Exams / HS&E Operatives / Working at height / Question 6
HS&E Operatives practice question: Working at height (6 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 from a stepladder that has no handhold at the top.
Which steps should you not stand on?
Choose one answer.
- AA. The top three steps
- BB. Only the very top platform
- CC. The bottom step
- DD. Any step, as long as someone holds the ladder
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: A
- A. Right: Right. HSE says don't work on the top three steps of a stepladder unless there is a suitable handhold.
- B. Wrong: Wrong. HSE says the top three steps, not just the top one, unless there is a suitable handhold.
- C. Wrong: Wrong. The bottom step is the safest. The risk is at the top.
- D. Wrong: Wrong. Someone holding it doesn't give you a handhold. Stay off the top three steps.
Explanation
On a stepladder, don't work on the top three steps unless there is a suitable handhold. Keep three points of contact and don't overreach.
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