Working at Height Flashcards

Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, which statement best describes the legal definition of 'work at height'?

Answer: Work in any place where a person could fall and be injured, including at or below ground level

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 define work at height as any location where a person could fall and sustain injury, which includes ground level (e.g., near an excavation) as well as elevated positions.

What is the correct three-step hierarchy of control measures for working at height under the Work at Height Regulations 2005?

Answer: Avoid working at height; prevent falls using collective measures; mitigate the consequences of a fall

Regulation 6 sets out a three-step hierarchy: first avoid the need to work at height, then prevent falls using collective measures such as guard rails, and finally mitigate consequences using equipment such as nets or airbags.

How frequently must a scaffold be inspected by a competent person under the Work at Height Regulations 2005?

Answer: At least every 7 days and after any event likely to have affected its stability

Schedule 7 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 requires that scaffolds be inspected by a competent person at least every 7 days and following any event (such as severe weather or accidental impact) that may have affected their stability.

What is the minimum height for a top guard rail on a working platform as specified in Schedule 2 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005?

Answer: 950mm

Schedule 2 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 specifies that the top guard rail must be at least 950mm above the working surface to provide adequate protection against falls.

Which of the following is classified as a PERSONAL (rather than collective) fall protection measure?

Answer: Personal fall arrest harness and lanyard

A personal fall arrest harness and lanyard is personal protective equipment (PPE) that only protects the individual wearing it; collective measures such as guard rails and nets protect all workers in the area without individual action.

What is the primary purpose of a toe board fitted to the edge of a working platform?

Answer: To prevent tools, materials and debris from being kicked or rolling off the edge

Toe boards are fitted at the perimeter of working platforms to stop tools, materials and loose items from rolling or being accidentally kicked over the edge, protecting people below.

Under Regulation 4 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005, what are the three core duties an employer must fulfil before work at height commences?

Answer: Ensure all work at height is properly planned, appropriately supervised and carried out safely by competent persons

Regulation 4 requires that every employer ensures work at height is properly planned (including emergencies), appropriately supervised, and carried out in a manner that is so far as is reasonably practicable safe, using competent persons.