Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) Practice Test

The only time a body belt may be used where there may be a fall hazard is when a construction worker is using a(n)

1. Body harness

2. Positioning device

3. Fall arrest system

4. Safety net

The correct answer is: Positioning device

A body belt may be used as a part of a positioning device when a construction worker is engaged in work at heights. Positioning devices are designed to support a worker in an upright position while allowing them to work with both hands free. They primarily orient the worker safely at the work area, minimizing the risk of a fall, and are typically used when working on structures where the worker is not at significant risk of falling. In contrast, a body harness is essential for fall arrest systems that are meant to catch a falling worker, as they distribute fall forces more evenly across the body than a body belt. Fall arrest systems are intended to prevent serious injury should a fall occur, which is not the case for a positioning device. Safety nets are also an entirely different form of fall protection, designed to catch falling workers and their tools. The use of a body belt is limited mainly to positioning devices because it does not provide adequate protection against the forces incurred in a fall, which could result in serious injury or death. Therefore, the regulations specify that body belts should only be used for positioning, where the risk of falling is minimized.