Site Safe Working at Height 2

Question 1

What is an edge protection system and when is it required on a NZ construction site?

Accepted Answer

Guardrails, toe boards, and mid-rails installed at any open edge where there is a risk of falling — required wherever practicable

Answer

A warning sign placed near the edge

Answer

A line painted on the ground near the edge

Answer

Edge protection is only required on roofs, not floors

Question 2

Under NZ standards, what is the minimum anchor point strength for a personal fall arrest system?

Accepted Answer

The anchor must withstand a force of at least 15 kN (kilonewtons) for each person attached, or be certified by a competent person

Answer

Any solid object is an acceptable anchor point

Answer

The anchor must support twice the worker's body weight

Answer

There is no minimum strength requirement in NZ

Question 3

What is a 'fall zone' calculation and why is it important in NZ construction?

Accepted Answer

The total distance a worker could fall before the fall arrest system stops them — including free fall, lanyard extension, harness stretch, and body height below the anchor

Answer

The area on the ground where falling debris might land

Answer

The distance between the edge and the nearest first aid station

Answer

A calculation of how many workers can safely work at height simultaneously

Question 4

What is the NZ requirement for roof work safety?

Accepted Answer

Edge protection or fall arrest systems must be in place, fragile roof materials must be identified and protected against, and access and rescue plans must be established

Answer

No special requirements if the roof pitch is less than 25 degrees

Answer

Only a safety harness is needed for all roof work

Answer

Roof work safety is only required for buildings over two storeys

Question 5

In NZ, what must be included in a rescue plan when fall arrest systems are being used?

Accepted Answer

How to rescue a fallen worker quickly (within 20 minutes to prevent suspension trauma), equipment needed, trained rescue personnel, and communication procedures

Answer

A rescue plan is optional — call 111 if someone falls

Answer

Only a list of emergency phone numbers

Answer

The plan is only needed if the site is more than 30 minutes from a hospital

Question 6

What is suspension trauma (harness hang syndrome) and why is it relevant to NZ construction safety?

Accepted Answer

A potentially fatal condition where blood pools in the legs of a person suspended motionless in a harness, which can cause death within 20-30 minutes

Answer

Muscle soreness from wearing a harness all day

Answer

Fear of heights experienced by construction workers

Answer

Damage to a harness caused by UV exposure