SSSTS Working at Height 3

Question 1

A site supervisor notices that a ladder on site has two cracked rungs. What is the correct immediate course of action?

Accepted Answer

Tag the ladder as defective, remove it from service immediately and arrange for repair or safe disposal

Answer

Restrict the ladder to use by experienced workers only for short-duration tasks

Answer

Conduct a written risk assessment to determine whether the ladder can still be used safely

Answer

Apply repair tape to the cracked rungs and monitor for further deterioration

Question 2

What is the primary structural purpose of scaffold ties connecting a scaffold to an adjacent building?

Accepted Answer

To prevent the scaffold from overturning or moving away from the building under load and wind forces

Answer

To transfer the dead weight of the scaffold into the building's foundations

Answer

To allow the scaffold to bear additional loads transferred from the building structure

Answer

To satisfy insurance requirements and provide a visible safety feature

Question 3

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require that arrangements are in place for the prompt rescue of a person who has fallen and is suspended in a fall arrest harness. Why is prompt rescue particularly critical?

Accepted Answer

Because suspension trauma (harness-induced pathology) can cause blood to pool in the legs, leading to unconsciousness and death within minutes

Answer

Because the harness webbing degrades rapidly under body weight and may fail after 10 minutes

Answer

Because the fall arrest lanyard may release if tension is maintained for too long

Answer

Because RIDDOR requires a rescue to be completed within 15 minutes of a fall event

Question 4

What does an 'exclusion zone' protect against when working at height?

Accepted Answer

Protecting persons below from being struck by falling objects or a person falling from above

Answer

Preventing unauthorised workers from climbing the scaffold

Answer

Keeping vehicles away from the scaffold base to prevent structural impact

Answer

Designating a secure storage area for materials awaiting use at height

Question 5

A worker reports that their fall arrest harness causes discomfort and chafing during use. What action should the site supervisor take?

Accepted Answer

Ensure the harness is correctly adjusted for the individual and consider whether a different size or harness type is needed

Answer

Advise the worker that all harnesses cause some discomfort and insist they continue using it

Answer

Allow the worker to work without a harness provided they work carefully near the platform edge

Answer

Issue the worker with a written instruction to use the PPE and record their refusal

Question 6

When using a leaning ladder for access, at what height above the landing point should the ladder stiles extend to provide a safe handhold?

Accepted Answer

1000mm (1 metre) above the landing level

Answer

500mm above the landing level

Answer

750mm above the landing level

Answer

At the same level as the landing — the ladder need not extend above it

Question 7

Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, which of the following activities does NOT constitute 'work at height'?

Accepted Answer

A worker sitting at a desk on the third floor of an office building

Answer

A worker installing a light fitting while standing on a step ladder inside a building

Answer

A worker in a basement drilling near an unguarded floor opening at ground level

Answer

A worker on a flat roof carrying out a survey inspection