Exams / HS&E WAH / Edge protection, scaffolds and ladders / Question 1
HS&E WAH practice question: Edge protection, scaffolds and ladders (1 of 6) E. Specialist: Specialist work at height A free question from our original HS&E WAH practice exam. Try it, then open the answer to see why each option is right or wrong.
Last verified October 2026 against HSE guidance and the law ·How we write our questions
You are setting up edge protection on a construction scaffold.
What is the minimum height of the top guard rail?
Choose one answer.
A A. Any height, as long as there is a toe boardB B. 950 mm above the working platformC C. 500 mm above the working platformD D. 700 mm above the working platformShow the answer and explanation Answer: B
A. Wrong: Wrong. Guard rails have a minimum height.B. Right: Right. HSE says for construction work the top guard rail should be at least 950 mm above the working platform.C. Wrong: Wrong. That is far too low.D. Wrong: Wrong. The minimum is 950 mm.Explanation Top guard rails on construction work: at least 950 mm, with gaps to the intermediate rail no more than 470 mm.
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