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

Edge protection in NZ construction consists of guardrails (minimum 900mm high), mid-rails, and toe boards installed at any open edge where there is a risk of a person falling. It is the preferred passive fall prevention method and must be used wherever reasonably practicable.

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

NZ standards require personal fall arrest anchor points to withstand a minimum load of 15 kN per person attached, or be designed and certified by a competent engineer. Using inadequate anchor points is a common cause of fall arrest system failure.

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 fall zone (or fall clearance) calculation determines the total distance needed below the anchor point to safely arrest a fall. It includes: free fall distance, shock absorber extension, harness stretch, and the worker's height below the attachment point. Insufficient clearance means hitting the ground before the fall is arrested.

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

NZ roof work requires: edge protection or fall arrest systems at roof edges, identification and protection against fragile roof materials (skylights, aging iron), safe access and egress, a rescue plan if fall arrest is used, and weather monitoring (wet, icy, or windy conditions increase risk).

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 NZ rescue plan for fall arrest must include: how to reach and lower a suspended worker promptly (suspension trauma can be fatal within 20-30 minutes), rescue equipment and its location, trained rescue personnel available on site, communication procedures, and first aid for suspension trauma.

Site Safe Practice Test

Site Safe Practice Test

Site Safe Working at Height 2