Site Safe Working at Heights NZ 2

Question 1

Under NZ guidelines, who is competent to erect scaffolding?

Accepted Answer

A person who holds a current Certificate of Competence for scaffolding from MBIE

Answer

In New Zealand, scaffolding over a specified height must be erected by a person holding a current Certificate of Competence (CoC) for the relevant class of scaffolding, issued by MBIE.

Question 2

What must be in place before workers access a scaffold?

Accepted Answer

A scaffold tag or inspection record showing it has been inspected and is safe for use

Answer

Before use, a scaffold must be inspected by a competent person and a scaffold tag or inspection record must confirm it is safe and complete. A green tag typically indicates it is safe for use.

Question 3

What does a red scaffold tag mean in NZ?

Accepted Answer

The scaffold is incomplete, under construction, or unsafe — do not use

Answer

A red scaffold tag means the scaffold is incomplete, being modified, or is unsafe. Workers must not use a scaffold with a red tag.

Question 4

What is a 'roof edge protection system'?

Accepted Answer

Temporary barriers installed at the edges of a roof to prevent falls during construction or maintenance

Answer

Roof edge protection consists of temporary guardrails, barriers, or similar systems installed at or near roof edges to prevent workers from falling during construction, repair, or maintenance work.

Question 5

When must a harness be used on a NZ construction site?

Accepted Answer

When other forms of fall prevention such as guardrails or platforms are not reasonably practicable

Answer

A harness (fall arrest) should only be used when higher-order controls like guardrails, platforms, or scaffolding are not reasonably practicable. It is lower in the hierarchy of controls.

Site Safe Practice Test

Site Safe Practice Test

Site Safe Working at Heights NZ 2