CITB Specialist Working at Height Test

Sample question 1 · Specialist work at height

What does regulation 6(5) require where the risk of a fall is not eliminated?

1. AThat the work is abandoned until the risk can be removed completely
2. BThat workers with under five years experience are kept off the work
3. CThat a supervisor watches the work continuously from ground level
4. DEquipment to minimise the distance and the consequences of a fallCorrect answer

Why D: Regulation 6(5)(a) requires sufficient work equipment to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall, or where the distance cannot be minimised, the consequences.

Sample question 2 · Specialist work at height

Can waste be thrown down from a scaffold into a skip below?

1. AYes, provided the area beneath the scaffold has been fenced off
2. BYes, provided a person at ground level watches for pedestrians
3. CNo, unless the drop is less than two metres to the skip below
4. DNo, not where throwing or tipping is liable to cause injuryCorrect answer

Why D: Regulation 10(3) prohibits material or objects being thrown or tipped from height in circumstances where it is liable to cause injury to any person.

Sample question 3 · Specialist work at height

Does the exclusion for a staircase apply on a construction site?

1. AYes, all staircases anywhere on the site are excluded from the definition
2. BNo, the exclusion is limited to a staircase in a permanent workplaceCorrect answer
3. CYes, provided the staircase has a handrail fitted on both sides
4. DNo, staircases are never excluded under any circumstances at all

Why B: The wording is except by a staircase in a permanent workplace. A temporary stair tower on a construction site does not attract the exclusion.

Sample question 4 · Specialist work at height

A stepladder is used for a short task. Do the Regulations apply?

1. ANo, stepladders are outside the scope of these Regulations entirely
2. BNo, provided the task takes less than thirty minutes to complete
3. CYes. Ladder includes a stepladder, and the hierarchy still appliesCorrect answer
4. DYes, but the inspection duties apply and the hierarchy does not

Why C: The definition of ladder includes a stepladder, and regulation 6 applies regardless of duration. Short duration affects equipment selection, not whether the law applies.

Sample question 5 · Specialist work at height

Under Schedule 6, the surface a ladder rests on must support it so that what stays true?

1. AIts feet sink slightly for extra grip
2. BIts base sits at least 1 m from walls
3. CIts stiles lean in towards one another
4. DIts rungs or steps remain horizontalCorrect answer

Why D: Schedule 6 paragraph 2 requires the surface to be stable, firm, strong enough and of suitable composition to support the ladder so that its rungs or steps remain horizontal, plus any intended load.

Sample question 6 · Specialist work at height

A worker needs to drill side-on into brickwork from a stepladder and the side loading cannot be avoided. What does HSE advise?

1. AStop the steps tipping, for example by tying them, or use other equipmentCorrect answer
2. BLean into the drill with the hip against the stepladder for more grip
3. CStand higher up the steps so that the drill is pushed in at a downward angle
4. DDrill with the steps closed and rested flat against the brick wall

Why A: HSE says avoid side loading such as side-on drilling into solid materials, and where it cannot be avoided, prevent the steps tipping, for example by tying them, or use more suitable access equipment.

Sample question 7 · Specialist work at height

An employee has been trained to use equipment for work at height but believes following that method would be unsafe in this case. What does HSE say they should do?

1. ASeek further instructions before carrying onCorrect answer
2. BCarry on, because training must be followed
3. CSwitch to the method they think is quickest
4. DFinish the task and report it afterwards

Why A: INDG401 says employees must use the equipment as trained and instructed, unless they think that would be unsafe, in which case they should seek further instructions before continuing.

Sample question 8 · Specialist work at height

How far below the working level does HSE say safety nets should be rigged?

1. AAs close as possible, and not more than 2 m below where practicableCorrect answer
2. BAt least 6 m below, so the net has room to stretch when it is hit
3. CAt ground level, so that the net can be checked without a ladder
4. DExactly 3 m below, which is the standard height for a safety net

Why A: HSG33 says nets should always be rigged as close as possible to the working level and, where reasonably practicable, not more than 2 m below it.

Sample question 9 · Specialist work at height

Short-duration work on a sloping roof has been assessed as low risk. What does HSE give as a minimum safe means of working on the roof?

1. AA properly constructed and supported roof ladderCorrect answer
2. BA length of rope tied around the chimney stack
3. CA pair of soft-soled boots with a good grip
4. DA colleague watching from the scaffold below

Why A: HSG33 says the minimum for short-duration work is a safe means of access to roof level and a safe means of working on the roof, such as a properly constructed and supported roof ladder on a sloping roof.

Sample question 10 · Specialist work at height

A scaffold inspector finds a defect and has it put right straight away. What does HSE say the inspection report should show?

1. AThe defect and the corrective action, even though it was fixed promptlyCorrect answer
2. BNothing about it, because only defects left unfixed go on the report
3. COnly the inspector's name and the date, as the defect was dealt with
4. DA note to say the scaffold failed and must be inspected again in a week

Why A: HSE says the inspection report must note any defects or matters that could give rise to a risk and any corrective actions taken, even when taken promptly, to help identify recurring problems.