Questions and Answers
In general, fall protection must be provided to construction workers who are working on surfaces with unprotected sides and edges which are _____ above the lower level.
6 feet
What are the ways an employer can protect workers from falls?
Guardrails, safety net systems and personal fall arrest systems
For workers on scaffolds, fall protection must be provided if they are working _____ above a lower level.
10 feet
How high must the top guardrail (the toprail) be above the working surface?
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A personal fall arrest system consists of:
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The top of a ladder must extend at least _____ above the surface you are climbing onto.
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When working over dangerous equipment and machinery, fall protection must be provided _____
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Personal fall arrest systems must be inspected for damage _____ each use.
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Webbing used for lifeline, lanyard and harness ropes and straps must be made of _____ fibers.
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Competent persons are not necessary when scaffolds are being moved.
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Not every walking or working surface can be a potential fall hazard.
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Safety nets must absorb the force of a 400-pound bag of sand dropping onto the net. This is referred to as a '_____'
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Falls, struck-by object, caught-in or between, and electrocution are referred to by OSHA as ______.
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Overreaching is a factor that contributes to falls or fatalities involving ladder usage.
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In construction, falls to a lower level are a major cause of fatalities.
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More _____ are killed from falls than in any other construction occupation.
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Scaffold accidents are usually attributed to factors like the planking or support giving way, or to a lack of guardrails or fall protection.
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Employees may file a complaint with OSHA if unsafe working conditions are not corrected.
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Employers are required to keep work sites free from:
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Employers need to have rescue procedures in place in the event of a fall.
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Study Notes
Fall Protection Regulations
- Fall protection is mandated for construction workers working on surfaces with unprotected sides and edges at heights of 6 feet or more.
- Employers can implement fall protection through guardrails, safety net systems, and personal fall arrest systems.
Height Requirements
- Fall protection is compulsory for scaffold workers at heights of 10 feet or more.
- Guardrails must be set at a height of 42 inches above the working surface, allowing for a variance of plus or minus 3 inches.
- The top of a ladder must extend at least 3 feet above the surface being accessed to ensure safety.
Safety Measures
- Fall protection is required over dangerous machinery or equipment, regardless of the height involved.
- Personal fall arrest systems must be inspected for damage before each use.
- Lifeline, lanyard, and harness webbing should be constructed from synthetic fibers for durability and safety.
Competency and Training
- A competent person is needed when moving scaffolds to ensure safety protocols are followed.
- Understanding that every walking or working surface poses a potential fall hazard is crucial for maintaining safety.
Testing and Compliance
- Safety nets must be capable of absorbing the force equivalent to a 400-pound bag of sand, as part of the drop test requirement.
- OSHA identifies falls, being struck by objects, caught-in or between incidents, and electrocution as the "Focus Four" hazards in construction.
Contributing Factors
- Ladder accidents can be exacerbated by overreaching, contributing to falls or fatalities.
- Falls to a lower level represent a significant cause of fatalities in the construction industry, particularly among ironworkers, who experience the highest fatality rates related to falls.
Safety Incidents and Reporting
- Scaffold accidents often arise from insufficient guardrails or fall protection, along with structural failures like planking or support giving way.
- Employees have the right to lodge complaints with OSHA if unsafe working conditions are not resolved.
- Employers must maintain clean and safe work sites and are required to establish rescue procedures for incidents involving falls.
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Description
Test your knowledge on fall prevention methods and regulations in the construction industry. This quiz covers essential safety measures, including the use of guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems. Make sure to stay safe while working on elevated surfaces!
