CDS Safety Regulations & OSHA Compliance 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under OSHA 1926.859, what is required before using explosives for demolition?
- A written blasting plan approved by a licensed blaster (Correct answer)
- Notification to the nearest fire station only
- A verbal briefing to all workers on-site
- Approval from the building owner
Correct answer: A written blasting plan approved by a licensed blaster
OSHA 1926.859 requires that blasting operations follow a plan developed by a licensed blaster, covering all safety procedures and notification requirements.
Question 2: What is the purpose of a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) in demolition operations?
- To estimate project costs and timelines
- To identify and control hazards for each task before work begins (Correct answer)
- To document worker qualifications
- To satisfy insurance requirements only
Correct answer: To identify and control hazards for each task before work begins
A JHA systematically breaks down each task, identifies associated hazards, and establishes control measures before workers begin that task.
Question 3: Which OSHA standard requires employers to maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for hazardous chemicals used or encountered during demolition?
- 29 CFR 1926.62
- 29 CFR 1910.1200 (Correct answer)
- 29 CFR 1926.1101
- 29 CFR 1910.146
Correct answer: 29 CFR 1910.1200
29 CFR 1910.1200, the Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom), requires employers to maintain SDS for all hazardous chemicals in the workplace.
Question 4: During a demolition project, who is designated as the 'competent person' responsible for inspecting scaffolding?
- Any experienced worker on-site
- The project engineer of record
- An individual with specific training who can identify hazardous conditions and has authority to correct them (Correct answer)
- The building owner's representative
Correct answer: An individual with specific training who can identify hazardous conditions and has authority to correct them
OSHA defines a competent person as one who can identify existing and predictable hazards and who has authorization to take prompt corrective action.
Question 5: What does OSHA require regarding overhead protection for workers during demolition when there is a hazard of falling debris?
- Hard hats alone are sufficient
- Debris nets must be installed on all floors
- Substantial overhead protection must be provided at all hazard points (Correct answer)
- Workers must maintain 15-foot clearance from falling zones
Correct answer: Substantial overhead protection must be provided at all hazard points
OSHA 1926.851 requires substantial overhead protection wherever workers may be exposed to falling objects during demolition.
Question 6: Under 29 CFR 1926.64, which scenario at a demolition site would trigger Process Safety Management (PSM) requirements?
- Any use of flammable liquids on-site
- Presence of a highly hazardous chemical at or above the threshold quantity (Correct answer)
- Storage of more than 5 gallons of gasoline
- Any site within 500 feet of a chemical plant
Correct answer: Presence of a highly hazardous chemical at or above the threshold quantity
PSM requirements under 29 CFR 1926.64 are triggered when a highly hazardous chemical is present at or above OSHA's listed threshold quantity.
Question 7: What is the OSHA requirement for illumination levels in active demolition work areas?
- At least 3 foot-candles
- At least 5 foot-candles (Correct answer)
- At least 10 foot-candles
- At least 30 foot-candles
Correct answer: At least 5 foot-candles
OSHA 1926.56 requires a minimum of 5 foot-candles of illumination in general construction and demolition work areas.
CDS Safety Regulations & OSHA Compliance 3
Under OSHA 1926.859, what is required before using explosives for demolition?