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Operatives and Specialists – Working at Height (2023)

Construction Test > Operatives and Specialists – Working at Height (2023)

You need to answer at least 63 out of 70 questions correctly to pass the Working at Height Test for Operatives and Specialists. 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. When it comes to construction site fatalities, what rough proportion are the result of falls from height? Give ONE answer
A A negligible proportion
B Half
C One quarter
D One tenth
Correct Answer: B Half
Explanation: About half of construction site fatalities are the result of falls from height.
2. What is ONE common cause of falls from height? Give ONE answer
A Using incorrect equipment
B Working in wet weather
C Working under the influence
D Working without safety equipment
Correct Answer: A Using incorrect equipment
Explanation: Using incorrect equipment is a common cause of falls from height.
3. Why are non-fatal falls from height so dangerous? Give ONE answer
A They can cause a site to be closed down
B They can cause life-changing injuries, and affect your ability to earn a living
C They can incur huge fines
D They can raise your insurance premium
Correct Answer: B They can cause life-changing injuries, and affect your ability to earn a living
Explanation: Falls from height can cause serious, debilitating injuries.
4. Where MIGHT a risk assessment be conducted for the risk of falling from height? Check ALL that apply
A Working alone
B Working in an excavation
C Working next to an excavation
D Working on a fragile roof
Correct Answer: B Working in an excavation, C Working next to an excavation, D Working on a fragile roof
Explanation: Any situation in which a harmful fall might take place may require a risk assessment. This includes work inside or next to excavations.
5. Where MUST a risk assessment be conducted for the risk of falling from height? Give ONE answer
A Any work at height where fall protection measures cannot be put in place
B Any work taking place above a height of 2 metres
C Anywhere where work at height is taking place
D Where work poses a risk to the public
Correct Answer: C Anywhere where work at height is taking place
Explanation: A risk assessment must be conducted for all work taking place at height.
6. How can a worker determine the best course of action to follow when working at height? Give ONE answer
A Assess the situation and proceed in the safest possible way
B Find the fastest way to get the job done
C Refer to past experience with similar jobs
D Refer to the hierarchy of control
Correct Answer: D Refer to the hierarchy of control
Explanation: The hierarchy of control should be consulted when deciding what to do at height.
7. What is ONE example of collective protection? Give ONE answer
A A flat roof
B Harness
C Parapet walls
D Scaffolding
Correct Answer: D Scaffolding
Explanation: Scaffolding is one example of collective protection.
8. What is ONE example of personal protection? Give ONE answer
A Airbags
B Harness and a lanyard for fall-arrest
C Safety netting
D Scaffolding
Correct Answer: B Harness and a lanyard for fall-arrest
Explanation: A harness with a fall-arrest lanyard is one example of personal protection
9. What is the FIRST option you must consider according to the hierarchy of control? Give ONE answer
A How to avoid work at height
B How to prevent a fall happening
C How to use collective protection to limit the consequences of falling
D How to use personal protection to limit the consequences of falling
Correct Answer: A How to avoid work at height
Explanation: Your first consideration must be how to avoid working at height.
10. What should be the last resort according to the hierarchy of control? Give ONE answer
A Not working at height
B Preventing a fall from happening in the first place
C Using collective protection to limit the consequences of falling
D Using personal protection to limit the consequences of falling
Correct Answer: D Using personal protection to limit the consequences of falling
Explanation: Personal protection used to limit the consequences of falling should be a last resort.
11. Which ONE of the following offers adequate edge protection? Give ONE answer
A Netting
B Plastic barriers
C Rope
D Temporary guardrails
Correct Answer: D Temporary guardrails
Explanation: Edge protection must be rigid enough to stop people falling. Netting, plastic barriers, and rope are usually insufficient.
12. When should you be asked to use a harness and fall-arrest lanyard? Give ONE answer
A At all times
B If scaffolding cannot be installed
C If you are afraid of heights
D Only as a last resort
Correct Answer: D Only as a last resort
Explanation: Harnesses and fall-arrest lanyards should only ever be used as a last resort.
13. You are asked to quickly fix a beam where no fall protection measures have been put in place. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Ensure trained colleagues are around to spot you
B Never work where there is no fall protection in place
C Only proceed if you are satisfied the risk of falling is low
D Use a ladder if possible
Correct Answer: B Never work where there is no fall protection in place
Explanation: Do not work on structures without fall protection.
14. You are working on a flat roof. How should you protect yourself from falls? Give ONE answer
A Always work in pairs
B Attach your harness to a secure point on the roof
C Install a guard rail and toe board
D Install netting at the edge of the roof
Correct Answer: C Install a guard rail and toe board
Explanation: A guardrail and toe board is the best way to protect yourself from falls in this situation.
15. Why do mobile access towers often cause accidents? Give ONE answer
A The wheels often break under pressure
B They are an inherently high risk structure
C They are often used or constructed incorrectly, which makes them unstable
D They are prohibited for use on construction sites, but often used anyway
Correct Answer: C They are often used or constructed incorrectly, which makes them unstable
Explanation: Mobile access towers are convenient and safe pieces of equipment. However, they are often built or used in such a way that they become unstable.
16. With a mobile access tower, why is it dangerous to install the platform too high? Give ONE answer
A Because equipment will be at greater risk of falling
B Because the guard rails will not provide adequate protection
C Because this increases the harm from falling
D Because this makes the structure less stable
Correct Answer: B Because the guard rails will not provide adequate protection
Explanation: Guard rails will not be high enough if the platform is put in too high.
17. Which of the following rooves is LEAST likely to be fragile? Give ONE answer
A A concrete roof
B A tiled roof
C A wired glass roof
D An asbestos sheet roof
Correct Answer: A A concrete roof
Explanation: Many sorts of roofing can create fragile surfaces.
18. When working on a mobile elevating work platform, what is ONE thing that must be ensured? Give ONE answer
A That the area is quiet
B That the platform is clean
C That the wheels are locked
D That the wheels are properly oiled
Correct Answer: C That the wheels are locked
Explanation: The wheels must be locked before work can safely begin.
19. You need to remove a protective cover to begin work. What TWO measures must be in place? Give TWO answers
A There must be nobody else around
B You must be authorised to remove the cover
C You must be sure there is no risk of falling
D You must have an emergency radio
E You must have fall protection when the cover is removed
Correct Answer: B You must be authorised to remove the cover, E You must have fall protection when the cover is removed
Explanation: You must be authorised to remove any covers, and protected from falls whilst the cover is removed.
20. Where must you NOT use a mobile elevating work platform? Give ONE answer
A On asphalt surfaces
B On busy roads
C On ground that is soft or uneven
D On private property
Correct Answer: C On ground that is soft or uneven
Explanation: Ground must be stable and firm.
21. What PPE item must workers on a mobile elevating work platform wear at all times? Give ONE answer
A A harness and lanyard
B A respiratory mask
C Footwear with good grip
D Warm clothing
Correct Answer: A A harness and lanyard
Explanation: A harness is the most important item a worker on this piece of equipment must wear.
22. When wearing a harness on a mobile elevating work platform, where should the lanyard be attached? Give ONE answer
A To a secure point on the building
B To a specified anchor point
C To the bolt point on the underside of the platform
D To the nearest handrail
Correct Answer: B To a specified anchor point
Explanation: Always use the specified anchor point.
23. What are TWO key reasons why people do not notice when a roof is fragile? Give TWO answers
A People are not paying attention
B The signage is out of date
C There is no signage in place
D Weathering, dirt, or paintwork conceal its condition
Correct Answer: C There is no signage in place, D Weathering, dirt, or paintwork conceal its condition
Explanation: A lack of appropriate signage, and the presence of factors that affect its appearance, may stop people noticing that a roof is fragile.
24. What is ONE good way to mitigate the risks of working on a fragile roof? Give ONE answer
A Add appropriate signage
B Clean the roof
C Ensure your weight is balanced on the underlying beams
D Use a mobile elevating work platform to work on the roof from below
Correct Answer: D Use a mobile elevating work platform to work on the roof from below
Explanation: Where possible, you should avoid working on top of fragile rooves.
25. What is best practice when beginning work on a roof? Give ONE answer
A Assume it contains asbestos
B Assume it is fragile, unless a competent person assesses it to be safe
C Assume it is safe, unless a competent person assesses it to be fragile
D Assume you must wear a harness at all times
Correct Answer: B Assume it is fragile, unless a competent person assesses it to be safe
Explanation: Always assume rooves are fragile, unless a competent person assesses it to be otherwise
26. Which of the following ladders ARE suitable for use on construction sites? Give TWO answers
A Any ladder may be suitable
B Class 1 Industrial
C EN 131 Domestic
D EN 131 Trade and Industrial
Correct Answer: B Class 1 Industrial, D EN 131 Trade and Industrial
Explanation: Never use domestic grade ladders on a construction site.
27. Under what ONE of the following conditions might a ladder be appropriate? Give ONE answer
A For light tasks that last no longer than 30 minutes
B When materials or equipment only need to be carried a short way
C When you need a low-level work platform
D When you will be using pressure
Correct Answer: A For light tasks that last no longer than 30 minutes
Explanation: Ladders should be used rarely, for light and short-duration tasks, as a last resort.
28. How should you properly secure a ladder? Give ONE answer
A Always have someone holding it at the bottom
B Tie it at the bottom
C Tie it at the top
D Weight it with rocks
Correct Answer: C Tie it at the top
Explanation: Tying a ladder at the top is the best way to secure it.
29. If a ladder has a wobbly rung, what should you do? Give ONE answer
A Do not step on the faulty rung
B Do not use it and report the fault to your supervisor
C Report it in the accident book
D Secure the rung and continue work if it is safe to do so
Correct Answer: B Do not use it and report the fault to your supervisor
Explanation: Equipment defects must always be reported.
30. When is it permissible to paint a ladder? Give ONE answer
A If it has suffered cosmetic damage
B If it needs to be more visible
C If it needs waterproofing
D Never
Correct Answer: D Never
Explanation: Painting ladders can obscure defects.
31. Is this ladder positioned at a safe angle? Give ONE answer
A No
B Yes
Correct Answer: A No
Explanation: This ladder is not safely positioned - it is too steep.
32. How should a stepladder be oriented? Give ONE answer
A At 90 degrees from the work, so you have space to operate
B At whichever angle gives you the best access for work
C So both the ladder and you are facing your work
D So both you and the ladder are facing away from your work
Correct Answer: C So both the ladder and you are facing your work
Explanation: Both you and the ladder must be facing the work.
33. What is the safest ratio when positioning a ladder for work? Give ONE answer
A One out, five up
B One out, four up
C One out, three up
D Two out, four up
Correct Answer: B One out, four up
Explanation: A 1:4 ratio (one out, four up) creating an angle of 75 degrees is the safest position.
34. Which best describes a safe way of climbing a stepladder? Give ONE answer
A Always attach your harness lanyard to the anchor point
B Always install fall protection
C Ensure at least three points of contact where possible
D Ensure at least two points of contact where possible
Correct Answer: C Ensure at least three points of contact where possible
Explanation: Where possible, always maintain three points of contact.
35. What part of a stepladder must you not stand on? Give ONE answer
A The bottom rung
B The bottom three rungs, unless it is specially designed
C The top rung
D The top three rungs, unless it is specially designed
Correct Answer: D The top three rungs, unless it is specially designed
Explanation: Unless the stepladder has been specially designed, you must avoid using the uppermost rungs.
36. How can you find out a scaffold platform's safe load rating? Give ONE answer
A You can check the signage or handover certificate
B You can check with the contractor
C You can inspect the scaffolding for damage
D You can refer to the safe system of work
Correct Answer: A You can check the signage or handover certificate
Explanation: You can find this information on the signage and the handover certificate.
37. You need to begin a task but the access ladder is barred off with tape. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Do not begin work, and consult your supervisor
B Inspect the scaffolding for hazards, and continue if it appears safe
C Remove the tape so you can get through, but replace it behind you
D Remove the tape so you can safely access the scaffolding
Correct Answer: A Do not begin work, and consult your supervisor
Explanation: Never access scaffolding where signage indicates it is unsafe to do so.
38. A simple piece of scaffolding is interfering with your task's safety measures. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Adapt your safe system of work around the obstacle
B Consult your supervisor
C Remove the piece and replace it at the end of your shift
D Remove the piece only for as long as required to complete your work
Correct Answer: B Consult your supervisor
Explanation: Scaffolding can only be adjusted or dismantled by competent and trained scaffolders.
39. What is the purpose of ground level controls in a mobile elevating work platform? Give ONE answer
A They allow workers in the platform to concentrate on their task
B They allow workers with a better view to control the platform from below
C They are an emergency backup
D They make work more efficient
Correct Answer: C They are an emergency backup
Explanation: Ground level controls are for use in emergencies only.
40. Who is responsible for training and informing workers at height so they can operate safely? Give ONE answer
A The HSE
B The employees must take responsibility for this themselves
C The employer
D The on-site administration
Correct Answer: C The employer
Explanation: Employers must ensure all workers receive adequate instruction and information.
41. A mobile access tower needs to be moved. Which of the following TWO statements is true? Give TWO answers
A Any tools and equipment must be securely tied down
B Any workers must be securely harnessed to the platform
C It should only be moved at the end of a shift
D There must be no people on it
E There must be no tools on it
Correct Answer: D There must be no people on it, E There must be no tools on it
Explanation: There should be no tools or workers on a platform that is being moved.
42. You were not involved in building a mobile access tower, but you will be working on it. What should happen? Give ONE answer
A You should be given a harness
B You should be given a toolbox talk
C You should be shadowed by a worker who was involved in its construction
D You should never work on a tower you were not involved in building
Correct Answer: B You should be given a toolbox talk
Explanation: Toolbox talks should be given to anyone working on the tower who was not involved in its construction.
43. What are TWO reasons you must designate a safety zone around a mobile access tower? Give TWO answers
A So members of the public do not enter the area
B So other workers do not enter the area
C To ensure nothing is nearby to block light
D To reduce distractions to workers on the tower
E To reduce the harm to workers in case they fall
Correct Answer: A So members of the public do not enter the area, B So other workers do not enter the area
Explanation: A safety zone ensures nobody enters the hazardous work area around the tower.
44. What TWO things will ensure a ladder can be used to safely access a scaffold? Give TWO answers
A It extends 1 metre above the platform
B It extends no more than 12 inches above the platform
C It has been ballasted at the bottom
D It is securely tied
E The rungs are mostly secure
Correct Answer: A It extends 1 metre above the platform, D It is securely tied
Explanation: Scaffold ladders must be secured, and extend above the platform by at least 1 metre.
45. You are doing construction work in a residential area. What is the MAIN measure you might use to protect the public from falling objects? Give ONE answer
A Close access to the pavement
B Close access to the road
C Distribute PPE
D Divert pedestrians onto the road
Correct Answer: A Close access to the pavement
Explanation: You may decide to shut off pavement access.
46. When is an accident involving falling equipment MOST likely to take place? Give ONE answer
A During unloading
B During vehicle repair
C During vehicle transit
D When the site is unmanned
Correct Answer: A During unloading
Explanation: Unloading equipment is a time when the risk of accident is high.
47. A ladder should always be checked before it is used. Who should do this? Give ONE answer
A The employer
B Two competent and trained personnel
C Whoever has distributed the ladder
D Whoever will be using the ladder
Correct Answer: D Whoever will be using the ladder
Explanation: The ladder must be checked by the person who will be using it.
48. A single ladder may carry how many people? Give ONE answer
A Multiple people, if their combined weight is under 30 stone
B One person only
C Two people, if they are distributed across the length
D Up to three, if the ladder is industrial grade
Correct Answer: B One person only
Explanation: Only one person should use a ladder at any time.
49. How must a mobile access tower be moved? Give ONE answer
A It must be dismantled and reconstructed in the new location
B It must be pushed from the bottom manually
C It must be towed, with towlines attached to the bottom
D It must be towed, with towlines attached to the top
Correct Answer: B It must be pushed from the bottom manually
Explanation: Mobile access towers must be moved manually, pushing from the bottom.
50. A mobile access tower needs to be built, but there are electricity cables overhead. How should you proceed? Give ONE answer
A Assume the cables are live until you are told otherwise
B Ensure the tower is fitted with rubber insulating pads
C Ensure workers are fitted with PPE and a first aider is on standby
D You should never build a tower with electricity cables overhead
Correct Answer: A Assume the cables are live until you are told otherwise
Explanation: All electricity cables must be presumed live until you are told otherwise.
51. What is the safest way to ascend a mobile access tower? Give ONE answer
A Use a separate stepladder
B Use an elevating platform
C Use the internal ladder
D Use the structure itself as a ladder
Correct Answer: C Use the internal ladder
Explanation: You will be safest using the internal ladder to access the platform.
52. Who should erect mobile access towers? Give ONE answer
A Only those with specific qualifications
B The health and safety executive
C The scaffolding team
D The workers who will be using it
Correct Answer: A Only those with specific qualifications
Explanation: You must have Prefabricated Access Suppliers' and Manufacturers' Association qualification, or equivalent, to do this.
53. How should materials be stored on a scaffold working platform? Give ONE answer
A Fix a net or brick guards along the edge
B Materials must never be stored here
C They must be fixed with warning tape
D They must be stored alongside a stable wall
Correct Answer: A Fix a net or brick guards along the edge
Explanation: Netting and brick guards are safe ways to reduce the risk of materials falling.
54. When working on a roof, what are TWO things you must always remember? Give TWO answers
A That fragile rooves will come with signage
B That you may not be able to tell which parts are fragile
C That you must not do so without adequate fall protection
D That you must stay safe by sticking to where the underlying supports are
Correct Answer: B That you may not be able to tell which parts are fragile, C That you must not do so without adequate fall protection
Explanation: Fragile parts of rooves are not always marked or easy to spot. The underlying supports will not offer adequate protection.
55. When unloading materials from a vehicle, what is ONE thing you need to ensure? Give ONE answer
A That nobody is in the cab
B That the handbrake is off
C That the vehicle is in neutral
D That the vehicle is on level ground
Correct Answer: D That the vehicle is on level ground
Explanation: Vehicles should be unloaded on level ground.
56. You are working at height, and have been equipped with an inertia reel. What is this? Give ONE answer
A A fall arrester for workers using heavy equipment
B A fall arrester that keeps you in a vertical position
C A retractable fall arrester
D It slows, but does not arrest, your fall
Correct Answer: C A retractable fall arrester
Explanation: An inertia reel is a fast-acting, retractable fall arrest device.
57. What does personal fall arrest equipment do? Give ONE answer
A It prevents others from falling on you
B It prevents you from being hit by falling objects
C It prevents you from falling
D It reduces the consequences of a fall
Correct Answer: D It reduces the consequences of a fall
Explanation: Fall arrest equipment is designed to reduce the dangers involved in a fall.
58. When must there be a rescue plan in place? Give ONE answer
A When somebody has fallen into an excavation
B When somebody is suspended from a harness following a fall
C Whenever a safe system of work cannot be implemented
D Whenever work at height is taking place
Correct Answer: D Whenever work at height is taking place
Explanation: There must be a rescue plan in place whenever work at height is taking place.
59. Your colleague is off sick, and as their replacement you are asked to help construct a mobile access tower. You are not trained. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Help within the limits of your training, as this will be better than no help at all.
B Inform your supervisor that you are not qualified
C Pick it up as you go along
D Work under the supervision of trained colleagues
Correct Answer: B Inform your supervisor that you are not qualified
Explanation: You may only construct mobile access platforms if you are fully qualified.
60. What must be in place for you to cross a fragile roof? Give ONE answer
A A rescue plan
B Handrails and crawling boards
C Scaffolding
D You must never cross a fragile roof
Correct Answer: B Handrails and crawling boards
Explanation: Handrails and crawling boards are a safe way to cross fragile rooves.
61. What TWO factors often result in accidents involving overhead power lines? Give TWO answers
A People do not notice them
B The lines are running at an unusually high voltage
C Utilities owners turn on the power lines without informing the workers
D Weather conditions make the lines hard to spot
E Workers are not wearing rubber clothing
Correct Answer: A People do not notice them, D Weather conditions make the lines hard to spot
Explanation: Many accidents result from bad weather conditions, or workers who are not vigilant about overhead lines.
62. What THREE things may happen if electricity from an overhead line reaches earth? Give THREE answers
A Cancer
B Explosion
C Fire
D Radioactive emissions
E Severe shocks or burns
F Skin irritation
Correct Answer: B Explosion, C Fire, E Severe shocks or burns
Explanation: Electricity passing to the ground from an overhead power line can result in explosions, fires, and severe injury.
63. What TWO reasons describe why overhead power lines are especially dangerous? Give TWO answers
A Many are old and do not meet modern safety standards
B They are damaging to birds
C They are liable to fall in bad weather
D They are not usually insulated
E They carry high voltage electricity
Correct Answer: D They are not usually insulated, E They carry high voltage electricity
Explanation: Overhead cables are not usually insulated, and carry high voltage electricity.
64. Can cranes be used near power lines? Give ONE answer
A No
B No, unless the power lines are dead
C Yes, and without risk, because they are not conductors
D Yes, but only with extreme caution
Correct Answer: D Yes, but only with extreme caution
Explanation: Cranes can be used near power lines, but only if necessary - and with extreme caution.
65. How fast does electricity travel? Give ONE answer
A 100 miles per second
B 50,000 miles per second
C The speed of light
D The speed of sound
Correct Answer: C The speed of light
Explanation: Electricity travels at approximately the speed of light.
66. You will be using a digger near a power line - but it is not possible to isolate it. Why might you still need to contact the power supply company? Give ONE answer
A So they can make a record of it in their documentation
B So they can tell you the line's voltage, and how far away you must remain to stay safe
C So you can check if it is legal to do so
D You do not need to contact them
Correct Answer: B So they can tell you the line's voltage, and how far away you must remain to stay safe
Explanation: The power company can give you important additional safety information in this situation.
67. Your work area is next to a power line. How will you know which areas are safe for you to be in? Give ONE answer
A Any area further than 2 metres from the base is safe
B Any area is safe, provided you are wearing the correct PPE
C Only the area directly under the power line is dangerous
D Your employer will put up a barrier that sections off the unsafe area
Correct Answer: D Your employer will put up a barrier that sections off the unsafe area
Explanation: Your employer will set up a barrier that clearly marks the exclusion zone around a power line.
68. What are TWO key purposes of an exclusion zone around a power line? Give TWO answers
A To avoid legal liability
B To keep members of the public out
C To stop machinery, equipment, and other items going in
D To stop people going in
Correct Answer: C To stop machinery, equipment, and other items going in, D To stop people going in
Explanation: Exclusion zones stop on-site workers, and anything else, entering the dangerous area around a power line.
69. Which of the following describes a power line that is LEAST hazardous? Give ONE answer
A Isolated
B Isolated and dead
C Low voltage
D Protected by barriers
Correct Answer: B Isolated and dead
Explanation: Power lines are safest when they are both isolated and dead.
70. Which of the following will conduct electricity if it touches or comes close to a power line? Check ALL that apply
A Crane
B Long metal ladder
C Piece of scaffolding
D Power lines do not conduct electricity to the ground, as they are safely insulated
Correct Answer: A Crane, B Long metal ladder, C Piece of scaffolding
Explanation: These will all conduct electricity, and must be managed with extreme caution around power lines.