OSHA Safety Standards Flashcards
6 cards from real Licensed Electrical Contractor practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 OSHA Safety Standards flashcards as text
An electrician is preparing to perform maintenance on a permanently installed industrial machine. After shutting down the equipment using the normal stopping procedure, what is the next critical step required by the OSHA Lockout/Tagout standard (29 CFR 1910.147) before applying a lock?
Answer: Locate and operate the energy isolating device(s) to isolate the machine from its energy source.
According to the sequence in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147, after the machine is shut down by normal means, the next step is to locate and operate all energy isolating devices (e.g., disconnect switches, circuit breakers) to ensure the equipment is completely isolated from its energy source(s) before a lock can be applied. Verification of de-energization occurs after the lock and tag are applied.
On a construction site, an electrical contractor opts to implement an Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor Program (AEGCP) as an alternative to using GFCIs. According to OSHA 29 CFR 1926.404, which of the following is a mandatory component of this program?
Answer: A written description of the program must be kept at the jobsite, and specific equipment tests must be performed at regular intervals.
OSHA standard 29 CFR 1926.404(b)(1)(iii) requires that an AEGCP must include a written program description available at the jobsite, the designation of competent persons to implement it, and specific, documented tests (continuity and terminal connection) on equipment at required intervals, such as before first use and every 3 months.
According to OSHA 29 CFR 1926.416, work on or near energized electrical circuits is generally prohibited. Energized work is only permitted under specific conditions, such as when:
Answer: de-energizing the circuit is infeasible or would introduce additional or increased hazards.
OSHA's standards, including 29 CFR 1926.416, and the widely referenced NFPA 70E, strictly limit work on energized equipment. The primary justification for performing energized work is if the employer can demonstrate that de-energizing is infeasible due to equipment design or operational limitations, or if it creates a greater hazard than working energized (e.g., shutting down life-support systems). Inconvenience or project delays are not acceptable reasons.
An electrical contractor is tasked with running conduit on the exterior of a building, and a 25 kV overhead power line is present. According to OSHA's standards for equipment operation near power lines (29 CFR 1926.1408), what is the mandatory minimum approach distance that must be maintained from the line?
Answer: 10 feet
According to OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1408, Table A, the minimum approach distance for voltages up to 50 kV is 10 feet. This is the absolute minimum clearance that any part of the equipment, load, or personnel may breach unless the power line is de-energized or specific, more stringent precautions are taken.
An electrician is using an 8-foot A-frame stepladder to install a smoke detector. According to OSHA safety standards for ladders (29 CFR 1926 Subpart X), which of the following actions is a direct violation?
Answer: Standing on the ladder's top step to reach the ceiling.
OSHA standard 29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(13) explicitly states that the top or top step of a stepladder shall not be used as a step. This practice makes the ladder extremely unstable and is a common cause of falls. The other options are all required safe practices for ladder use.
An electrical contractor's crew must enter a trench that is 7 feet deep to install underground conduit. Per OSHA standards for excavations (29 CFR 1926 Subpart P), what is the primary requirement that must be met before any worker enters the trench?
Answer: A competent person must inspect the trench and the protective systems and deem it safe for entry.
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.651(k)(1) mandates that daily inspections of excavations and their protective systems must be made by a competent person before work starts and as needed throughout the shift. No employee is permitted to enter until the competent person has determined it is safe to do so. While other options are also requirements (spoil pile 2 feet away, egress every 25 feet), the competent person's inspection and approval is the overarching prerequisite for entry into any trench deeper than 5 feet.