Free STSC Fall Protection and Prevention Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to OSHA 1926 Subpart M, at what minimum height must fall protection be provided for workers on a walking/working surface with an unprotected side or edge?
- 4 feet
- 6 feet (Correct answer)
- 8 feet
- 10 feet
Correct answer: 6 feet
OSHA standard 1926.501(b)(1) specifically states that each employee on a walking/working surface with an unprotected side or edge which is 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above a lower level shall be protected from falling by the use of guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems.
Question 2: A supervisor inspects a worker's personal fall arrest system (PFAS) and discovers a lanyard with a small tear in the outer webbing, although the inner core is not visible. What is the most appropriate action?
- Allow its use for the rest of the day, but schedule a replacement.
- Wrap the torn area securely with high-strength duct tape.
- Immediately remove the lanyard from service and tag it as unusable. (Correct answer)
- Document the tear and instruct the worker to monitor it closely.
Correct answer: Immediately remove the lanyard from service and tag it as unusable.
OSHA regulations, such as 1926.502(d)(21), require that personal fall arrest systems be inspected prior to each use for wear, damage, and other deterioration. Any defective component must be removed from service immediately. A tear in the webbing compromises the strength and integrity of the lanyard, regardless of whether the inner core is visible.
Question 3: Which of the following descriptions meets OSHA's minimum requirements for a standard guardrail system on a construction site?
- A top rail at 38 inches, a mid-rail, and the ability to withstand a 150-pound force.
- A wire rope top rail at 45 inches and a mid-rail at 22 inches.
- A top rail at 40 inches that deflects to 38 inches when 200 pounds of force is applied.
- A top rail at 42 inches (+/- 3 inches) capable of withstanding a 200-pound force without failure. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A top rail at 42 inches (+/- 3 inches) capable of withstanding a 200-pound force without failure.
OSHA 1926.502(b) specifies that the top edge height of top rails must be 42 inches, plus or minus 3 inches, above the walking/working level. Additionally, the system must be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds applied in any outward or downward direction.
Question 4: During a project, a supervisor needs to designate an individual to identify existing and predictable fall hazards and who has the authority to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them. According to OSHA definitions, this individual is known as a:
- Qualified Person
- Designated Person
- Competent Person (Correct answer)
- Authorized Person
Correct answer: Competent Person
OSHA 1926.32(f) defines a 'Competent person' as one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them. A 'Qualified Person' has a degree or extensive experience to solve problems, while an 'Authorized Person' is assigned by the employer to a specific duty.
Question 5: When safety nets are used as the primary means of fall protection, they must be installed as close as practicable under the walking/working surface, but in no case more than how many feet below that level?
- 15 feet
- 25 feet
- 30 feet (Correct answer)
- 40 feet
Correct answer: 30 feet
According to OSHA 1926.502(c)(1), safety nets must be installed as close as practicable under the walking/working surface on which employees are working, but in no case more than 30 feet (9.1 m) below such level.
Question 6: A supervisor is establishing a Controlled Access Zone (CAZ) for leading-edge work where conventional fall protection is infeasible. Which of the following is a key requirement for a CAZ?
- A safety monitor must be present for every two workers inside the zone.
- Access must be restricted to only those employees engaged in the specified work. (Correct answer)
- A CAZ eliminates the need for workers inside to use any personal fall arrest equipment.
- The control line must have a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds.
Correct answer: Access must be restricted to only those employees engaged in the specified work.
The primary purpose of a Controlled Access Zone (CAZ) is to limit the exposure to a fall hazard. According to OSHA 1926.502(g), access to the zone must be controlled and limited to only those employees who are engaged in the leading-edge or other specified work.
Free STSC Fall Protection and Prevention Questions and Answers 1
According to OSHA 1926 Subpart M, at what minimum height must fall protection be provided for workers on a walking/working surface with an unprotected side or edge?