What are the particular dangers associated with roof work?
- Falling through fragile roofs
- Falling off the edge of a sloping roof
- Falling off the edge of a flat roof
- Falling through roof openings or skylights
A putlog coupler is a load-bearing coupler that holds scaffolding tubes together. True or false?
False. A putlog coupler is not a load-bearing coupler and has no design capacity. Only swivel and right-angled couplers are designed to take loads
What are the rules for moving a mobile tower scaffold?
- Reduce the height to a maximum of 4m.
- Check that there are no power lines or other obstructions overhead.
- Check that the ground is firm, level, and free from potholes.
- Push or pull using manual effort from the base only.
- Never move a tower while people or materials are on the tower, or in windy conditions
Ladders should never be used for work at height. True or false?
False. Ladders and stepladders can be a sensible and practical option for low-risk, short-duration tasks. Make sure you use the right type of ladder and you know how to use it safely.
Ladders can be used for work at height when a risk assessment has shown that using equipment offering a higher level of fall protection is not justified because of the low risk and short duration of use (for example, changing a ceiling mounted light bulb in an office).
What are the pre-use checks that should normally be carried before using a ladder or a step-ladder?
- Check the stiles for damage
- Check the feet are on undamaged and on firm ground
- Check for damage to the rungs
- Check any locking mechanism
- Check the stepladder platform for damage
- Check the stepladder rungs or treads for damage
A fall arrestors provides personal protection. What can be used to provide” collective protection” as a result of a fall from height?
Safety nets or air bags.
All scaffold should be tied to a structure. True or false?
False. With traditional scaffolding it is good practice to attach a tie at every 4 metres on alternate lifts.
Why is it essential that, when someone who has fallen and is suspended in a body harness, emergency response is organised and rapid?
Suspension in fall arrest equipment could prove fatal (suspension trauma) if rescue is not carried out quickly. Emergency services alone should not be relied upon for rescue.
What is the definition of “work at height”?
Any height, including at or below ground level, from which a fall could cause personal injury.
What are the three things that are critical to all scaffolds to ensure stability?
- Based on a firm, level foundation
- Braced and tied into a permanent structure or otherwise stabilised
- Capable of supporting loads likely to be placed on it
What is the work at height “control hierarchy”?
- Avoid work at height
- Prevent falls
- Minimise distance and consequence of falls
What are the control measures that can be used to protect roof workers from falling?
- Good access/egress to and from roof
- Edge and leading edge protection
- Crawling boards and roof ladders
- Fall arrest/restraint equipment
What are the possible reasons for a scaffold collapse?
- Defective materials
- Overloading
- Poorly constructed
- Incompetent erector
- Wind loading
- Undermined by an excavation
- Not tied
- Excessive height to base ratio
What are the control measures that can be used to protect members of the public from falling debris during roof work or construction activities?
- Debris netting
- Chutes
- Tunnel walkways
- Warning signs, barriers and lighting
- Toe boards on working platforms
What are the key requirements placed on duty holders under the Work at Height regulations?
- All work at height is properly planned and organised.
- Those involved in work at height are competent.
- The risks from work at height are assessed and appropriate work equipment is selected and used.
- The risks from fragile surfaces are properly controlled.
- Equipment for work at height is properly inspected and maintained.
What is the purpose of a fall arrestor?
Fall Arrest systems protect you if you fall: They arrest the fall before you hit the surface. These systems use a body holding device (harness and lanyard) connected to a reliable anchor point.
Scaffold only needs to be formally inspected every 7 days. True or false?
False. Inspections should be carried out:
• Before being used for the first time.
• After any substantial alteration has been carried out.
• After an event which may affect the strength and stability.
• Every 7 days when in use.
