Safety on Raised Platforms

15 Grade 9 Pre-Technical Studies questions on Safety on Raised Platforms, with worked marking schemes. 15 questions are available on this topic in full.

1. Question 1

   2 marks

   A learner suggests that only one person should be on a small mobile platform at a time. Give two reasons that justify this rule.

   (2 marks)

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2. Question 2

   1 mark

   A worker notices that the planks on a raised working platform are cracked. The correct action is to

   A. step carefully around the cracks

   B. use the platform only for light work

   C. report and replace the planks before use

   D. cover the cracks with paper and continue

   (1 mark)

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3. Question 3

   1 mark

   A toe board is fitted along the edge of a raised platform mainly to

   A. mark where painting should stop

   B. hold the guardrail in place

   C. give workers something to stand on

   D. stop tools and materials from sliding off and falling on people below

   (1 mark)

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4. Question 4

   2 marks

   Explain why regular inspection of a raised platform is important before it is used.

   (2 marks)

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5. Question 5

   4 marks

   Jane is asked to paint the upper wall of a classroom using a scaffold.

   (a) Identify two hazards she may face while working on the scaffold.

   (b) For each hazard, suggest one way of controlling it.

   (4 marks)

   Marking scheme

   (a) Two hazards (1 mark each): falling from height; being struck by falling tools/materials; scaffold collapsing/tipping over; slipping on a wet platform. (b) Matching controls (1 mark each): fall - wear a harness/provide guardrails; falling objects - fit toe boards/keep tools in a bag; collapse - erect on firm level ground and inspect before use; slipping - keep the platform dry and wear non-slip footwear.

6. Question 6

   1 mark

   A learner is sent to repaint the upper walls of a school workshop using a wooden ladder leaning against the wall. Before climbing, the workshop teacher insists the ladder be placed at the correct angle. Which is the recommended safe angle of inclination for a leaning ladder?

   A. About 30 degrees to the horizontal

   B. About 75 degrees to the horizontal (1 out, 4 up ratio)

   C. About 90 degrees (vertical) to the wall

   D. About 45 degrees to the horizontal

   (1 mark)

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7. Question 7

   1 mark

   Which of the following ladders would be SAFEST for reaching a light fitting on a high wall in a school hall?

   A. A ladder placed at an angle of about 75 degrees on firm, level ground

   B. A short stool balanced on a table

   C. A ladder resting against a glass window

   D. A ladder leaning at a very steep angle on loose soil

   (1 mark)

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8. Question 8

   3 marks

   A group of learners want to reach items stored on a high shelf. Outline three factors they should consider when selecting a ladder for the task.

   (3 marks)

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9. Question 9

   6 marks

   A learner is sent to clean windows while standing on a raised platform (scaffold) during a school practical activity.

   (a) Give TWO safety measures the learner should observe while working on the raised platform. (4 marks)

   (b) State ONE item of personal protective equipment suitable for working at a height. (2 marks)

   (6 marks)

   Marking scheme

   (a) Any TWO of (2 marks each): ensure the platform/scaffold is firm, stable and well secured before climbing; do not overload the platform beyond its safe capacity; use guard rails/barriers to prevent falling; keep the platform free of tools, water and clutter to avoid slipping; do not lean or overreach while on the platform; ensure ladders are placed on firm level ground at the correct angle; never work on a raised platform in strong wind or wet conditions. (Total 4 marks) (b) Any ONE of: safety harness (fall-arrest harness with lanyard); non-slip safety boots/shoes; safety helmet (hard hat). (2 marks)

10. Question 10

    1 mark

    Before allowing learners to climb onto a raised platform in the workshop, the teacher inspects the guardrails. The MAIN purpose of a guardrail on a raised platform is to

    A. support the weight of the platform

    B. provide a place to hang tools

    C. prevent people from falling off the edge

    D. improve the appearance of the platform

    (1 mark)

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11. Question 11

    1 mark

    Which condition would make working on a raised platform outdoors MOST unsafe?

    A. A cool, dry morning

    B. Bright, calm sunshine

    C. Light cloud cover

    D. Strong winds and heavy rain

    (1 mark)

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12. Question 12

    3 marks

    State three safety measures a technician should observe when working on a raised platform in the workshop.

    (3 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Any three (1 mark each): wear a safety harness attached to a firm anchor point; ensure the platform has guardrails and toe boards; check the platform is firm, level and can bear the load; do not overload the platform with people/materials; keep the platform free of loose tools/materials; avoid working in bad weather (wind/rain); use a well-secured ladder to climb up and down.

13. Question 13

    1 mark

    A carpenter is working on a scaffold two storeys above the ground. Which piece of personal protective equipment is MOST essential to prevent injury from a fall?

    A. A dust mask

    B. A pair of cotton gloves

    C. Reflective overalls

    D. A full-body safety harness attached to an anchor point

    (1 mark)

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14. Question 14

    1 mark

    A technician must work on scaffolding to repair a high wall in the school. Which practice BEST ensures the technician's safety while working at this height?

    A. Removing the guard rails to move freely

    B. Climbing without checking the platform

    C. Wearing a safety harness attached to a secure anchor point

    D. Carrying all heavy tools in the hands while climbing

    (1 mark)

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15. Question 15

    6 marks

    A learner has been asked to clean high windows in the school and intends to stand on a ladder placed against the wall.

    (a) State TWO safety measures the learner should observe when working on the ladder. (4 marks)

    (b) Give ONE reason why a person should not work alone on a raised platform. (2 marks)

    (6 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) Safety measures (any TWO, 2 marks each): - Place the ladder on firm, level ground and lean it at a safe angle (about 75 degrees, that is 1 unit out for every 4 units up) so it does not slide out at the base or tip backwards. - Have someone hold or foot the base of the ladder, or secure/tie the ladder at the top so it cannot slip or fall. - Maintain three points of contact (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand) and do not over-reach beyond the sides of the ladder; wear suitable non-slip footwear. (b) A second person can hold the ladder steady and, in case of a fall, slip or other accident, can raise the alarm and get help quickly. (2 marks)

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