Working at height and ladder safety: the hierarchy, the 1-in-4 rule, three points of contact, stepladders, mobile towers, fragile roofs and harness rescue. Free quiz with instant feedback and a short explanation for every answer. General good practice, not tied to any one country's law; where a rule is UK-specific we say so. It supports, but does not replace, your employer's training and risk assessment.
Question 1 · Single choice · 90s · 1 pt
Under UK law, what is 'work at height'?
- Work on the top floor of a building
- Only work more than 2 metres above the ground
- Work anywhere a fall could cause injury, at any height
- Only work on scaffolding
Question 2 · Put in order · 90s · 1 pt
Put the hierarchy for work at height in order.
- Avoid work at height where you can
- Minimise the distance and consequences of a fall
- Prevent falls with a safe place or the right equipment
Question 3 · Single choice · 90s · 1 pt
To protect people from falls, which should be chosen first?
- A harness for each worker, because it protects the person directly
- Working faster
- A sign saying 'Danger: fall hazard'
- Collective protection, such as guardrails
Question 4 · Single choice · 90s · 1 pt
At what angle should a leaning ladder be set?
- About 45°, so it is more stable at the base
- About 75°: one unit out for every four up
- Vertical against the wall
- As steep as possible
Question 5 · Single choice · 90s · 1 pt
What does 'three points of contact' mean on a ladder?
- Three people holding the ladder steady at the bottom while you climb
- Three checks before climbing
- Two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand, on the ladder
- Three rungs above the landing
Question 6 · Single choice · 90s · 1 pt
How far should a ladder used for access extend above the landing point?
- It doesn't matter
- It should stop level with the landing so you don't trip over the top
- At least 3 metres
- About 1 metre (three rungs), unless there is another secure handhold
Question 7 · Single choice · 90s · 1 pt
Which rungs of a leaning ladder should you not work from?
- Any even-numbered rung
- The top three
- The bottom three, because they bend more under load
- None: any rung is fine
Question 8 · Single choice · 90s · 1 pt
What is the 'belt buckle rule'?
- Tie the ladder with a belt
- Keep your belt buckle (or navel) within the ladder's stiles
- Your belt must be fastened to the ladder with a short strap or lanyard
- Wear a belt when climbing
Question 9 · True / False · 90s · 1 pt
A ladder is always the best choice for any job at height.
Question 10 · Single choice · 90s · 1 pt
Before using a stepladder, what do you check?
- That all four feet are on firm, level ground and it is fully open
- That it is the tallest one available on site, so you never have to overreach
- That it is painted
- Nothing, if it is new
Question 11 · Single choice · 90s · 1 pt
How should a mobile access tower be moved?
- By pulling from the top
- Slowly, with one person on the platform to steady it
- Quickly, to avoid wobbling
- Only with nobody and no materials on it
Question 12 · Single choice · 90s · 1 pt
Why must there be a rescue plan before anyone works in a harness?
- It is not needed
- Because hanging motionless in a harness can quickly cause serious harm
- Because the harness gets uncomfortable after a few hours of normal work
- Because the insurer asks for it
Question 13 · Single choice · 90s · 1 pt
How should you treat a roof whose surface you are unsure about?
- As safe to walk on if it looks solid from below
- As fragile until it is confirmed otherwise
- As safe if it is dry
- As safe if someone walked on it last year
Question 14 · Fill in the blank · 90s · 1 pt
Complete: a fall-arrest harness must be connected to a suitable ___ point.
Answer typed by the participant