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Work at Height

Mock Tests > Work at Height

You need 24 out of 28 to pass the Work at Height ECS Test. There is no time limit for this test. You can review your answer after each question or wait until the end of the test for your result. Good luck!

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1. A scaffold tower must be erected by: Give one answer
A A trained and competent person
B Senior site staff
C The hire company who supply it
D The site foreman
Correct Answer: A A trained and competent person
Explanation: There are a number of organizations that provide training for the safe erection and use of tower scaffolds.
2. What is the minimum height of the top guard-rail of a scaffold above the edge from which someone is liable to fall? Give one answer
A 2 metres
B 470mm
C 910mm
D 950mm
Correct Answer: D 950mm
Explanation: This is a requirement of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
3. A working platform used for construction work, and from which a person could fall 2 metres or more, must not be used unless it has been inspected (and a report is subsequently prepared) by a competent person: Give one answer
A Only after an accident
B That day
C Within the previous month
D Within the previous seven days
Correct Answer: D Within the previous seven days
Explanation: Under these specific circumstances a report is required to be prepared by the competent person and given to the person for whom the inspection was done (e.g. the site manager). This is in addition to the more general requirement to inspect equipment for work at height: prior to use in that position (or site if it is mobile); following exceptional circumstances (e.g. high winds); and at suitable intervals.
4. On a mobile elevating work platform, what should you attach your safety harness to? Give one answer
A A nearby pipe or scaffold
B A secure anchorage point inside the platform
C A strong part of the structure you are working on
D The boom of the machine
Correct Answer: B A secure anchorage point inside the platform
Explanation: The priority is to stay within the platform (which is the safest place), and in any event you cannot be sure of the strength of other fixtures.
5. You have been asked to operate a cherry-picker (mobile elevated work platform) when it is very windy. What should your FIRST consideration be? Give one answer
A Does the wind-speed make it unsafe to use the machine
B Tie all light-weight objects to the hand-rails of the basket
C Wear a safety harness and clip it to the structure that you are working on
D Wear an extra layer of clothing to keep warm
Correct Answer: A Does the wind-speed make it unsafe to use the machine
Explanation: The priority in safety is eliminating risk at source - in this case by not working in dangerous conditions - rather than trying to stay safe by using protective equipment.
6. If you have to work at height and it is not possible to erect a scaffold, or use any other type of working platform or mobile elevating work platform, then you should: Give one answer
A Wear a harness and lanyard at all times
B Work without fall protection at all times when no one else is about
C Work without fall protection, provided the weather is not too windy
D Work without fall protection, provided you have a mate with you
Correct Answer: A Wear a harness and lanyard at all times
Explanation: The harness will greatly reduce the likelihood of injury if you fall.
7. When working on a roof that has fragile, clear-plastic panels, what is the best way of preventing falls through the panels? Give one answer
A Cover the fragile panels with a strong material and secure the covers to stop them being dislodged
B It shouldn't be necessary to do anything, everyone knows the dangers
C Make sure that everyone is told where the panels are and to avoid treading on them
D Remove the panels carefully to leave an open space.
Correct Answer: A Cover the fragile panels with a strong material and secure the covers to stop them being dislodged
Explanation: Protection from falling through openings and fragile roof lights can be provided by barriers or with covers which can be secured or labelled with a warning.
8. When working on fragile roofs: Give one answer
A As long as you avoid any fragile areas it is safe
B Crawling boards should always be used
C It is safe to walk on the purlins
D Walk straight across the roof to where you need to get to
Correct Answer: B Crawling boards should always be used
Explanation: Fragile roofs must be made safe to work on, before work commences.
9. Half the deaths on construction sites are caused by which one of the following? Give one answer
A Electrical misuse
B Falls from heights
C Misuse of plant and machinery
D Working in trenches/confined spaces
Correct Answer: B Falls from heights
Explanation: This is shown by HSE statistics.
10. What should you do if your work activity requires you to wear a full body safety harness and one is not available? Give one answer
A Borrow a harness from a colleague
B Carry on working and hope that everything will be alright
C Make a harness from items found on site
D Stop work immediately and tell your supervisor that you do not have the correct PPE
Correct Answer: D Stop work immediately and tell your supervisor that you do not have the correct PPE
Explanation: Always advise the supervisor if you do not have the correct PPE.
11. Under what circumstances do the Work at Height Regulations permit a stepladder to be used on site? Give one answer
A At any time
B Never - stepladders are banned
C Only when a risk assessment shows that safer alternatives have been ruled out and the task is of low risk and of short duration
D Provided you can't fall 2 metres or more
Correct Answer: C Only when a risk assessment shows that safer alternatives have been ruled out and the task is of low risk and of short duration
Explanation: The WAH Regulations have not banned the use of ladders or stepladders, but they should be used sensibly.
12. What is the best method of securing a ladder? Give one answer
A Having the ladder footed
B Tying it to a suitable point
C Using an effective ladder stability device
D Wedging the ladder (eg against a wall)
Correct Answer: B Tying it to a suitable point
Explanation: Tying the ladder is the safest option, making sure both stiles are tied.
13. Of the following, which is the poorest method of securing a ladder? Give one answer
A Having someone foot the ladder
B Securing the base of the ladder
C Tying the ladder
D Using a ladder stability device
Correct Answer: A Having someone foot the ladder
Explanation: Footing a ladder is the last resort and should be avoided. Other more suitable access equipment should be used where practicable.
14. Prior to moving a mobile tower scaffold, the platform height should reduced to a maximum of: Give one answer
A 2 metres
B 3 metres
C 4 metres
D 5 metres
Correct Answer: C 4 metres
Explanation: This figure is quoted in guidance published by the HSE and PASMA. Checks should also be made that there are no obstructions overhead, the ground is firm, level and free from potholes, it is not too windy and there are no people or materials on the tower.
15. Most deaths on site are caused by: Give one answer
A Chemical burns
B Falling from height
C Solvent inhalation
D Vehicle movements
Correct Answer: B Falling from height
Explanation: Although the other dangers can kill or cause injury, falling from height is the bigger cause of fatalities.
16. The type of accident that kills most construction site workers is: Give one answer
A Being hit by falling objects
B Electrical accident
C Falling from heights
D Trench collapses
Correct Answer: C Falling from heights
Explanation: Although the other dangers can kill or cause injury, falling from height is the biggest cause of fatalities.
17. Approximately 70 workers each year die on construction sites, the main cause of this is: Give one answer
A Being run over by plant
B Excavation collapse
C Falls from height
D Fire
Correct Answer: C Falls from height
18. How many people should be working on a ladder at one time? Give one answer
A One
B One on each section of an extension ladder
C Three if it is long enough
D Two
Correct Answer: A One
Explanation: Only one person should be working on a ladder, although another person may be footing it, for extra stability.
19. Ladders should be set at a slope of approximately: Give one answer
A 1 out for every 1 up
B 1 out for every 3 up
C 1 out for every 4 up
D 4 out for every 1 up
Correct Answer: C 1 out for every 4 up
20. Why should aluminium ladders be kept away from wet lime or cement? Give one answer
A It may corrode the ladder
B It will stain the aluminium
C It will stain your clothes
D The ladder may become statically charged
Correct Answer: A It may corrode the ladder
Explanation: Aluminium can corrode in certain situations, notably if in prolonged contact with lime or cement.
21. Before being used, a ladder should be inspected: Give one answer
A By the Safety Officer
B By the foreman
C By the manufacturer
D By the user
Correct Answer: D By the user
Explanation: The user needs to be satisfied that the ladder is in a safe condition before using it.
22. Ladders should be: Give one answer
A At the right angle
B In good condition
C Tied or footed
D Tied or footed AND at the right angle AND in good condition
Correct Answer: D Tied or footed AND at the right angle AND in good condition
Explanation: All the measures listed are required to reduce the risk of falls.
23. A ladder giving access to a scaffold can generally be safely used, provided that: Give one answer
A Any broken rungs are clearly marked
B It does not move when you climb up it
C It is tied and extends at least 1 metre above the platform
D The foot of the ladder is firmly wedged
Correct Answer: C It is tied and extends at least 1 metre above the platform
Explanation: Access ladders should extend at least 1 metre above the landing point to provide a safe handhold.
24. What is the ideal angle for a ladder against a wall and floor? Give one answer
A Four metres up for every metre out from the wall
B One metre up for every metre out from the wall
C One metre up for every two metres out from the wall
D Two metres up for every metre out from the wall
Correct Answer: A Four metres up for every metre out from the wall
Explanation: The correct angle for a ladder is 75 degrees, which an be judged using the angle indicator marked on the stiles of some ladders or using the 1 in 4 rule.
25. The rung of a wooden ladder has started to split, what should you do? Give one answer
A Cut the bad bit out
B Do not use it, tell your supervisor
C Jump on it to see if it holds your weight
D Tape it up
Correct Answer: B Do not use it, tell your supervisor
Explanation: It is essential that supervisors are aware of faulty or damaged equipment.
26. Ladders should not be painted because: Give one answer
A Regular repainting will be necessary
B The paint may cover a defect or damaged part of the ladder
C The paint may not be suitable on metal parts of the ladder
D The paint will make them slippery to use
Correct Answer: B The paint may cover a defect or damaged part of the ladder
27. When can you work from a ladder? Give one answer
A For short periods and then only if it is safe to do so
B When it is available
C When it is long enough
D When not being used for access
Correct Answer: A For short periods and then only if it is safe to do so
Explanation: Ladders are primarily means of access, not workplaces. They can be worked from, but only if the use of other, more suitable, work equipment is not appropriate and the task is of low risk and of short duration.
28. When working above public areas, what should be considered? Give one answer
A Keeping the areas open to the public
B Keeping the job going
C Preventing complaints from the public
D The danger of falling materials
Correct Answer: D The danger of falling materials
Explanation: There is a significant risk to the public from falling materials, if this is not considered before and during work.