PASMA Rescue and Emergency Procedures 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Before commencing work on a mobile access tower, what must be in place according to the Work at Height Regulations 2005?
- A rescue plan detailing how casualties can be retrieved (Correct answer)
- A risk assessment for the tower assembly process only
- Written permission from the tower manufacturer
- A structural survey of the surrounding working area
Correct answer: A rescue plan detailing how casualties can be retrieved
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require a rescue plan to be established before any work at height commences, not just after an incident occurs.
Question 2: In the UK, which emergency services number(s) can be used to summon help following a mobile access tower accident?
- 999 only
- 101 or 112
- 999 or 112 (Correct answer)
- 111 only
Correct answer: 999 or 112
Both 999 and 112 connect to UK emergency services and either number can be used in any emergency situation.
Question 3: Which legislation primarily governs the requirement for emergency procedures when working at height in the UK?
- The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
- The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
- The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (Correct answer)
- The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992
Correct answer: The Work at Height Regulations 2005
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 specifically require employers to establish and maintain emergency procedures for all work carried out at height.
Question 4: If a worker becomes incapacitated on a mobile access tower, what is the safest initial action for a bystander?
- Immediately climb the tower to assist the casualty directly
- Begin dismantling the tower from the base to allow ground-level access
- Wait for the site manager before taking any action
- Assess the situation, call for help, and avoid putting yourself at risk (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Assess the situation, call for help, and avoid putting yourself at risk
Untrained rescue attempts can result in additional casualties, so bystanders must prioritise their own safety while calling for appropriate emergency help.
Question 5: A rescue plan for mobile access tower work must include which of the following?
- The model number and serial number of the tower being used
- Emergency contact numbers, rescue methods, and evacuation routes (Correct answer)
- The names of all workers on the adjacent site
- The maintenance schedule for all site equipment
Correct answer: Emergency contact numbers, rescue methods, and evacuation routes
An effective rescue plan must include emergency contact numbers, the method of rescue, and clear evacuation routes to be of practical use in an emergency.
Question 6: Under RIDDOR 2013, which of the following injuries from a mobile access tower fall must be reported to the HSE?
- Any bruising or minor cuts requiring first aid treatment only
- Any injury resulting in absence from work for more than 3 days
- Specified injuries including fractures, or absences exceeding 7 consecutive days (Correct answer)
- Only fatalities caused by the incident
Correct answer: Specified injuries including fractures, or absences exceeding 7 consecutive days
RIDDOR 2013 requires reporting of specified injuries (such as fractures other than to fingers or toes) and any absence from work lasting more than 7 consecutive days.
Question 7: When should a rescue plan for mobile access tower work be reviewed and updated?
- Only after an incident has occurred on site
- Every five years as part of a formal health and safety audit
- At the start of each calendar year regardless of any changes
- Whenever there is a significant change to the work or work environment (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Whenever there is a significant change to the work or work environment
A rescue plan must be reviewed and updated whenever significant changes occur to the work, work environment, or personnel to ensure it remains relevant and effective.
PASMA Rescue and Emergency Procedures 1
Before commencing work on a mobile access tower, what must be in place according to the Work at Height Regulations 2005?