Work Safely at Heights

RIIWHS204E Work Safely at Heights -Trainer’s Marking Guide
Work Safely at Heights

RIIWHS204E
Work Safely at Heights
Trainer’s Workbook
with model answers
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PL
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© Easy Guides Australia Pty Ltd 1

Work Safely at Heights Workbook – Trainer’s Marking Guide
Review Questions
The Review Questions can be done in two ways:
1) In a group using the Work safely at heights multimedia presentation. The questions will
follow the same format as the learner guide. The questions can be answered through
discussion or in writing.
2) Individually. An individual learner can answer the questions using the learner guide. After
reading each question the learner can write the answer from the information in the learner
guide.
Model answers
Model answers to the Review Questions are provided in this guide. They are a guide only. It is up
to the trainer to decide whether an answer given is satisfactory.
Chapters
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Safely at work
Working at heights
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Prevention of falls hierarchy of control measures

Step 1 – Work on the ground or a solid platform
Step 2 – Passive fall prevention devices
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Step 3 – Work positioning systems

Step 4 – Fall arrest systems
Step 5 – Ladders and administrative measures
Clean up
Note: There are 161 questions altogether. Whether doing the tasks individually or in a group,
practical training could be used to break up the chapters in the Review Questions.
© Easy Guides Australia Pty Ltd Edition 2: Version 2 – October 2020 3

QUESTION 24 (PC 1.3)

Confined spaces are very dangerous. You must never go into a confined space unless you have
been trained to do so. What are some risks when working in a confined space?
• Fire or explosion from gasses

• Fumes or gasses can make you unconscious (knock you out) or kill you
• Being crushed or suffocated (smothered) by loose materials. For example, you are
working in a trench and the sides collapse.
• Not enough air to breathe properly

You have arrived on site and are about to start work. There are hazards (dangers) you might run
into when doing the task. What are some examples of hazards you must plan for?
INDOOR HAZARDS
• Overhead service lines
• Doorways area with poor lighting
• Other equipment working in the area
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• Dangerous materials in the work area.
• Pedestrians
• Obstructions
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OUTDOOR HAZARDS
• Surrounding buildings
• Powerlines or overhead service lines.
• Pavement obstructions
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• Railway crossings
• Pedestrians
• Other plant and equipment
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• Trees
• Underground services

Risk means how likely it is somebody may be hurt or killed by a hazard. What questions do you
need to ask when assessing the risk?
• What controls are in place?

• Do controls work?
• Can you do it a safer way?

QUESTION 27(PC 1.3)

What environmental challenges should you be careful of when working?
• Asbestos from old buildings

• Damage to underground services
• Noise
• Fire
• Air pollution
• Damage to plants and trees
• Soil damage and erosion
• Leaking fuels
Working at heights
Chapter review questions
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PL
QUESTION 28 (PC 1.1, 1.4)
Lots of items need to be put up or fixed at heights. What are some of these?
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• Signs and billboards

• TV and phone systems
• Roof and wall insulation
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• Solar heating
• Air conditioning
• Roof fans
• Gutter guards
• Spouting and down pipes

What are some other types of work people might do at heights?
• Pest control
• Prune trees
• Painting plumbing or electrical work
• Building and construction
• Working on mezzanine floors
• telecommunications


What are some of the hazards when working at heights?
• Falling
• Weather such as lightening, wind and sun glare
• Falling through a brittle roof
• Dropping tools or equipment
• Powerlines
• Carrying material or equipment while on a ladder
• The structure you are working on might collapse
• Something falling on you from above.

When you fall, you can be injured or killed from the force of stopping (like hitting the ground), or
from hitting something as you fall. What is a safe distance to fall?
There is no safe distance. People can be hurt or killed by falls from a small height. The
further you fall, the more likely it is that you will be hurt or killed.
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When do you need to use a fall prevention system?
When there is a chance someone could get injured by falling. Even if they could only fall a
small distance you must think of ways to eliminate or reduce the risk.
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QUESTION 33 (A) (PC 1.3, 1.4)

Even if you can’t fall very far you must think of ways to work safer. You are putting up plaster using
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stilts. How can you do this job more safely?
For example, you could use a split-headed trestle scaffold.
QUESTION 33 (B) (PC 1.3, 4.1)

You are working on some pipes on the top rung of a step ladder. How can you do this job more
safely?
For example, use a step platform.

If you jumped from a height of 1.5 metres you may not get injured. If you fell from a height of 1.5
metres you would probably get injured. Why is this?
When you jump, you are ready for the jump and landing. If you fall you are not ready. You
could land badly and get injured. This is why you must plan to prevent falls.


You need to do a job working at heights. Why do you need to check the rules for your worksite?
Some work sites have their own rules on the PPE and equipment you must use when you
work at heights.
They may also have rules on the height you are allowed to work without fall protection
equipment.

Why do you need to be careful when you are working next to a trench or opening?
You could fall further and get injured.

For example, you are working from a height of 0.7 metres, but you are next to a 1.4 metre
deep trench. You could fall 2.1 metres.
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What are the 2 main causes of death when working at heights?
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• Falling from heights
• Falling objects hitting people
QUESTION 38 (PC 1.1, 1.6, 2.5, 3.4)

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You will be working up high. What are some things you need to think about when planning for the
job?
• How will people access the area?
• How will you move tools and equipment to the area?
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• Are there any guard railings, or other safety barriers needed?

When working at heights, what are some ways to move equipment to and from the work area
safely?
• Hoists
• Scaffolds
• Chain blocks
• Elevating work platforms (EWP)
• Cranes
• Conveyors or chutes


Sometimes you will need to arrange for someone with a licence to put up equipment. What
equipment might you need a licensed person to put up?
• Scaffolding over 4 metres high

• Industrial safety nets
• Perimeter screens
• Static lines
• Anchor points

When someone else is going to put up equipment, what do you need to tell them?
• How long you need the equipment

• The type of work that you will be doing
• The load (weight) that will be on the equipment
• Any other safety or site issues they need to know about
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What are some of the tools you might use when working at heights?
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• Hand tools
• Cordless tools
• Power tools (like circular saws, or hammer drills)
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• Air tools (like nail guns or rattle guns)

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You are working up high using air tools. What is the safest way of running air hoses?
Make sure you run them on stands, off the ground. Otherwise they can trip someone over.

Why must you be careful when passing tools and equipment to other workers when working at
heights?
Because you could drop them on people below.

People can be hurt or killed from objects falling from above. What are some ways to stop tools
falling?
• Use perimeter screens.
• Use brick guards on scaffolds.
• Use a tool belt for small pieces of equipment such as bolts, nuts and washers.
• Use wrist straps for larger tools like hammers.
• Keep any tools in a toolbox when you are not using them.
• Make sure you stack tools and materials away from edges where they could fall.


People can be hurt or killed from objects falling from above. What are some ways to keep people
safe below the work area?
• Scaffolding, hoarding or gantry.
• Barricades or safety fences to protect people.
• Flashing yellow hazard lights to warn people.
• Warning signs.
• Traffic control such as witches hats.
• A flag person to control traffic.

Why must you regularly check your safety system?
To make sure it is still safe and works properly.

Why must you check your risk control measures once they are in place?
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To make sure that they are working and keeping people safe.
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You start a job, but then the type of work, site conditions or weather changes. Why do you need
to recheck your safety controls?
To make sure that they still work for the changed conditions.
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Which Acts and Regulations (laws) apply to working at heights?
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• National Work Health and Safety Act 2012

• National Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012

Which codes of practice directly apply to working at heights?
• National Work Health and Safety Act 2012

• National Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012
• Managing the risk of falls at workplaces - National Code of Practice March 2015
• Preventing Falls in Housing Construction

Which Australian Standards apply to working at heights?
• AS 6001 – Working platforms for housing construction
• AS 1657– Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders - Design, construction and
installation
• AS 2550 – Cranes, hoists and winches - Safe use Set
• AS 1891 – Industrial fall arrest systems and devices

• AS 1576 – Metal scaffolding (known as the SAA Metal Scaffolding Code)

• AS/NZS 4576 – Guidelines for scaffolding
Prevention of falls hierarchy

of control measures
You must follow some steps when you plan how to get rid
of or reduce the fall risk.
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The pyramid shows the five steps in the ‘Prevention of falls hierarchy’ in order from the best
choice of control to the last.
Step 1 – Work on the ground or a solid platform


The first step in the working from heights hierarchy of controls is ‘work on the ground or a solid
platform’. What must a ‘solid platform’ have?
• A surface strong enough to support the people and equipment that will be working on it.
• An even surface, which is not too steep (less than 7o) or slippery. It must have grip and
be easy to walk around.
• A safe way to get on and off.
• Barriers around the edges to stop people from falling off.


Think about the following types of work. How could you do the work from the ground?
• Get a ball out of a gutter = Use ball retrieval equipment.
• Pruning hedges or trees = Use a long handled hedger or pole pruners.
• Removing leaves from a gutter = Use a long handled cleaning device. Install a gutter guard.
Use a blower or pressure washer. Install the air conditioner on the ground instead of
mounting it up high.
• Install an air conditioner = Install the air conditioner on the ground instead of mounting it
up high.
• Inspect a roof for pests = use infrared devices to scan the roof cavities, ceilings and walls.

What is a fall protection cover?
A cover-over which is fixed over holes or openings to stop people falling through. They are
usually made of timber, plywood, metal sheeting, or mesh.
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How strong should a fall protection cover be?
Strong enough to hold the weight of a person falling.

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Can you work on a fall protection cover made of steel mesh?
No. Mesh fall protection covers should have another cover over the top to stop tools falling
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through.

Why do you need a sign on a fall protection cover? What should it say?
To warn people that there is a hole underneath. It should say ‘danger hole beneath’.

Step 2 – Passive fall

prevention devices

Passive fall prevention equipment stops you from being able to fall from an edge or through a
hole. Name some passive fall prevention devices.
• Perimeter screens
• Scaffolds
• Temporary work platforms – such as scissor lifts, cherry-pickers, workboxes, or EWPs.
• Guard railing
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• Roof safety mesh
• Step platforms
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• Trench protection
• Workboxes

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Do you need a licence to put up perimeter screens?
Yes. You must have a rigging licence.

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What do workers need to understand before working on a scaffold?
• To keep platforms clear so that they are easy to move around.

• Scaffolds with a defect (problem) must not be used. Your trainer may give you more
information on what defects to look for.
• Not to change the scaffold in any way.
• How much weight the scaffold can hold in each bay.
• Scaffolding should have a tag. The tag tells you what it can be used for and if it is
safe.
• You need two (2) planks wide for access. You need at least three (3) planks wide for
materials.


What do workers need to understand before working with a mobile scaffold?
• The scaffold must be level and plumb. The wheels must be locked.
• Keep away from open holes, powerlines or edges.
• Do not move the scaffold if someone is working on it.
• Never enter from the outside. Always use the internal ladders.

Scaffolding is usually rated as light, medium, or heavy duty. How much weight per bay can a light,
medium and heavy duty scaffold hold?
• Light = up to 225 kg per bay. You can use light scaffolding for plastering, painting, electrical
and other light work.
• Medium = up to 450 kg per bay. You can use these for general trades work.
• Heavy = up to 675 kg per bay. You can use these for bricklaying, concreting and other heavy
work.
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You need to add up how much weight the scaffold will hold. What items do you need to think
about?
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People + equipment + materials + tools

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Scaffolding must be put up by people who have been trained how to do it safely and properly.
When does a scaffold need to be put up by someone with a scaffold licence?
When a person or object could fall more than 4 metres.

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What three (3) things should guard railing have?
• A top rail
• 1 or more middle rails
• A toe board or kickboard

How high above the working platform should you fit a guard rail?
The guard rail should be 900-1100 millimetres above the platform. The guard rail stops you
from falling off the work platform.

What does a toe board (or kickboard) do?
Stops objects falling under the guard rail


You are going to use a toe board on a working platform. How high does the toe board need to be?
The toe board needs to be at least 150 millimetres higher than the working platform itself.
If you are putting materials on the work platform the toe board needs to be at least as high
as the materials. You may need brick guards, if you are stacking materials.

How strong does a guard rail or mid rail need to be?
Strong enough to hold the weight of a person falling

Why do you need to think about the pitch of the roof, before choosing what type of guard railing
to use?
You will slide down quicker on a roof with a higher pitch. This creates more force. You need
to make sure the guard rail can support that much force.
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You need to work on a steep roof. The roof pitch is more than 35°. Can you only use guard railing
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or a catch platform to stop you falling off?
No. You also need a system to stop you sliding down the roof.
You must also use one of the following:

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• A work positioning system.

• A roof ladder.
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• A scaffold platform located at the roof edge to work from.

You are doing work where you could either use guard railing or an EWP. Which one should you
choose?
Guard railing. Guard railing and EWPs are on the same level in the hierarchy of controls.
However guard rails don’t need adjustment or checking once they have been set up.

You are going to use an EWP. What are the main safety issues you need to think about?
• That it is designed to lift the load.

• That you use the right lifting equipment.
• That you use it properly and safely.
• That it is maintained properly.
• The operator is trained (or licensed if the EWP is over 11 metres).
• That your harness is adjusted properly and your lanyard is anchored to an approved anchor
point.
• Before you start work. You have planned for fall arrest and rescue.
• That the EWP meets Australian Standards (AS 2550.10).

Step 3 – Work positioning systems


What are the two (2) types of work positioning systems?
1. Industrial rope access system.
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2. Travel restraint system.
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What is an industrial rope access system? Who is allowed to use it?
It is a system of ropes used to gain access to an area.
You can only use it if you have successfully completed a competency based course.
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What is a travel restraint system?
You wear a harness which is connected to a lanyard. The lanyard is anchored to stop you
going near an edge where you could fall.
Sometimes the lanyard is anchored from a single anchor point, and sometimes from a
static line.
The most important thing about a travel restraint system is that you cannot reach an edge
where you could fall.

How do you safely set up a restraint system?
Before you start work. If you use a single anchor point make sure the restraint line is not
long enough that you could fall. If you use a static line make sure that you can’t reach an
edge anywhere along the static line.


In what situations would a fall restraint system not be suitable?
• If you can reach an edge where you could fall.

• If the roof slope is over 15 degrees.
• If the restraint line can be adjusted to a length where you could fall.
• If you could fall through the surface, for example, a brittle roof.

What is a static line?
A static line is a horizontal line mounted above your head. Usually they are made from
steel wire rope. To use a static line you wear a harness, and anchor from the static line
using a lanyard with a personal shock absorber.

Who is allowed to put up a static line?
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A competent person. This means someone who has had training on how to do it properly.
In some states you may need a basic rigging or basic scaffolding licence.
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SA

Step 4 – Fall arrest systems


What type of equipment makes up a fall arrest system?
• Industrial safety nets
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• Catch platforms
• Safety harness systems
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You are going to use a fall arrest system. What safety concerns do you need to think about?
• You must choose, install and use the equipment correctly.

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• You make sure fall distance is as short as possible.

• Wear head protection to protect you if you fall.
• Make sure the equipment and anchors can withstand the force that will be applied
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in a fall.
• Make sure that the equipment that has been used in a fall is not used again.
• Make sure that all equipment is tested and tagged by a competent person.

What is an industrial safety net?
A net which is put up to catch someone if they fall. They must be put up by a person with a
rigging or basic scaffolding licence.
What are some problems or situations that can stop you from using a safety net?
• Things stacked on top of the net.

• Debris, dirt and rubbish.
• Chemical damage.
• Damage from gasses or ash.
• If the net has not been set up properly.
• Scaffold bent out of shape.


What is a catch platform?
A platform which can catch you if you fall. They are usually a scaffold.

What are the main safety features of a catch platform?
• Must angle back to the working platform, or it must have extended guard railing.
• Have a fully planked deck.
• Extend 2 metres beyond the unprotected edge.
• Be set up as close to the underside of the fall area as possible. This reduces how far you
could fall.

What type of equipment makes up an individual (harness) fall arrest system?
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• Anchorages
• Lifelines
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• Inertia reels
• Lanyards
• Twin tailed lanyards
• Rail system
Harness
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•
• Rope and wire grabs
• Carabiners (double or triple action)
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• Rescue equipment
• Shock absorbers
• Snap hooks

Can you work on a harness fall arrest system by yourself?
No. You must work with someone who knows the rescue plan. They must be able to use
the equipment needed to rescue you if you fall.

When do you use static lines?
• If you are working close to an unprotected edge.

• If you are working on a slippery or sloping surface.


You are setting up a harness fall arrest system. Name some things you can’t use as an anchor
• Rocks or boulders
• Scaffolding or handrails
• Trees
• Gutters, fascias or downpipes
• Roof battens, ceiling timbers, and some roof trusses
• Window frames, aerials, or chimneys

How do you know if an anchor point is safe to use?
It has been approved by an engineer. It should be tagged. The tag should tell you how
much weight it can hold and the date it was tested.

How much weight does the anchor point need to support when it’s holding a static line for one
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person?
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The anchor point needs to support 1.5 tonnes or 15 kN. (About the weight of a medium
sized family sedan).

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How much weight does the anchor point need to support when it’s holding a static line for two
people?
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The anchor point needs to support 2.1 tonnes or 21 kN. (About the weight of a 4WD with a
family on board).

You gather speed the further you fall. This creates force. If you fall 2 metres how much force do
you create?
An unrestrained person who falls 2 metres will create approximately 20 kn or 2 tonne of

force. When suitable fall restraint is used this will reduce to about 6 kn or 600kv.

You need to design a safety harness fall arrest system. How do you calculate the fall distance?
Length of lanyard +
Length of energy (shock) absorber, when it extends +
Height of worker +
Safety factor of 1 metre


Why do you need to check the instructions that come with your fall-arrest equipment?
They tell you how to use, inspect, test, and maintain the equipment.

When you attach to a fall arrest system, how long is the lanyard (including the shock absorber)
allowed to be?
2 metres. This reduces how far you can fall.

What is the pendulum effect?
When a person falls, they may swing sideways and hit objects, buildings or the ground.
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What is swing down? What can cause swing down?
When you fall, you swing on the arrest line and hit the ground.
This is because either the lanyard is too long, or because of where you are anchored to.
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What is swing back?
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When a person falls and swings into the building structure or other objects.

If you fall and the arrest line slides on the roof edge, what can happen?
The roof can cut into the arrest line and break it.

Before you connect to a harness fall arrest system you must fill out a SWMS, risk assessment or
JSEA. What other paperwork do you need to fill out?
A working at heights rescue plan. Doing the plan makes sure you have the people,
knowledge and equipment needed to rescue someone who falls.

QUESTION 106 (PC 1.8, 4.6)

You need a rescue plan so that if someone falls you can rescue them quickly. How quickly should
you be able to rescue someone who is hanging in their harness?
As quickly as possible, but it MUST be under 5 minutes.

Any longer and they might suffer serious injury or death from suspension intolerance
(suspension trauma).

What is ‘suspension intolerance’ (suspension trauma)?
Your blood gets trapped in the muscles in your legs if you hang in a harness for too long.
The blood cannot get back to your head and heart. This makes you faint and can cause a
heart attack. If you are not rescued you may die.

Trauma straps reduce the effects of suspension intolerance (suspension trauma). How do they
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work?
They let you stand up or sit back and elevate your legs. This helps blood flow, and reduces
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suspension trauma.
Elevating the legs is one of the best ways to reduce suspension trauma.

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When you fall and are trapped what type of exercises can delay suspension intolerance?
• Elevating the knees.

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• Pumping the legs slowly.

• Using trauma straps or seat straps to stand up or sit.
• Kicking your feet off walls or objects (if available)

If you rescue someone from a fall and they are unconscious and not breathing what treatment do
you give them?
Lie them down and start CPR immediately.

Give thirty (30) compressions followed by two (2) breaths.


How can you get someone down who has fallen and is hanging in their harness?
You must choose the best method for the site you are working on. You might use:
• Rope retrieval
• Ladders
• A winch
• EWP
QUESTION 112 (PC 2.1, 2.2)

What does the label on fall arrest equipment tell you?
• Who made the equipment

• If it has an energy absorber
• The year it was made
• That it meets Australian Standards
• What it is designed for

When do you need to use a personal energy absorber?
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• In a fall arrest system, if the equipment does not have one built in.
• Never use one if the lanyard has a built in energy absorber.
• Never use one when you are using an inertia reel or retractable lanyard.
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When you use a ring (such as a D-ring), what do you need to check?
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That it is not warped, rusted or worn, and that it is the right size for the job.

Where does the webbing attach to a D-ring?
• On the straight bar.

• If the webbing is not on the straight bar the ring can spread.

What features do all carabiners need?
• Self closing gates

• Double or triple self locking type


What safety features do all snap hooks need?
You must push the safety mechanism on the back before you are able to open the gate on the front.

You are checking a snap hook and notice a red mark on the swivel connection? What would this
indicate?
The lanyard has been used in a fall arrest situation. The collapsible washer has broken. The
equipment is now faulty. Do not use it.

In this picture (Question 90, Page 110) there is a plastic guard where the snap hook joins to the
lanyard. What does this do?
It reduces how far the snap hook can move. This stops the lanyard from coming in contact
with the snap hook.
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Rollout is where a carabiner or a snap hook accidentally unhooks. How do you reduce the chance
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of rollout?
Make sure all equipment is the right shape and size to use together.
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What must you NEVER DO when connecting hooks and carabiners?
• Never use more than one hook or carabiner in a connection.

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• Never connect hooks or carabiners to something that could damage the safety line.
• Never use a connector that will not close properly over the thing you are attaching it to.
• Never connect a hook to a hook, or a carabiner to a carabiner.

What are some problems that stop you using a flexible steel wire rope (FSWR) for lifting?
Do not use the FSWR if you can see:
• Ferrule is damaged
• Loose strands (bird-caging)
• Core is collapsed
• More broken wires than are allowed
• Loose and springy wires caused by rust or corrosion
• The SWL or WLL is unreadable
• Thimble is damaged
• Damage to eyes
• High strands
• More than 10% wear
• Stretching


What are some defects that stop you using a lanyard?
• Damage on the ends, hooks or carabiners.

• It is more than 10 years old.
• Damage from hot or cold, the sun or chemicals.
• The label/tag is missing, damaged or you can’t read it.
• Abrasions (rub marks) or wear.
• Has been previously used in a fall.
• Damage on the stitching.
• Acid or solvent damage.
• The label/tag is missing, damaged or you can’t read it.

What are some faults that stop you from using a safety harness?
• Stitching is loose or frayed.
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• Webbing split, frayed or has any other damage.
• Damage from acid or solvent.
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• Abrasions (rub marks) or wear.
• Bent, stretched or damaged buckles or rings.
• Missing or unreadable labels, or more than 10 years old.
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QUESTION 125 (PC 2.2, 4.6)

You are checking your harness. When looking at the D-ring, you notice that it no longer ‘springs’
back up. There are also red marks on the hook. What does this tell you?
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The harness may have been used in a fall. Remove the tag and do not use it.

Fall arrest equipment lowers the force of a fall. What does it need to lower the force to?
600 kilograms or less. If your equipment is not rated to this do not use it.

What information do you need to check on the personal energy absorber?
• That it meets the current Australian Standards.

• The date it was manufactured.
• The length of the energy absorber when it is extended.

What does an inertia reel do?
It works like a seat belt in a car. It feeds out slowly, but stops suddenly if you fall.


How can you tell if an inertia reel has been previously used in a fall?
The snap hook will pull out of the plastic fall indicator. If you think the equipment may
have been used in a fall do not use it.

What is a self-retracting lanyard? Why would you use one?
It is a lanyard on a reel. It works like a seat belt. It feeds out slowly and this lets you work. It
will stop suddenly if you fall.

You are using a self-retracting lanyard. It has a small built in energy absorber. Do you also need to
use a personal energy absorber?
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No. They are designed to stop you quickly, and the built in energy absorber will work fine.
If you add another energy absorber your fall arrest system won’t work properly.
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Can you attach a retractable lanyard directly to a harness?
Yes. Retractable lanyards are designed to connect from the anchor point directly to the
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user. Always check the instructions that come with your equipment.
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Do you mount an inertia reel above or below head height?
Above. Inertia reels won’t work if they are not above you.

At what angle does an inertia reel need to work?
You should always check the instructions that come with your inertia reel. The instructions
will tell you at what angle it will work safely.

Why can’t the retractable lanyard contact other objects?
Because it won’t work properly if you fall. It may continue to feed out instead of stopping.


What are some of the things that twin tailed lanyards let you do?
• Connect from a ladder to a restraint line.

• Stay connected around intermediate anchor points.
• Connect from one static line to another.

How do you climb a ladder using a twin tail lanyard setup?
• Hook the lanyard to the chest hook on your harness.

• Clip the hooks to the ladder rungs at hand level.
• Make sure you are always connected by at least one of the hooks.
• Maintain three (3) points of contact on the ladder at all times.
• As you climb, unclip one of the hooks and place it on the ladder rung you are about to
move up to.
E
What does the ‘pelvic strap’ on your harness do?
It stops your legs from spreading too far if you fall. If your harness doesn’t have a pelvic
PL
strap you could break your pelvis. Always use a harness with a pelvic strap.
QUESTION 139 (PC 2.2, 3.1)

Why should your harness fit and be adjusted properly?
M
Because your harness could pull up into your groin area under great force.
SA
QUESTION 140 (PC 2.2, 3.1)

What is the correct method of fitting a full body harness?
The usual steps are:
1. Locate the D-ring on the back.

2. Put arms through.
3. Do up the belt.
4. Do up the leg straps.
5. Connect the chest strap.
6. Adjust the waist belt.
7. Semi-squat and adjust leg straps. Do them at the same time AND to the same length.
8. Adjust the shoulder straps. They should be the same length.
9. Adjust chest strap.

QUESTION 141 (PC 2.2, 3.1)

What is the ‘open hand – closed hand’ method of adjusting your leg straps on your harness?
• You should not be able to put a closed hand between the harness and your leg straps.
• You should be able to put your open hand between the harness and your leg strap.

What type of carabiner must be used when attaching a lanyard to a harness?
A double or triple action self-locking type.

Why must you re-check and adjust your fall equipment while you work?
To make sure the equipment is still in good condition and safe.

You have found some unsafe equipment that is damaged or worn. What do you have to do?
E
Remove the tag and separate it from the good equipment. You can also add a warning
PL
tag.
• Report the problem to a supervisor.
• Try to have the equipment fixed by the manufacturer, or get it destroyed.
M
SA

Step 5 – Ladders and administrative measures

QUESTION 145 (PC 2.2, 5.3)

What are some safety problems that stop you from using a ladder?
• Bent, twisted, kinked or damaged welds or feet on metal stiles.

• Cracked, bruised, splintered or out of shape timber stiles.
E
• Worn, broken or missing ropes, brackets and bracers.
• The ladder is painted.
PL
• Loose, damaged or missing steps, rungs and top plates.
• The ladder is not strong enough. All ladders must be rated to 120 kilograms (heavy duty).

M
What sort of ladder would you use for electrical work?
You must use a fibreglass ladder which cannot conduct electricity.

SA
QUESTION 147 (PC 2.1, 2.2)

If you use a ladder, the employer must reduce the risk of a fall. What 3 things does the law say the
employer must make sure of?
• The ladder is fit for the job. For example, the right height for the work you are doing.
• The ladder is appropriate. For example, you cannot use a metal ladder for electrical work.
The appropriate ladder would be fibreglass.
• The ladder is set up correctly. For example, it must be properly secured top and bottom,
have the right amount of overhang, be stable, etc.


When you set up a ladder, you must stop it from slipping. What things do you need to do?
• Keep at least 1000 mm overhang at top.

• Set up on a solid stable surface.
• Make sure the ladder has non-slip feet.
• Secure the bottom.
• Use the 4-1 rule. If the ladder is 4 metres high the base should be 1 metre away.
• Secure the top.

What is the safest way to get tools to the top of a ladder?
Do not carry them up the ladder. Hoist them up in a bucket.

How do you safely climb a ladder?
• Always face the ladder.
E
• Before climbing, test by jumping on the bottom rung.
• Keep ground clear at the bottom.
PL
• Always keep three (3) points of contact on the ladder.
QUESTION 151 (PC 4.4, 4.6)

What are some things it is not safe to do when using a ladder?
M
• Never use or move ladders where they could hit power lines.
• Never using metal ladders when doing electrical work.
• Never set-up ladders where they could get hit. For example, near doorways or driveways.
SA
• Never use a step ladder near the edge of an open floor or hole.
• Never over-reach. Your body should always be inside the ladder.
• Never use tools that need two hands to operate. For example, grinders or cutting saws.
• Never use tools you have to use your body weight to lever. For example, pinch bars.
• Never carry out welding or oxy cutting.
• Never work over other people.
• Never allow someone else on the ladder.
• Never carry heavy tools or equipment.
• Never face the wrong way going up or down a ladder.

What are some types of administrative measures you could use to keep people safe when working
from heights?
• No go areas.
• Permit systems.
• The order the work is done.
• SWMS, JSEAs or risk assessments.
• Any other safe work procedures or training.


How does a no go area keep people safe?
It keeps people away from the area where they could get injured.
For example, it might keep you out of an area where you could get hit by falling tools or
equipment. Or it may keep you away from an edge where you could fall.

How can a permit system keep you safe?
Only people who have been trained (and have a permit) can go near the hazard. These
people know about the hazard and how to work safely near it.

How can organising people when the work gets done keep people safe?
It stops too many people working in the area at the same time. You should get rid of the
need for people to work above other people if you can.
E
PL
What other administrative measures (safe work procedures) can you think of that help keep
people safe? Use examples not already mentioned in this guide.
You will discuss your answers with your trainer.

M

You are using administrative controls as the only way of controlling a fall hazard which is 2 metres
high. Why do you need to document this?
SA
You are required to by law. You must keep records to show that you thought about other
ways to do the work safely. You must keep your records until the work is completed. A
JSEA or SWMS would be a good record.

Clean up

When removing scaffolding, what hazards do you need
to plan for?
• Dropping tools or equipment.

• Falling from an unprotected edge.
E
• Moving equipment from the scaffold safely to the ground.
• Making sure workers and pedestrians are safe.
• Safe ways of entering or exiting the work area.
PL
• Don’t leave equipment where it could cause a tripping hazard.
• Only an experienced competent person should set up scaffolding.

M
Where should you store your harness fall protection equipment?
• In a cool dry place, away from moisture, humidity, heat and chemicals.
SA

Why should you clear the work area and dispose of materials?
• To leave the area clear and free of hazards.

You should clean and maintain the plant and equipment. After inspecting them what should you
do if you find any faults?
• Fix the faults if you can and / or report them to the relevant person / people.

Why it is important to make sure your fall protection equipment is clean after use?
• Because dirt, paints, or solvents can damage the equipment.

Practical task 4 –
Clean up work area
(PC 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4)
Overview of this training task:
Students will work in groups of 3-5 plan. The aim of this task is to clean up and pack away equipment
according to work procedures.
Before starting this task students should complete the following chapters and practical tasks:
• Work on the ground or a solid platform
• Passive fall prevention devices
• Work positioning systems
• Fall arrest systems
• Practical task 1
E
Each student will need:
• Tour of the work area
PL
• Description of work
• Pen and Paper
• Any necessary rescue or working at heights equipment
• A harness
M
What you do:

• Consult with relevant personnel to ensure safety system is dismantled and removed
SA
according to workplace procedures

• Clear work area and dispose of materials
• Clean and maintain the plant and equipment, inspect for ensure serviceability and rectify
or report any faults or issues to relevant personnel
• Process written maintenance records according to workplace procedures
• Sign off the students’ work once complete.

Descriptions of Work
You must give the students a description of a type of work they would be performing. You can
give one of the following examples, or you can write your own. It is up to you as the trainer to
decide which work situation most suits your learners, or your training environment. You can print
these out, give verbal examples, or write them on the board.
Description of work 1: Painting

You will be painting a large ‘No go area’ on the work area. You will need to clean the area down
with degreaser, stencil out the ‘No Go Area’ text with masking tape and paint it in 2 pack paint.
You will need approximately 40 litres of paint to do the job.
E
Description of work 2: Plumbing
You will be repairing some storm water pipes on the upper level. You will need to replace a 3metre
PL
section of pipe which has been damaged. You will need to take any pipes, primer, glue, fittings etc
to the work area.
M
Description of work 3: Construction Metal Work

Pre-engineered mounting brackets need to be welded to an existing beam. The beam has been
SA
galvanised so it must be grinded around the area to be welded first. You will need to take the
grinder and welder to the work area.
Description of work 4: Telecommunications

You will be accessing the area to install a satellite dish weighing 45kg. You will need to install and
position the dish, and run cabling through down to the ground level to connect to the television.
The dish will need to be bolted solidly to the structure and the cable needs to be tied off every
700mm.

Your Workbook score
Knowledge Questions
Correct answers: / 163
Percentage:
Result (circle): Satisfactory Not satisfactory

[150 correct questions must be
achieved for a Satisfactory
result.]
Practical Tasks
Result (circle): Satisfactory Not satisfactory
[All 3 tasks must be completed to
a satisfactory level.]
Trainer/supervisor name:
E
PL
Trainer/supervisor ID:
Signature:
Assessor comments to clarify assessment results:
M
SA
Speak to the candidate if they have any questions about their results or you would like to give them feedback.

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RIIWHS204E Work Safely at Heights -Trainer’s Marking Guide

Work Safely at Heights

© Easy Guides Australia Pty Ltd 1

The Review Questions can be done in two ways:

Prevention of falls hierarchy of control measures

Step 3 – Work positioning systems

© Easy Guides Australia Pty Ltd Edition 2: Version 2 – October 2020 3

QUESTION 24 (PC 1.3)

• Fire or explosion from gasses

QUESTION 25 (PC 1.3)

QUESTION 26 (PC 1.3)

• What controls are in place?

© Easy Guides Australia Pty Ltd Edition 2: Version 2 – October 2020 9

QUESTION 27(PC 1.3)

• Asbestos from old buildings

• Signs and billboards

QUESTION 29 (PC 1.1, 1.4)

© Easy Guides Australia Pty Ltd Edition 2: Version 2 – October 2020 10

QUESTION 30 (PC 1.3, 1.6)

QUESTION 31 (PC 1.3, 4.6)

QUESTION 32 (PC 4.5)

QUESTION 33 (A) (PC 1.3, 1.4)

stilts. How can you do this job more safely?

For example, you could use a split-headed trestle scaffold.

QUESTION 33 (B) (PC 1.3, 4.1)

QUESTION 34 (PC 3.2)

© Easy Guides Australia Pty Ltd Edition 2: Version 2 – October 2020 11

QUESTION 35 (PC 1.1, 4.1)

QUESTION 36 (PC 1.3)

You could fall further and get injured.

QUESTION 37 (PC 3.4, 4.7)

QUESTION 38 (PC 1.1, 1.6, 2.5, 3.4)

• Are there any guard railings, or other safety barriers needed?

QUESTION 39 (PC 4.3, 4.4)

© Easy Guides Australia Pty Ltd Edition 2: Version 2 – October 2020 12

QUESTION 40 (PC 1.1, 3.2)

• Scaffolding over 4 metres high

QUESTION 41 (PC 3.1)

• How long you need the equipment

QUESTION 42 (PC 1.6, 3.4)

• Air tools (like nail guns or rattle guns)

QUESTION 43 (PC 3.4)

QUESTION 44 (PC 3.4)

Because you could drop them on people below.

QUESTION 45 (PC 3.4)

© Easy Guides Australia Pty Ltd Edition 2: Version 2 – October 2020 13

QUESTION 46 (PC 1.3, 3.4)

QUESTION 47 (PC 4.5)

To make sure it is still safe and works properly.

QUESTION 48 (PC 4.5, 4.7)

QUESTION 50 (PC 1.5)

• National Work Health and Safety Act 2012

QUESTION 51 (PC 1.5)

• National Work Health and Safety Act 2012

QUESTION 52 (PC 1.5)

© Easy Guides Australia Pty Ltd Edition 2: Version 2 – October 2020 14

• AS 1576 – Metal scaffolding (known as the SAA Metal Scaffolding Code)

Prevention of falls hierarchy

Step 1 – Work on the ground or a solid platform

QUESTION 53 (PC 4.1)

© Easy Guides Australia Pty Ltd Edition 2: Version 2 – October 2020 15

QUESTION 54 (PC 4.1)

QUESTION 55 (PC 2.2)

QUESTION 56 (PC 2.2)