ISC Fall Protection & Working at Heights — Questions and Answers
Question 1: At what height above a lower level must employers generally provide fall protection for workers in general industry under OSHA standards?
- 2 feet (0.6 m)
- 4 feet (1.2 m) (Correct answer)
- 6 feet (1.8 m)
- 10 feet (3 m)
Correct answer: 4 feet (1.2 m)
OSHA general industry rules (29 CFR 1910.28) require fall protection at 4 feet. Construction uses 6 feet.
Question 2: What is the minimum breaking strength OSHA requires for an anchorage used for personal fall arrest if it is not designed under the supervision of a qualified person?
- 1,000 lb per worker attached
- 2,500 lb per worker attached
- 5,000 lb per worker attached (Correct answer)
- 10,000 lb per worker attached
Correct answer: 5,000 lb per worker attached
Anchorages must support 5,000 pounds per attached worker, or be designed, installed and used under a qualified person as part of a complete system with a safety factor of at least two.
Question 3: Which component of a personal fall arrest system limits the force on the worker's body during a fall?
- Harness D-ring
- Shock-absorbing lanyard (Correct answer)
- Carabiner
- Guardrail
Correct answer: Shock-absorbing lanyard
A shock-absorbing lanyard (or energy absorber) slows the worker down and limits the arresting force to a maximum of 1,800 lb with a harness.
Question 4: Which approach sits highest in the hierarchy of fall protection measures?
- Personal fall arrest system
- Safety net system
- Eliminating the hazard, such as doing the work at ground level (Correct answer)
- Warning line system
Correct answer: Eliminating the hazard, such as doing the work at ground level
Elimination removes the exposure entirely and ranks above passive systems, such as guardrails, and active ones, such as arrest or restraint.
Question 5: After a worker's fall has been arrested by a harness, what hazard must the rescue plan address promptly?
- Static electricity
- Suspension trauma (Correct answer)
- Heat stress
- Noise exposure
Correct answer: Suspension trauma
Hanging motionless in a harness can cause suspension trauma (orthostatic intolerance), which can become life-threatening in minutes. Prompt rescue is required.
Question 6: For a portable ladder, what is the recommended angle rule for setting up a straight ladder?
- 1 foot of horizontal distance for every 4 feet of height (Correct answer)
- 1 foot of horizontal distance for every 8 feet of height
- 1 foot of horizontal distance for every 2 feet of height
- Place it vertically against the wall
Correct answer: 1 foot of horizontal distance for every 4 feet of height
The 4-to-1 rule sets the ladder base one quarter of the working height away from the wall, giving about a 75.5° angle for stable use.
