SMSTS Technical Standards and Specifications 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to OSHA 1926 Subpart P, what is the minimum required slope for a Type C soil excavation without additional protective systems?
- 3/4H:1V
- 1H:1V
- 1.5H:1V (Correct answer)
- 2H:1V
Correct answer: 1.5H:1V
Type C soil, the least stable classification, requires a maximum allowable slope of 1.5H:1V (34 degrees from horizontal) per OSHA 1926 Subpart P.
Question 2: What does the British Standard BS EN 13374 primarily govern on construction sites?
- Scaffolding load calculations
- Temporary edge protection systems (Correct answer)
- Concrete formwork design
- Lifting equipment certification
Correct answer: Temporary edge protection systems
BS EN 13374 specifies requirements for temporary edge protection systems including guardrails, toeboards, and barriers used at working edges.
Question 3: Under ANSI/ASSP A10.6, what is the minimum compressive strength concrete must achieve before post-tensioning stressing operations can begin?
- 2,000 psi
- 2,500 psi
- 3,000 psi (Correct answer)
- 3,500 psi
Correct answer: 3,000 psi
ANSI/ASSP A10.6 requires concrete to reach a minimum compressive strength of 3,000 psi before post-tensioning stressing can safely proceed.
Question 4: Which standard specifies requirements for safety signs and colors on US construction sites?
- ANSI Z535 (Correct answer)
- OSHA 1910.145
- NFPA 170
- ISO 7010
Correct answer: ANSI Z535
ANSI Z535 is the American standard series that governs safety sign colors, formats, and signal words used across US construction environments.
Question 5: Per OSHA 1926.502, what minimum tensile strength must a personal fall arrest system's lanyard withstand?
- 2,500 lbs
- 3,600 lbs
- 5,000 lbs (Correct answer)
- 7,500 lbs
Correct answer: 5,000 lbs
OSHA 1926.502 requires personal fall arrest system components, including lanyards, to have a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 lbs.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a TBT (Toolbox Talk) as referenced in SMSTS construction safety management?
- To formally document near-miss incidents in writing
- To deliver short, topic-specific safety briefings to the workforce (Correct answer)
- To certify worker competency for specific tasks
- To satisfy OSHA's written hazard communication requirement
Correct answer: To deliver short, topic-specific safety briefings to the workforce
A Toolbox Talk is a short, informal safety briefing delivered at the worksite to discuss specific hazards, procedures, or incidents relevant to current tasks.
Question 7: According to OSHA 1926.651, how far from the edge of an excavation must spoil material be placed?
- 1 foot
- 2 feet (Correct answer)
- 3 feet
- 5 feet
Correct answer: 2 feet
OSHA 1926.651 requires that excavated material (spoil) be kept at least 2 feet from the edge of an excavation to prevent surcharge loading and cave-in risk.
SMSTS Technical Standards and Specifications 2
According to OSHA 1926 Subpart P, what is the minimum required slope for a Type C soil excavation without additional protective systems?