CDS Risk Management & Site Safety 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.850, what must be done before demolition work begins?
- Begin demolition immediately to reduce project costs
- Conduct an engineering survey of the structure (Correct answer)
- Remove all workers from the site perimeter
- Install permanent barricades around the building
Correct answer: Conduct an engineering survey of the structure
OSHA 1926.850 requires a competent person to perform an engineering survey of the structure prior to demolition to determine its condition and potential hazards.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) in demolition?
- To estimate the project timeline and budget
- To identify hazards and establish controls before work begins (Correct answer)
- To document worker certifications and training records
- To satisfy insurance company documentation requirements
Correct answer: To identify hazards and establish controls before work begins
A JHA systematically identifies potential hazards associated with each job step and establishes preventive measures before work begins.
Question 3: When working near an active roadway during demolition, what minimum traffic control measure is required?
- A single warning cone placed 10 feet from the work zone
- An approved traffic control plan with flaggers or barriers (Correct answer)
- Worker-placed hand-painted signs
- A verbal agreement with the nearby municipality
Correct answer: An approved traffic control plan with flaggers or barriers
An approved traffic control plan meeting MUTCD standards, including flaggers or physical barriers, is required when demolition work affects active roadways.
Question 4: Which type of respirator is required when demolition workers are exposed to airborne crystalline silica above the PEL?
- N95 filtering facepiece
- Half-face elastomeric respirator with P100 filters
- Full-face air-purifying respirator with appropriate cartridges (Correct answer)
- Powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) with P100 filters
Correct answer: Full-face air-purifying respirator with appropriate cartridges
Exposures exceeding the PEL for crystalline silica typically require a full-face APR or higher level of respiratory protection based on the exposure concentration.
Question 5: What does the hierarchy of controls prioritize FIRST when addressing a demolition hazard?
- Administrative controls
- Personal protective equipment
- Engineering controls
- Elimination of the hazard (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Elimination of the hazard
The hierarchy of controls places elimination at the top, meaning the most effective approach is to remove the hazard entirely before considering other control methods.
Question 6: A hot work permit is MOST critical in demolition when workers are:
- Using pneumatic jackhammers on concrete
- Cutting steel members with an oxy-acetylene torch (Correct answer)
- Operating a hydraulic excavator attachment
- Removing drywall by hand tools
Correct answer: Cutting steel members with an oxy-acetylene torch
Oxy-acetylene cutting produces open flames and sparks that can ignite residual flammable materials, making a hot work permit essential.
Question 7: Which condition would trigger an immediate work stoppage on a demolition site?
- A worker requests a short break
- Discovery of an unmarked underground utility line (Correct answer)
- Delivery of additional equipment to the site
- Rain causing minor surface water accumulation
Correct answer: Discovery of an unmarked underground utility line
Encountering an unmarked utility line presents immediate risk of electrocution, gas leak, or explosion and requires halting work until the utility is properly identified and controlled.
CDS Risk Management & Site Safety 2
Under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.850, what must be done before demolition work begins?