CITB Specialists Working at Height Safety 3

Question 1

What is the key difference between a fall restraint system and a fall arrest system?

Accepted Answer

Fall restraint prevents a worker from reaching the fall hazard; fall arrest stops a worker after a fall has begun

Answer

Fall restraint uses a harness; fall arrest uses safety netting

Answer

Fall restraint is used outdoors; fall arrest is used indoors only

Answer

Fall restraint is less expensive; fall arrest is more technically complex

Question 2

Which regulation governs the safe provision and use of work equipment, including MEWPs and hoists, on construction sites?

Accepted Answer

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)

Answer

Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992

Answer

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)

Answer

Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992

Question 3

Regarding the safe working load (SWL) of a working platform, which statement is correct?

Accepted Answer

The SWL varies by design; it must be calculated and clearly marked on or near the platform

Answer

All platforms have a standard SWL of 250 kg displayed on the scaffold board

Answer

The SWL is always 500 kg and is displayed at the site entrance

Answer

The SWL is 1 tonne for all platforms and is recorded in the site manager's file only

Question 4

In the context of working at height, what is a 'fragile surface'?

Accepted Answer

A surface that cannot safely support the weight of a person and materials, such as roof lights or corrugated cement sheets

Answer

A surface that breaks down chemically when exposed to moisture

Answer

Any surface that is more than 5 metres above ground level

Answer

A surface that is only considered fragile during winter months due to ice

Question 5

What competency is required before a person may erect, alter, or dismantle scaffolding on a UK construction site?

Accepted Answer

They must hold a relevant CISRS (Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme) qualification

Answer

Only a verbal instruction from the site manager is required

Answer

They must be aged 21 or over and have 3 years of site experience

Answer

A written declaration from the client confirming competence is sufficient

Question 6

Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, who has a duty to ensure that work at height is properly planned, supervised, and safe?

Accepted Answer

Every employer and self-employed person responsible for work at height under their control

Answer

The HSE inspector assigned to the site

Answer

Only the principal contractor named in the CDM documents

Answer

The equipment supplier and hire company only

Question 7

What must happen to a harness and lanyard after they have been used to arrest a fall?

Accepted Answer

Both must be taken out of service and destroyed; the worker must also be assessed for suspension trauma

Answer

Both can be re-used immediately if they appear visually undamaged

Answer

Only the lanyard needs replacing; the harness may continue in use after a visual check

Answer

The harness should be inspected visually and returned to the equipment store