CHST Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CHST facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. When using a safety net system, what is the maximum distance the net can be placed below the working surface? → 30 feet
2. Under OSHA's Lockout/Tagout standard (29 CFR 1910.147), who is generally the only person authorized to remove a lock or tag from an energy isolating device? → The employee who initially applied the lock or tag.
3. Which biological health hazard should a CHST be most concerned about when workers disturb bird or bat droppings during building renovation? → Histoplasma capsulatum
4. What is the primary purpose of conducting a root cause analysis after a construction site incident? → To identify the underlying systemic factors that led to the incident
5. According to OSHA, what is the minimum safe distance a crane boom must maintain from energized power lines rated up to 350 kV? → 20 feet
6. When developing an emergency response plan for a multi-employer construction site, who has the primary responsibility for coordinating the plan? → The general contractor or controlling employer
7. Which of the following scenarios would require an arc flash hazard analysis per NFPA 70E on a construction site? → Working on energized electrical equipment operating at 50 volts or more
8. Under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom 2012), how many sections are required in a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)? → 16 sections
9. Which class of asbestos work under 29 CFR 1926.1101 involves the removal of asbestos-containing thermal system insulation (TSI)? → Class I
10. According to 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P, what is the maximum lateral distance a worker may travel within a trench to reach a means of egress? → 25 feet
11. When working with lead-based paint removal on a construction project, which type of PPE combination is most appropriate? → Half-face respirator with P100 filters, disposable coveralls, and nitrile gloves
12. The maximum compressed air pressure for cleaning tasks is ________ psi, as per OSHA rule 29 CFR 1926.302. → 30
13. According to OSHA's recordkeeping rule (29 CFR 1904), which of the following work-related incidents is required to be recorded on the OSHA 300 Log? → A welder experiences a burn that is treated with two days of restricted work duty.
14. How often must emergency action plans be reviewed with employees on a construction site per OSHA requirements? → Annually or when the plan changes
15. Which hierarchy of controls method is considered the MOST effective for eliminating construction site hazards? → Elimination of the hazard
16. What does OSHA 1926.1412 prohibit regarding crane rated capacity during normal lifting operations? → Operating a crane in excess of its rated capacity under any normal operational conditions
17. When conducting a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) for a new construction task, what is the correct first step? → Break the job into individual steps
18. How far must excavated soil and materials (spoil pile) be kept from the edge of an excavation under OSHA 1926.651? → At least 2 feet from the edge
19. Which type of scaffold is assembled from prefabricated tubular metal frames and is the most commonly used in US construction? → Fabricated frame scaffold
20. How long must an employer retain records regarding a chemical to which an employee was exposed and for which they received medical care? → Thirty (30) years
21. A competent person inspects a personal fall arrest system after an employee experiences a fall. What action is required? → The system must be removed from service immediately
22. Which health hazard is most commonly associated with prolonged exposure to crystalline silica dust on construction sites? → Silicosis
23. Under OSHA 1926.150(e), what is the maximum travel distance a worker must have to reach a fire extinguisher for Class A hazards on a construction site? → 100 feet
24. Under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard, employers must ensure that workers have access to SDSs: → At all times during their work shift
25. What is the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for airborne silica (respirable crystalline) as an 8-hour TWA under OSHA's silica standard for construction? → 50 µg/m³
26. To make sure they are providing the necessary protection against electrical shock, how frequently must electrical insulating gloves be tested? → Every six months
27. In an excavation where oxygen deficiency or hazardous atmospheres could exist, what must be provided to workers before entry? → Atmospheric testing and appropriate respiratory protection
28. Three characteristics that define a 'confined space' under OSHA include all of the following EXCEPT: → Contains electrical or mechanical hazards
29. In order to achieve a safe lift, which of the following does a mobile crane operator NOT need to be aware of? → The width of the jib
30. Which class of fire involves energized electrical equipment? → Class C