Site Card Test
Course menuHS&E WAH

Exams / HS&E WAH / Edge protection, scaffolds and ladders

Edge protection, scaffolds and ladders questions for the Work at height (WAH) specialist test

6 free questions on Edge protection, scaffolds and ladders, from section E. Specialist: Specialist work at height. 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

Practice Edge protection, scaffolds and laddersTake the free practice exam

Question 1

Medium ·Link to this question (question 1)

You are setting up edge protection on a construction scaffold.

What is the minimum height of the top guard rail?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Any height, as long as there is a toe board
  2. B. 950 mm above the working platform
  3. C. 500 mm above the working platform
  4. D. 700 mm above the working platform
Show 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.

Study

Question 2

Harder ·Link to this question (question 2)

You are checking the guard rails on a scaffold.

What is the largest gap allowed between the top rail and the intermediate rail?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. 750 mm
  2. B. There is no limit
  3. C. 470 mm
  4. D. 1 metre
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. The maximum gap is 470 mm.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. The gap must not exceed 470 mm.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says any gap between the top rail and the intermediate rail should not exceed 470 mm.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. A gap that big could let someone fall through.

Explanation

The gap between the top guard rail and the intermediate rail must not exceed 470 mm.

Study

Question 3

Medium ·Link to this question (question 3)

You are fitting edge protection for a pitched roof on a terraced house.

Where does HSE say it is needed?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Only at the front, facing the street
  2. B. Only at the ridge
  3. C. Nowhere, if workers wear harnesses
  4. D. At the eaves, front and rear
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. The rear needs it too.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Falls happen from the eaves.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Edge protection is collective protection and comes first.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says fit edge protection to the eaves of any roof, and on terraced properties to the rear as well as the front.

Explanation

Fit eaves edge protection on any roof, front and rear on terraced properties.

Study

Question 4

Medium ·Link to this question (question 4)

A scaffold is being altered.

What does HSE say about falls during erection, alteration or dismantling?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. You must still prevent people falling
  2. B. Falls are acceptable while a scaffold is being changed
  3. C. Only the finished scaffold needs guard rails
  4. D. Scaffolders don't fall
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says you do have to prevent a person falling from the scaffold while it is being erected, altered or dismantled.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Falls must be prevented at all stages.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Scaffolders must be protected while they work too.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Scaffolders are at real risk of falls.

Explanation

Falls must be prevented while scaffolds are erected, altered or dismantled, as well as in use.

Study

Question 5

Medium ·Link to this question (question 5)

A ladder will be used to reach a work platform 12 metres up.

What does HSE say about ladders this tall?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Climb it without stopping
  2. B. Provide rest platforms at intervals
  3. C. Nothing, as ladders over 6 metres are banned on site
  4. D. Nothing extra is needed
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Landing areas or rest platforms are needed.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says there is no maximum height for a ladder, but where it rises 9 metres or more, landing areas or rest platforms should be provided at suitable intervals.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. HSE says ladders are not banned and there is no maximum height.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. At 9 metres or more, rest platforms are needed.

Explanation

Ladders rising 9 metres or more need landing areas or rest platforms at suitable intervals.

Study

Question 6

Easier ·Link to this question (question 6)

You are climbing a ladder with tools.

What are HSE's "three points of contact"?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. One foot, one hand and a hip
  2. B. Two hands and one knee
  3. C. A hand and two feet
  4. D. Two hands and your chin
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. It is a hand and two feet.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. It is a hand and two feet.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says the three points of contact are a hand and two feet.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. It is a hand and two feet.

Explanation

Keep three points of contact on a ladder: a hand and two feet.

Study

Study Edge protection, scaffolds and ladders

More E. Specialist: Specialist work at height topics