Site Safe Working at Heights NZ 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: At what height does the NZ Best Practice Guidelines for Working at Heights generally apply?
- Any height where a fall could result in injury, typically 3 metres or more but any height if there is a risk (Correct answer)
- Only above 10 metres
- Only above 5 metres
- Only when working on roofs
Correct answer: Any height where a fall could result in injury, typically 3 metres or more but any height if there is a risk
While 3 metres is often used as a guide, the guidelines apply at any height where a fall could result in injury. Even a fall from a low height can cause serious harm depending on the circumstances.
Question 2: What is the preferred method of fall prevention under NZ guidelines?
- Passive fall prevention systems such as guardrails and barriers (Correct answer)
- Personal fall arrest systems such as harnesses
- Administrative controls such as warning signs
- Catching nets placed below the work area
Correct answer: Passive fall prevention systems such as guardrails and barriers
Passive fall prevention systems like guardrails and barriers are preferred because they protect all workers in the area without requiring individual action or training to be effective.
Question 3: What is a 'fall arrest system'?
- A system that stops a person during a fall, such as a harness connected to an anchor point (Correct answer)
- A barrier that prevents access to an edge
- A safety net that prevents falls from occurring
- A warning sign placed near an edge
Correct answer: A system that stops a person during a fall, such as a harness connected to an anchor point
A fall arrest system is designed to stop a person who is already falling. It typically consists of a full body harness, a lanyard with energy absorber, and a suitable anchor point.
Question 4: What must be considered when selecting an anchor point for a fall arrest system in NZ?
- It must be capable of supporting at least 12 kN or be certified by a competent person (Correct answer)
- It can be any solid point above head height
- It only needs to support the weight of the worker
- It must be made of steel
Correct answer: It must be capable of supporting at least 12 kN or be certified by a competent person
Anchor points must be capable of supporting the forces generated during fall arrest (at least 12 kN for a single person) or be certified as suitable by a competent person.
Question 5: What is 'free fall distance' in the context of fall arrest?
- The distance a person falls before the fall arrest system begins to activate (Correct answer)
- The total distance from the work platform to the ground
- The distance a person can safely jump
- The length of the safety lanyard
Correct answer: The distance a person falls before the fall arrest system begins to activate
Free fall distance is the vertical distance a person falls before the fall arrest equipment begins to take the load. Under NZ guidelines, this should not exceed 2 metres.
Question 6: What is the minimum width for a scaffold working platform under NZ Standards?
- 450mm for a working platform, but 675mm is recommended for general construction work (Correct answer)
- 200mm
- 1 metre
- Any width that feels comfortable
Correct answer: 450mm for a working platform, but 675mm is recommended for general construction work
The minimum width for a scaffold working platform is 450mm, but 675mm is the recommended minimum for general construction work to provide adequate space for workers and materials.
Site Safe Working at Heights NZ 1
At what height does the NZ Best Practice Guidelines for Working at Heights generally apply?