COSS Walking and Working Surfaces 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under OSHA 1910.22, what is the minimum width required for permanent aisles and passageways?
- 18 inches
- 24 inches
- Sufficient width for safe use given the work and equipment (Correct answer)
- 48 inches
Correct answer: Sufficient width for safe use given the work and equipment
OSHA 1910.22(b)(1) requires permanent aisles and passageways to be of sufficient width for the safe movement of employees and equipment used.
Question 2: What load rating must be posted for floor loading purposes under 29 CFR 1910.22(d)?
- The maximum safe load in tons
- The maximum safe load in pounds per square foot (Correct answer)
- The average distributed load capacity
- The live load only, excluding equipment weight
Correct answer: The maximum safe load in pounds per square foot
OSHA 1910.22(d)(1) requires the maximum safe load in pounds per square foot to be conspicuously posted in all storage areas.
Question 3: Which regulation specifically governs portable ladders used in general industry workplaces?
- 29 CFR 1910.23 (Correct answer)
- 29 CFR 1910.27
- 29 CFR 1926.1053
- 29 CFR 1910.21
Correct answer: 29 CFR 1910.23
29 CFR 1910.23 covers ladders in general industry, including portable, fixed, and mobile ladder stands and platforms.
Question 4: A self-closing gate at a ladder-way floor opening must swing in which direction?
- Away from the opening only
- Toward the opening only
- Either direction, provided it is self-closing
- Away from the stair side, over the opening (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Away from the stair side, over the opening
OSHA requires ladder-way floor opening gates to swing away from the stair or ladder side, positioned over the opening so a person cannot step into the hole.
Question 5: According to OSHA 1910.29, when must personal fall arrest systems be used on scaffolds instead of guardrail systems?
- When the scaffold is more than 6 feet above a lower level
- When the scaffold is more than 10 feet above a lower level and guardrails cannot be installed (Correct answer)
- When work involves overhand bricklaying above 10 feet
- Whenever the scaffold is on an inclined surface
Correct answer: When the scaffold is more than 10 feet above a lower level and guardrails cannot be installed
OSHA 1910.29 allows personal fall arrest systems on scaffolds when guardrail systems are infeasible or create a greater hazard, typically above 10 feet for scaffolding.
Question 6: Which hazard does 'toe board' primarily address on an elevated working platform?
- Slip hazard for workers walking on the platform
- Falling object hazard to workers below (Correct answer)
- Structural collapse of the platform
- Electrical hazard from overhead lines
Correct answer: Falling object hazard to workers below
Toe boards prevent tools, materials, and debris from being kicked or rolling off the edge of elevated platforms onto workers below.
Question 7: What is the maximum allowable slope for a ramp used as a walking-working surface to be considered a walkway rather than requiring stair-like features?
- 1:8 (12.5%)
- 1:12 (8.3%)
- 1:4 (25%)
- 1:20 (5%) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 1:20 (5%)
OSHA and building codes generally classify surfaces with slopes up to 1:20 (5%) as walkways; steeper slopes require handrails and may require steps.
COSS Walking and Working Surfaces 2
Under OSHA 1910.22, what is the minimum width required for permanent aisles and passageways?