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HS&E Operatives practice question: Scaffolds and guard-rails (2 of 7)

C. Safety A free question from our original HS&E Operatives practice exam. Try it, then open the answer to see why each option is right or wrong.

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You are working on a scaffold. A guard-rail is in the way of the bricks you need to lay.

What should you do?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Take it off, then put it back when you have finished
  2. B. Take it off and tie a rope across the gap instead
  3. C. Lean over it to lay the bricks
  4. D. Ask your supervisor to get a scaffolder to alter it
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. You might forget, or someone else could fall while it is off. Scaffolds must only be altered by competent people.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. A rope is not strong or rigid enough to stop someone falling. Guard-rails must be at least 950 mm high.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Leaning over a guard-rail puts you at risk of falling. Get the scaffold altered so you can work safely.
  • D. Right: Right. Only competent scaffolders should alter a scaffold. Removing a guard-rail yourself could leave you, or someone else, at risk of falling.

Explanation

Never remove or alter any part of a scaffold yourself. Ask for a competent scaffolder to make the change.

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