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Specialist Activities – Specialist Work at Height

Construction Test > Specialist Activities – Specialist Work at Height

You need to answer at least 40 out of 48 questions correctly to pass the Specialist Work at Height Specialist Activities Test. Answers may be reviewed after each question or at the end of the test. Good luck!

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List of questions in above test (quick view). Click question box to reveal correct answer.
1. How should fragile roof lights be navigated? Give ONE answer
A They should be clearly indicated
B They should be fitted with secure covers that can carry heavy loads
C They should be pointed out during induction
D They should be removed and replaced immediately
Correct Answer: B They should be fitted with secure covers that can carry heavy loads
Explanation: Roof lights should be fitted with strong covers.
2. If working at height around water, should you wear a harness? Give ONE answer
A Always - falling into the water from height is especially dangerous
B Never - a harness will drag you down if you fall in the water
C Possibly - the risk must be evaluated
D You should never work at height around water
Correct Answer: C Possibly - the risk must be evaluated
Explanation: Wearing a harness around water creates a potential drowning risk, as it may pull you under. There should be careful consideration of whether or not it is necessary.
3. What should you do before beginning work on a roof near power cables? Give ONE answer
A Ask your supervisor if it is safe to be there and the cable has been isolated
B Ensure you are wearing rubber boots
C Isolate the cable
D Remove any metal items and jewellery
Correct Answer: A Ask your supervisor if it is safe to be there and the cable has been isolated
Explanation: Always check that you are safe to begin work where there are power cables nearby.
4. When someone has fallen and is suspended in a harness, what is the MAIN danger of leaving them too long? Give ONE answer
A The rope might give way
B They may begin to struggle and loosen their harness
C They may damage the structure they are suspended from
D They may lose consciousness
Correct Answer: D They may lose consciousness
Explanation: When a person is suspended from a harness following a fall, they may lose consciousness.
5. Which is the safe work option for conducting work on a roof? Give ONE answer
A Airbags
B Harness and lanyard
C Roof ladder
D Roof scaffold
Correct Answer: D Roof scaffold
Explanation: Always check whether roof scaffolding can be used in place of a roof ladder.
6. Who is permitted to alter a scaffold? Give ONE answer
A Anyone who needs to, provided they put it back to its original configuration
B Only a scaffolder with an up-to-date Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) card.
C Only competent site staff
D Only the site manager
Correct Answer: B Only a scaffolder with an up-to-date Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) card.
Explanation: Only accredited specialists can erect, alter, and take down scaffolding.
7. What kind of platform will provide safe access to a roof ladder when in use? Give ONE answer
A A cherry picker
B A platform should never be used with a roof ladder
C A stable platform at the height of the eaves
D A stable platform at the height of the top storey
Correct Answer: C A stable platform at the height of the eaves
Explanation: Erecting a stable platform at the height of the eaves will offer a safe way to access the ladder.
8. What must all working platforms be fitted with when working at height? Give ONE answer
A CCTV
B Edge protection
C First aid kits
D Warning signs
Correct Answer: B Edge protection
Explanation: All working platforms must have edge protection fitted.
9. Every scaffold should have a plastic tag fixed to it. What information should this tag provide? Give ONE answer
A The date it is due to be taken down
B The date it was erected
C The name of the scaffolder who erected it
D The results from when that scaffold has been inspected
Correct Answer: D The results from when that scaffold has been inspected
Explanation: Scaffold inspection results should be recorded on a plastic tag.
10. What is often the cause of scaffold collapses? Give ONE answer
A The scaffold is accessed by unauthorised members of the public
B The scaffold is overloaded
C The scaffold is poorly constructed
D The scaffold is used for inappropriate activity
Correct Answer: B The scaffold is overloaded
Explanation: When scaffolds collapse, it is often because they are overloaded.
11. What may employers insist upon before permitting you to operate a cherry picker? Give ONE answer
A That you are supervised at all times
B That you demonstrate sufficient skill on the job
C That you hold an International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) card
D That you obtain your UK driver's license
Correct Answer: C That you hold an International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) card
Explanation: You may need to obtain formal accreditation to be permitted to operate any kind of mobile elevating work platform.
12. Who must know what is required during daily and weekly checks of mobile elevating work platforms? Give ONE answer
A Everyone involved in the lifting operations
B The operator
C The signaller
D The vehicle marshaller
Correct Answer: B The operator
Explanation: Operators must know what is entailed in daily and weekly checks of plant.
13. When using a cherry picker, where should your lanyard be secured? Give ONE answer
A To a secured and harnessed colleague
B To the designated anchorage point
C To the handrail
D To the structure on which you are working
Correct Answer: B To the designated anchorage point
Explanation: Lanyards must be secured to the appropriate anchorage point.
14. What is the MOST important thing to consider about the ground underneath a mobile elevating work platform? Give ONE answer
A Are there any underground voids?
B Will the ground need re-turfing?
C Will the platform block out light to the ground below?
D Will the platform disturb plant life?
Correct Answer: A Are there any underground voids?
Explanation: Voids could cause the ground to collapse under the weight of a MEWP.
15. What is the Beaufort Scale? Give ONE answer
A It describes prevailing wind conditions
B It describes the likelihood of earthquakes and tremors
C It describes the severity of medical emergency when a worker is suspended in a harness
D It describes the severity of sun exposure
Correct Answer: A It describes prevailing wind conditions
Explanation: The Beaufort Scale measures wind speed.
16. On the Beaufort Scale, which of the following winds is the STRONGEST? Give ONE answer
A 1
B 3
C 5
D 7
Correct Answer: D 7
Explanation: Higher numbers on the Beaufort Scale indicate stronger winds.
17. What is the MOST important reason for operators to pay attention to a structure before they elevate a platform alongside it? Give ONE answer
A In case any features of the structure might get damaged as they go up
B In case any features of the structure might trap them as they go up
C In case any members of the public will be intruded upon as they go up
D In case elevating the platform will distract any members of the public
Correct Answer: B In case any features of the structure might trap them as they go up
Explanation: Structures may have features that could trap operators whilst a platform is being elevated.
18. When should the auxiliary controls on a mobile elevating work platform be used? Give ONE answer
A Always
B Never
C Only if the operator becomes incapacitated
D When there are two people on the platform
Correct Answer: C Only if the operator becomes incapacitated
Explanation: Auxiliary controls should be used in emergencies only.
19. At what height should a working platform be fitted with guard rails? Give ONE answer
A 1m
B 2m
C 5m
D At any height where falling would cause harm
Correct Answer: D At any height where falling would cause harm
Explanation: Guardrails should be installed wherever there is a risk of falling from a platform and sustaining injury.
20. When putting in place a working platform, which of the following is the BEST floor surface? Give ONE answer
A A slight incline, and soft
B Firm and level
C Level and rocky
D Level and slightly soft
Correct Answer: B Firm and level
Explanation: Level, firm ground is required to put in place a safe working platform.
21. When should a working platform trapdoor be closed? Give ONE answer
A At all times - it should only be used in case of emergency
B Only once work on the platform is completed
C Only when the platform is not in use
D Whenever it is not being used for entry/exit
Correct Answer: D Whenever it is not being used for entry/exit
Explanation: The trapdoor should be closed whenever it is not being used as an access point - even when workers are on the platform.
22. How will you know the maximum load for a mobile elevating work plant? Give ONE answer
A It will be apparent when you are loading
B It will clearly visible on the machine
C You must call the supplier
D You should never carry more than the weight of two people
Correct Answer: B It will clearly visible on the machine
Explanation: The maximum safe load should be clearly visible on the machine.
23. What is the safest way of accessing a mobile platform? Give ONE answer
A A free-standing ladder
B A mobile elevating work platform
C Built-in ladder
D Scale the scaffold
Correct Answer: C Built-in ladder
Explanation: Only ever use the built-in ladder to access a work platform.
24. When is it appropriate to use a ladder? Give ONE answer
A For light, long tasks
B For short, light tasks
C When it is difficult to install scaffolding
D Where scaffolding would be too expensive
Correct Answer: B For short, light tasks
Explanation: Ladders should only be use for short, light tasks
25. How will you know whether a stepladder is a suitable solution to accessing a job at height? Give ONE answer
A It will be the fastest way of getting a job done
B It will be the method that requires the least paperwork
C It will be the most efficient way of getting a job done
D It will have been confirmed through a risk assessment
Correct Answer: D It will have been confirmed through a risk assessment
Explanation: A stepladder's suitability must be confirmed through a risk assessment
26. What must be stated in a risk assessment if it concludes that a ladder is the most appropriate option for a job? Give ONE answer
A That a ladder is a safe option
B That no other options are immediately available
C That options other than a ladder/stepladder have been considered
D That the ladder is a suitable options
Correct Answer: C That options other than a ladder/stepladder have been considered
Explanation: A risk assessment is required to state that options other than a ladder have been considered.
27. Which of the following ladders are suitable for use on construction sites? Check ALL that apply
A Any well-maintained ladder can be used
B Class 1 Industrial
C Domestic
D EN 131 Trade and Industrial
Correct Answer: B Class 1 Industrial, D EN 131 Trade and Industrial
Explanation: Only ladders of industrial grade can be used on construction sites.
28. Where a ladder is used to access a high platform, landings must be installed at intervals. What is the maximum distance permitted between these intervals? Give ONE answer
A 10m
B 2m
C 5m
D 9m
Correct Answer: D 9m
Explanation: Landings must be in place at least every 9m.
29. When there are no other handholds, how far must an access ladder extend above the exit point? Give ONE answer
A 1.5m
B 1m
C 2m
D 30cms
Correct Answer: B 1m
Explanation: The ladder must extend for no less than 1m above the exit point.
30. Which TWO of the following ladders would NOT be suitable for work where live power lines are overhead? Give TWO answers
A Alloy ladder
B Domestic ladder
C Fibreglass ladder
D Wooden ladder
Correct Answer: A Alloy ladder, B Domestic ladder
Explanation: Alloy ladders conduct electricity, and domestic ladders are not suitable for construction work.
31. Which of the following ladders are suitable for use under live electrical cables in WET weather? Give ONE answer
A Alloy ladder
B Fibreglass ladder
C None of these
D Wooden ladder
Correct Answer: C None of these
Explanation: None of these would be suitable, as all ladders become electrical conductors when they are wet.
32. Who can conduct rope access? Give ONE answer
A Anyone required to work at height where platforms cannot be put in place
B Only independent contractors
C Only industry trained specialists
D Only the work at height supervisor
Correct Answer: C Only industry trained specialists
Explanation: Rope access requires recognised industry training.
33. When should measures like a safety harness be used? Give ONE answer
A During work 20m higher than ground level
B In wet weather
C In windy conditions
D Only as a last resort
Correct Answer: D Only as a last resort
Explanation: Personal fall-arrest measures should be a last resort.
34. Which of the two following options is the PREFERRED safety measure, where possible? Give ONE answer
A Safety harness and lanyard
B Safety net
Correct Answer: B Safety net
Explanation: A safety net is an example of a collective fall-arrest system. This is generally better than a personal protective measure, like a harness and lanyard.
35. What is suspension syncope? Give ONE answer
A A condition resulting from remaining suspended in a harness for too long
B A loss of consciousness resulting from thin air at high altitude
C A visual impairment resulting from protracted work at height
D Chest contractions resulting from wearing a harness that is too tight
Correct Answer: A A condition resulting from remaining suspended in a harness for too long
Explanation: Suspension syncope can develop when a person is suspended in a harness for too long following a fall.
36. Why is suspension syncope a major risk? Give ONE answer
A It can delay the progress of a project
B It is not a serious problem
C It is not covered by health insurance
D The sufferer can black out and develop further health problems
Correct Answer: D The sufferer can black out and develop further health problems
Explanation: Suspension syncope can lead to additional health issues.
37. A ring in your harness is beginning to show signs of rust. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Do not use it - inform your supervisor to get a replacement
B Monitor it closely for signs of further wear
C Nothing, if it does not seem to affect the harness' efficacy
D Replace the ring
Correct Answer: A Do not use it - inform your supervisor to get a replacement
Explanation: All damaged equipment must be replaced. Do not use faulty equipment.
38. Harnesses must receive detailed inspections periodically. How often is it recommended to do this? Give ONE answer
A Every 6 months
B Every other year
C Every year
D Only at the beginning of each job
Correct Answer: A Every 6 months
Explanation: Harnesses should receive detailed inspection every 6 months, at least.
39. If someone has fallen and is suspended in a harness waiting for rescue, what are TWO recommended positions for their legs to be in to reduce the risk of injury? Give TWO answers
A "Stood up" position
B They should try and rotate their body vertically
C Thighs above horizontal
D Thighs perpendicular with the ground
Correct Answer: A "Stood up" position, C Thighs above horizontal
Explanation: Harnesses should ideally allow for the fallen person to lift their thighs above the horizontal angle, or put them in a "stood up" position.
40. You are using a cherry picker that does not quite reach a comfortable height for you to work. How should you proceed? Give ONE answer
A Continue if you can just about reach
B Do not begin work until you can find a safe means of access
C Ensure you are wearing a properly secured safety harness and lanyard before you continue working
D Securely install a stepladder on the platform
Correct Answer: B Do not begin work until you can find a safe means of access
Explanation: Never work on a platform that does not allow for safe access to your task.
41. Why is the pendulum effect dangerous? Give ONE answer
A Because a person who falls in a harness and begins to swing can sustain severe injuries
B Because materials that swing as they are lifted onto a platform may fall loose
C Because tall ladders that begin to sway can become unstable
D Because workers suffering from vertigo may begin to feel unwell
Correct Answer: A Because a person who falls in a harness and begins to swing can sustain severe injuries
Explanation: The pendulum effect is created when a person falls in such a way as to swing from their harness - this can cause serious injury.
42. There is no available flat, level surface to park a mobile elevating work platform on - only soft ground. Is it permissible to continue? Give ONE answer
A Only if the ground's capacity for load bearing is assessed and found to be suitable
B Only if the operators are wearing the appropriate safety harness and lanyard
C Soft ground is always fine, so long as it is flat
D This is never permissible
Correct Answer: A Only if the ground's capacity for load bearing is assessed and found to be suitable
Explanation: The ground must be assessed to consider its capacity for load bearing. If it is suitable, the work may proceed.
43. Where should safety nets be rigged? Give ONE answer
A At ground level, underneath where people may fall
B Immediately beneath the zone where people may fall
C Safety nets should never be used
D Wherever work at height is taking place
Correct Answer: B Immediately beneath the zone where people may fall
Explanation: Safety nets must reduce as far as possible the falling distance, so should be rigged immediately below the area where people may be falling from.
44. What should you do if a cord securing a safety net is impeding your ability to access a task? Give ONE answer
A Change the way you access your task
B Remove the cord
C Report this to your supervisor
D Temporarily adjust the cord
Correct Answer: C Report this to your supervisor
Explanation: Cords for safety nets can only be adjusted by competent and trained persons. And problems with the cords should be reported.
45. What is the risk created by an airbag that is too large? Give ONE answer
A If it is confined by surrounding objects, it will not work properly
B It may be too bouncy, and throw workers off into other hazards
C There is no risk associated with airbags that are too big
D They may pop
Correct Answer: A If it is confined by surrounding objects, it will not work properly
Explanation: Airbags that are too large for the space they are located will not work properly.
46. When must airbag pumps be running? Give ONE answer
A ONLY if the airbag is damaged and leaking
B ONLY when they are being initially inflated - pumps must be switched off when work is taking place
C Whenever a person is working in the area above them
D Whenever pedestrians are in the vicinity
Correct Answer: C Whenever a person is working in the area above them
Explanation: You must keep airbag pumps running at all times when somebody may fall onto them.
47. You are using a hand-held hammer whilst working on a roof. What is a good way of preventing it from falling? Give ONE answer
A Be careful not to drop it
B Ensure the area below your work is clear
C Paint it a bright colour
D Secure it from falling with a wrist loop and a short lanyard
Correct Answer: D Secure it from falling with a wrist loop and a short lanyard
Explanation: Lanyards with wrist-loops are a good way to prevent hand held tools from falling.
48. When can you drop a material or tool off of a working platform? Give ONE answer
A In an emergency
B Never
C When it is no longer needed
D When it is the safest way to get it to floor level
Correct Answer: B Never
Explanation: Dropping items off of working platforms is prohibited under Work at Height Regulations.