NSC Fall Protection 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: At what minimum height above a lower level does OSHA require fall protection in general industry?
- 4 feet (Correct answer)
- 6 feet
- 8 feet
- 10 feet
Correct answer: 4 feet
OSHA's general industry standard (29 CFR 1910) requires fall protection when workers are exposed to falls of 4 feet or more.
Question 2: Which component of a personal fall arrest system (PFAS) absorbs energy and limits the force on the worker during a fall?
- Full-body harness
- Self-retracting lifeline
- Shock-absorbing lanyard (Correct answer)
- Anchorage connector
Correct answer: Shock-absorbing lanyard
A shock-absorbing lanyard contains a deceleration device that deploys during a fall, extending the stop distance and reducing peak arrest forces.
Question 3: A worker must be rescued or self-rescue within how many minutes after a fall arrest to prevent suspension trauma?
- 5 minutes
- 10 minutes
- 30 minutes (Correct answer)
- 60 minutes
Correct answer: 30 minutes
OSHA recommends that suspended workers be rescued within approximately 30 minutes to prevent orthostatic intolerance (suspension trauma).
Question 4: Which type of ladder is prohibited from use near energized electrical equipment because it conducts electricity?
- Wood ladder
- Fiberglass ladder
- Aluminum ladder (Correct answer)
- Composite ladder
Correct answer: Aluminum ladder
Aluminum ladders are conductive and must not be used near energized electrical sources; fiberglass is the preferred non-conductive alternative.
Question 5: What is the maximum free-fall distance allowed by OSHA when using a personal fall arrest system?
- 3.5 feet
- 6 feet (Correct answer)
- 10 feet
- 12 feet
Correct answer: 6 feet
OSHA limits free fall to 6 feet or less when using a PFAS to cap the forces experienced during arrest.
Question 6: When must a competent person inspect a safety net system?
- Once per month
- Before each work shift (Correct answer)
- After every fall arrest event
- At the start of each project only
Correct answer: Before each work shift
OSHA requires a competent person to inspect safety net systems before each work shift and after any fall arrest or impact event.
Question 7: What is the term for the potential fall distance a worker could travel before the fall arrest system fully activates and stops movement?
- Swing fall distance
- Total fall distance (Correct answer)
- Deceleration distance
- Free-fall distance
Correct answer: Total fall distance
Total fall distance includes free-fall distance plus deceleration distance and must be calculated to ensure the worker does not strike a lower level.
NSC Fall Protection 2
At what minimum height above a lower level does OSHA require fall protection in general industry?