NWSA Site Safety and Health 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is heat stroke and how does it differ from heat exhaustion?
- They are the same condition
- Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency where the body's cooling system fails, causing core temperature above 104 degrees F, while heat exhaustion is less severe with heavy sweating (Correct answer)
- Heat exhaustion is more dangerous than heat stroke
- Heat stroke only occurs in desert environments
Correct answer: Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency where the body's cooling system fails, causing core temperature above 104 degrees F, while heat exhaustion is less severe with heavy sweating
Heat stroke is a medical emergency requiring immediate cooling and 911 activation. The body can no longer cool itself through sweating.
Heat exhaustion presents with heavy sweating and cool skin below 104 degrees F. Heat stroke occurs when thermoregulation fails, sweating stops, temperature rises above 104 degrees F, and mental status changes occur. Without aggressive cooling, heat stroke causes organ damage and death.
Question 2: What biological hazards should workers be aware of at tower sites in rural areas?
- There are no biological hazards at tower sites
- Venomous snakes, stinging insects (wasps/hornets in tower structures), ticks carrying Lyme disease, and histoplasmosis from bird/bat droppings (Correct answer)
- Only mosquitoes are a concern
- Biological hazards are only found in tropical locations
Correct answer: Venomous snakes, stinging insects (wasps/hornets in tower structures), ticks carrying Lyme disease, and histoplasmosis from bird/bat droppings
Rural tower sites host various biological hazards that can cause serious illness or allergic reactions.
Hazards include venomous snakes near equipment shelters, wasp/hornet nests inside tower members, ticks in surrounding vegetation, and bird/bat guano harboring Histoplasma capsulatum fungus. Workers should wear N95 respirators when disturbing dried guano.
Question 3: What must the employer provide regarding sanitation facilities at a tower work site?
- Nothing — workers should use nearby businesses
- Adequate toilet facilities and potable drinking water within reasonable access of the work area (Correct answer)
- Facilities are only required for jobs lasting more than one week
- Only hand sanitizer is required
Correct answer: Adequate toilet facilities and potable drinking water within reasonable access of the work area
OSHA 1926.51 requires employers to provide toilet facilities and potable water at construction sites.
OSHA 1926.51 mandates at least one toilet per 20 workers, potable drinking water in sufficient quantity with disposable cups, and handwashing facilities near toilet facilities. Portable chemical toilets are acceptable for remote sites.
Question 4: How should noise hazards be managed at a tower work site?
- Tower sites are generally quiet and don't have noise hazards
- Identify noise sources, provide hearing protection when levels exceed 85 dBA, and implement a hearing conservation program for exposed workers (Correct answer)
- Hearing protection is only needed near airports
- Workers only need ear plugs during drilling
Correct answer: Identify noise sources, provide hearing protection when levels exceed 85 dBA, and implement a hearing conservation program for exposed workers
Generators, power tools, hoisting equipment, and wind noise at height can exceed safe exposure levels.
Noise sources include generators (70-90 dBA), impact wrenches (90-110 dBA), concrete cutting (95-115 dBA), and wind at height. OSHA requires hearing conservation at 85 dBA TWA. Electronic hearing protection may be needed to maintain communication.
Question 5: What ergonomic considerations are important for tower climbers?
- Ergonomics only applies to office workers
- Proper climbing technique, workload management, equipment weight distribution, and prevention of repetitive strain injuries (Correct answer)
- Ergonomics is not relevant to construction work
- Only back injuries are ergonomic concerns
Correct answer: Proper climbing technique, workload management, equipment weight distribution, and prevention of repetitive strain injuries
Tower climbing places extreme demands on the musculoskeletal system. Poor ergonomic practices lead to chronic injuries.
Important factors include three-point climbing technique, distributing carried tools evenly, using hoisting systems instead of hand-carrying, proper work positioning with lanyards, rotating tasks to prevent repetitive strain, and adequate rest between climbs.
Question 6: What is the employer's obligation regarding a written safety and health program for tower work?
- Written programs are optional
- Employers must maintain a comprehensive written safety program covering all recognized hazards, training requirements, and emergency procedures (Correct answer)
- Only verbal safety instructions are required
- Written programs are only needed for companies with 50+ employees
Correct answer: Employers must maintain a comprehensive written safety program covering all recognized hazards, training requirements, and emergency procedures
A written safety and health program provides a framework for consistent safety practices across all work sites.
The written program should include safety policy, responsibilities, hazard assessment procedures, training program, PPE program, fall protection program, rescue procedures, emergency action plan, incident investigation procedures, and record-keeping requirements.
NWSA Site Safety and Health 2
What is heat stroke and how does it differ from heat exhaustion?