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Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) questions for the CSCS test

7 free questions on Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), 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 working from the basket of a boom-type MEWP, where there is still a risk of falling.

What should you wear?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. A long lanyard so you can climb out onto the roof
  2. B. A harness and short lanyard clipped inside the basket
  3. C. A harness clipped to a nearby steel beam on the building
  4. D. Nothing, as the basket has guard-rails
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. A short restraint lanyard is used to stop you reaching a fall position. You should not climb out of the basket.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says a harness with a short work restraint lanyard must be secured to the anchor point provided by the manufacturer in the basket.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. If the MEWP moves, you could be pulled out of the basket. Clip on only to the anchor point in the basket.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Where there is still a risk of falling, such as being thrown out, a harness and short lanyard are needed.

Explanation

In a boom MEWP, wear a harness with a short restraint lanyard clipped to the basket's anchor point. Never climb out of the basket.

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Question 2

Medium · choose 2 ·Link to this question (question 2)

A MEWP is being used to fix cladding under a roof overhang.

Which two are serious risks with this work? (Choose two.)

Choose two answers.

  1. A. The basket being too big for one person
  2. B. The engine being too quiet to hear
  3. C. Being trapped between the basket and the roof structure
  4. D. The MEWP overturning on soft or uneven ground
Show the answer and explanation

Answers: C, D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Basket size is not a risk in itself. Never overload it beyond its safe working load.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Engine noise is not one of the main MEWP risks.
  • C. Right: Right. Operators can be crushed between the basket and an overhead structure, sometimes against the controls so they can't stop the machine.
  • D. Right: Right. MEWPs must be used on firm, level ground, with outriggers set up where needed. Trenches, manholes and soft backfill can cause overturning.

Explanation

The main MEWP risks are falls from the basket, overturning, and being trapped against overhead structures. Use it on firm, level ground and plan the work to avoid trapping.

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Question 3

Medium ·Link to this question (question 3)

Your workmate is in a MEWP basket 10 metres up when it stops working.

What should already be in place?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. A long ladder to climb up to the basket
  2. B. Nothing, as the fire and rescue service can be called
  3. C. A second MEWP that must always be on site
  4. D. A rescue plan that has been practised
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Climbing a ladder to a basket is dangerous and may not be possible. A proper rescue plan is needed.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. The employer must have its own rescue plan. Waiting for the emergency services could take too long.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. A second MEWP is not always needed. What matters is a planned, practised way to get someone down.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says have a plan for rescuing someone from a MEWP and practise it. Someone on the ground should know how to use the ground controls.

Explanation

Before using a MEWP, have a rescue plan and practise it. Someone on the ground must know how to use the ground controls.

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Question 4

Easier ·Link to this question (question 4)

A MEWP with outriggers is about to be used next to a building.

What must be done before the platform is raised?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Set the outriggers on loose rubble to level it
  2. B. Raise the platform first, then put the outriggers out
  3. C. Extend and chock the outriggers on firm, level ground
  4. D. Nothing, as the outriggers are only for very high work
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Loose rubble can give way. The ground must be firm.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. The outriggers must be set before the platform goes up.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says the platform should be used on firm and level ground, and outriggers extended and chocked before raising the platform.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. If the machine has outriggers, they must be set out before raising.

Explanation

Use MEWPs on firm, level ground, with outriggers extended and chocked before raising the platform.

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Question 5

Medium ·Link to this question (question 5)

You hold a recognised MEWP operator training card. Today you are given a make and model you have never used before.

What should happen first?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Nothing, as your card covers every MEWP
  2. B. You work out the controls once you are up in the air
  3. C. You ask the hire company to send a driver
  4. D. You get familiarisation training on that machine
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Controls and features differ between machines. You need familiarisation.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Learning the controls at height is dangerous.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. You can use it once you have had familiarisation training on it.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says operators should have recognised training, and also familiarisation on the specific make and model they use.

Explanation

MEWP operators need recognised training plus familiarisation on each make and model they use.

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Question 6

Medium ·Link to this question (question 6)

A MEWP needs to drive across an area of site to reach its work position.

Which of these could make it overturn?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Crossing a trench or soft backfill
  2. B. Driving on firm, level concrete
  3. C. Having the platform fully lowered
  4. D. Using the machine in daylight
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says ground features such as trenches, manholes and uncompacted backfill can lead to a MEWP overturning.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Firm, level ground is what a MEWP needs.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Travelling lowered is safer than travelling raised.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Daylight is not a hazard. Ground conditions are.

Explanation

Check the route and work area for trenches, manholes, soft ground and slopes before moving or using a MEWP.

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Question 7

Medium ·Link to this question (question 7)

Some fixings need replacing on the underside of a fragile warehouse roof.

What is a safer way to do the job than going onto the roof?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Go onto the roof only when it is dry
  2. B. Work from below using a MEWP
  3. C. Walk on the roof along the bolt lines
  4. D. Lie flat on the roof sheets to spread your weight
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Dry or wet, a fragile roof can't take your weight.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says plan work to keep people off fragile surfaces where possible, for example by working from below on a MEWP.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. A fragile roof can give way anywhere. Avoid going on it.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Fragile sheets can still break. Stay off them.

Explanation

Keep off fragile roofs. Where possible, do the work from below, for example from a MEWP.

Study

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