NCCER Regulatory Compliance & Legal Framework 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which federal agency enforces OSHA regulations on residential construction job sites?
- EPA
- OSHA under the Department of Labor (Correct answer)
- HUD
- CPSC
Correct answer: OSHA under the Department of Labor
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), under the U.S. Department of Labor, enforces workplace safety standards including those on residential construction sites.
Question 2: A handyman is hired to replace an electrical outlet in a home built before 1978. What lead-based paint regulation primarily applies?
- RCRA
- EPA RRP Rule (Renovate, Repair, and Paint) (Correct answer)
- NFPA 70
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910
Correct answer: EPA RRP Rule (Renovate, Repair, and Paint)
The EPA's Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule requires certified renovators to follow lead-safe work practices when disturbing lead paint in pre-1978 homes.
Question 3: Which document legally authorizes a handyman to perform specific construction work in a jurisdiction?
- Insurance certificate
- Building permit (Correct answer)
- Contractor's license
- Material safety data sheet
Correct answer: Building permit
A building permit issued by the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) is the legal authorization to perform specific construction work.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of a Certificate of Occupancy (CO)?
- To prove contractor insurance coverage
- To certify a building is safe and complies with code for its intended use (Correct answer)
- To authorize demolition work
- To register a contractor with the state
Correct answer: To certify a building is safe and complies with code for its intended use
A Certificate of Occupancy certifies that a building complies with applicable codes and is safe for its intended use or occupancy type.
Question 5: Under ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), doorway clear width for accessibility in commercial spaces must be at least:
- 28 inches
- 30 inches
- 32 inches (Correct answer)
- 36 inches
Correct answer: 32 inches
ADA standards require a minimum clear opening width of 32 inches for accessible doorways, though 36 inches is preferred.
Question 6: A contractor who performs work beyond the scope of their licensed trade is said to be working:
- Pro bono
- Out of scope (Correct answer)
- Ultra vires
- Off the books
Correct answer: Out of scope
Working "out of scope" means performing work outside the limitations of one's license, which can result in fines, license revocation, and legal liability.
Question 7: What does 'right of rescission' allow a homeowner to do in a home improvement contract?
- Demand a refund after project completion
- Cancel the contract within 3 business days of signing (Correct answer)
- Require the contractor to redo substandard work
- Sue the contractor in small claims court
Correct answer: Cancel the contract within 3 business days of signing
Under the FTC's Cooling-Off Rule, homeowners have the right to cancel certain home improvement contracts within 3 business days of signing.
NCCER Regulatory Compliance & Legal Framework 2
Which federal agency enforces OSHA regulations on residential construction job sites?