Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) Practice Test 2026 – All-in-One Study Guide for Exam Success!

Rollover-protective structures (ROPS) are designed to protect operators of vehicles in case of a rollover incident. The requirement for these structures typically applies to vehicles that have a high center of gravity and are prone to tipping over during operation.

Rubber-tired front-end loaders, commonly categorized as wheeled heavy equipment, often work on uneven terrain and are at risk of losing stability, especially when lifting loads. Therefore, equipping them with rollover-protective structures is critical for ensuring operator safety. The ROPS help to create a safety zone for the operator, providing protection by preventing them from being crushed if the machine rolls over.

In contrast, while excavators, haul trucks, and concrete mixers may have their own safety features, they generally do not require ROPS to the same extent as rubber-tired front-end loaders. Excavators typically have a lower center of gravity, which reduces the likelihood of rollover incidents. Haul trucks and concrete mixers, though they operate on challenging terrain, have different safety systems and operational designs that do not emphasize the need for ROPS in the way that rubber-tired front-end loaders do.

Thus, rubber-tired front-end loaders are the primary vehicle type on which ROPS is crucial, making