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Roof work and fragile surfaces questions for the Work at height (WAH) specialist test

6 free questions on Roof work and fragile surfaces, 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

Easier ·Link to this question (question 1)

You are asked to work on an industrial roof. Nobody knows what it is made of.

How should you treat it?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. As safe, as most roofs are strong
  2. B. As safe if it looks new
  3. C. As safe if you walk only along the bolt lines
  4. D. As fragile until a competent person says not
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Many roofs are fragile.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. New roofs can still be fragile.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Treat it as fragile until confirmed otherwise.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says all roofs should be treated as fragile until a competent person has confirmed they are not.

Explanation

Treat every roof as fragile until a competent person confirms it is not.

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Question 2

Medium ·Link to this question (question 2)

You are checking a roof for fragile materials.

Which of these does HSE list as likely to be fragile?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Fibre-cement sheets and rooflights
  2. B. A reinforced concrete slab
  3. C. A steel walkway fitted with guard rails
  4. D. A scaffold platform
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE lists fibre-cement sheets, rooflights, liner panels, corroded metal sheets, glass, rotted chipboard and wood wool slabs among likely fragile materials.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Concrete slabs are not on HSE's list of likely fragile materials.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. A designed walkway is not a fragile surface.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. A scaffold platform is designed to be worked on.

Explanation

Fragile materials include fibre-cement sheets, rooflights, corroded metal sheets, glass and rotted boards.

Study

Question 3

Medium ·Link to this question (question 3)

Some rooflights on a roof have been painted over and are hard to see.

What does HSE say?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Ignore them, as painted rooflights are strong enough
  2. B. Protect them with secured, labelled covers
  3. C. Step over them carefully
  4. D. Paint them a brighter colour and carry on
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Paint doesn't make them strong.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says fragile rooflights are a particular hazard. Some are hidden by paint, and protection such as secured covers labelled with a warning must be provided.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. You might not see them, and a slip could send you through.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Paint doesn't stop a fall.

Explanation

Fragile rooflights must be protected, for example with secured covers labelled with a warning.

Study

Question 4

Easier ·Link to this question (question 4)

There is a fragile roof next to where people will be working.

What must be fixed on the approach to it?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. A first aid kit
  2. B. A smoking shelter
  3. C. Warning notices
  4. D. Nothing, if workers have been told
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Warning notices are required.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. That is not a safety measure for fragile roofs.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says warning notices must be fixed on the approach to any fragile surface.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Warning notices must be fixed.

Explanation

Fix warning notices on the approach to any fragile surface.

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Question 5

Medium ·Link to this question (question 5)

Work has to be done near fragile roof sheets.

Which control measures does HSE list?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Walking on the sheets in soft shoes
  2. B. Working only when the sheets are dry
  3. C. Kneeling on the sheets to spread your weight
  4. D. Staging, guard rails, fall restraint, fall arrest and nets
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Soft shoes don't stop sheets breaking.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Fragile sheets break wet or dry.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Fragile sheets can still break.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE lists a combination of staging, guard rails, fall restraint, fall arrest and safety nets slung beneath and close to the roof.

Explanation

Near fragile surfaces, use staging, guard rails, restraint, arrest or nets close beneath the roof.

Study

Question 6

Medium ·Link to this question (question 6)

Some fixings need replacing on the underside of a fragile warehouse roof.

What does HSE say first?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Avoid the surface, for example work from below
  2. B. Walk on the roof but go slowly
  3. C. Use a ladder laid flat across the sheets to spread the load
  4. D. Send the lightest worker
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says avoid work on or near fragile surfaces where possible, for example working from below on a MEWP.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Avoid going on the fragile surface.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. That isn't a designed staging.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Fragile sheets may not hold anyone.

Explanation

Avoid fragile surfaces where possible: work from below, for example from a MEWP.

Study

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