White Card Working at Heights 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a travel restraint system?
- A vehicle seatbelt
- A system that prevents a worker from reaching a fall edge, rather than arresting a fall (Correct answer)
- A GPS tracking device
- A time management tool
Correct answer: A system that prevents a worker from reaching a fall edge, rather than arresting a fall
Travel restraint prevents the worker from reaching the edge — the lanyard length is set so they cannot get to the danger zone.
Question 2: How should a harness be stored?
- In the back of a ute
- Hung in a clean, dry, ventilated area away from chemicals, heat, and UV (Correct answer)
- In a sealed plastic bag
- On the ground
Correct answer: Hung in a clean, dry, ventilated area away from chemicals, heat, and UV
Harnesses must be stored clean and dry, away from chemicals, sharp edges, heat, and UV exposure that degrade the webbing.
Question 3: What is fall distance clearance?
- Distance to the exit
- Total distance needed below the anchor point for the system to arrest a fall without hitting an obstruction (Correct answer)
- Height of the building
- Gap between scaffold boards
Correct answer: Total distance needed below the anchor point for the system to arrest a fall without hitting an obstruction
Fall clearance includes lanyard length + energy absorber deployment + harness stretch + worker height + safety margin.
Question 4: When must fall protection equipment be retired?
- Every month
- After any fall arrest event or when inspection reveals damage or degradation (Correct answer)
- Only when it looks bad
- Every 10 years regardless
Correct answer: After any fall arrest event or when inspection reveals damage or degradation
Equipment must be retired after any fall arrest (components may have invisible damage) or when defects are found.
Question 5: What is the three-point contact rule for ladders?
- Using three ladders
- Maintaining at least three limbs in contact with the ladder while climbing (Correct answer)
- Having three people hold the ladder
- Climbing three rungs at a time
Correct answer: Maintaining at least three limbs in contact with the ladder while climbing
The three-point contact rule requires keeping two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, on the ladder at all times while climbing.
Question 6: What type of ladder must NOT be used near electrical hazards?
- Fibreglass
- Aluminium or other metal ladders (Correct answer)
- Wooden
- All are safe near electricity
Correct answer: Aluminium or other metal ladders
Metal ladders conduct electricity and must never be used near live electrical equipment or overhead power lines.
White Card Working at Heights 4
What is a travel restraint system?