What is the main purpose of a standard fuse or circuit breaker?
- To keep the voltage steady when loads change
- To provide a path to ground for fault current
- To protect conductors and equipment from overcurrent
- To protect workers from shock at any current level
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C. To protect conductors and equipment from overcurrent
Overcurrent devices open the circuit when current exceeds the rating of the conductors or equipment, preventing overheating and fire. They trip at many amperes, far above the fraction of an ampere that can kill a person, so they are not shock protection.
Reference: 29 CFR 1910.304(f)
Which statement about an exit route door is correct?
- It must open from the inside without keys, tools or special knowledge
- It must be a sliding or roll-up door wide enough for a forklift to pass
- It may be locked from the inside if a key hangs beside the door
- It may be chained shut after hours if an alarm is installed
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A. It must open from the inside without keys, tools or special knowledge
Employees must be able to open an exit door from the inside at all times without keys, tools or special knowledge; a panic bar that locks only from the outside is acceptable. A key hanging nearby still requires a key and can be lost in smoke or darkness.
Reference: 29 CFR 1910.36(d)
A worker splashes a solvent on her arm and wants to know what to do right away. Which safety data sheet section covers this?
- Section 6, Accidental release measures
- Section 4, First-aid measures
- Section 8, Exposure controls and PPE
- Section 2, Hazard identification
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B. Section 4, First-aid measures
Section 4 describes first-aid measures by route of exposure, along with the most important symptoms. Section 6 is the tempting wrong answer, but it deals with cleaning up spills and leaks, not treating a person.
Reference: 29 CFR 1910.1200, Appendix D
How often must an employer review and update its bloodborne pathogens exposure control plan?
- Every three years
- At least annually
- Every five years
- At least monthly
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B. At least annually
The exposure control plan is reviewed and updated at least once a year and whenever tasks or procedures change, including a look at newer, safer medical devices. Three years is the retention period for bloodborne pathogens training records.
Reference: 29 CFR 1910.1030(c)(1)(iv)
A plant has a serious, well-recognized hazard that no specific OSHA standard addresses. Under which provision can OSHA still cite the employer?
- The anti-retaliation rule, Section 11(c)
- The variance provision, Section 6(d)
- The recordkeeping rule, Part 1904
- The General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1)
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D. The General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1)
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 exists. Section 11(c) protects workers from retaliation and is not a basis for citing a hazard.
Reference: OSH Act of 1970, Section 5(a)(1)