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Fall Protection Awareness Course 2026

This course is for workers in Canada, including security guards and site staff, who work near roofs, edges, openings or raised platforms. It explains when fall protection is needed, the order of controls, harness systems, plans and rescue. It is background knowledge only and does not replace the fall protection training the law requires before you use the equipment.

  • Course
  • Canada
  • 25 questions
  • Checked October 13, 2026

Quick answer

This free course has about 30 minutes of lessons and a 25-question test. Score 80% or more to download a certificate of completion (private, not accredited). Checked against official sources on October 13, 2026.

Start with the lessonsFall Protection Awareness Course: Lessons: about 30 minutes of reading. Every test question is covered in the lessons.

What you will learn

  • Explain when Canadian rules require fall protection
  • Rank fall controls from elimination to personal protective equipment
  • Tell travel restraint, fall arrest and safety nets apart
  • Describe the parts of a fall arrest system and how to check them
  • Explain why rescue after a fall must be fast
  • Recognize when a task needs trained, equipped workers

Score 80% or more to download your certificate.

  1. Question 1 of 25

    In most of Canada, a fall protection system is required when a worker could fall at least how far?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 3 metres

    Federal, Alberta, BC and most other rules use a possible fall of 3 m as the main trigger for fall protection.

  2. Question 2 of 25

    Can fall protection be required for a fall of less than 3 metres?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Yes, if the worker could land on a hazard like machinery

    Many rules require protection for shorter falls onto hazards such as machinery, liquids, hazardous substances or openings.

  3. Question 3 of 25

    On Ontario construction projects, fall protection is also needed where a worker on a wheelbarrow path could fall more than how far?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 1.2 metres

    Ontario's Construction Projects regulation (O. Reg. 213/91, s. 26) covers falls of more than 1.2 m where the area is used as a wheelbarrow path.

  4. Question 4 of 25

    What is the most effective way to control a fall hazard?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Remove the need to work at height

    Elimination is at the top of the hierarchy of control: the best fall protection is not working at height at all.

  5. Question 5 of 25

    Why are guardrails usually preferred over harnesses?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. They do not depend on worker training

    Guardrails are a physical barrier that protects workers without relying on them to use, inspect and wear personal equipment.

  6. Question 6 of 25

    Which three parts make up a typical guardrail?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Top rail, mid-rail and toe board

    A guardrail has a top rail, a mid-rail, toe boards and evenly spaced posts.

  7. Question 7 of 25

    Under Alberta's OHS Code, if a guardrail is not reasonably practicable, what is used next?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. A travel restraint system

    Alberta sets the order: guardrail first, then travel restraint, then personal fall arrest, then another equally effective method.

  8. Question 8 of 25

    What does a travel restraint system do?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Stops you from going over the edge

    Travel restraint limits your movement so you can reach the edge but cannot fall over it.

  9. Question 9 of 25

    What is a personal fall arrest system designed to do?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Stop your fall once it has begun

    A fall arrest system is designed to catch the worker in the event of a fall.

  10. Question 10 of 25

    In Alberta, which kind of harness is allowed in a personal fall arrest system?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. A full body harness

    Alberta allows only full body harnesses for fall arrest. Body belts, sit harnesses and chest harnesses without leg straps are not allowed.

  11. Question 11 of 25

    Which CSA standards series covers fall protection equipment such as full body harnesses?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. CSA Z259

    The CSA Z259 series covers fall protection equipment, for example Z259.10 for full body harnesses.

  12. Question 12 of 25

    Which of these should you NOT use as an anchor for fall protection?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. A roof vent

    Never tie off to roof vents, roof hatches, small pipes, railings, antennas or air-conditioning units.

  13. Question 13 of 25

    BC's regulation sets a basic minimum strength for a temporary fall arrest anchor. What is it?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 22 kN (5,000 lb)

    Under BC's OHS Regulation, as CCOHS explains, a temporary fall arrest anchor must hold at least 22 kN (5,000 lb) in every direction, or two times the maximum arrest force.

  14. Question 14 of 25

    You pick up a harness and lanyard at the start of your shift. When should they be checked?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Before you use them

    All fall protection equipment must be inspected before use.

  15. Question 15 of 25

    Why must you check the clearance below you before using fall arrest?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. So you stop before you hit anything below

    The clear space below must be more than the distance you could fall before the system stops you.

  16. Question 16 of 25

    What is a swing fall?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Swinging sideways like a pendulum after a fall

    If the anchor is off to one side, a falling worker can swing like a pendulum and hit an object. Swing fall potential is part of clearance planning.

  17. Question 17 of 25

    Why must a worker left hanging in a harness after a fall be rescued quickly?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Less oxygen reaches the brain as blood pools

    In suspension trauma, blood pools in the legs and less oxygen reaches the brain. CCOHS warns death may occur in less than 30 minutes.

  18. Question 18 of 25

    Before a worker uses a fall protection system, what must the employer do in Alberta, BC and federally?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Train or instruct the worker in its use

    Alberta (OHS Code s. 141), BC (s. 11.2) and the federal regulations all require training or instruction before use.

  19. Question 19 of 25

    While hanging in a harness and waiting for rescue, what can help?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Using a relief strap or pumping your legs

    A relief strap or foot loop, and pumping the legs, help keep blood moving while waiting for rescue.

  20. Question 20 of 25

    A site's only rescue plan is to call 911 after a fall. Is that enough?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. No, the site must be able to rescue quickly itself

    CCOHS says relying only on calling emergency services is not an appropriate rescue plan; quick on-site retrieval is essential.

  21. Question 21 of 25

    A worker was caught by a fall arrest system and rescued. They say they feel fine. What should happen?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. They should be taken to hospital to be checked

    Rescued workers should go to hospital right away, because injuries such as kidney damage may not show at first.

  22. Question 22 of 25

    In Alberta, when is a written fall protection plan required?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. For falls of 3 m or more without guardrails

    Alberta requires a plan where a worker may fall 3 m or more and is not protected by guardrails.

  23. Question 23 of 25

    In BC, a fall protection plan is required where workers without permanent guardrails could fall at least how far?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 7.5 m (25 ft)

    BC's OHS Regulation s. 11.3 requires a plan for falls of 7.5 m (25 ft) or more without permanent guardrails, and in some other cases.

  24. Question 24 of 25

    Which item should a site's fall protection plan include?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Rescue steps for a worker hanging after a fall

    A site plan covers the fall hazards, the type of fall protection, anchors and clearance, how equipment is inspected, set up, used and removed, and rescue procedures.

  25. Question 25 of 25

    Ontario construction workers who use fall protection must complete approved working at heights training. How long is it valid?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 3 years

    Training approved by Ontario's Chief Prevention Officer is valid for 3 years; a refresher renews it for another 3 years.

What to know before the test

  • Across Canada, fall protection is generally required where a worker could fall 3 m or more, and for shorter falls onto hazards.
  • Alberta requires a guardrail first, then travel restraint, then personal fall arrest, then another equally effective method.
  • A worker hanging in a harness can suffer suspension trauma; CCOHS warns death may occur in less than 30 minutes.
  • BC requires a written fall protection plan where workers without permanent guardrails could fall 7.5 m (25 ft) or more.
  • Ontario construction workers who use fall protection need approved working at heights training, valid for 3 years.

Frequently asked questions

Does this course qualify me to use a harness or work at heights?

No. The law requires your employer to train or instruct you on the fall protection system before you use it, and Ontario construction workers need working at heights training approved by the Chief Prevention Officer. This course is background knowledge only.

At what height do I need fall protection?

In most of Canada the main trigger is a possible fall of 3 m or more, but protection is also needed for shorter falls onto hazards such as machinery or openings. Check your province's rules.

What is the difference between travel restraint and fall arrest?

Travel restraint keeps you from going over the edge. Fall arrest catches you after a fall has started.

Is calling 911 enough as a rescue plan?

No. CCOHS says a site must be able to reach and retrieve a hanging worker very quickly, not rely only on emergency services.

Is the certificate accredited or officially recognised?

No. It is a private certificate of completion for knowledge only. It is not recognised, accredited or approved by any government, licensing body, regulator or educational institution, and it does not replace any licence, certification or training required by law.

Sources

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