Working at Height Ireland Flashcards

What is the minimum height for a guardrail top rail?

Answer: 950mm above the working platform

The top rail of a guardrail must be at a minimum height of 950mm above the working platform to effectively prevent falls.

What is a toe board and what is its purpose?

Answer: A board at least 150mm high at the edge of a platform to prevent materials and feet sliding off

A toe board is a barrier at least 150mm high fitted at the edge of a working platform to prevent materials, tools, and workers' feet from sliding over the edge.

What is the purpose of a safety net on a construction site?

Answer: To catch workers or materials that fall from height, reducing injury

Safety nets are collective fall protection devices installed below work areas to catch workers or materials that may fall, reducing the distance and impact of a fall.

When must a fall arrest harness be worn?

Answer: When other collective protection measures are not practicable and there is a risk of falling

A fall arrest harness should be worn when collective protection measures like guardrails or nets are not reasonably practicable and there remains a risk of falling.

What is the maximum safe working height for a standard stepladder?

Answer: The height at which the user's feet are no more than 2 metres above ground

Stepladders should generally not be used where the user's feet would be more than 2 metres above the ground, and they should only be used for short-duration work.

What inspection must be carried out on scaffolding before use?

Answer: A competent person must inspect it before first use, after alteration, and at least every 7 days

Scaffolding must be inspected by a competent person before first use, after any substantial alteration, after any event likely to have affected stability, and at intervals not exceeding 7 days.