For 120-volt, 15- and 20-ampere temporary receptacles on a construction site, which choice does OSHA give the employer for ground-fault protection?
GFCIs or an assured equipment grounding conductor program
GFCIs or double-pole circuit breakers in the temporary panel
An assured grounding program or weatherproof cord caps
Double-insulated cords or a daily megohmmeter test
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A. GFCIs or an assured equipment grounding conductor program
The employer must use either GFCIs or an assured equipment grounding conductor program on temporary 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles. Circuit breakers protect wiring from overcurrent and do not provide ground-fault protection for people.
Reference: 29 CFR 1926.404(b)(1)(i)
A trench is 4 feet 6 inches deep. What does OSHA require for getting out of it?
A ladder, stairway or ramp within 25 feet of lateral travel for each worker
A ladder, stairway or ramp within 50 feet of lateral travel for each worker
A ladder at each end of the trench, whatever the length of the trench
Nothing, because egress is required only at a depth of 5 feet or more
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A. A ladder, stairway or ramp within 25 feet of lateral travel for each worker
Trench excavations 4 feet or more deep need a stairway, ladder, ramp or other safe egress placed so no worker travels more than 25 feet laterally to reach it. The 5-foot depth is the trigger for protective systems, not for egress.
Reference: 29 CFR 1926.651(c)(2)
A guardrail top rail must withstand a force of at least how many pounds applied outward or downward at any point along its top edge?
100 pounds
150 pounds
200 pounds
500 pounds
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C. 200 pounds
The top rail must resist at least 200 pounds in an outward or downward direction. The 150-pound figure is the requirement for midrails and other intermediate members.
Reference: 29 CFR 1926.502(b)(3)
In the hierarchy of controls, where does personal protective equipment rank?
Last, after engineering and administrative controls
First, because it is the quickest protection to put in place
Second, right after elimination of the hazard at its source
Equal to engineering controls, since both reduce exposure
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A. Last, after engineering and administrative controls
PPE is the last line of defense because it does nothing to remove the hazard and depends on correct use every time. Eliminating or engineering out the hazard is preferred even though PPE is quicker to hand out.
Reference: 29 CFR 1926.95(a); NIOSH Hierarchy of Controls
A serious hazard on a job site is not covered by any specific OSHA standard. Under which provision can OSHA still cite the employer?
The whistleblower provision, Section 11(c) of the OSH Act
The recordkeeping regulation, 29 CFR Part 1904
The state plan provision, Section 18 of the OSH Act
The General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act
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D. The General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act
Section 5(a)(1) requires every employer to keep the workplace free of recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm, so it fills the gap where no specific standard applies. Section 11(c) protects workers from retaliation; it does not address hazards.