OSHA 30 Test Questions and Answers
OSHA 30-Hour Construction answers for independent study: review 116 questions, each cited to 29 CFR or OSHA Outreach Training Program documents. Not an official OSHA Outreach exam key.
OSHA 30-Hour Construction Outreach review: course structure and Outreach rules, injury recordkeeping and reporting, competent and qualified persons, fall protection systems, scaffolds, stairways, excavations, silica, noise, fire protection, motor vehicles and power lines, per 29 CFR as on eCFR (up to date as of 2026-10-26) and OSHA Outreach Training Program documents (2024).
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01How much time do you have to call OSHA with an accident, fatality, or 3 or more employees to the hospital?
8 hours for a fatality; 24 hours for the in-patient hospitalization of one or more employees, an amputation, or the loss of an eye. Some answer lists say 8 hours when 3 or more employees go to the hospital; 29 CFR 1904.39 says 8 hours for a death and 24 hours for any single in-patient hospitalization, amputation or eye loss.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Within twenty-four (24) hours after the in-patient hospitalization of one or more employees or an employee's amputation or an employee's loss of an eye”
— 29 CFR 1904.39, Reporting fatalities, hospitalizations, amputations, and losses of an eye (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗02An employer must notify OSHA within how many hours after a fatality (death) has occurred? A. 8 hours B. 24 hours C. 5 days D. 30 days
A. 8 hours. 29 CFR 1904.39(a)(1) requires the employer to report a work-related death to OSHA within eight hours.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Within eight (8) hours after the death of any employee as a result of a work-related incident, you must report the fatality to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), U.S. Department of Labor.”
— 29 CFR 1904.39, Reporting fatalities, hospitalizations, amputations, and losses of an eye (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗03What is the minimum weight for a scaffold to support?
Its own weight plus at least 4 times the maximum intended load. 29 CFR 1926.451 requires each scaffold and scaffold component to support that load without failure.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“each scaffold and scaffold component shall be capable of supporting, without failure, its own weight and at least 4 times the maximum intended load applied or transmitted to it.”
— 29 CFR 1926.451, Scaffolds, general requirements (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗04What item is placed on a 300 Log, and through what dates must it be posted?
Recordable work-related injuries and illnesses go on the 300 Log; the annual 300A summary is posted from February 1 to April 30. Some answer lists say May 1; 29 CFR 1904.32 says the posting stays up until April 30.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“You must post the summary no later than February 1 of the year following the year covered by the records and keep the posting in place until April 30.”
— 29 CFR 1904.32, Annual summary (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗05What height do you have to have railing on stairs?
Stairways with four or more risers, or rising more than 30 inches, need at least one handrail and a stairrail on each unprotected side; stairrails installed after March 15, 1991 must be at least 36 inches high. Some answer lists say 42 inches or the 4th step; 29 CFR 1926.1052 says four or more risers or 30 inches, and a stairrail height of not less than 36 inches.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Stairrails installed after March 15, 1991, shall be not less than 36 inches (91.5 cm) from the upper surface of the stairrail system to the surface of the tread”
— 29 CFR 1926.1052, Stairways (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗06What is the number of fire extinguishers needed on a 5 story building with 1000 sq ft floors?
5: at least one 2A extinguisher on each floor. 29 CFR 1926.150(c)(1) requires one or more 2A extinguishers on every floor, and each 1,000 sq ft floor is within the 3,000 sq ft that one extinguisher covers.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“A fire extinguisher, rated not less than 2A, shall be provided for each 3,000 square feet of the protected building area, or major fraction thereof. Travel distance from any point of the protected area to the nearest fire extinguisher shall not exceed 100 feet.”
— 29 CFR 1926.150, Fire protection (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗07SF needed for fire extinguishers: how much protected building area can each 2A fire extinguisher cover?
3,000 square feet, with no more than 100 feet of travel to the nearest extinguisher. 29 CFR 1926.150(c)(1)(i) requires a 2A-rated extinguisher for each 3,000 square feet of protected building area.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“A fire extinguisher, rated not less than 2A, shall be provided for each 3,000 square feet of the protected building area, or major fraction thereof. Travel distance from any point of the protected area to the nearest fire extinguisher shall not exceed 100 feet.”
— 29 CFR 1926.150, Fire protection (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗08If a trench is 2 feet deep without any shoring, what can be done to bring it into compliance?
Nothing, as long as a competent person examines the ground and finds no indication of a potential cave-in. 29 CFR 1926.652(a)(1) does not require a protective system in an excavation less than 5 feet deep under that condition.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Each employee in an excavation shall be protected from cave-ins by an adequate protective system designed in accordance with paragraph (b) or (c) of this section except when: [...] Excavations are less than 5 feet (1.52m) in depth and examination of the ground by a competent person provides no indication of a potential cave-in.”
— 29 CFR 1926.652, Requirements for protective systems (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗09At what depth do you typically need a trench box?
5 feet. Under 29 CFR 1926.652(a)(1), a protective system such as a trench box (shield) is required at 5 feet and deeper; a shallower excavation is exempt only when a competent person finds no indication of a potential cave-in.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Each employee in an excavation shall be protected from cave-ins by an adequate protective system designed in accordance with paragraph (b) or (c) of this section except when: [...] Excavations are less than 5 feet (1.52m) in depth and examination of the ground by a competent person provides no indication of a potential cave-in.”
— 29 CFR 1926.652, Requirements for protective systems (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗10How far away must spoil be placed away from an excavation?
At least 2 feet from the edge, or held back by retaining devices. 29 CFR 1926.651(j)(2) requires materials and equipment to be kept at least 2 feet from the edge of excavations.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Protection shall be provided by placing and keeping such materials or equipment at least 2 feet (.61 m) from the edge of excavations, or by the use of retaining devices”
— 29 CFR 1926.651, Specific excavation requirements (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗11A minimum clearance of ____ feet must be maintained from the edge of excavation for the purpose of preventing material from falling into the trench.
2 feet. Some answer lists say 4 feet; 29 CFR 1926.651(j)(2) says materials and equipment must be kept at least 2 feet from the edge of excavations, or held back by retaining devices.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Protection shall be provided by placing and keeping such materials or equipment at least 2 feet (.61 m) from the edge of excavations, or by the use of retaining devices”
— 29 CFR 1926.651, Specific excavation requirements (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗12Where do you need ladders in an excavation?
In trench excavations 4 feet or more deep, placed so no worker has more than 25 feet of lateral travel to a ladder, ramp or other safe means of egress; a portable ladder used for access must extend at least 3 feet above the landing. Some answer lists say a ladder every 25 feet; 29 CFR 1926.651(c)(2) sets 25 feet as the maximum lateral travel to an exit, in trenches 4 feet or deeper.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“When portable ladders are used for access to an upper landing surface, the ladder side rails shall extend at least 3 feet (.9 m) above the upper landing surface to which the ladder is used to gain access”
— 29 CFR 1926.1053, Ladders (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗13Test excavations more than ____ deep for O2 and hazardous gases.
4 feet. 29 CFR 1926.651(g)(1) requires the atmosphere to be tested before employees enter excavations greater than 4 feet deep where a hazardous atmosphere could reasonably be expected.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“the atmospheres in the excavation shall be tested before employees enter excavations greater than 4 feet (1.22 m) in depth.”
— 29 CFR 1926.651, Specific excavation requirements (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗14Describe the term "competent person".
One who can identify existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them. Some answer lists say only a person able to recognize hazards; 29 CFR 1926.32(f) also requires the authority to correct them.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Competent person means one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.”
— 29 CFR 1926.32, Definitions (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗15How far past the roof should a ladder extend?
At least 3 feet above the upper landing surface. 29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(1) requires portable ladder side rails to extend at least 3 feet above the landing used for access.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“When portable ladders are used for access to an upper landing surface, the ladder side rails shall extend at least 3 feet (.9 m) above the upper landing surface to which the ladder is used to gain access”
— 29 CFR 1926.1053, Ladders (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗16Ladder ratio: extension ladders are positioned on a __:__ ratio, or approximately 75° angle of inclination.
4:1. The foot sits out about one-quarter of the working length: 29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(5)(i) sets the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot at approximately one-quarter of the working length of the ladder.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Non-self-supporting ladders shall be used at an angle such that the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is approximately one-quarter of the working length of the ladder (the distance along the ladder between the foot and the top support).”
— 29 CFR 1926.1053, Ladders (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗17OSHA's construction standards are contained in part ____.
Part 1926. 29 CFR 1910.12(a) adopts the standards in part 1926 as the occupational safety and health standards for construction work.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The standards prescribed in part 1926 of this chapter are adopted as occupational safety and health standards under section 6 of the Act and shall apply, according to the provisions thereof, to every employment and place of employment of every employee engaged in construction work.”
— 29 CFR 1910.12, Construction work (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗18All employers covered by the OSHA Act are covered by part __________ regulation, which required employers to record and report injuries and illnesses.
1904. 29 CFR part 1904 requires employers to record and report work-related fatalities, injuries and illnesses, and every employer covered by the OSH Act must report fatalities and severe injuries under 29 CFR 1904.39.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“However, as required by § 1904.39, all employers covered by the OSH Act must report to OSHA any work-related incident that results in a fatality, the in-patient hospitalization of one or more employees, an employee amputation, or an employee loss of an eye.”
— 29 CFR 1904.1, Partial exemption for employers with 10 or fewer employees (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗19When the employer receives an OSHA citation, it must be: A. Contested and filed with the courts B. Copied and mailed to each worker C. Posted for 3 days or until the violation is fixed D. Signed and returned to OSHA
C. Posted for 3 days or until the violation is fixed. 29 CFR 1903.16(b) keeps each citation posted until the violation has been abated or for 3 working days, whichever is later.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Each citation, or a copy thereof, shall remain posted until the violation has been abated, or for 3 working days, whichever is later.”
— 29 CFR 1903.16, Posting of citations (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗20The creation of OSHA provided this important right to workers: A. The right to equal employment opportunities B. The right to pension benefits C. The right to privacy D. The right to a safe and healthful workplace
D. The right to a safe and healthful workplace. 29 CFR 1903.1 states that the Act requires every covered employer to furnish employment and a place of employment free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The Williams-Steiger Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (84 Stat. 1590 et seq., 29 U.S.C. 651 et seq.) requires, in part, that every employer covered under the Act furnish to his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.”
— 29 CFR 1903.1, Purpose and scope (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗21Among the rights related to OSHA recordkeeping, workers have the right to review: A. All first aid treatment forms B. All worker's compensation forms C. Medical and exposure records for all workers D. OSHA 300 Logs and OSHA 300A Summaries
D. OSHA 300 Logs and OSHA 300A Summaries. 29 CFR 1904.35(b)(2) gives employees, former employees and their representatives the right to access the OSHA injury and illness records, including a copy of the 300 Log by the end of the next business day.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“When an employee, former employee, personal representative, or authorized employee representative asks for copies of your current or stored OSHA 300 Log(s) for an establishment the employee or former employee has worked in, you must give the requester a copy of the relevant OSHA 300 Log(s) by the end of the next business day.”
— 29 CFR 1904.35, Employee involvement (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗22During an OSHA inspection: A. Employers determine which workers are interviewed B. You have the right to talk to the inspector privately C. You may not describe safety and health concerns you have to the inspector D. Worker representatives are not permitted to accompany the inspector
B. You have the right to talk to the inspector privately. 29 CFR 1903.3 authorizes compliance safety and health officers to question privately any employer, owner, operator, agent or employee.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“to question privately any employer, owner, operator, agent or employee; and to review records required by the Act and regulations published in this chapter”
— 29 CFR 1903.3, Authority for inspection (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗23The right of workers to be safe and healthy while on the job, without fear of punishment is spelled out in: A. OSHA standards B. Section 11(c) of the OSH Act C. State laws D. The General Duty Clause
B. Section 11(c) of the OSH Act. 29 CFR 1977.3 explains that section 11(c) bars any person from discharging or discriminating against an employee for filing a complaint or exercising other rights under the Act.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Section 11(c) provides in general that no person shall discharge or in any manner discriminate against any employee because the employee has: (a) Filed any complaint under or related to the Act;”
— 29 CFR 1977.3, General requirements of section 11(c) of the Act (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗24Typically, how long does an employee have to file a complaint with OSHA, when the employee has been discriminated against for reporting a safety or health hazard? A. 3 days B. 10 days C. 30 days D. 60 days
C. 30 days. 29 CFR 1977.15(d) says a section 11(c) complaint may be filed within 30 days after the violation occurs.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Section 11(c)(2) provides that an employee who believes that he has been discriminated against in violation of section 11(c)(1) “may, within 30 days after such violation occurs,” file a complaint with the Secretary of Labor.”
— 29 CFR 1977.15, Filing of complaint for discrimination (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗25You can request to remain anonymous when OSHA presents a complaint to your employer. A. True B. False
A. True. 29 CFR 1903.11(a) says that, at the complainant's request, their name and the names of employees referred to will not appear on the copy given to the employer or on any record the Department of Labor makes available.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“upon the request of the person giving such notice, his name and the names of individual employees referred to therein shall not appear in such copy or on any record published, released, or made available by the Department of Labor.”
— 29 CFR 1903.11, Complaints by employees (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗26OSHA requires that employers pay for which of the following personal protective equipment (PPE)? A. Hard hats B. Logging boots C. Uniforms D. Weather-related gear
A. Hard hats. 29 CFR 1926.95(d) requires the employer to provide protective equipment, including PPE, at no cost to employees; everyday clothing and gear used solely for protection from weather are excluded.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“(i) Everyday clothing, such as long-sleeve shirts, long pants, street shoes, and normal work boots; or (ii) Ordinary clothing, skin creams, or other items, used solely for protection from weather, such as winter coats, jackets, gloves, parkas, rubber boots, hats, raincoats, ordinary sunglasses, and sunscreen.”
— 29 CFR 1926.95, Criteria for personal protective equipment (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗27Employers covered by OSHA's standards must display an "It's the Law" poster. What does this poster address? A. Employee dress code B. Hourly wages C. Hours of operation D. Safety and health information
D. Safety and health information. 29 CFR 1903.2(a)(1) requires each employer to post the OSHA notice informing employees of the protections and obligations provided for in the Act.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Each employer shall post and keep posted a notice or notices, to be furnished by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, informing employees of the protections and obligations provided for in the Act”
— 29 CFR 1903.2, Posting of notice; availability of the Act, regulations and applicable standards (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗28A space that meets the definition of a confined space and contains other recognized serious safety and health hazards is what? A) a confined space B) a permit-required confined space C) a non-permit-required confined space D) not a confined space
B) a permit-required confined space. 29 CFR 1926.1202 defines a permit space as a confined space with one or more listed characteristics, including any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Permit-required confined space (permit space) means a confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics: [...] (4) Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.”
— 29 CFR 1926.1202, Definitions (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗29Entering a permit space can prove fatal for an employee when the O2 level is below ______ and above _______.
Below 19.5% and above 23.5%. 29 CFR 1926.1202 defines an oxygen deficient atmosphere as less than 19.5 percent oxygen by volume and an oxygen enriched atmosphere as more than 23.5 percent.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Oxygen deficient atmosphere means an atmosphere containing less than 19.5 percent oxygen by volume. Oxygen enriched atmosphere means an atmosphere containing more than 23.5 percent oxygen by volume.”
— 29 CFR 1926.1202, Definitions (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗30T/F: Permit required confined spaces contain or have the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere.
True. 29 CFR 1926.1202 lists a hazardous atmosphere, actual or potential, as one of the characteristics of a permit-required confined space.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Permit-required confined space (permit space) means a confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics: (1) Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere;”
— 29 CFR 1926.1202, Definitions (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗31T/F: Permit required confined spaces contain a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant.
True. 29 CFR 1926.1202 lists a material with the potential to engulf an entrant as one of the characteristics of a permit-required confined space.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Permit-required confined space (permit space) means a confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics: [...] (2) Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant;”
— 29 CFR 1926.1202, Definitions (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗32T/F: Permit required confined spaces have an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls, or a floor which slopes and tapers to a smaller cross section.
True. 29 CFR 1926.1202 lists that internal configuration as one of the characteristics of a permit-required confined space.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“(3) Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section;”
— 29 CFR 1926.1202, Definitions (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗33T/F: Permit required confined spaces contain any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.
True. 29 CFR 1926.1202 lists any other recognized serious safety or health hazard as one of the characteristics of a permit-required confined space.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Permit-required confined space (permit space) means a confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics: [...] (4) Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.”
— 29 CFR 1926.1202, Definitions (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗34Entry permits must be approved and cancelled by the: a. entrant b. employer c. attendant d. entry supervisor
d. entry supervisor. Under 29 CFR 1926.1205, the entry supervisor named on the permit signs it to authorize entry and cancels it when the entry operations are complete.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The entry supervisor must terminate entry and take the following action when any of the following apply: (1) Cancel the entry permit when the entry operations covered by the entry permit have been completed”
— 29 CFR 1926.1205, Permitting process (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗35Entry permits must be filed and retained for a minimum of: a. 1 year b. 2 years c. 5 years d. 6 months
a. 1 year. 29 CFR 1926.1205(f) requires the entry employer to retain each canceled entry permit for at least 1 year.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The entry employer must retain each canceled entry permit for at least 1 year to facilitate the review of the permit-required confined space program required by § 1926.1204(n).”
— 29 CFR 1926.1205, Permitting process (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗36When must you tie off in steel erection?
Above 15 feet on a walking/working surface with an unprotected side or edge; connectors and workers at the leading edge in a controlled decking zone must be protected above two stories or 30 feet, whichever is less. Some answer lists say 30 feet; 29 CFR 1926.760 sets 15 feet as the general rule and two stories or 30 feet only for connectors and controlled decking zones.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Each employee working at the leading edge in a CDZ shall be protected from fall hazards of more than two stories or 30 feet (9.1 m), whichever is less.”
— 29 CFR 1926.760, Fall protection (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗37Congress and the President signed the Williams - Steiger Occupational Safety and Health Act in what year?
1970. 29 CFR 1903.1 names the Act as the Williams-Steiger Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The Williams-Steiger Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (84 Stat. 1590 et seq., 29 U.S.C. 651 et seq.) requires, in part, that every employer covered under the Act furnish to his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.”
— 29 CFR 1903.1, Purpose and scope (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗38A case is recordable when:
It results in death, days away from work, restricted work or transfer to another job, medical treatment beyond first aid, or loss of consciousness. 29 CFR 1904.7 lists these as the general recording criteria.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“You must consider an injury or illness to meet the general recording criteria, and therefore to be recordable, if it results in any of the following: death, days away from work, restricted work or transfer to another job, medical treatment beyond first aid, or loss of consciousness.”
— 29 CFR 1904.7, General recording criteria (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗39How are the 30 hours of the OSHA 30-Hour Construction Outreach course divided between required, elective and optional topics?
14 hours required, 12 hours elective and 4 hours optional. OSHA's Construction Industry Procedures list Required – 14 hours, Elective – 12 hours and Optional – 4 hours.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Optional – 4 hours . Teach other construction industry hazards”
— OSHA Outreach Training Program Construction Industry Procedures (revised July 1, 2024), PDF p. 10 ↗40According to OSHA's Construction Industry Procedures, who is the 30-hour Construction Outreach program intended for?
Workers with some safety responsibilities. OSHA says the 30-hour program is intended to provide a variety of training to workers with some safety responsibilities.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The training program is intended to provide a variety of training to workers with some safety responsibilities.”
— OSHA Outreach Training Program Construction Industry Procedures (revised July 1, 2024), PDF p. 9 ↗41What should Construction Outreach training emphasize, according to OSHA's 2024 procedures?
Hazard identification, avoidance, control and prevention, not OSHA standards. OSHA states that training should emphasize hazard identification, avoidance, control, and prevention, not OSHA standards.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Training should emphasize hazard identification, avoidance, control, and prevention, not OSHA standards.”
— OSHA Outreach Training Program Construction Industry Procedures (revised July 1, 2024), PDF p. 7 ↗42How long is the Focus Four Hazards module in the 30-hour Construction course, and how much of it must cover falls?
6 hours, with falls covered for at least 1 hour and 30 minutes. The other three Focus Four topics must each be covered for at least 30 minutes.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The remaining three Focus Four Hazard topics must be covered for a minimum of 30 minutes each.”
— OSHA Outreach Training Program Construction Industry Procedures (revised July 1, 2024), PDF p. 8 ↗43Which required 30-hour Construction topic may include job-site inspections, accident investigations and how to conduct safety meetings?
Managing Safety and Health (2 hours). OSHA lists injury and illness prevention programs, job-site inspections, accident investigations and safety meetings among its possible content.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“accident investigations, how to conduct safety meetings, and supervisory communication”
— OSHA Outreach Training Program Construction Industry Procedures (revised July 1, 2024), PDF p. 9 ↗44Which 1-hour topic is required in the 30-hour Construction course alongside Introduction to OSHA, Managing Safety and Health, Focus Four, PPE and Health Hazards?
Stairways and Ladders. The 30-hour required topics include Personal Protective Equipment (2 hours), Health Hazards in Construction (2 hours) and Stairways and Ladders (1 hour).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Personal Protective Equipment (2 hours ) e. Health Hazards in Construction (2 hours ) f. Stairways and Ladders (1 hour)”
— OSHA Outreach Training Program Construction Industry Procedures (revised July 1, 2024), PDF p. 10 ↗45In a 30-hour Construction class, how many elective topics must be presented, and what is the minimum length of an elective topic?
At least six topics, each at least 30 minutes long (Foundations for Safety Leadership has its own longer minimum). Electives must total at least 12 hours.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Must present at least 12 hours of training on the following topics. At least six of the topi cs must be presented. The minimum length of any topic is 30 minutes , except for Foundations for Safety Leadership”
— OSHA Outreach Training Program Construction Industry Procedures (revised July 1, 2024), PDF p. 10 ↗46What is the minimum time for the Foundations for Safety Leadership elective in the 30-hour Construction course?
2 hours and 30 minutes. OSHA lists it as Foundations for Safety Leadership (minimum of 2 hours and 30 min).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Foundations for Safety Leadership (minimum of 2 hours and 30 min)”
— OSHA Outreach Training Program Construction Industry Procedures (revised July 1, 2024), PDF p. 10 ↗47Can CPR and first aid training be counted toward the hours of an OSHA Construction Outreach class?
No. OSHA lists them as ineligible: CPR and First Aid instruction or training cannot be counted towards fulfillment of Outreach Training Program Requirements.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“CPR and First Aid instruction or training cannot be counted towards fulfillment of OSHA Outreach Training Program Requirements”
— OSHA Outreach Training Program Construction Industry Procedures (revised July 1, 2024), PDF p. 10 ↗48What is the daily limit on student contact hours in an Outreach class, and what is the fewest calendar days a 30-hour class can take?
7.5 contact hours per calendar day, so a 30-hour class takes at least four calendar days.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“30-hour classes must take a minimum of four calendar days”
— OSHA Outreach Training Program Requirements (2024), PDF p. 13 ↗49After a Construction Outreach class ends, how long does the trainer have to submit the OSHA Outreach Training Report (OTPR) to the ATO?
30 days. The trainer must submit the OTPR – Construction to their ATO within 30 days.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“the Outreach trainer must submit the OSHA Outreach Training Report (OTPR) – Construction to their ATO within 30 days”
— OSHA Outreach Training Program Construction Industry Procedures (revised July 1, 2024), PDF p. 11 ↗50How long must an Outreach trainer keep Construction class records?
Five years from the class end date. This is the trainer's sole responsibility regardless of what records an employer keeps.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Outreach trainers must retain Program class records for five years from the class end date”
— OSHA Outreach Training Program Construction Industry Procedures (revised July 1, 2024), PDF p. 11 ↗51Does completing OSHA 30-Hour Construction Outreach training satisfy the training required by a specific OSHA standard?
No. The Outreach Training Program is voluntary, and Outreach training does not meet the training requirements in any OSHA standard.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The OSHA Outreach Training Program is voluntary. Outreach training does not meet the training requirements contained in any OSHA standard.”
— OSHA Outreach Training Program Requirements (2024), PDF p. 7 ↗52How much construction safety experience must a person have to become an authorized Construction Outreach trainer?
At least five years. OSHA requires at least five years of construction safety experience (a degree in safety or industrial hygiene can substitute for part of it).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“an individual must have at least five years of construction safety experience”
— OSHA Outreach Training Program Construction Industry Procedures (revised July 1, 2024), PDF p. 6 ↗53How often must an authorized Outreach trainer complete a trainer update course?
Every four years. Trainers must complete a trainer update course every four years to stay authorized.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Outreach trainers are required to complete a trainer update course every four years”
— OSHA Outreach Training Program Requirements (2024), PDF p. 8 ↗54Under 29 CFR 1904.7, which outcomes make a work-related injury or illness recordable?
Death, days away from work, restricted work or job transfer, medical treatment beyond first aid, or loss of consciousness. A significant injury or illness diagnosed by a physician or other licensed health care professional is also recordable.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“a significant injury or illness diagnosed by”
— 29 CFR 1904.7, General recording criteria (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗55When recording days away from work on the OSHA 300 Log, do you count the day the injury occurred?
No, counting starts on the day after the injury occurred or the illness began.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“No, you begin counting days away on the day after the injury occurred or the illness began.”
— 29 CFR 1904.7, General recording criteria (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗56Is there a maximum number of days away from work an employer must count for one case on the OSHA 300 Log?
Yes, the total may be capped at 180 calendar days.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“you may “cap” the total days away at 180 calendar days”
— 29 CFR 1904.7, General recording criteria (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗57Who must certify the OSHA 300A annual summary?
A company executive. The executive certifies that they have examined the OSHA 300 Log and reasonably believe the summary is correct and complete.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“A company executive must certify that he or she has examined the OSHA 300 Log”
— 29 CFR 1904.32, Annual summary (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗58Between which dates must the OSHA 300A annual summary be posted?
From February 1 to April 30 of the year after the year the records cover.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“You must post the summary no later than February 1 of the year following the year covered by the records and keep the posting in place until April 30.”
— 29 CFR 1904.32, Annual summary (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗59An establishment had no recordable cases this year. What goes on the OSHA 300A summary?
Zeros for each column total. The summary is still completed and posted.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“if you had no recordable cases, enter zeros for each column total”
— 29 CFR 1904.32, Annual summary (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗60How quickly must an employer report a work-related fatality to OSHA?
Within 8 hours after the death.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Within eight (8) hours after the death of any employee as a result of a work-related incident, you must report the fatality”
— 29 CFR 1904.39, Reporting fatalities, hospitalizations, amputations, and losses of an eye (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗61How quickly must an employer report a work-related in-patient hospitalization, amputation or loss of an eye to OSHA?
Within 24 hours.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Within twenty-four (24) hours after the in-patient hospitalization of one or more employees or an employee's amputation or an employee's loss of an eye”
— 29 CFR 1904.39, Reporting fatalities, hospitalizations, amputations, and losses of an eye (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗62Which toll-free number can an employer call to report a fatality or severe injury to OSHA?
1-800-321-OSHA (1-800-321-6742). Reports can also be made to the nearest Area Office or electronically.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“By telephone to the OSHA toll-free central telephone number, 1-800-321-OSHA (1-800-321-6742).”
— 29 CFR 1904.39, Reporting fatalities, hospitalizations, amputations, and losses of an eye (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗63A worker is hospitalized after a motor vehicle accident on a public street or highway. Must the employer report it to OSHA?
Only if the accident happened in a construction work zone. Outside a construction work zone, a public-road accident is not reported to OSHA, though it must still be recorded if the employer keeps OSHA injury and illness records.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“must be recorded on your OSHA injury and illness records, if you are required to keep such records”
— 29 CFR 1904.39, Reporting fatalities, hospitalizations, amputations, and losses of an eye (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗64Must an employer report to OSHA a hospital stay that involves only observation or diagnostic testing?
No. A hospitalization for observation or diagnostic testing only is not reportable.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“No, you do not have to report an in-patient hospitalization that involves only observation or diagnostic testing.”
— 29 CFR 1904.39, Reporting fatalities, hospitalizations, amputations, and losses of an eye (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗65Under 29 CFR 1926.20, who makes the frequent and regular inspections of job sites, materials and equipment?
Competent persons designated by the employer, as part of the employer's accident prevention program.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Such programs shall provide for frequent and regular inspections of the job sites, materials, and equipment to be made by competent persons designated by the employers.”
— 29 CFR 1926.20, General safety and health provisions (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗66What must happen to machinery or equipment that does not comply with OSHA construction standards?
It must be tagged as unsafe, have its controls locked out, or be physically removed from its place of operation.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“shall either be identified as unsafe by tagging or locking the controls to render them inoperable or shall be physically removed from its place of operation”
— 29 CFR 1926.20, General safety and health provisions (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗67Under 29 CFR 1926.20, who may operate equipment and machinery on a construction site?
Only employees qualified by training or experience.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The employer shall permit only those employees qualified by training or experience to operate equipment and machinery.”
— 29 CFR 1926.20, General safety and health provisions (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗68If an employer fails to provide PPE to several employees or fails to train several employees, how may OSHA count the violations?
Each failure for each employee may be a separate violation.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“each failure to train an employee may be considered a separate violation”
— 29 CFR 1926.20, General safety and health provisions (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗69What does 29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2) require the employer to instruct each employee in?
Recognizing and avoiding unsafe conditions and the regulations for their work environment, to control or eliminate hazards.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The employer shall instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury.”
— 29 CFR 1926.21, Safety training and education (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗70How does 29 CFR 1926.32 define a competent person?
Someone able to identify existing and predictable hazards who also has authority to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Competent person means one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.”
— 29 CFR 1926.32, Definitions (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗71How does 29 CFR 1926.32 define a qualified person?
Someone with a recognized degree, certificate or professional standing, or extensive knowledge, training and experience, who has shown they can solve problems with the subject matter, the work or the project.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Qualified means one who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated his ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project.”
— 29 CFR 1926.32, Definitions (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗72What is the required top-rail height of a construction guardrail system?
42 inches, plus or minus 3 inches, above the walking/working level.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“shall be 42 inches (1.1 m) plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm) above the walking/working level”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗73What force must a guardrail top rail withstand without failure?
At least 200 pounds applied within 2 inches of the top edge, in any outward or downward direction.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied within 2 inches (5.1 cm) of the top edge, in any outward or downward direction”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗74What force must midrails and screens on a guardrail system withstand?
At least 150 pounds applied in any downward or outward direction.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“a force of at least 150 pounds (666 N) applied in any downward or outward direction at any point along the midrail or other member”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗75May steel or plastic banding be used as a top rail or midrail?
No. Steel banding and plastic banding shall not be used as top rails or midrails.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Steel banding and plastic banding shall not be used as top rails or midrails.”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗76What is the greatest distance a safety net may be installed below the working surface?
30 feet. Nets go as close as practicable under the surface, but never more than 30 feet below it.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Safety nets shall be installed as close as practicable under the walking/working surface on which employees are working, but in no case more than 30 feet (9.1 m) below such level.”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗77May a body belt be used as part of a personal fall arrest system?
No. Body belts have not been acceptable in personal fall arrest systems since January 1, 1998.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Effective January 1, 1998, body belts are not acceptable as part of a personal fall arrest system.”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗78What load must an anchorage for personal fall arrest equipment support?
At least 5,000 pounds per employee attached, unless it is designed, installed and used under a qualified person's supervision as part of a complete system with a safety factor of at least two. It must be independent of any anchorage used to support or suspend platforms.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“installed, and used, under the supervision of a qualified person, as part of a complete personal fall arrest system, which maintains a safety factor of at least two”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗79What is the maximum arresting force a personal fall arrest system may put on a worker wearing a body harness?
1,800 pounds.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“limit maximum arresting force on an employee to 1,800 pounds (8 kN) when used with a body harness”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗80How far may a worker free fall in a personal fall arrest system, and what is the maximum deceleration distance?
No more than 6 feet of free fall, without contacting any lower level, and no more than 3.5 feet of deceleration.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“limit maximum deceleration distance an employee travels to 3.5 feet (1.07 m)”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗81Where must the attachment point of a full body harness be located?
In the center of the wearer's back near shoulder level, or above the wearer's head.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The attachment point of the body harness shall be located in the center of the wearer's back near shoulder level, or above the wearer's head.”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗82May a personal fall arrest system be tied off to a guardrail system?
No. Personal fall arrest systems shall not be attached to guardrail systems.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Personal fall arrest systems shall not be attached to guardrail systems”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗83What must an employer arrange for in case a worker falls and is caught by fall arrest equipment?
Prompt rescue, or make sure workers are able to rescue themselves.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The employer shall provide for prompt rescue of employees in the event of a fall or shall assure that employees are able to rescue themselves.”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗84How must a floor-hole cover be marked to warn of the hazard?
It must be color coded or marked with the word HOLE or COVER.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“All covers shall be color coded or they shall be marked with the word “HOLE” or “COVER” to provide warning of the hazard.”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗85What load must a hole cover in a roadway or vehicle aisle support?
At least twice the maximum axle load of the largest vehicle expected to cross it.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Covers located in roadways and vehicular aisles shall be capable of supporting, without failure, at least twice the maximum axle load of the largest vehicle expected to cross over the cover.”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗86What must the written certification record for fall protection training contain?
The name or other identity of the employee trained, the date(s) of training, and the signature of the trainer or the employer.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The written certification record shall contain the name or other identity of the employee trained, the date(s) of the training, and the signature of the person who conducted the training or the signature of the employer.”
— 29 CFR 1926.503, Fall protection training requirements (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗87Name a situation in which 29 CFR 1926.503 requires fall protection retraining.
Workplace changes, or changes in the fall protection systems or equipment, that make earlier training obsolete. Retraining is also required when an employee's knowledge or use of fall protection shows they have not retained the needed understanding or skill.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Inadequacies in an affected employee's knowledge or use of fall protection systems or equipment indicate that the employee has not retained the requisite understanding or skill.”
— 29 CFR 1926.503, Fall protection training requirements (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗88What load must each scaffold and scaffold component be able to support?
Its own weight plus at least 4 times the maximum intended load.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“each scaffold and scaffold component shall be capable of supporting, without failure, its own weight and at least 4 times the maximum intended load applied or transmitted to it”
— 29 CFR 1926.451, Scaffolds, general requirements (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗89Above what height must a worker on a scaffold be protected from falling?
More than 10 feet above a lower level.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Each employee on a scaffold more than 10 feet (3.1 m) above a lower level shall be protected from falling to that lower level.”
— 29 CFR 1926.451, Scaffolds, general requirements (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗90When must scaffolds be inspected for visible defects, and by whom?
By a competent person before each work shift and after any occurrence that could affect structural integrity.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Scaffolds and scaffold components shall be inspected for visible defects by a competent person before each work shift, and after any occurrence which could affect a scaffold's structural integrity.”
— 29 CFR 1926.451, Scaffolds, general requirements (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗91When must a ladder, stair tower, ramp or other proper means of access be provided to a scaffold platform?
When the platform is more than 2 feet above or below the point of access. Cross braces on tubular welded frame scaffolds may not be used for access or egress.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Cross braces on tubular welded frame scaffolds shall not be used as a means of access or egress.”
— 29 CFR 1926.451, Scaffolds, general requirements (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗92Who must supervise erecting, moving, dismantling or altering a scaffold?
A competent person qualified in that work. The work is done only by experienced, trained employees the competent person selects.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Such activities shall be performed only by experienced and trained employees selected for such work by the competent person.”
— 29 CFR 1926.451, Scaffolds, general requirements (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗93For a supported scaffold placed in service after January 1, 2000, what is the allowed top-rail height range?
Between 38 and 45 inches above the platform surface.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“shall be installed between 38 inches (0.97 m) and 45 inches (1.2 m) above the platform surface”
— 29 CFR 1926.451, Scaffolds, general requirements (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗94When must a construction stairway have a handrail and stairrails?
When it has four or more risers or rises more than 30 inches, whichever is less. It needs at least one handrail and a stairrail system along each unprotected side or edge.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“One stairrail system along each unprotected side or edge.”
— 29 CFR 1926.1052, Stairways (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗95At what angle from horizontal must construction stairs be installed?
Between 30 and 50 degrees.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Stairs shall be installed between 30° and 50° from horizontal.”
— 29 CFR 1926.1052, Stairways (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗96In a trench 4 feet or deeper, how far may a worker have to travel laterally to reach a ladder, stairway or ramp?
No more than 25 feet.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“A stairway, ladder, ramp or other safe means of egress shall be located in trench excavations that are 4 feet (1.22 m) or more in depth so as to require no more than 25 feet (7.62 m) of lateral travel for employees.”
— 29 CFR 1926.651, Specific excavation requirements (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗97How close to the edge of an excavation may spoil piles, materials and equipment be kept?
No closer than 2 feet, unless retaining devices are used.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“placing and keeping such materials or equipment at least 2 feet (.61 m) from the edge of excavations, or by the use of retaining devices that are sufficient to prevent materials or equipment from falling or rolling into excavations”
— 29 CFR 1926.651, Specific excavation requirements (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗98When must excavations and protective systems be inspected, and by whom?
Daily by a competent person, before work starts and as needed during the shift, and after every rainstorm or other hazard-increasing event.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Inspections shall also be made after every rainstorm or other hazard increasing occurrence.”
— 29 CFR 1926.651, Specific excavation requirements (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗99When must the atmosphere in an excavation be tested before workers enter?
When the excavation is deeper than 4 feet and an oxygen-deficient atmosphere (less than 19.5% oxygen) or a hazardous atmosphere exists or could reasonably be expected.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“the atmospheres in the excavation shall be tested before employees enter excavations greater than 4 feet (1.22 m) in depth”
— 29 CFR 1926.651, Specific excavation requirements (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗100A utility company does not respond within 24 hours to a request to locate underground lines. May the employer begin excavating?
Yes, with caution, using detection equipment or other acceptable means to locate the utilities (unless state or local law requires a longer wait).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“the employer may proceed, provided the employer does so with caution, and provided detection equipment or other acceptable means to locate utility installations are used”
— 29 CFR 1926.651, Specific excavation requirements (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗101Under 29 CFR 1926.652, when is a cave-in protective system not required?
When the excavation is entirely in stable rock, or is less than 5 feet deep and a competent person's examination shows no sign of a possible cave-in.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Excavations are less than 5 feet (1.52m) in depth and examination of the ground by a competent person provides no indication of a potential cave-in.”
— 29 CFR 1926.652, Requirements for protective systems (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗102Under sloping Option 1 of 29 CFR 1926.652, what is the steepest allowed slope?
1½ horizontal to 1 vertical (34 degrees from horizontal), the configuration for Type C soil.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“shall be excavated to form configurations that are in accordance with the slopes shown for Type C soil in appendix B”
— 29 CFR 1926.652, Requirements for protective systems (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗103May workers stay inside a trench shield while it is installed, removed or moved vertically?
No. Employees shall not be allowed in shields when shields are being installed, removed, or moved vertically.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Employees shall not be allowed in shields when shields are being installed, removed, or moved vertically.”
— 29 CFR 1926.652, Requirements for protective systems (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗104What is OSHA's permissible exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica in construction?
50 micrograms per cubic meter of air as an 8-hour TWA. The PEL applies to tasks not listed in Table 1, or where Table 1 controls are not fully implemented.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“For tasks not listed in Table 1, or where the employer does not fully and properly implement the engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection described in Table 1”
— 29 CFR 1926.1153, Respirable crystalline silica (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗105What is the action level for respirable crystalline silica?
25 µg/m³ (micrograms per cubic meter of air) as an 8-hour TWA.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Action level means a concentration of airborne respirable crystalline silica of 25 µg/m 3 , calculated as an 8-hour TWA”
— 29 CFR 1926.1153, Respirable crystalline silica (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗106How often must a silica written exposure control plan be reviewed, and who carries out the job-site inspections that implement it?
At least annually; a competent person designated by the employer makes frequent and regular inspections.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The employer shall designate a competent person to make frequent and regular inspections of job sites, materials, and equipment to implement the written exposure control plan.”
— 29 CFR 1926.1153, Respirable crystalline silica (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗107When must an employer offer silica medical surveillance to a construction worker?
When the worker must wear a respirator under the silica standard for 30 or more days a year. It is offered at no cost to the worker.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The employer shall make medical surveillance available at no cost to the employee, and at a reasonable time and place, for each employee who will be required under this section to use a respirator for 30 or more days per year.”
— 29 CFR 1926.1153, Respirable crystalline silica (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗108Under the silica standard, when may dry sweeping or dry brushing be allowed?
Only when wet sweeping, HEPA-filtered vacuuming or other low-exposure methods are not feasible.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The employer shall not allow dry sweeping or dry brushing where such activity could contribute to employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica unless wet sweeping, HEPA-filtered vacuuming or other methods that minimize the likelihood of exposure are not feasible.”
— 29 CFR 1926.1153, Respirable crystalline silica (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗109Under Table D-2 of 29 CFR 1926.52, how long may a worker be exposed to 100 dBA per day?
2 hours. The table allows 8 hours at 90 dBA and 4 hours at 95 dBA.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Duration per day, hours Sound level dBA slow response 8 90 6 92 4 95 3 97 2 100”
— 29 CFR 1926.52, Occupational noise exposure (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗110When noise exceeds Table D-2 levels, what must the employer use first?
Feasible administrative or engineering controls. PPE is required only if those controls do not bring sound levels within the table.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“feasible administrative or engineering controls shall be utilized. If such controls fail to reduce sound levels within the levels of the table, personal protective equipment”
— 29 CFR 1926.52, Occupational noise exposure (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗111How many 2A fire extinguishers does a construction building area need?
One for each 3,000 square feet of protected building area, with no more than 100 feet of travel to the nearest one.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“rated not less than 2A, shall be provided for each 3,000 square feet of the protected building area, or major fraction thereof. Travel distance from any point of the protected area to the nearest fire extinguisher shall not exceed 100 feet.”
— 29 CFR 1926.150, Fire protection (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗112Where more than 5 gallons of flammable liquid or 5 pounds of flammable gas is used, what extinguisher is required and how close?
One rated at least 10B, within 50 feet.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“rated not less than 10B, shall be provided within 50 feet of wherever more than 5 gallons of flammable or combustible liquids or 5 pounds of flammable gas”
— 29 CFR 1926.150, Fire protection (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗113A dump truck with an obstructed rear view must back up on a jobsite. What is required?
A reverse signal alarm audible above the surrounding noise, or backing only when an observer signals it is safe.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The vehicle is backed up only when an observer signals that it is safe to do so.”
— 29 CFR 1926.601, Motor vehicles (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗114How often must jobsite motor vehicles be checked for safe operating condition?
At the beginning of each shift, with defects corrected before the vehicle is placed in service.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“All defects shall be corrected before the vehicle is placed in service.”
— 29 CFR 1926.601, Motor vehicles (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗115Before crane work near power lines, what distance triggers the power line safety options in 29 CFR 1926.1408?
20 feet. If any part of the equipment, load line or load could get closer than 20 feet to a power line at maximum working radius, the employer must use one of the options.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Determine if any part of the equipment, load line or load (including rigging and lifting accessories), if operated up to the equipment's maximum working radius in the work zone, could get closer than 20 feet to a power line. If so, the employer must meet the requirements in Option (1), Option (2), or Option (3)”
— 29 CFR 1926.1408, Power line safety (up to 350 kV), equipment operations (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗116Under the 20-foot clearance option for crane work near power lines, what kind of tag lines may be used?
Only non-conductive tag lines.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“If tag lines are used, they must be non-conductive.”
— 29 CFR 1926.1408, Power line safety (up to 350 kV), equipment operations (eCFR, title 29 up to date as of 2026-10-26) ↗Know questions we're missing?
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