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Working at Heights study guide: key rules on all 12 topics

Free Working at Heights study guide: 159 key points from the Working at Heights Training Program Standard (Chief Prevention Officer, Ontario) in plain words, organised by topic, each topic linked to its practice questions.

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This study guide collects our notes on every topic of the Ontario Working at Heights Training — Written Test on one page: 159 short points in our own words, grouped by topic and by handbook section. Read it from top to bottom before your first practice test, or jump to a topic from the list below.

Each topic ends with a link to its practice questions, so you can check what you just read straight away, and a link to the official chapter for the full wording. The notes summarise the Working at Heights Training Program Standard (Chief Prevention Officer, Ontario) from the Chief Prevention Officer, Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development — Working at Heights Training Program Standard; they do not replace it, and where our notes and the official source differ, the official source wins.

Study these notes as flashcards →

Who needs working at heights training

Who must take approved training, the two modules, minimum hours, the 75 per cent written test, three-year validity, refresher training, records and proof.

Practise Who needs working at heights training questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

working at heights training on construction projects

  • An employer must ensure that a worker who may use a travel restraint system, fall restricting system, fall arrest system, safety net, work belt or safety belt on a construction project has successfully completed an approved working at heights training program.
  • The program must be approved by the Chief Prevention Officer (CPO) and delivered by a CPO-approved training provider.
  • Fall protection training approved in Newfoundland and Labrador (WorkplaceNL) is also accepted while valid.
  • Training is valid for three years from the date of successful completion.
  • Workers directly employed by an automobile manufacturer on a project at its own automotive workplace are exempt.
  • The employer keeps a training record: worker's name, approved provider's name, completion date and program name; a CPO proof of completion counts as a record. The record must be shown to an inspector on request.
  • The working at heights training is in addition to the site-specific training required by O. Reg. 213/91 s. 26.2.

site-specific training

  • A worker who may use a fall protection system must be adequately trained in its use and given adequate oral and written instructions by a competent person.
  • The trainer prepares and signs a written record with the worker's name and training dates, available to an inspector on request.

Working at Heights Training Program Standard (CPO)

  • Two modules: Basic Theory and Practical. The Basic Theory module must be completed before the Practical module.
  • Minimum classroom hours: Basic Theory 3 hours; Practical 3.5 hours. The maximum learner-to-instructor ratio is 12 to 1.
  • eLearning or live distance learning is allowed only for Basic Theory (with access to a qualified instructor); the Practical module must be in person.
  • Practical equipment ratio is at least one set for every three learners; learners get hands-on practice with harnesses, lanyards, lifelines, rope grabs, carabiners and anchors.
  • A written test is given at the end of each module or of the whole program; learners need at least 75 per cent, and the evaluator reviews incorrect answers with the learner.
  • Demonstration outcomes (fall clearance calculation, equipment inspection, donning and doffing a harness, maintaining tie-off) must each be performed satisfactorily.
  • Refresher training = successfully completing the Practical module again, which renews validity for three years; only workers who completed both modules are eligible.
  • Employers must add workplace-specific information, instruction and training on their own procedures and equipment.

Training for working at heights

  • Proof: a completion record issued by the CPO or an approved provider, or confirmation through the ministry's certification management system with the worker's consent.
  • Workers do not need to retake training when changing employers if their training is still valid.
  • Employers should also confirm the provider was approved by the CPO at the time of training.

Roles, rights and responsibilities

Duties of employers, constructors, supervisors, suppliers and workers for work at heights, the three worker rights, reporting fall hazards and site-specific training.

Practise Roles, rights and responsibilities questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

duties

  • Constructor (s. 23): ensures the Act and regulations are followed on the project by every employer and worker, and that workers' health and safety is protected.
  • Employer (s. 25): provides and maintains equipment and protective devices, gives information, instruction and supervision, appoints competent supervisors and takes every reasonable precaution.
  • Supervisor (s. 27): ensures workers use the required protective devices, advises them of dangers and takes every reasonable precaution.
  • Worker (s. 28): uses the protective equipment the employer requires and reports missing or defective equipment and any hazard to the employer or supervisor.
  • Supplier of rented or leased equipment (s. 31): ensures it is in good condition and complies with the law.

Working at Heights Training Program Standard 9.1.1

  • Workers have three rights: to know, to participate and to refuse unsafe work.
  • All workers must report to their supervisor or employer any fall hazard, or any defect in fall prevention or protection equipment, that may endanger them or another worker.
  • The legislative framework is covered in the mandatory basic awareness training every worker receives (O. Reg. 297/13).
  • All workers who work at heights on construction projects must also receive site-specific training from the employer.

Right to refuse (OHSA s. 43)

  • A worker may refuse work they have reason to believe is likely to endanger them, such as working at an unprotected edge with no fall protection, and must report it to the supervisor or employer for investigation.

Recognizing fall hazards

When Ontario's construction fall protection rules apply, falls into machinery, water or openings, fragile surfaces and skylights, how fast a fall happens, and safe work plans.

Practise Recognizing fall hazards questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

when fall protection rules apply on construction projects

  • Sections 26.1 to 26.9 apply where a worker may be exposed to: falling more than 3 metres; falling more than 1.2 metres if the work area is used as a path for a wheelbarrow or similar equipment; falling into operating machinery; falling into water or another liquid; falling into or onto a hazardous substance or object; or falling through an opening in a work surface.
  • A guardrail is required at the open edge of a floor, mezzanine, balcony, bridge, roof with formwork, scaffold or other work platform, runway or ramp where a worker may fall 2.4 metres or more (s. 26.3(1)).

Working at Heights Training Program Standard 9.1.2

  • Learners must recognize hazards of working at heights, including skylights, fragile work surfaces and work over water, machinery, electrical equipment, hazardous substances or objects.
  • Falls from heights cause serious injuries and deaths and affect families, co-workers, morale and the employer's reputation.
  • Safe work plans identify potential fall hazards and must be communicated to workers and supervisors.

An Introduction to Personal Fall Protection Equipment

  • Many workers believe they have time to regain their balance; this is not true. In about half a second a person falls about 1.2 m (4 ft); in one second about 5 m (16 ft); in two seconds about 20 m (64 ft).
  • B.C.'s regulation requires fall protection at 3 m (10 ft) or more, or where a lower fall could cause serious injury.

Choosing protection: the hierarchy

Eliminating the hazard first, guardrails before personal equipment, Ontario's ranking of travel restraint, fall restricting, fall arrest and safety nets, and the limits of PPE.

Practise Choosing protection: the hierarchy questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

required order of protection

  • A worker exposed to a fall hazard under s. 26 must be protected by a guardrail system meeting s. 26.3.
  • Only if a guardrail is not practicable, the worker is protected by the highest-ranked practicable method: 1. travel restraint system; 2. fall restricting system; 3. fall arrest system; 4. safety net.
  • Components must be designed by an engineer to good engineering practice and meet the applicable CSA Z259 standards (body belts, fall arresters and vertical lifelines, self-retracting devices, descent control devices, full body harnesses, energy absorbers and lanyards, connecting components).
  • Before any worker uses a fall arrest system or safety net, the employer must have written rescue procedures (s. 26.1(4)).
  • Where drowning is possible and neither guardrails nor fall protection are reasonably possible, the worker wears a lifejacket or personal flotation device (s. 27).

Working at Heights Training Program Standard 9.1.3

  • Learners apply the hierarchy of controls (elimination, substitution, isolation, engineering, administration, PPE) to choose the preferred way to work at heights.
  • Personal protective equipment has limitations: it does not remove the hazard and depends on correct selection, fit, inspection and use.

CCOHS and WorkSafeBC examples

  • Elimination example (CCOHS): using a reach pole to wash windows from the ground removes work at heights.
  • Fall restraint systems keep you from falling (travel restriction, work positioning); fall arrest systems stop you after you fall. Consider guardrails or barriers first; they give a high degree of protection once installed (WorkSafeBC).

Guardrails, coverings and barriers

Guardrail heights, rails, toe boards, loads and post spacing, wood and wire rope guardrails, covers over openings, temporary removal, roof barriers and drowning hazards.

Practise Guardrails, coverings and barriers questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

guardrail specifications

  • A guardrail has a top rail, an intermediate rail and a toe board.
  • The top of the guardrail is at least 0.9 m and not more than 1.1 m above the surface.
  • The intermediate rail is midway between the top rail and the toe board; it may be replaced by material that can withstand a 450 N point load.
  • The toe board is at least 89 mm high.
  • At the perimeter of a work surface, the guardrail is no more than 300 mm from the edge.
  • Loads it must resist: 675 N lateral on the top rail; 450 N downward on the top rail; 450 N on the intermediate rail; 225 N lateral on the toe board.
  • Posts may be more than 2.4 m apart only if the system resists proportionally greater loads.
  • Wood guardrails: spruce, pine or fir of construction grade, no splinters or protruding nails, posts and rails at least 38 mm by 89 mm, posts no more than 2.4 m apart.
  • Wire rope guardrails: rope at least 10 mm in diameter kept taut by a turnbuckle; vertical separators no more than 2.4 m apart and horizontal supports no more than 9 m apart; deflection must not extend beyond the edge.

Openings and temporary removal

  • An opening in a work surface needs a guardrail or a protective covering that completely covers it, is securely fastened, is identified as covering an opening, and can support at least 2.4 kN per square metre.
  • A guardrail or covering may be removed temporarily to work at the opening if workers are adequately protected and warning signs are posted.

Roofs and water

  • On a built-up roof being constructed, repaired or resurfaced, a barrier is placed in the immediate work area at least 2 m from the roof perimeter (s. 207).
  • Where a worker may drown: at least two workers trained in rescue, rescue equipment on or near the project (a seaworthy boat with a lifebuoy on a buoyant line at least 15 m long, a boat hook, and an alarm), and all workers told the rescue procedures (s. 27).

Program standard 9.1.4–9.1.5

  • Learners describe warning methods and physical barriers, the uses of permanent and temporary guardrails, bump lines and safety nets and their limitations, and precautions when installing, moving or removing guardrails or coverings.

Ladders

Portable ladder grades, set-up angle, extension above the landing, step-ladder rules, three-point contact, inspection, fixed ladders and when not to use a ladder.

Practise Ladders questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

ladders on construction projects

  • A portable ladder on a project must be manufactured to CSA Z11 Grade 1, 1A or 1AA; a custom-built single ladder has rungs 300 mm apart, side rails at least 300 mm apart and is no longer than 9 m.
  • A wooden custom ladder must not be painted with an opaque coating that hides the grain or defects.
  • Portable ladders must be free of defective or loose rungs, on firm level footing, and not used in a hoistway that is in use.
  • If a non-self-supporting ladder is not fastened, its base is between one-quarter and one-third of its length out from the point below its top.
  • Ladders may not be tied together to make a longer ladder unless the manufacturer allows it; manufactured ladders are used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • A ladder used for access between levels extends at least 900 mm above the landing, has at least 150 mm clear behind each rung, has clear landings and is secured at top and bottom.
  • Step-ladders: legs fully open and spreaders locked; never stand on the top cap, top step or pail shelf.
  • Fixed access ladders: vertical, rest platforms at least every 9 m, and a safety cage starting no more than 2.2 m up where the ladder rises more than 5 m.
  • Definitions: a step stool is 800 mm or less; a step-ladder is self-supporting with a hinged back; a single ladder has one section and is not self-supporting.

Portable ladders, stepladders, climbing, inspection

  • Ladder grades: Grade 1AA special duty 170 kg (375 lb); 1A extra heavy 136 kg (300 lb); 1 heavy 113 kg (250 lb); Grade 2 medium; Grade 3 household light duty.
  • 4-to-1 rule: for every 4 ft (1.2 m) up, the base is 1 ft (0.3 m) out, about 75 degrees.
  • Keep three-point contact (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand); face the ladder; stay centred between the rails.
  • Do not carry tools in your hands while climbing; hoist them or use a tool belt.
  • Do not use the top three rungs of an extension ladder or the top two steps of a stepladder; you have climbed too high if your knees are above the top.
  • Use a fibreglass ladder near electricity, never aluminum; keep away from power lines.
  • Do not join short ladders, use ladders horizontally as planks, or use chairs or boxes as makeshift ladders.
  • Inspect before each use and after a ladder is dropped; tag and remove defective ladders; no makeshift repairs or straightening bent ladders.
  • A stepladder about 1 m shorter than the highest point to reach gives a stable base.
  • Common causes of ladder falls include overreaching, missing a step, wrong ladder, poor condition and poor footing.
  • If a ladder is not a safe means, use other access such as a scaffold or elevating work platform.

Travel restraint, fall restricting and fall arrest

What each system is made of and does, free-fall and force limits, inspection before each use, removing equipment after a fall, and safety nets.

Practise Travel restraint, fall restricting and fall arrest questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

definitions

  • Travel restraint system: components that restrict a worker's movement on a work surface and prevent the worker from reaching a place from which they could fall.
  • Fall arrest system: components that, when connected to a fixed support, can arrest a worker's fall.
  • Fall restricting system: a type of fall arrest system designed to limit a fall to a specified distance.
  • Full body harness: arrests a vertical or near-vertical fall and distributes the forces through leg and shoulder straps and an upper back (dorsal) attachment; after the arrest it does not by itself release or lower the worker.
  • Fixed support: a permanent or temporary structure, or a component, that can withstand all loads it is meant to support.

travel restraint

  • A full body harness with adequate attachment points or a safety belt, attached by a lifeline or lanyard to a fixed support (s. 26.7).
  • Inspected by a competent worker before each use; a defective component is taken out of service immediately.

fall restricting

  • Attached to an independent fixed support and arranged so the free fall does not exceed 0.6 m.
  • Inspected before each use; if a worker falls or slips more than the design distance, the system is taken out of service until the manufacturer certifies all components for reuse.

fall arrest

  • A full body harness with adequate attachment points and a lanyard with a shock absorber or similar device, attached by a lifeline or the lanyard to an independent fixed support.
  • Arranged so a worker cannot hit the ground or an object or level below.
  • No shock absorber may be used if it could cause the worker to hit the ground or an object below.
  • Peak fall arrest force on the worker may not exceed 8 kN.
  • Inspected by a competent worker before each use; defective components out of service immediately.
  • After a fall, the system is removed from service immediately and not reused unless the manufacturer certifies all components as safe.

safety nets

  • Designed, tested and installed to ANSI/ASSE A10.11-2010, installed by a competent worker, and inspected and tested by an engineer (or a competent person supervised by the engineer) before use, with documentation kept at the project.

competent worker

  • Qualified by knowledge, training and experience to do the work, familiar with the Act and regulations, and aware of the dangers.

Harnesses, lanyards and connectors

Full body harnesses and safety belts, the fall arrest D-ring, lanyards and shock absorbers, carabiners and snap hooks, rope grabs, self-retracting lifelines, inspection and care.

Practise Harnesses, lanyards and connectors questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

Working at Heights Training Program Standard s. 8 and 9.2.2

  • Practical training uses classification "A" full body harnesses with tongue buckles and mating buckles, single-leg lanyards with energy absorbers, lifelines with snap hooks, rope grabs, carabiners and D-bolt temporary anchors.
  • Learners inspect and identify deficiencies in harnesses, lifelines, rope grabs, shock-absorbing lanyards, carabiners and self-retracting lifelines, and practise putting on (donning) and taking off (doffing) a harness.
  • Learners learn the proper use of self-retracting lanyards and why leading-edge capability matters, and maintenance and storage of equipment.
  • An ADELP harness with arc-flash resistance and arc-resistant connectors may be needed where there is an electrical arc hazard.

lanyards

  • Only one person at a time may use a lanyard.
  • Lanyard ends are wrapped around a protective thimble with a swaged fitting or eye splice from the manufacturer.
  • A lanyard or lifeline must not be cut, chafed or abraded, or exposed to extreme heat, flame or corrosive materials; its free end is kept clear of machinery.

An Introduction to Personal Fall Protection Equipment

  • Never use a safety belt for fall arrest; a fall into a belt can cause severe back and abdominal injuries. Belts are for fall restraint only.
  • A full body harness distributes the force over more of the body. The fall arrest D-ring is between the shoulder blades, marked with the letter "A" and an arrow on each shoulder strap.
  • Harness classes on the label: A fall arrest, D controlled descent, E confined entry, L ladder climbing, P work positioning.
  • Put the harness on snugly while still allowing movement; tuck in loose straps; hook on to the "A" D-ring.
  • Inspect belts, harnesses and lanyards before each use: webbing (frays, cuts, burns), stitching, buckles and D-rings (bent, cracked, nicked), labels.
  • Snap hooks must be self-locking to prevent roll-out.
  • A personal shock absorber (tear webbing) slows the fall but may lengthen the lanyard by up to 1.2 m (4 ft); allow for it.
  • Carabiners have self-closing, self-locking gates, a breaking strength of at least 22 kN, and marked capacity.
  • A rope grab must match the rope diameter and be installed with its top pointing toward the anchor; an automatic rope grab moves with you and locks in a fall (lanyard of 0.6 m recommended); a manual rope grab stays locked and suits restraint.
  • A self-retracting lifeline works like a car seat belt; do not use it if its fall indicator shows a fall.
  • After a fall, remove all fall arrest equipment from service until inspected and approved by the manufacturer or an engineer.

Vertical and horizontal lifelines

One worker per vertical lifeline, positive stops, no knots or splices, protecting lifelines, engineered horizontal lifelines and their inspection.

Practise Vertical and horizontal lifelines questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

lifelines

  • A horizontal or vertical lifeline is kept free of splices or knots, except knots used to connect it to a fixed support.
  • Only one person at a time may use a vertical lifeline.
  • A vertical lifeline must extend to the ground, or have a positive stop that prevents the rope grab from running off the end.
  • Lifelines must not be used where they may be cut, chafed or abraded, or exposed to extreme temperature, flame or corrosive materials.
  • Horizontal lifeline systems are designed by an engineer (standard or custom design) showing the arrangement and anchors, components, number of workers, installation instructions and design loads.
  • They are installed and maintained to the design, inspected before each use by an engineer or a competent worker designated by a supervisor, and the constructor keeps the design at the project.

Working at Heights Training Program Standard 9.2.2

  • Learners describe how to protect horizontal and vertical lifelines while in use, and the selection, set-up and use of fall arresters (rope grabs) on lifelines and ladders.

lifelines

  • A lifeline is synthetic fibre or wire rope attached to an independent anchor and used with a fall arrest device such as a rope grab.
  • Sunlight degrades most synthetic ropes; inspect before each use for chafing, cuts and deformities.
  • Good practice: attach each lifeline to an independent anchor and let it reach to within 1.2 m of the ground or lower landing.
  • Horizontal lifelines and their anchors can face extreme forces in a fall.

Anchor points and fixed supports

Permanent and temporary anchors, required strengths, sharp edges, the three types of anchor systems, and choosing safe anchor points.

Practise Anchor points and fixed supports questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

fixed supports (anchors)

  • A permanent anchor system is used as the fixed support if it was installed according to the Building Code and is safe and practical to use.
  • Otherwise a temporary fixed support is used that can withstand a static force of at least:
  • 8 kN for a fall arrest system;
  • 6 kN for a fall arrest system that also uses a shock absorber;
  • 6 kN for a fall restricting system (unless used to the manufacturer's written instructions and adequate);
  • 2 kN for a travel restraint system.
  • The capacity of a temporary support may instead be confirmed by dynamic testing to good engineering practice.
  • A fixed support must have no sharp edges that could cut, chafe or abrade the connection.

Working at Heights Training Program Standard 9.2.3

  • An anchor point is the secure point the fall protection system is connected to.
  • Three basic types of anchor systems: designed fixed supports, temporary fixed supports (including portable or mobile anchors), and existing structural features verified by a professional engineer or competent person.
  • Follow the manufacturer's recommendations when installing new anchors; where needed, a professional engineer approves them; ask for information before using a new anchor.
  • Learners give examples of appropriate and inappropriate anchor points and the consequences of using inappropriate items as anchors.

anchors

  • An anchor can be a load-rated strap or sling around a substantial structural member, or a manufactured component attached permanently or temporarily.
  • Tie off so a fall will not swing you into an obstruction.

Fall distance, clearance and swing falls

Free fall, shock absorber extension, clearance below, bottoming out, the pendulum (swing-fall) effect, harness suspension and keeping tied off.

Practise Fall distance, clearance and swing falls questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

Working at Heights Training Program Standard 9.2.2

  • Learners must calculate total fall distance and the fall clearance needed so a worker does not strike the ground or an object below.
  • Learners define "bottoming out" (hitting the ground or a lower level before the fall is stopped), the pendulum effect (swinging into an obstruction after a fall), and harness suspension, and explain their effects on the body.
  • Learners demonstrate maintaining tie-off at all times when changing anchor points (for example with a second lanyard), considering body position, the fall hazard and direction of travel.

O. Reg. 213/91 ss. 26.5–26.6

  • A fall restricting system limits free fall to 0.6 m.
  • A fall arrest system must be arranged so the worker cannot hit the ground or an object or level below, and must not include a shock absorber if the extra distance could cause that.
  • Peak arrest force may not exceed 8 kN.

distance and swing

  • Keep lanyards as short as possible; try to limit free fall to 1.2 m (4 ft) in a fall arrest situation.
  • A shock absorber may extend by up to 1.2 m (4 ft) during a fall; include this in clearance.
  • Clearance below the work must allow for the free fall plus the shock absorber's extension so the worker stops before reaching the level below (O. Reg. 213/91 s. 26.6(3)).
  • A swing fall happens when the anchor is off to the side; it can be as harmful as hitting the ground.
  • A worker who has fallen and is hanging in a harness must be rescued promptly; employers need instructions for rescuing a worker who cannot self-rescue.

Rescue planning

Written rescue procedures before using fall arrest or nets, roles in a fall rescue plan, site-specific plans, and rescue when workers may drown.

Practise Rescue planning questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

O. Reg. 213/91 s. 26.1(4)

  • Before any worker uses a fall arrest system or a safety net at a project, the employer must develop written procedures for rescuing the worker after the fall is arrested.

Working at Heights Training Program Standard 9.2.5

  • Learners explain the purpose of a fall rescue plan: rescuing a worker after a fall has been arrested.
  • Employers, supervisors and workers each have roles in the rescue plan and emergency procedures.
  • Learners identify the key components of a fall rescue plan.
  • Every project where workers rely on fall arrest systems or safety nets must have a site-specific rescue plan, and workers need information, instruction or training on it.

drowning hazards

  • At least two workers trained in rescue must be available, rescue equipment kept on or near the project, and all workers told the rescue procedures.
  • Equipment includes a seaworthy boat (power-driven if the water is rough or swift) with a lifebuoy on a buoyant line at least 15 m long and a boat hook, plus an alarm that is activated when a rescue is needed.

WorkSafeBC booklet

  • Employer instructions must include how to rescue a worker who has fallen and cannot self-rescue.

Written in our own words from: Working at Heights Training Program Standard (Chief Prevention Officer, Ontario)

FAQ

Working at Heights study guide: common questions

What is the best way to use this Working at Heights study guide?

Read one topic, then answer that topic's practice questions while the rules are fresh. Note the questions you miss, re-read those notes, and finish with a full practice test across all 12 topics.

Is this the official Working at Heights handbook?

No. It is our own summary of the Working at Heights Training Program Standard (Chief Prevention Officer, Ontario). Use it to review, and use the official handbook when you need the exact wording of a rule.

Can I print the study guide?

Yes, with your browser's print command. For practice questions on paper with an answer key, use our printable questions and answers page instead.

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