White Card Working at Heights 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which Australian Standard covers fall arrest systems?
- AS 2550
- AS/NZS 1891 (Correct answer)
- AS 3600
- AS 1170
Correct answer: AS/NZS 1891
AS/NZS 1891 covers industrial fall arrest systems including harnesses, lanyards, anchorages, and energy absorbers.
Question 2: What is the purpose of a toe board on scaffolding?
- A step for climbing
- Preventing tools and materials from falling off the platform edge (Correct answer)
- Decorative trim
- Supporting the guardrail
Correct answer: Preventing tools and materials from falling off the platform edge
Toe boards (minimum 150mm high) prevent objects from being kicked or rolling off the scaffold platform edge.
Question 3: At what wind speed should work at heights generally cease?
- 10 km/h
- 20 km/h
- 40 km/h or as per risk assessment (Correct answer)
- 100 km/h
Correct answer: 40 km/h or as per risk assessment
Work at heights is typically ceased at around 40 km/h, though specific limits depend on the task and risk assessment.
Question 4: What anchor point rating is required for a single-person fall arrest system?
- 5 kN
- 12 kN minimum per AS/NZS 1891.4 (Correct answer)
- 1 kN
- No rating required
Correct answer: 12 kN minimum per AS/NZS 1891.4
Anchor points must be rated to at least 12 kN (or 15 kN without energy absorber) and certified by a competent person.
Question 5: What height requires a scaffolding High Risk Work Licence?
- 2 metres
- 3 metres
- 4 metres (Correct answer)
- 6 metres
Correct answer: 4 metres
A Basic Scaffolding (SB) licence is required when scaffolding exceeds 4 metres in height.
Question 6: What is the purpose of an energy absorber in a fall arrest system?
- Storing electricity
- Reducing arrest force to a survivable level (below 6 kN) (Correct answer)
- Absorbing sound
- Cushioning the platform
Correct answer: Reducing arrest force to a survivable level (below 6 kN)
Energy absorbers limit the maximum arrest force on the body to 6 kN or less, preventing serious injury during fall arrest.
White Card Working at Heights 3
Which Australian Standard covers fall arrest systems?