Working at Heights
Falls from heights are one of the leading causes of death on Australian construction sites. This topic covers the 2-metre rule, edge protection requirements, scaffolding safety, harness systems and anchor points, ladder safety, working on roofs, and the specific requirements of the Work at Heights regulations.
Study Guide: Working at Heights
Review these sample questions before starting the practice test.
Q1: At what height does work become "working at heights" under WHS Regulations?
- A. Above 3 metres only
- B. Any height where a person could fall and be injured, including ground level β
- C. Above 5 metres
- D. Above 2 metres only
Working at heights applies to any situation where a person could fall a distance likely to cause injury, regardless of the specific height. This includes working near open edges, holes, or fragile surfaces.
Q2: What is the most effective way to manage fall risks?
- A. Eliminate the need to work at height by doing the task at ground level β
- B. Provide fall arrest harnesses
- C. Put up warning signs
- D. Train workers to be careful
Elimination is the most effective control β doing the work at ground level removes the fall risk entirely. If that is not practicable, use passive fall prevention like guardrails.
Q3: What is a passive fall prevention system?
- A. A harness and lanyard system
- B. An administrative procedure
- C. A safety net below the work area
- D. A physical barrier like a guardrail that prevents falls without the worker needing to do anything β
Passive fall prevention systems, such as guardrails, edge protection, and covers, prevent falls without any action required by the worker, making them more reliable than active systems.
Q4: What is the minimum guardrail height for edge protection?
- A. 500 mm
- B. 900 mm
- C. 1500 mm
- D. Between 900 mm and 1100 mm as per AS/NZS 1657 β
Under AS/NZS 1657, guardrails must be between 900 mm and 1100 mm high, with a mid-rail and toe board to prevent workers and objects from falling.
Q5: Before using a ladder on a construction site, what should you check?
- A. That it reaches the top of the building
- B. That it is in good condition, rated for the load, set up on stable ground at the correct angle β
- C. That it matches the colour scheme
- D. That it belongs to you
Before using a ladder, check for damage, ensure it is rated for the load, placed on stable ground, at the correct 4:1 angle, and secured against movement.
Q6: What is the correct angle for setting up an extension ladder?
- A. Vertical against the wall
- B. 1:4 ratio (1 unit out for every 4 units up) β
- C. Any angle that feels stable
- D. 1:2 ratio
The correct setup angle for an extension ladder is a 1:4 ratio β for every 4 metres of height, the base should be 1 metre from the wall (approximately 75 degrees).
Q7: What is a scaffold tag system?
- A. A tagging system that indicates whether scaffolding is safe to use (green), under construction (yellow), or unsafe (red) β
- B. A decoration on scaffolding
- C. A way to identify who built the scaffold
- D. An inventory tracking system
Scaffold tags indicate the status: green means inspected and safe to use, yellow means under construction or modification, and red means unsafe β do not use.
Q8: Who can erect, alter, or dismantle scaffolding over 4 metres?
- A. Any worker on site
- B. Only a person with a scaffolding licence (high-risk work licence) β
- C. The site manager
- D. Any carpenter
Under WHS Regulations, scaffolding over 4 metres must be erected, altered, or dismantled by or under the supervision of a person holding the appropriate scaffolding high-risk work licence.
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