CSCS Ireland Working at Height 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a toe board on a scaffold, and what is its purpose?
- A board at the base of the platform edge that prevents tools and materials from being kicked off (Correct answer)
- A board for workers to stand on
- A board that marks the edge of an excavation
- A plank used as a ramp for access
Correct answer: A board at the base of the platform edge that prevents tools and materials from being kicked off
A toe board (typically at least 150 mm high) is fixed at the edge of a scaffold platform to prevent tools, materials, or debris from rolling or being kicked off, which could injure people below.
Question 2: Before using a ladder on a construction site, what inspection should be carried out?
- Check rungs, stiles, feet, and locking mechanisms for damage, wear, or contamination before each use (Correct answer)
- Inspect only if the ladder has not been used in a month
- Check only that the ladder reaches the required height
- No inspection is needed for new ladders
Correct answer: Check rungs, stiles, feet, and locking mechanisms for damage, wear, or contamination before each use
Ladders must be visually inspected before each use. Check stiles for cracks or bending, rungs for damage or slipperiness, feet for wear or missing anti-slip pads, and locking mechanisms on combination ladders.
Question 3: What is the minimum overlap required when extending a scaffold to reach a higher level?
- Three board widths or as specified by the scaffold manufacturer (Correct answer)
- One board width
- Half a metre regardless of board size
- Any overlap that feels stable
Correct answer: Three board widths or as specified by the scaffold manufacturer
Scaffold boards and extension ladders must overlap sufficiently to maintain structural integrity. For scaffold boards, at least three board widths of overlap is required, or as specified by the manufacturer's instructions.
Question 4: What personal protective equipment is essential when working at height if collective protection is insufficient?
- A full body harness with an appropriate lanyard or inertia reel connected to a secure anchor point (Correct answer)
- A hard hat only
- High-visibility vest
- Safety boots only
Correct answer: A full body harness with an appropriate lanyard or inertia reel connected to a secure anchor point
When collective protection (guardrails, nets) cannot prevent a fall, a full body harness with a suitable energy-absorbing lanyard or inertia reel, attached to a certified anchor point, must be worn.
Question 5: What should a worker do if they discover a scaffold has been partially dismantled or is incomplete?
- Do not use it and report it to the supervisor immediately (Correct answer)
- Use it carefully if the missing section is small
- Add materials to fill the gap themselves
- Only use it if work needs to be completed urgently
Correct answer: Do not use it and report it to the supervisor immediately
A partially dismantled or incomplete scaffold is extremely dangerous. No work should be carried out on it and the defect must be reported immediately so it can be properly inspected and repaired by a competent person.
Question 6: How often must scaffolding on a construction site in Ireland be formally inspected?
- At least every 7 days and after any event that may have affected its stability (e.g. severe weather) (Correct answer)
- Once a month
- Once at the start of the project only
- Whenever a worker requests it
Correct answer: At least every 7 days and after any event that may have affected its stability (e.g. severe weather)
Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013, scaffolding must be inspected at least every 7 days and after any event (storm, impact) that could affect its integrity.
CSCS Ireland Working at Height 2
What is a toe board on a scaffold, and what is its purpose?