STSC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield STSC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Where must excavated material (spoil) be placed relative to the edge of a trench according to OSHA 1926.651(j)(2)? → At least 2 feet from the edge of the excavation
2. Before a contractor begins work in a permit-required confined space owned or controlled by the host employer, the host employer must: → Inform the contractor of permit space hazards, precautions, and emergency procedures
3. What does the lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedure require before servicing or maintaining a power tool? → De-energizing and locking out the energy source before any service begins
4. An STSC supervisor observes workers using a metal ladder near overhead power lines. What is the correct guidance according to OSHA electrical safety standards? → Non-conductive (fiberglass or wood) ladders must be used near electrical hazards
5. What is the primary hazard created by using a pneumatic nail gun with the contact-trip safety feature defeated or bypassed? → Unintentional nail discharge and double-fire events that cause penetrating injuries
6. What is the minimum air monitoring requirement before entering a permit-required confined space? → Test for oxygen, flammable gases, and toxic air contaminants
7. Which section of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) contains information about required personal protective equipment? → Section 8 - Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
8. In the event of a fall from height, which of the following actions should be taken immediately? → Secure the area and assess the worker’s condition before calling for medical help
9. What must be done before lifting with any crane at the start of each shift? → Complete a pre-shift inspection by a competent person
10. Which of the following is an example of a physical hazard commonly found on construction sites? → Falling objects
11. Under OSHA 29 CFR 1926, which subpart specifically governs hand and power tools used in construction? → Subpart I
12. When using chemicals with known skin absorption hazards on a construction site, the primary PPE control is: → Chemical-resistant gloves appropriate for the specific chemical
13. Which of the following OSHA standards specifically addresses fall protection in construction? → 1926.501
14. A worker exposed to excessive noise must be enrolled in a hearing conservation program when 8-hour TWA noise exposure reaches: → 85 dBA (action level)
15. What is the safe method for transferring a tool to another worker on a scaffold or elevated work platform? → Use a tool bag, bucket, or hand line to lower or pass tools safely
16. When rigging a load with multiple sling legs, the tension in each leg increases as the angle between the sling and the horizontal: → Decreases
17. How long must cancelled entry permits be retained by the employer? → 1 year
18. What action is required when a power tool's electrical cord shows signs of fraying, cracking, or insulation damage? → Tag the tool out, remove it from service, and have the cord repaired or replaced
19. Under OSHA 1926.405(a)(2)(ii), what is the maximum ampere rating for an extension cord used with a 15-amp tool on a construction site? → The cord must be rated at least 15 amps
20. What document must be on the crane at all times during operation? → Load charts and the equipment manual
21. What is the minimum height requirement for the top rail of a guardrail system on a supported scaffold? → Between 38 and 45 inches
22. Supported scaffold poles, legs, posts, frames, and uprights must bear on which of the following? → Base plates and mud sills
23. What information should be readily available at a construction site for emergency responders? → Site layout, hazardous materials locations, and utility shutoff points
24. OSHA's 29 CFR 1926 Subpart Q covers which construction hazard? → Concrete and masonry construction
25. A trench protection system uses a hydraulic trench shield (trench box). Where must workers be positioned relative to the shield when working in the trench? → Workers must remain inside the protective shield at all times during excavation operations
26. What is 'benching' as a method of excavation protection, and which soil type does NOT permit it? → Benching creates step-like horizontal cuts in trench walls — not permitted in Type C soil
27. Before any excavation work begins, what is the REQUIRED first step under OSHA 1926.651(b)? → Contact all underground utilities to mark or identify buried facilities
28. A fire breaks out involving energized electrical equipment in a temporary site office. Which type of fire extinguisher is most appropriate to use? → Class C (Carbon Dioxide or Dry Chemical)
29. What is the minimum tensile strength required for the lifeline anchor point in a personal fall arrest system? → 5,000 lbs per worker attached or designed with a safety factor of 2
30. During a hot work operation (e.g., welding), what is the primary duty of the designated fire watch? → To watch for and extinguish any incipient stage fires in the hot work area.