Site Safe Working at Heights NZ 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a 'fall prevention plan'?
- To identify fall hazards and describe the controls to be used for specific work at height tasks (Correct answer)
- To list the names of workers who are afraid of heights
- To calculate the cost of fall protection equipment
- To schedule regular breaks for workers at height
Correct answer: To identify fall hazards and describe the controls to be used for specific work at height tasks
A fall prevention plan is a documented plan that identifies all fall hazards for a specific task, details the control measures to be used, and ensures all workers understand the plan before work begins.
Question 2: Under NZ regulations, what must happen before any penetration or opening in a floor or roof is created?
- Controls must be planned and in place to prevent falls through the opening as soon as it is created (Correct answer)
- The opening can be created first and covered later
- Only a verbal warning to workers is needed
- Nothing, as long as workers know about it
Correct answer: Controls must be planned and in place to prevent falls through the opening as soon as it is created
Before any opening or penetration is created, controls such as covers, guardrails, or barriers must be planned and ready to install immediately, ensuring no one can fall through at any time.
Question 3: What are the requirements for a hole cover in a floor or deck on a NZ construction site?
- It must be secured against displacement, clearly marked, and capable of supporting any load likely to be placed on it (Correct answer)
- Any piece of plywood placed over the hole is sufficient
- It only needs to be marked with tape
- It must be made of steel only
Correct answer: It must be secured against displacement, clearly marked, and capable of supporting any load likely to be placed on it
A hole cover must be secured so it cannot be accidentally displaced, clearly marked (e.g., 'HOLE' or 'OPENING'), and strong enough to support the loads that may be placed on it, including workers and equipment.
Question 4: What is a 'mobile elevating work platform' (MEWP)?
- A powered platform that can be moved and raised to provide a safe working position at height, such as a cherry picker or scissor lift (Correct answer)
- A ladder on wheels
- A portable scaffold tower
- Any elevated surface used for working
Correct answer: A powered platform that can be moved and raised to provide a safe working position at height, such as a cherry picker or scissor lift
A MEWP is a machine with a work platform that can be raised, lowered, and moved. Common types include boom lifts (cherry pickers) and scissor lifts. Operators must be trained and competent.
Question 5: What must an operator check before using a MEWP?
- Ground conditions, overhead obstructions, the machine's daily pre-use inspection checklist, and wind conditions (Correct answer)
- Only that the battery is charged
- Only that the keys are available
- Only that the weather is sunny
Correct answer: Ground conditions, overhead obstructions, the machine's daily pre-use inspection checklist, and wind conditions
Before using a MEWP, the operator must check ground conditions (firm, level), overhead hazards (power lines, structures), complete a pre-use inspection of the machine, and assess weather conditions including wind speed.
Question 6: What is 'suspension trauma' or 'harness hang syndrome'?
- A life-threatening condition that can occur when a person is suspended in a harness after a fall, caused by blood pooling in the legs (Correct answer)
- Bruising caused by a harness during a fall
- Fear of heights experienced when wearing a harness
- Discomfort from wearing a harness for long periods
Correct answer: A life-threatening condition that can occur when a person is suspended in a harness after a fall, caused by blood pooling in the legs
Suspension trauma occurs when a person is left hanging in a harness after a fall. Blood pools in the legs due to the harness restricting circulation, which can lead to unconsciousness and death within minutes if the person is not rescued quickly.
Site Safe Working at Heights NZ 4
What is the purpose of a 'fall prevention plan'?