PASMA Working at Height Regulations 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), what must an employer ensure about tower scaffold equipment?
- That it is the most expensive available
- That it is suitable for use, maintained in safe condition, and used only by trained persons (Correct answer)
- That it is replaced every 6 months
- That it is imported from an EU country
Correct answer: That it is suitable for use, maintained in safe condition, and used only by trained persons
PUWER 1998 requires that work equipment is suitable for its intended purpose, maintained in a safe and efficient state, and used only by persons who have received adequate training and information.
Question 2: What is the maximum wind speed at which work on a tower scaffold should generally cease?
- 10 mph
- 17 mph (Beaufort Force 4) (Correct answer)
- 30 mph
- 50 mph
Correct answer: 17 mph (Beaufort Force 4)
PASMA recommends that work ceases when wind speeds reach 17 mph (Beaufort Force 4), at which point small branches move and dust/paper is raised. Tower scaffolds have large surface areas and are particularly susceptible to wind forces.
Question 3: What is the duty of the principal contractor regarding work at height on a construction site?
- The principal contractor has no specific duties
- To plan, manage, and monitor work at height so it is carried out safely (Correct answer)
- To personally carry out all work at height
- Only to provide PPE to workers
Correct answer: To plan, manage, and monitor work at height so it is carried out safely
Under CDM 2015 and WAHR 2005, the principal contractor must plan, manage, and monitor all construction work (including work at height) to ensure it is carried out safely. This includes ensuring competent persons are used and risk assessments are in place.
Question 4: What must an employer do if work at height cannot be avoided?
- Accept the risk and proceed
- Use work equipment or other measures to prevent falls, and if prevention is not possible, minimise fall distance and consequences (Correct answer)
- Outsource the work to a subcontractor to transfer the risk
- Only carry out the work during daylight hours
Correct answer: Use work equipment or other measures to prevent falls, and if prevention is not possible, minimise fall distance and consequences
If work at height cannot be avoided, the employer must use equipment or measures to prevent falls (e.g., guard rails, platforms). If falls cannot be entirely prevented, measures must minimise the distance and consequences of any fall (e.g., nets, airbags).
Question 5: Which regulation requires that a rescue plan is in place before work at height commences?
- The Noise at Work Regulations 2005
- The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (Correct answer)
- The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
- The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
Correct answer: The Work at Height Regulations 2005
Regulation 4 of WAHR 2005 requires planning for emergencies and rescue. A rescue plan must be in place before work at height begins, so that in the event of a fall or equipment failure, rescue can be carried out promptly.
Question 6: What is the potential penalty for serious breaches of the Work at Height Regulations 2005?
- A verbal warning only
- An unlimited fine and/or up to 2 years' imprisonment (Correct answer)
- A fixed penalty notice of £100
- Suspension of the company's website
Correct answer: An unlimited fine and/or up to 2 years' imprisonment
Breaches of health and safety regulations enforced under HSWA 1974 can result in unlimited fines in either the Magistrates' or Crown Court. Individuals (including directors) can face up to 2 years' imprisonment for serious offences.
PASMA Working at Height Regulations 4
Under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), what must an employer ensure about tower scaffold equipment?