STSC Fall Protection and Prevention 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A construction crew is working on a bridge over a river. Which fall protection system is most appropriate when workers must move frequently along the structure?
- Fixed guardrail system
- Warning line system
- Self-retracting lifeline on a horizontal lifeline (Correct answer)
- Safety monitoring system alone
Correct answer: Self-retracting lifeline on a horizontal lifeline
A self-retracting lifeline on a horizontal lifeline allows freedom of movement along the structure while maintaining continuous fall protection.
Question 2: Under OSHA 1926.502, what is the minimum distance a warning line must be set back from an unprotected edge on a low-slope roof?
- 4 feet
- 6 feet (Correct answer)
- 10 feet
- 15 feet
Correct answer: 6 feet
Warning lines must be erected at least 6 feet from the roof edge under OSHA 1926.502(f)(2)(i) when used with other protective measures.
Question 3: What is the maximum allowable total fall distance (including deceleration distance and harness stretch) for a worker using a PFAS?
- 6 feet
- 10 feet
- 12 feet (Correct answer)
- 18 feet
Correct answer: 12 feet
OSHA requires that a PFAS arrest a fall within 3.5 feet of deceleration distance, and total fall distance (free fall + deceleration + harness elongation) must not allow contact with a lower level — typically totaling no more than about 18.5 feet maximum.
Question 4: A covered floor opening is discovered on a job site without a hole cover. What immediate action should a supervisor take?
- Post a warning sign near the opening
- Mark the area with cones and continue work
- Guard the opening immediately and install a proper cover or barricade (Correct answer)
- Document the hazard in the safety log and address at end of shift
Correct answer: Guard the opening immediately and install a proper cover or barricade
OSHA 1926.502(i) requires floor holes to be guarded by a railing and cover immediately — the supervisor must act at once to prevent falls.
Question 5: Which type of anchorage point is the MINIMUM acceptable for attaching a personal fall arrest system under OSHA?
- Any structural steel member
- A point capable of supporting 2,000 pounds per attached worker
- A point rated for 3,000 pounds per attached worker
- A certified anchorage with 5,000-pound capacity per attached worker (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A certified anchorage with 5,000-pound capacity per attached worker
OSHA 1926.502(d)(15) requires PFAS anchors to support at least 5,000 pounds per worker attached, or be designed by a qualified person with a 2:1 safety factor.
Question 6: When inspecting a body harness before use, a worker finds a frayed strap on the dorsal D-ring connection. What should the worker do?
- Use the harness but limit work to lower heights
- Tag the harness out of service and notify the supervisor (Correct answer)
- Reinforce the strap with duct tape and continue
- Use the chest D-ring instead of the dorsal D-ring
Correct answer: Tag the harness out of service and notify the supervisor
Any defective or damaged PFAS component must be immediately removed from service and tagged, as it cannot be trusted to arrest a fall safely.
Question 7: What is the OSHA requirement for the top rail height of a guardrail system on a construction site?
- 36 inches, plus or minus 1 inch
- 39 to 45 inches above the walking surface
- 42 inches, plus or minus 3 inches (Correct answer)
- 48 inches minimum
Correct answer: 42 inches, plus or minus 3 inches
OSHA 1926.502(b)(1) requires guardrail top rails to be 42 inches (±3 inches) above the walking or working surface.
STSC Fall Protection and Prevention 5
A construction crew is working on a bridge over a river.
Which fall protection system is most appropriate when workers must move frequently along the structure?