Site Safe Working at Height

Question 1

Under NZ regulations, at what height does 'working at height' become a notifiable activity requiring notification to WorkSafe?

Accepted Answer

5 metres or more above ground level

Answer

Under NZ construction regulations, work at a height of 5 metres or more above ground is classified as notifiable construction work, requiring prior notification to WorkSafe NZ. However, fall protection is required at much lower heights.

Question 2

What is the NZ hierarchy of controls for working at height?

Accepted Answer

Eliminate the need to work at height, use passive fall prevention (guardrails), use work positioning systems, use fall arrest systems, use administrative controls

Answer

The NZ hierarchy for working at height is: 1) Eliminate the need to work at height, 2) Use passive fall prevention (guardrails, scaffolding), 3) Use work positioning systems (travel restraint), 4) Use fall arrest systems (harness and lanyard), 5) Administrative controls and PPE as last resort.

Question 3

Under NZ standards, what must be in place before using a scaffold on a construction site?

Accepted Answer

The scaffold must be erected by a competent person, tagged as safe to use, inspected before first use, and regularly re-inspected

Answer

NZ standards require scaffolding to be designed and erected by a competent person (or licensed scaffolder for complex structures), tagged with a scaffold tag showing inspection status, inspected before first use, and regularly re-inspected (at least weekly and after weather events).

Question 4

What does a green scaffold tag mean on a NZ construction site?

Accepted Answer

The scaffold has been inspected and is safe for use

Answer

In NZ, a green scaffold tag means the scaffold has been inspected by a competent person and is safe for use. A red tag means do not use (under construction, being modified, or failed inspection). Workers must always check the tag before using any scaffold.

Question 5

What are the NZ safety requirements for using ladders on construction sites?

Accepted Answer

Ladders should only be used for short-duration access (not as a work platform), must be on stable ground, secured at the top or base, and extend 1 metre above the landing point

Answer

NZ ladder safety requirements include: use only for short-duration tasks and access (not as primary work platforms), placed on stable, level ground, secured at top or base to prevent movement, extend at least 1 metre above the landing point, and maintain three points of contact while climbing.

Site Safe Practice Test

Site Safe Practice Test

Site Safe Working at Height