CSCS Health, Safety & Environment Test — All Questions

Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, what is the first thing you should try to do about work at height?

• a.Avoid working at height where it is reasonably practicable to do so✓
• b.Use a ladder for every task
• c.Issue everyone with a harness
• d.Work as fast as possible

The regulations set a hierarchy: first avoid work at height where possible; if not, prevent falls using guard rails or a safe platform; and only then minimise the distance and consequences of a fall.

Before you use a leaning ladder for a short task, you should check that it is:

• a.In good condition, on firm level ground, secured and at roughly a 75-degree (1 in 4) angle✓
• b.At least 20 years old
• c.Painted a bright colour
• d.Resting against a fragile surface

Ladders are for short-duration, light work. They must be undamaged, footed on firm level ground, secured (tied) where possible, and set at about a 1-in-4 (75-degree) angle to stay stable.

You have to work near a fragile roof containing rooflights. What is the safe approach?

• a.Jump across the fragile sections
• b.Walk carefully across the rooflights
• c.Run across quickly to reduce your weight on it
• d.Use crawling boards or staging and treat all rooflights as fragile, never standing on them✓

Falls through fragile roofs and rooflights are a major killer. Use crawling boards, staging or proper platforms, install covers or guard rails, and never stand or walk directly on a fragile surface.

When you are working in a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) and wearing a harness, where should the lanyard be clipped?

• a.To a colleague's harness
• b.To the designated anchor point inside the MEWP basket✓
• c.Nowhere; the harness alone is enough
• d.To the guard rail

In a MEWP the harness lanyard must be attached to the manufacturer's designated anchor point in the basket, not to the guard rail. This restrains you inside the basket if it tilts or jolts.