PASMA Working at Height Regulations 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which UK regulation specifically governs working at height?
- The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
- The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (Correct answer)
- The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
- The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
Correct answer: The Work at Height Regulations 2005
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR 2005) are the principal regulations governing all work at height in the UK. They apply to all work at height where there is a risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury.
Question 2: Under WAHR 2005, what is the hierarchy for managing work at height?
- Avoid, prevent, minimise (Correct answer)
- Minimise, prevent, avoid
- Prevent, avoid, minimise
- Minimise, avoid, prevent
Correct answer: Avoid, prevent, minimise
The hierarchy is: first AVOID working at height if possible; if not, PREVENT falls using suitable equipment; if residual risk remains, MINIMISE the distance and consequences of a fall. This hierarchy must be followed in order.
Question 3: Who has duties under the Work at Height Regulations 2005?
- Only construction workers
- Only self-employed persons
- Employers, the self-employed, and anyone who controls the work of others (Correct answer)
- Only HSE inspectors
Correct answer: Employers, the self-employed, and anyone who controls the work of others
The regulations apply to employers, self-employed persons, and anyone who controls the work of others (such as facilities managers or principal contractors). Employees also have duties to use equipment properly and report hazards.
Question 4: What is the legal definition of 'work at height' under WAHR 2005?
- Any work carried out above 2 metres from the ground
- Any work carried out above 3 metres from the ground
- Work in any place where a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury (Correct answer)
- Only work on scaffolding or ladders
Correct answer: Work in any place where a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury
WAHR 2005 defines work at height as work in any place (including at or below ground level) where a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury. There is no minimum height threshold.
Question 5: Under WAHR 2005, when must a risk assessment for work at height be carried out?
- Only for work above 5 metres
- Before any work at height activity begins (Correct answer)
- After the work is completed to review what happened
- Only when requested by the HSE
Correct answer: Before any work at height activity begins
A suitable and sufficient risk assessment must be completed before any work at height is undertaken. This is a requirement under both WAHR 2005 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
Question 6: Which schedule of WAHR 2005 specifically covers requirements for mobile tower scaffolds?
- Schedule 1
- Schedule 3
- Schedule 6 (Correct answer)
- Schedule 9
Correct answer: Schedule 6
Schedule 6 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 sets out specific requirements for scaffolding, including mobile tower scaffolds. It covers assembly, use, inspection, and competence requirements.
PASMA Working at Height Regulations 1
Which UK regulation specifically governs working at height?