RPLS Safety Regulations and Compliance 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under OSHA's Excavation Standard (29 CFR 1926 Subpart P), what is the minimum depth at which a trench must be protected with a protective system?
- 3 feet
- 4 feet
- 5 feet (Correct answer)
- 6 feet
Correct answer: 5 feet
OSHA requires a protective system (shoring, sloping, or shielding) for any trench 5 feet or deeper.
Question 2: When a land surveyor observes an imminent danger situation on a job site that is not their employer's responsibility, the correct action is to:
- Continue work and note it in the field book
- Immediately notify the site controller and withdraw workers from danger (Correct answer)
- File a written report within 24 hours
- Contact OSHA directly before taking any other action
Correct answer: Immediately notify the site controller and withdraw workers from danger
Workers facing imminent danger must be removed immediately and the site controller notified, regardless of who controls the hazard.
Question 3: Which OSHA standard governs the safe use of hand and power tools for land survey crews on construction sites?
- 29 CFR 1926 Subpart I (Correct answer)
- 29 CFR 1910 Subpart D
- 29 CFR 1926 Subpart E
- 29 CFR 1910 Subpart O
Correct answer: 29 CFR 1926 Subpart I
29 CFR 1926 Subpart I covers hand and power tools in construction environments, which applies to survey crews in the field.
Question 4: A surveyor is working in a known wildfire-prone area. Which combination of personal protective equipment is most critical?
- Steel-toed boots and hard hat
- Fire-resistant clothing and an N95 respirator (Correct answer)
- High-visibility vest and safety glasses
- Chemical-resistant gloves and face shield
Correct answer: Fire-resistant clothing and an N95 respirator
Fire-resistant clothing protects against burns and ignition, while an N95 respirator reduces inhalation of smoke particulates.
Question 5: Before positioning a total station near energized overhead power lines, a surveyor should consult which standard for minimum approach distances?
- ANSI Z87.1
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269 or the NESC (Correct answer)
- MUTCD Chapter 6
- IEEE 1584
Correct answer: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269 or the NESC
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269 and the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) establish minimum approach distances from energized overhead lines.
Question 6: What document must be completed before entering a permit-required confined space under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146?
- A general safety inspection report
- A confined space entry permit signed by an authorized entry supervisor (Correct answer)
- A hazard communication data sheet
- An excavation competent-person certification
Correct answer: A confined space entry permit signed by an authorized entry supervisor
A written permit signed by an authorized entry supervisor is required before any worker enters a permit-required confined space.
Question 7: Under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom 2012 / GHS), Safety Data Sheets must contain how many standardized sections?
- 8
- 12
- 16 (Correct answer)
- 20
Correct answer: 16
GHS-aligned Safety Data Sheets follow a standardized 16-section format covering identification, hazards, composition, first aid, and more.
RPLS Safety Regulations and Compliance 2
Under OSHA's Excavation Standard (29 CFR 1926 Subpart P), what is the minimum depth at which a trench must be protected with a protective system?