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. Which of the following correctly describes a 'tagout' device under 29 CFR 1910.147? → A prominent warning device that cannot be removed without deliberate action
2. Under OSHA's Section 11(c) anti-retaliation provisions, an employer is prohibited from taking adverse action against a worker who: → Reports a safety concern or participates in an OSHA inspection
3. What is the purpose of a tag line during a crane lift? → To control load swing and rotation without personnel being in the load path
4. A Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) should be reviewed and updated when which of the following occurs? → An incident or near-miss occurs
5. When using a safety net system, what is the maximum distance the net can be placed below the working surface? → 30 feet
6. Under OSHA 1926.502, what is the minimum mid-rail height for a guardrail system? → Between 21 and 31 inches above the walking surface
7. In a construction site safety program, what does the acronym 'SDS' stand for, and which federal agency mandates its use under the Hazard Communication Standard? → Safety Data Sheet, mandated by OSHA
8. 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.
9. Which type of energy is specifically addressed by the term 'stored energy' in LOTO procedures? → Residual energy such as capacitors, springs, or pressurized fluids
10. A construction supervisor observes a worker using an extension cord with a damaged outer jacket. The BEST immediate corrective action is to: → Remove the cord from service and replace it with an undamaged cord
11. Which of the following correctly describes 'heave' in the context of excavation hazards? → Upward movement of the trench bottom caused by soil pressure differential
12. Under 29 CFR 1926.150, a fire extinguisher rated not less than 2A must be provided for each how many square feet of protected building area? → 3,000 sq ft
13. Which biological health hazard should a CHST be most concerned about when workers disturb bird or bat droppings during building renovation? → Histoplasma capsulatum
14. Which OSHA standard specifically governs training requirements for employees exposed to fall hazards in construction? → 29 CFR 1926.503
15. Under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom 2012 / GHS), what training must workers receive when a new chemical hazard is introduced to the workplace? → Training on the new hazard must be provided before workers are exposed to it
16. Under OSHA's respiratory protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134), what must be completed before a worker is assigned a respirator? → Medical evaluation, fit testing, and training
17. 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
18. 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
19. Which exposure route is MOST significant for lead exposure on construction sites involving lead-based paint removal? → Ingestion via hand-to-mouth contact
20. 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
21. A competent person inspects an excavation after a rainstorm. What is the MOST important action if the walls show signs of tension cracking? → Remove all workers and reassess protective systems
22. Under OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P, who is qualified to classify soil at an excavation site? → A competent person with soil classification training
23. Which of the following best describes the 'Fatal Four'—the leading causes of construction fatalities identified by OSHA? → Falls, electrocution, struck-by, caught-in/between
24. A crane operator receives conflicting hand signals from two workers during a lift. What should the operator do? → Stop the crane and do not move until one designated signal person is identified
25. When investigating a near-miss event involving a scaffold plank failure, the investigator should FIRST: → Photograph and preserve the scene before disturbance
26. A worker is sandblasting a structure coated with lead paint. Which combination of respiratory protection is MOST appropriate? → Supplied-air respirator (SAR) in pressure-demand mode
27. What is the maximum permissible noise exposure for a construction worker at 95 dBA without hearing protection under OSHA standards? → 4 hours
28. 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
29. During a confined space rescue emergency on a construction site, a non-entry rescue method is preferred primarily because: → It prevents additional casualties by keeping rescuers out of the hazardous atmosphere
30. Under the OSHA Heat Illness Prevention guidance, which physiological sign indicates heat stroke rather than heat exhaustion? → Altered mental status and hot, dry or wet skin