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HS&E Operatives practice question: Scaffolds and guard-rails (3 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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A scaffold platform has a main guard-rail along its open edge.

What is the lowest height that guard-rail should be above the platform?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. 950 mm
  2. B. 470 mm
  3. C. 600 mm
  4. D. 1,500 mm
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. The top guard-rail must be at least 950 mm above the edge people could fall from. Any gap below it must be no more than 470 mm.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. 470 mm is the largest gap allowed between guard-rails, not the height of the top rail.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. A rail this low would be below most people's waist, so they could fall over it.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. A top rail doesn't have to be this high. The minimum is 950 mm.

Explanation

The main guard-rail must be at least 950 mm high, with an intermediate rail or barrier so that no gap is more than 470 mm, and a toe board at the bottom.

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