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Harnesses, nets and rescue questions for the Work at height (WAH) specialist test

6 free questions on Harnesses, nets and rescue, from section E. Specialist: Specialist work at height. 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)

Workers on your site use harnesses and lanyards.

When should the user check them?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Once a year
  2. B. Only after a fall
  3. C. Never, as the manufacturer checks them
  4. D. At the start of each shift
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Users check them every shift, as well as formal inspections.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Check them before use, every shift.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. The user checks before each shift.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says users do pre-use checks at the start of each shift, and report defects to the employer.

Explanation

Check harnesses and lanyards before use at the start of each shift, and report defects.

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Question 2

Harder ·Link to this question (question 2)

You manage the harnesses used on your sites.

How often should a formally recorded detailed inspection be done?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. At least every 6 months
  2. B. Every 5 years
  3. C. Only when they look dirty
  4. D. Never, if users check them
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says a formally recorded inspection should be done at least every 6 months, with interim inspections where a risk assessment shows they are needed.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. That is far too long.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Inspections are at set intervals.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Users' checks don't replace detailed inspections.

Explanation

Harnesses need a recorded detailed inspection at least every 6 months, plus user checks each shift.

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Question 3

Medium ·Link to this question (question 3)

Workers will use fall arrest harnesses on a job.

What does HSE say about rescue?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Leave the worker until the end of the shift
  2. B. Plan it, and don't rely on the fire brigade
  3. C. Call 999 if someone falls; that is the plan
  4. D. Rescue isn't needed, as the harness stops the fall
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Rescue must be fast.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says a rescue plan is needed, and it should not rely on the fire brigade, as delay may be critical.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. The delay could be critical. Have your own rescue plan.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Someone left hanging in a harness needs rescuing quickly.

Explanation

Where harnesses are used, plan a quick rescue that doesn't depend on the fire brigade.

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Question 4

Medium ·Link to this question (question 4)

Workers will clip their harnesses on while working on a steel frame.

What do harnesses need?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. A long lanyard so workers can move freely
  2. B. Clipping on to each other
  3. C. Adequate anchorage points
  4. D. Nothing, any part of the frame will do
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. A long lanyard can mean a longer fall.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Workers must clip to adequate anchor points.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says where harnesses are used, they need adequate anchorage points.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Anchor points must be adequate for the loads.

Explanation

Harnesses need adequate anchorage points, and workers must be trained to use them.

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Question 5

Medium ·Link to this question (question 5)

Guard-railed staging can't be used for work on a fragile roof.

What does HSE say should be used instead?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Nothing, just take extra care
  2. B. A tarpaulin over the roof
  3. C. Mattresses or soft boxes on the floor below
  4. D. Nets under the roof, or harnesses
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Falls through fragile roofs are often fatal.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. A tarpaulin won't stop a fall.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. They are not designed fall protection.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says if guard-railed staging isn't used, safety nets should be installed underneath the roof or a harness system used.

Explanation

Without guard-railed staging, use safety nets beneath the roof or a harness system.

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Question 6

Medium ·Link to this question (question 6)

You are planning where to put safety nets for work on a roof.

Where does HSE say they should be slung?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Beneath and close to the roof
  2. B. On the ground floor, far below
  3. C. On top of the roof
  4. D. Anywhere, as long as they are there
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says safety nets should be slung beneath and close to the roof.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. A long fall into a net can still injure.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Nets go beneath the work.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. They must be close beneath the roof.

Explanation

Sling safety nets beneath and close to the roof, to keep any fall short.

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