fail if subjected to a reasonably foreseeable load, such as the weight of a person and any materials they carry. Examples include fibre cement roof sheets, glass roof panels, and corroded metal decking.
Question 4: What additional precaution does WAHR 2005 require near fragile surfaces?
- Work near fragile surfaces is always prohibited
- Prominent warning notices must be displayed and measures taken to prevent falls through the surface (Correct answer)
- Only a verbal warning is required
- Fragile surfaces must be replaced before any work begins
Correct answer: Prominent warning notices must be displayed and measures taken to prevent falls through the surface
Regulation 9 requires that no person goes onto or near a fragile surface unless it is the only practicable option. Warning notices must be displayed, and platforms, coverings, guard rails, or fall arrest systems must be used to prevent falls.
Question 5: Under WAHR 2005, what must be considered regarding the selection of equipment for work at height?
- Only the cheapest available option
- The most appropriate equipment for the task, considering risk, duration, and the working environment (Correct answer)
- The newest equipment available on the market
- Only equipment hired from an approved supplier
Correct answer: The most appropriate equipment for the task, considering risk, duration, and the working environment
Regulation 7 requires selecting the most suitable equipment by considering the nature, frequency and duration of the work, the risks, the distance of a potential fall, and the conditions at the worksite.
Question 6: What is meant by 'collective protection' in the context of WAHR 2005?
- Safety equipment that protects everyone in the area without individual action, such as guard rails (Correct answer)
- Each worker wearing their own harness
- A group insurance policy
- A collective bargaining agreement about safety
Correct answer: Safety equipment that protects everyone in the area without individual action, such as guard rails
Collective protection measures (e.g., guard rails, toe boards, safety nets) protect everyone in the area without requiring any action by the individual. Under the WAHR 2005 hierarchy, collective protection is preferred over personal protection (e.g., harnesses).
PASMA Working at Height Regulations 3
Which Act provides the overarching legal framework under which WAHR 2005 sits?