Course menuHS&E DUCT

Exams / HS&E DUCT / Tower scaffolds and ladders

Tower scaffolds and ladders questions for the Ductwork (DUCT) specialist test

5 free questions on Tower scaffolds and ladders, from section E. Specialist: HVACR – ductwork. 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

You need a mobile tower to fit ductwork in a corridor.

Who should put it up?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. The client's receptionist
  2. B. Anyone who has the instructions
  3. C. Trained and competent tower erectors
  4. D. Whoever gets to site first
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Towers need trained, competent erectors.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Towers need trained, competent erectors.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says towers should be erected by trained and competent people.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Towers need trained, competent erectors.

Explanation

Mobile towers must be put up by trained, competent people, following the maker's instructions.

Study

You want to move a tower a few metres along a corridor. Your mate is still on the platform.

What does HSE say?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. It is fine if your mate holds on tight
  2. B. It is fine if you push it slowly
  3. C. It is fine indoors, as there is no wind to blow it over
  4. D. Never move it with anyone on it
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Never move a tower with people on it.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Never move a tower with people on it.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Never move a tower with people on it.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says never move a tower while people or materials are on it, or in windy conditions.

Explanation

Never move a tower with people or materials on it.

Study

A tower has been put up for ductwork with a fall risk of over 2 metres.

How often must it be inspected?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. After assembly, then at least every 7 days
  2. B. Only when it is first delivered from the hire firm
  3. C. Once a month, at the site meeting
  4. D. Never, if nobody has moved it
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says towers must be inspected after assembly and at suitable intervals. For construction work with a fall risk of 2 m or more, every 7 days.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. It must be inspected after assembly and regularly.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Every 7 days for a fall risk of 2 m or more.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. It must be inspected regularly.

Explanation

Inspect towers after assembly and then at least every 7 days where falls are 2 m or more.

Study

A tower is just short of the ductwork. Someone suggests standing a stepladder on the platform.

What does HSE say?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. It is fine if the tower has outriggers
  2. B. Never use a ladder on a tower
  3. C. It is fine if the stepladder is tied on to the guard rail
  4. D. It is fine for one quick fixing
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Never use a ladder on a tower.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says never use a ladder, trestle or other access equipment on a tower.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Never use a ladder on a tower.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Never use a ladder on a tower.

Explanation

Don't stand ladders or trestles on a tower. Build the tower to the right height.

Study

You are fixing a duct hanger from a leaning ladder.

What does HSE say about overreaching?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Stand on the top rung to get closer
  2. B. Hold the ductwork to pull the ladder over
  3. C. Keep your belt buckle within the ladder stiles
  4. D. Lean out as far as you need to
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Don't overreach.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Move the ladder instead.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says don't overreach, and make sure your belt buckle (or navel) stays within the stiles.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Don't overreach.

Explanation

On a ladder, keep your belt buckle within the stiles. Move the ladder rather than overreach.

Study

Study Tower scaffolds and ladders

More E. Specialist: HVACR – ductwork topics