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Working at height questions for the CSCS test

7 free questions on Working at height, from section C. Safety. Every question is original and explains why each option is right or wrong.

Last verified against HSE guidance and the law ·How we write our questions

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Question 1

Medium ·Link to this question (question 1)

Your employer is planning a job that involves working at height.

Put these in the order they should be considered, starting with the first.

Put these 3 steps in order.

  1. A. Reduce how far someone could fall and how badly they'd be hurt
  2. B. Avoid working at height if the job can be done another way
  3. C. Prevent falls, for example with guard-rails or a work platform
Show the answer and explanation

Correct order: B, C, A

  1. B. Avoid working at height if the job can be done another way First. For example, do the work from the ground using tools with extending handles.
  2. C. Prevent falls, for example with guard-rails or a work platform Second. If work at height can't be avoided, use equipment that stops a fall happening.
  3. A. Reduce how far someone could fall and how badly they'd be hurt Last. Where the risk of a fall remains, use things like safety nets or air bags to make a fall less serious.

Explanation

Avoid work at height where you can. If you can't, prevent falls. Where the risk remains, reduce the distance and the harm of any fall.

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Question 2

Easier ·Link to this question (question 2)

You are setting up a leaning ladder to get onto a low flat roof.

What angle should the ladder be at?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. One unit out for every one unit up
  2. B. Straight up against the wall, as close as possible
  3. C. Any angle, as long as someone foots the ladder
  4. D. One out at the bottom for every four up
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. That is 45 degrees, which is far too shallow. The foot of the ladder could slide out.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. A ladder that is too upright can tip backwards when you climb it.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Footing helps stop slipping, but the angle still has to be right. Footing is a last resort for securing a ladder.
  • D. Right: Right. This is the "1 in 4" rule, which gives an angle of about 75 degrees. The ladder should also stick out at least 1 metre above where you step off.

Explanation

Set a leaning ladder at 1 out for every 4 up (75 degrees), secure it, and make sure it extends at least 1 metre above the landing.

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Question 3

Medium ·Link to this question (question 3)

You need to use a leaning ladder for a short, simple job. Read these statements: 1. The ladder should stick out at least 1 metre above where you step off. 2. Keep your belt buckle between the ladder's sides. 3. Carry heavy materials up with you to save trips. 4. Keep three points of contact when climbing.

Which of the statements are correct?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. 1, 2 and 4 only
  2. B. 1, 2, 3 and 4
  3. C. 2 and 3 only
  4. D. 1 and 4 only
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. Statements 1, 2 and 4 are all in HSE's guidance. Statement 3 is wrong: only carry light materials and tools on a ladder.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Statement 3 is not true. Carrying heavy loads means you can't hold on properly and may overbalance.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Statement 3 is not true, and statements 1 and 4 are both true and should be included.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Statement 2 is also true. Keeping your belt buckle (or navel) within the sides stops you overreaching.

Explanation

On a ladder: extend it at least 1 metre above the landing, keep three points of contact, don't overreach, and only carry light materials and tools.

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Question 4

Medium ·Link to this question (question 4)

You are asked to fetch some tools from the far side of a warehouse roof. The roof is made of fibre-cement sheets with rooflights in between.

What should you do?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Go across quickly so you spend less time on the roof
  2. B. Don't go onto the roof; treat it as fragile
  3. C. Walk along the line of the bolts, where it is strongest
  4. D. Step only on the rooflights, as they are made of plastic
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Speed doesn't matter. A fragile sheet can break under you at any moment.
  • B. Right: Right. Fibre-cement sheets and rooflights are often fragile and won't take your weight. HSE says treat a roof as fragile until a competent person confirms it isn't, and use proper precautions such as stagings and nets.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Walking on the bolt lines does not make a fragile roof safe. People have died falling through roofs this way.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Rooflights are often among the most fragile parts of a roof and can be hard to see.

Explanation

Never walk on a fragile roof. Treat roofs as fragile until a competent person says otherwise, and only work on them with proper precautions in place.

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Question 5

Medium ·Link to this question (question 5)

You need to secure a leaning ladder before you climb it.

Put these ways of securing it in the order HSE says to consider them, best first.

Put these 4 steps in order.

  1. A. Use an effective ladder stability device
  2. B. Wedge the ladder, for example against a wall
  3. C. Have someone foot the ladder
  4. D. Tie both stiles to a suitable point
Show the answer and explanation

Correct order: D, A, B, C

  1. D. Tie both stiles to a suitable point First. Tying the ladder, with both stiles tied, is the best way to stop it moving.
  2. A. Use an effective ladder stability device Second. If tying isn't practical, use a stability device.
  3. B. Wedge the ladder, for example against a wall Third. If neither of those is possible, wedge the stiles securely.
  4. C. Have someone foot the ladder Last. HSE says footing is the last resort.

Explanation

Secure ladders by tying both stiles, or with a stability device, or by wedging. Footing is the last resort.

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Question 6

Easier ·Link to this question (question 6)

You are working from a stepladder that has no handhold at the top.

Which steps should you not stand on?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. The top three steps
  2. B. Only the very top platform
  3. C. The bottom step
  4. D. 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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Question 7

Easier ·Link to this question (question 7)

You are about to use a ladder at the start of your working day.

What should you do first?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Repair any damage yourself with tape
  2. B. Check it for defects and report any
  3. C. Nothing, as ladders are checked once a year
  4. D. Climb it quickly to see if it wobbles
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. A damaged ladder should be taken out of use and reported, not taped up.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says ladders should get a pre-use check each working day, with no visible defects. Report any problems to a manager.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Detailed inspections happen at set intervals, but users must also check the ladder each working day.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Check it before climbing it, not by testing it with your weight.

Explanation

Check a ladder before use every working day. If it is damaged, don't use it, and report it.

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