Safety Procedures Flashcards

Under OSHA construction standards, how far must the side rails of a portable ladder extend above the upper landing surface when used for access?

Answer: 3 feet

OSHA 1926.1053(b)(1) requires side rails to extend at least 3 feet above the upper landing surface.

An inspector sets up an extension ladder against a wall with a 16-foot working length to the support point. How far should the base be from the wall?

Answer: 4 feet

The 4:1 rule places the base one foot out for every four feet of working length, so 16 ÷ 4 = 4 feet.

At what height does OSHA generally require fall protection for workers on walking/working surfaces in construction?

Answer: 6 feet

OSHA 1926.501 sets the general construction fall protection trigger at 6 feet above a lower level.

Before entering a trench to observe footing work, an inspector notes it is 6 feet deep with vertical, unshored walls. What is the correct action?

Answer: Do not enter until a protective system such as shoring, sloping, or a trench box is in place

OSHA requires a protective system for trenches 5 feet deep or more unless the excavation is entirely in stable rock.

What is the minimum distance OSHA requires excavated spoil piles to be kept back from the edge of a trench?

Answer: 2 feet

OSHA 1926.651(j)(2) requires materials and spoil to be kept at least 2 feet from the excavation edge.

Which atmospheric oxygen concentration is considered oxygen-deficient under OSHA confined space rules?

Answer: Below 19.5%

OSHA defines an oxygen-deficient atmosphere as one containing less than 19.5% oxygen by volume.

When testing the air in a confined space such as a deep crawlspace vault, what is the correct sequence of tests?

Answer: Oxygen, flammables, toxics

Oxygen is tested first because combustible gas meters need adequate oxygen to read accurately, followed by flammables and then toxics.