Site Card Test
Course menuHS&E WAH

Exams / HS&E WAH / Planning work at height

Planning work at height questions for the Work at height (WAH) specialist test

6 free questions on Planning work at height, 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 Planning work at heightTake the free practice exam

Question 1

Medium ·Link to this question (question 1)

You are planning a roof repair.

What does the law say about roof work?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Only the client needs to plan it
  2. B. It must be planned so it is done safely
  3. C. Planning is only needed for roofs over 10 metres high
  4. D. It can be done without planning if it is quick
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Those doing the work must plan it too.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says the law requires all roof work to be organised and planned so it is carried out safely.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. All roof work must be planned.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Short jobs still need planning.

Explanation

All roof work must be organised and planned so it is done safely, often with a method statement.

Study

Question 2

Medium ·Link to this question (question 2)

A method statement is being written for work on a roof.

What is it commonly used for?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Replacing the need for training
  2. B. Recording who arrived late
  3. C. Managing the work and its precautions
  4. D. Pricing the job for the client and booking the materials
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Workers still need training.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. That is not its purpose.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says a method statement is the common way to manage roof work and communicate the precautions to those involved.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. It is about how the work is done safely.

Explanation

Method statements set out how roof work will be done and the precautions everyone must follow.

Study

Question 3

Medium ·Link to this question (question 3)

A gang has been given harnesses for a job, although guard rails could be fitted.

What does HSE say about choosing equipment lower down the hierarchy?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. It is fine if the harnesses are new
  2. B. It is fine if the workers prefer harnesses
  3. C. It is fine for jobs under a week, as long as they are clipped on
  4. D. It isn't acceptable if guard rails are practicable
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. New equipment doesn't change the hierarchy.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Collective protection, such as guard rails, comes first.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. The hierarchy applies whatever the length of the job.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says the hierarchy must be followed. It is not acceptable to select work equipment from lower down the hierarchy.

Explanation

Follow the hierarchy: avoid, then collective prevention, then personal prevention, then mitigation.

Study

Question 4

Easier ·Link to this question (question 4)

Workers are about to start roof work.

What does HSE say they must be?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Trained, competent and instructed
  2. B. The youngest and fittest on site
  3. C. Unafraid of heights, which is all that matters
  4. D. Paid by the hour
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says those doing roof work must be trained, competent and instructed in the use of the precautions.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Fitness doesn't replace training.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Confidence isn't competence.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Pay has nothing to do with safety.

Explanation

Roof workers must be trained, competent and instructed, with information and supervision.

Study

Question 5

Medium ·Link to this question (question 5)

A job on a roof will take about ten minutes.

What access may be used for short-duration work like this?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. An unsecured ladder, as the job is only quick
  2. B. Secured ladders and roof ladders
  3. C. Climbing up the drainpipe
  4. D. Standing on a wheelie bin
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Ladders must be secured.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says where work is short (tasks measured in minutes), properly secured ladders and proper roof ladders may be used.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Drainpipes are not access equipment.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. That is unstable and unsafe.

Explanation

For short work measured in minutes, secured ladders and proper roof ladders may be suitable.

Study

Question 6

Medium ·Link to this question (question 6)

Work will move along a long roof during the day.

What does HSE say about access?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Workers can walk along the ridge
  2. B. Access doesn't need planning
  3. C. It is planned as the work moves
  4. D. One ladder at the start is always enough
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. That risks a fall.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Access is part of the plan.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says safe access to a roof needs careful planning, particularly where work progresses along the roof.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Access must be planned for where the work will be.

Explanation

Plan safe access to the roof for each stage of the work.

Study

Study Planning work at height

More E. Specialist: Specialist work at height topics