COSS - Certified Occupational Safety Specialist Walking and Working Surfaces Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart D, at what minimum height above a lower level must fall protection be provided on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge?
- 6 feet
- 5 feet
- 4 feet (Correct answer)
- 8 feet
Correct answer: 4 feet
OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.28(b)(1)(i) requires employers to protect each employee on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge that is 4 feet or more above a lower level by using guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall protection systems.
Question 2: An employee is using a portable extension ladder to access a roof landing. To comply with OSHA 1910.23, the side rails of the ladder must extend at least how far above the upper landing surface?
- 1 foot
- 3 feet (Correct answer)
- 2 feet
- 4 feet
Correct answer: 3 feet
OSHA 1910.23(c)(11) states that portable ladders used to gain access to an upper landing surface must have side rails that extend at least 3 feet above that surface to provide a safe handhold for employees stepping on and off the ladder.
Question 3: A safety specialist is inspecting a newly installed fixed industrial stairway. Which of the following design specifications meets the requirements of OSHA 1910.25 for a standard stairway?
- A minimum tread width of 20 inches between vertical barriers.
- An installation angle of 60 degrees from the horizontal.
- A maximum riser height of 10 inches.
- An installation angle between 30 and 50 degrees from the horizontal. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: An installation angle between 30 and 50 degrees from the horizontal.
OSHA 1910.25(c)(1) requires that standard stairs be installed at an angle between 30 and 50 degrees from the horizontal. The minimum tread width is 22 inches, and the maximum riser height is 9.5 inches.
Question 4: When installing a new guardrail system to protect an open-sided floor, what is the required nominal height for the top rail, as measured from the walking-working surface, according to OSHA 1910.29?
- 42 inches, plus or minus 3 inches (Correct answer)
- 36 inches, plus or minus 3 inches
- 39 inches, plus or minus 3 inches
- 45 inches, plus or minus 3 inches
Correct answer: 42 inches, plus or minus 3 inches
OSHA 1910.29(b)(1) specifies that the top edge height of top rails in a guardrail system must be 42 inches, plus or minus 3 inches, above the walking-working surface.
Question 5: A company requires employees to work near an unprotected roof edge and provides them with personal fall arrest systems (PFAS). Before an employee is allowed to perform this work, what does OSHA 1910.30 require the employer to do?
- Ensure each employee reads the PFAS manufacturer's user manual.
- Have a designated safety monitor observe the work at all times.
- Ensure a qualified person trains each employee on fall hazards and the proper use of the PFAS. (Correct answer)
- Certify that each employee has at least one year of experience working at heights.
Correct answer: Ensure a qualified person trains each employee on fall hazards and the proper use of the PFAS.
According to OSHA 1910.30(a) and (b), the employer must ensure that each employee who uses a personal fall protection system is trained by a qualified person. The training must cover the nature of fall hazards and the correct procedures for using, inspecting, and maintaining the equipment.
Question 6: Which of the following would be defined as a 'hole' under OSHA's Walking-Working Surfaces standard (1910.21), thereby requiring a cover or other protection?
- A 1-inch gap between floorboards.
- An open-sided platform 3 feet above the ground.
- A 3-inch diameter pipe opening in a concrete floor. (Correct answer)
- A loading dock edge.
Correct answer: A 3-inch diameter pipe opening in a concrete floor.
OSHA 1910.21(b) defines a hole as a gap or open space in a floor, roof, or other horizontal walking-working surface that is 2 inches or more in its least dimension. A 3-inch pipe opening fits this definition and would require protection, such as a cover, to prevent employees from tripping or stepping into it.
COSS - Certified Occupational Safety Specialist Walking and Working Surfaces Questions and Answers
According to OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart D, at what minimum height above a lower level must fall protection be provided on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge?