Ontario Working at Heights Practice Test 2026: Practice test 3

1. Question 1 of 25

   A fall restricting system is designed to limit free fall to what distance?

   • A0.6 m
   • B3 m
   • C1.8 m
   • D6 m
   Show answer

   Answer: A. 0.6 m

   O. Reg. 213/91 describes a fall restricting system as one designed to limit a worker's free fall to 0.6 m.

2. Question 2 of 25

   Which body support must a fall arrest system on a construction project use?

   • AA tool belt
   • BA full body harness
   • CA back support brace
   • DA leather work belt only
   Show answer

   Answer: B. A full body harness

   A fall arrest system under s. 26.6 uses a full body harness connected by a lanyard to a fixed support, which spreads the arrest force over the body.

3. Question 3 of 25

   What is the maximum peak fall arrest force a fall arrest system may put on a worker?

   • A8 kN
   • BThere is no limit
   • C20 kN
   • D80 kN
   Show answer

   Answer: A. 8 kN

   The regulation limits the peak fall arrest force on the worker to 8 kN. A shock absorber helps keep the force below that level.

4. Question 4 of 25

   What must a fall arrest system be attached to?

   • AA co-worker's harness
   • BA guardrail that is not designed as an anchor
   • CA portable toolbox
   • DAn independent fixed support that meets s. 26.7
   Show answer

   Answer: D. An independent fixed support that meets s. 26.7

   Fall arrest systems must be attached to an independent fixed support that meets s. 26.7 of O. Reg. 213/91.

5. Question 5 of 25

   When may a fall arrest lanyard be used without a shock absorber?

   • AWhen a shock absorber could let the worker hit the ground or an object below
   • BWhenever the worker finds the shock absorber uncomfortable
   • COnly when the work is being done outside in the rain
   • DWhenever the job will take less than one hour to finish
   Show answer

   Answer: A. When a shock absorber could let the worker hit the ground or an object below

   The regulation requires a shock-absorbing lanyard unless the extra stretch could cause the worker to strike the ground or an object below.

6. Question 6 of 25

   Who must inspect a fall arrest system before each use?

   • AThe equipment supplier, once a year
   • BNobody, if the gear is new
   • CA competent worker
   • DThe building owner
   Show answer

   Answer: C. A competent worker

   Under s. 26.6(6) of O. Reg. 213/91, a competent worker inspects the fall arrest system before each use.

7. Question 7 of 25

   Which kind of lifeline is not permitted for fall protection, according to ministry guidance?

   • AWire-core self-retracting lifeline
   • BSynthetic rope lifeline with a compatible rope grab
   • CPolypropylene lifeline
   • DLifeline that meets the CSA standard
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Polypropylene lifeline

   Ministry guidance says polypropylene lifelines are not permitted. Lifelines must meet the required CSA standards.

8. Question 8 of 25

   Where may a vertical lifeline be spliced?

   • AOnly at its termination points
   • BAnywhere along its length
   • CWherever it is too short
   • DIn the middle, if taped
   Show answer

   Answer: A. Only at its termination points

   Ministry guidance says vertical lifelines must not be spliced except at termination points. A splice in the middle weakens the line.

9. Question 9 of 25

   A self-retracting lifeline should normally connect to which part of a full body harness?

   • AThe back (dorsal) D-ring
   • BThe shoulder strap buckle
   • CThe hip tool loop
   • DThe chest pocket
   Show answer

   Answer: A. The back (dorsal) D-ring

   Ministry guidance says a self-retracting lifeline should attach to the dorsal D-ring. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the device.

10. Question 10 of 25

    When may a self-retracting device be used on a horizontal surface, such as a roof deck?

    • AOnly if the worker is wearing a work belt
    • BNever, under any condition
    • COnly if the manufacturer permits that use
    • DAlways, any device works horizontally
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Only if the manufacturer permits that use

    Ministry guidance allows self-retracting devices on horizontal surfaces only if the manufacturer permits it. Leading-edge use needs a device tested for it.

11. Question 11 of 25

    Which is one of the three basic types of anchor points in the program standard?

    • AA pile of heavy lumber placed near the edge of the roof
    • BA plastic downspout or gutter attached to the roof edge
    • CA window frame chosen because it looks strong enough
    • DAn existing structural feature verified by an engineer or competent person
    Show answer

    Answer: D. An existing structural feature verified by an engineer or competent person

    The three types are designed fixed supports, temporary fixed supports (including portable or mobile systems) and verified existing structural features.

12. Question 12 of 25

    Why should an anchor be placed directly above the work area where possible?

    • ATo shorten the work day by reducing walking time
    • BTo make the lanyard look neater and easier to store
    • CTo reduce swing (the pendulum effect) if the worker falls
    • DTo keep the lanyard and harness from rusting in rain
    Show answer

    Answer: C. To reduce swing (the pendulum effect) if the worker falls

    An anchor off to the side lets a falling worker swing and strike objects. Placing it overhead reduces this pendulum effect.

13. Question 13 of 25

    What is fall clearance?

    • AThe distance needed below a worker so they do not hit the ground or an object if they fall
    • BThe space workers must keep between each other on a roof
    • CThe height of the top rail of a guardrail above the floor
    • DThe length of time a harness can be used before it is retired
    Show answer

    Answer: A. The distance needed below a worker so they do not hit the ground or an object if they fall

    The program standard asks learners to calculate the total fall distance and the fall clearance needed to keep a worker from striking the ground or an object below.

14. Question 14 of 25

    What does bottoming out mean in fall protection?

    • AThe worker hits the ground or a lower level before the fall is stopped
    • BThe worker reaches the bottom rung of the ladder safely
    • CThe anchor is placed at the bottom of a ladder instead of the top
    • DThe harness is worn upside down, with the D-ring at the bottom
    Show answer

    Answer: A. The worker hits the ground or a lower level before the fall is stopped

    Bottoming out happens when there is not enough clearance below the worker. Learners must be able to define it and check clearance before work.

15. Question 15 of 25

    Under O. Reg. 213/91 s. 26.1(4), what must be in place before a fall arrest system or safety net is used?

    • AA sign at the entrance saying the area is safe to enter
    • BOne spare harness kept in the site office for emergencies
    • CA plan to call the worker's family after a fall happens
    • DWritten procedures for rescuing a worker whose fall has been arrested
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Written procedures for rescuing a worker whose fall has been arrested

    The employer must develop written rescue procedures before workers rely on fall arrest or safety nets.

16. Question 16 of 25

    Why does the program standard teach the effects of hanging in a harness?

    • ABecause a worker left hanging after a fall can be harmed, so rescue must be quick
    • BBecause hanging in a harness is a normal way to take a rest break
    • CBecause harnesses must be tested by hanging in them every morning
    • DBecause it is the only safe way to climb up a fixed ladder
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Because a worker left hanging after a fall can be harmed, so rescue must be quick

    Learners must explain harness suspension and its effects on the body. This is why a fast rescue plan is part of fall protection.

17. Question 17 of 25

    Is relying on a worker's cell phone to call for help an acceptable rescue plan?

    • AYes, if the phone is charged
    • BYes, if the worker knows the number
    • CNo, relying on a cell phone is not acceptable
    • DYes, it is the preferred plan
    Show answer

    Answer: C. No, relying on a cell phone is not acceptable

    Ministry guidance says relying on a cell phone is not acceptable for rescue. The plan must describe how the worker will actually be reached and brought down.

18. Question 18 of 25

    May a worker work alone while relying on a fall arrest system?

    • AYes, always, as long as the harness fits well
    • BOnly at night, when fewer people are on the site
    • CGenerally no, unless a self-rescue mechanism is in place
    • DYes, if the worker has more than five years of experience
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Generally no, unless a self-rescue mechanism is in place

    A worker hanging alone cannot be rescued quickly. Ministry guidance says working alone with fall arrest is generally not permitted without self-rescue.

19. Question 19 of 25

    Which projects need a site-specific rescue plan, according to the program standard?

    • AOnly projects paid for by the government of Ontario
    • BOnly projects with more than 50 workers on site
    • COnly projects that are taller than 20 storeys
    • DEvery project where workers rely on fall arrest or safety nets
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Every project where workers rely on fall arrest or safety nets

    The program standard states that each project where workers rely on fall arrest systems or safety nets must have a site-specific rescue plan.

20. Question 20 of 25

    What slope does ministry guidance give for setting up a straight or extension ladder?

    • A1 unit out at the base for every 4 units up
    • BStraight up with no slope
    • C1 unit out for every 10 units up
    • D1 unit out for every 1 unit up
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 1 unit out at the base for every 4 units up

    A ladder set at a 1 to 4 slope is stable. Too steep and it can tip back; too shallow and the base can slide out.

21. Question 21 of 25

    A ladder is used as a work station more than 3 m above the floor. What does ministry guidance say is needed?

    • AA second person holding the base only
    • BNothing extra
    • CA taller ladder
    • DIndependent fall arrest protection
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Independent fall arrest protection

    Ministry guidance says a ladder used as a work station above 3 m requires independent fall arrest protection.

22. Question 22 of 25

    What is three-point contact when climbing a ladder?

    • AThree workers on the ladder at once, so it stays steady
    • BBoth feet and your chest pressed against the ladder rails
    • COne hand on the ladder while the other hand carries your tools
    • DTwo hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, on the ladder at all times
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, on the ladder at all times

    Ministry ladder guidance says to keep three points of contact while climbing. This means you should not carry items in your hands.

23. Question 23 of 25

    Where should the centre of your chest be while working on a ladder?

    • AWithin the side rails of the ladder
    • BBehind the ladder
    • COutside the side rails, reaching sideways
    • DAbove the top of the ladder
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Within the side rails of the ladder

    Keeping your chest within the side rails stops you from overreaching. Overreaching is a common cause of falls from ladders.

24. Question 24 of 25

    Which is a common cause of ladder falls named in the program standard?

    • AFacing the ladder while climbing
    • BUsing a ladder that was inspected
    • CSetting the ladder on firm footing
    • DOverreaching or missing the last step
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Overreaching or missing the last step

    The program standard lists missing the last step and overreaching as common causes of ladder falls. Move the ladder instead of stretching.

25. Question 25 of 25

    May a worker on a mobile elevating work platform use a shock-absorbing lanyard?

    • AYes, if it is short enough to prevent the worker from being thrown out
    • BNo, lanyards are never allowed inside elevating work platforms
    • CYes, a lanyard of any length is fine inside a platform
    • DOnly if the platform has no guardrails around the basket
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Yes, if it is short enough to prevent the worker from being thrown out

    Ministry guidance allows shock-absorbing lanyards on mobile elevating work platforms if they are short enough to prevent ejection.

Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.

The real test: Set by the program standard: a written test with a 75% pass mark, plus practical demonstrations. Your CPO-approved provider runs the evaluation.