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Working at height questions for the CSCS MAP test

4 free questions on Working at height, from section D. High risk activities. Every question is original and explains why each option is right or wrong.

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Question 1

Medium ·Link to this question (question 1)

You are planning work at height.

Put these in the order HSE says you must consider them, first to last.

Put these 4 steps in order.

  1. A. Prevent falls with collective protection, such as guard-railed scaffolds
  2. B. Prevent falls with personal protection, such as a harness with a short restraint lanyard
  3. C. Reduce the distance and consequences of a fall, such as with nets
  4. D. Avoid working at height
Show the answer and explanation

Correct order: D, A, B, C

  1. D. Avoid working at height First. Try to avoid work at height altogether.
  2. A. Prevent falls with collective protection, such as guard-railed scaffolds Second. Equipment that protects everyone comes before equipment that protects one person.
  3. B. Prevent falls with personal protection, such as a harness with a short restraint lanyard Third. This protects only the individual.
  4. C. Reduce the distance and consequences of a fall, such as with nets Last. Mitigating a fall comes after preventing it.

Explanation

Avoid work at height; if you can't, prevent falls (collective before personal); then reduce the distance and consequences of a fall.

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Question 2

Medium ·Link to this question (question 2)

A contractor plans to use harnesses and lanyards for roof work, although a guard-railed scaffold is reasonably practicable.

What does HSE say?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Use the scaffold
  2. B. Harnesses are fine, as they are cheaper
  3. C. Either is fine, as the contractor can choose
  4. D. Use nets instead, as they are always the best option
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says the hierarchy must be followed. Selecting equipment from lower down is not acceptable when a higher option is reasonably practicable.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Cost alone doesn't justify going lower down the hierarchy.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. The hierarchy must be followed.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Nets mitigate falls. Preventing falls comes first.

Explanation

Follow the work at height hierarchy. Collective protection, such as guard rails, comes before personal protection.

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Question 3

Medium ·Link to this question (question 3)

A roof job is planned. Edge protection can't be fitted in one small area, so nets are proposed there.

Where do nets come in the work at height hierarchy?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. They prevent falls, so they come first
  2. B. They mean no other planning is needed
  3. C. They replace the need for a rescue plan
  4. D. They reduce the harm from a fall
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Nets don't stop a fall happening. They reduce its consequences.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. The work still needs planning and supervising.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. You still need to plan how to get someone out of a net.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says measures such as nets or inflatable protection mitigate falls. They come after measures that prevent falls.

Explanation

Nets and airbags mitigate falls. Use them where falls can't be prevented, as part of a planned approach.

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Question 4

Easier ·Link to this question (question 4)

You are setting rules for ladder use on your site.

Who should use ladders, according to HSE?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Competent people
  2. B. Anyone, as ladders are simple
  3. C. Only apprentices, to give them experience
  4. D. Only people over 6 feet tall
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says ladders should be inspected regularly and used by competent people.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Falls from ladders cause many serious injuries.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Users must be competent.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Height is not the test. Competence is.

Explanation

Ladders should be the right type, inspected regularly and used by competent people for short, low-risk work.

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