OSHA 30 Exam Flashcards

Q: What is the difference between OSHA 10 and OSHA 30?

OSHA 10-Hour is designed for entry-level workers and covers basic safety awareness. OSHA 30-Hour is for supervisors, foremen, and safety personnel, covering more in-depth safety standards and management responsibilities. Both are available for Construction and General Industry. OSHA 30 is more comprehensive and often required for supervisory roles.

Q: Is OSHA 30 certification required?

OSHA does not require OSHA 10 or 30 training federally. However, many states mandate it: New York requires OSHA 10 for all construction workers, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Missouri, and Nevada have similar requirements. Many employers and general contractors require OSHA 30 for supervisors as a condition of employment.

Q: How long does the OSHA 30 card last?

The OSHA 30 DOL (Department of Labor) card technically does not expire at the federal level. However, some states require renewal every 5 years. Many employers require refresher training every 3-5 years. Best practice is to retake the course every 5 years to stay current with updated standards. Your card arrives 6-8 weeks after completing the course.

Q: What are OSHA's Fatal Four in construction?

OSHA's Fatal Four are the four leading causes of construction worker deaths: 1) Falls (33.5% of construction deaths), 2) Struck-By incidents (11.1%), 3) Electrocution (8.5%), 4) Caught-In/Between (7.3%). Together they account for approximately 60% of construction fatalities. Eliminating these four hazards would save over 600 worker lives per year.

Q: Can I take OSHA 30 online?

Yes, OSHA 30 can be taken online through OSHA-authorized providers. Online courses are self-paced but must meet the 30-hour minimum requirement. OSHA requires that no more than 7.5 hours be completed in a single day for online courses. Upon completion, you receive a DOL course completion card. Costs range from $60-$180 for online courses.

Q: What topics does OSHA 30 Construction cover?

OSHA 30-Hour Construction covers mandatory topics: Introduction to OSHA, Focus Four Hazards (falls, struck-by, electrocution, caught-in/between), and elective topics from: scaffolding, excavation, stairways/ladders, PPE, hazard communication, confined spaces, fire protection, materials handling, cranes/rigging, welding/cutting, concrete/masonry, steel erection, and more.

Question 1

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

Accepted Answer

Federal agency under the Department of Labor, created by the OSH Act of 1970 (signed by President Nixon). Mission: ensure safe and healthy working conditions by setting and enforcing standards, providing training and education. Covers most private sector employers and workers in all 50 states.

Question 2

General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1))

Accepted Answer

Requires employers to provide a workplace 'free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm.' Used when no specific OSHA standard applies to a hazard. Employers are responsible even if they didn't create the hazard.

Question 3

Workers' Rights Under OSHA

Accepted Answer

File confidential complaints about workplace hazards. Receive information and training about hazards in their language. Review records of work-related injuries/illnesses (OSHA 300 log). Request an OSHA inspection. Exercise rights without retaliation (Section 11(c) whistleblower protection). Access their own medical records.

Question 4

Employer Responsibilities Under OSHA

Accepted Answer

Provide a safe workplace free of recognized hazards. Comply with OSHA standards. Provide required PPE at no cost. Post OSHA citations and the 'It's the Law' poster. Keep accurate records of injuries/illnesses. Report fatalities within 8 hours, hospitalizations/amputations/eye loss within 24 hours. Not discriminate against workers who exercise their rights.

Question 5

OSHA Inspection Priority Order

Accepted Answer

1) Imminent danger, 2) Fatalities and catastrophes, 3) Worker complaints and referrals, 4) Programmed inspections (targeted high-hazard industries), 5) Follow-up inspections. Workers may request an inspection anonymously. Employer may NOT fire workers for requesting an inspection.

Question 6

OSHA Violation Types

Accepted Answer

Other-than-Serious: not likely to cause death or serious harm. Serious: substantial probability of death or serious harm. Willful: employer knowingly commits or shows indifference (up to $156,259 per violation). Repeated: same/similar violation within 5 years. Failure to Abate: not correcting a cited hazard (up to $15,625/day).

Question 7

Fall Protection Trigger Heights

Accepted Answer

General industry: 4 feet. Construction: 6 feet. Shipyard: 5 feet. Longshoring: 8 feet. Falls are the #1 cause of death in construction. Three methods: guardrails (preferred), safety nets, personal fall arrest systems. A written fall protection plan required when conventional methods are infeasible.

Question 8

Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS)

Accepted Answer

Components: full-body harness (NOT a body belt), lanyard or self-retracting lifeline, anchorage point (must support 5,000 lbs per worker). System must limit free fall to 6 feet and arresting force to 1,800 lbs. Inspect before each use. Must have rescue plan in place before work begins.

Question 9

Guardrail Requirements

Accepted Answer

Top rail: 42 inches high (±3 inches). Mid-rail: 21 inches. Top rail must withstand 200 lbs of force applied in any outward or downward direction. Toe boards: at least 3.5 inches high (protects against falling objects). Required at open sides and edges of elevated surfaces.

Question 10

Ladder Safety

Accepted Answer

Maintain 3 points of contact at all times. Extension ladders: extend 3 feet above landing surface. Set at 4:1 ratio (1 foot out for every 4 feet up). Secure top and bottom. Do not carry objects while climbing. Max load rating must be observed. Inspect before each use. Never use a damaged ladder.

Question 11

Scaffold Safety Requirements

Accepted Answer

Must support 4× maximum intended load. Planks must be scaffold-grade or equivalent. Platform minimum 18 inches wide. Guardrails required at 10 feet in construction. Erected on sound footing. Access via ladder, stairs, or ramp. Competent person must inspect before each shift. #2 cause of death in construction.

Question 12

Competent Person (OSHA Definition)

Accepted Answer

Someone who can identify existing and predictable hazards and has the authority to take prompt corrective action. Required for scaffold inspection, excavation, fall protection, confined spaces, and other high-hazard activities. Not the same as a 'qualified person' (one with recognized degree or extensive knowledge).

Question 13

Electrical Hazards and Prevention

Accepted Answer

Four main electrical hazards: electrocution (death), electric shock, burns, arc flash/blast. Prevention: lockout/tagout (LOTO), use GFCI on construction sites, maintain safe distances from overhead power lines (10 feet for <50kV), inspect cords/equipment, proper grounding. Electricity is #4 cause of death in construction.

Question 14

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)

Accepted Answer

Procedure to control hazardous energy during service/maintenance. Steps: notify affected employees, shut down equipment, isolate energy sources, apply lockout devices, release stored energy, verify zero energy state. ONLY the authorized employee may remove their lock. Required for electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, thermal, and chemical energy.

Question 15

Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)

Accepted Answer

Device that detects imbalance between hot and neutral conductors (indicating current leakage/ground fault). Trips within 1/40th of a second at 5 milliamps. Required on all construction sites for 120V, 15- and 20-amp circuits. An assured equipment grounding conductor program is the only alternative. Test before each use.

Question 16

Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom/GHS)

Accepted Answer

OSHA's HazCom standard aligns with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). Requires: written hazard communication program, Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all hazardous chemicals, labels with GHS pictograms, employee training. Workers have the right to know about chemical hazards in their workplace.

Question 17

Safety Data Sheet (SDS) - 16 Sections

Accepted Answer

1) Identification, 2) Hazard(s), 3) Composition/Ingredients, 4) First-aid measures, 5) Fire-fighting, 6) Accidental release, 7) Handling/storage, 8) Exposure controls/PPE, 9) Physical/chemical properties, 10) Stability/reactivity, 11) Toxicological info, 12) Ecological, 13) Disposal, 14) Transport, 15) Regulatory, 16) Other. Must be accessible to all employees.

Question 18

GHS Pictograms

Accepted Answer

Red diamond-shaped symbols on white background: Flame (flammable), Flame over circle (oxidizer), Exploding bomb (explosive), Skull & crossbones (acute toxicity), Corrosion (corrosive), Health hazard (carcinogen/respiratory sensitizer), Exclamation mark (irritant), Gas cylinder (compressed gas), Environment (aquatic toxicity).

Question 19

PPE Hierarchy and Employer Obligations

Accepted Answer

PPE is the LAST line of defense (after elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls). Employer must: perform hazard assessment, select appropriate PPE, provide PPE at no cost, train employees on proper use/maintenance. Employer pays for required PPE except: safety-toe shoes, prescription safety glasses, everyday clothing, logging boots.

Question 20

Respiratory Protection Program

Accepted Answer

Required when engineering controls cannot reduce exposure below PEL. Components: written program, medical evaluation, fit testing (annual), proper selection, training, maintenance. N95: filters 95% of airborne particles (not for gases/vapors). SCBA: for IDLH atmospheres. Tight-fitting respirators require fit testing—no facial hair at seal.

Question 21

Hierarchy of Controls

Accepted Answer

Most to least effective: 1) Elimination: remove the hazard entirely. 2) Substitution: replace with less hazardous alternative. 3) Engineering controls: isolate workers from hazard (ventilation, guards, barriers). 4) Administrative controls: change work practices (rotation, training, signage). 5) PPE: personal protective equipment. Always start at the top.

Question 22

Excavation Safety Requirements

Accepted Answer

Trenches 5+ feet deep require protective systems: sloping, shoring, or shielding (trench box). Competent person must inspect daily and after rain/vibration. Means of egress (ladder, ramp) within 25 feet of workers. Call 811 before digging (utility locating). Spoils pile 2+ feet from edge. Trenching is #1 caught-in/between hazard.

Question 23

Soil Classification (Excavation)

Accepted Answer

Stable Rock: most stable, can be vertical. Type A: cohesive soil, unconfined compressive strength 1.5+ tsf (clay, silty clay). Type B: medium stability, 0.5-1.5 tsf (silt, sandy loam, previously disturbed). Type C: least stable, <0.5 tsf (gravel, sand, submerged soil). Competent person classifies using visual and manual tests.

Question 24

Confined Space Definition

Accepted Answer

Three criteria: 1) Large enough for a worker to enter, 2) Has limited/restricted means of entry/exit, 3) Not designed for continuous human occupancy. Examples: tanks, silos, manholes, vaults, pipelines, storage bins, pits. Becomes permit-required if it contains or could contain a hazardous atmosphere or other serious hazard.

Question 25

Permit-Required Confined Space Entry

Accepted Answer

Requires: written entry permit, atmospheric testing (O2, flammables, toxics), continuous ventilation/monitoring, trained entry team, attendant stationed outside at all times, entry supervisor authorization, rescue plan/team. Normal O2: 19.5-23.5%. Never enter to rescue without proper equipment—60% of confined space deaths are would-be rescuers.

Question 26

OSHA's Fatal Four (Construction)

Accepted Answer

Four leading causes of construction fatalities: 1) Falls (33.5% of deaths), 2) Struck-By (objects, vehicles, 11.1%), 3) Electrocution (8.5%), 4) Caught-In/Between (equipment, collapse, 7.3%). Together account for ~60% of construction deaths. Eliminating these four would save ~631 lives per year.

Question 27

Struck-By Hazard Prevention

Accepted Answer

Four types: struck by flying objects, falling objects, swinging objects, rolling objects. Prevention: high-visibility vests, hard hats, toe boards/debris nets, barricades around heavy equipment, spotters for backing vehicles, tool tethering at heights, securing materials on scaffolds. Never work under suspended loads.

Question 28

Caught-In/Between Hazard Prevention

Accepted Answer

Caught in: pulled into machinery (unguarded parts). Caught between: compressed between objects (trench collapse, equipment). Prevention: machine guarding, lockout/tagout, trench protective systems, safe distance from heavy equipment swing radius, never wear loose clothing near rotating machinery.

Question 29

Fire Extinguisher Classes

Accepted Answer

Class A: ordinary combustibles (wood, paper, cloth)—water/foam. Class B: flammable liquids (gas, oil, grease)—CO2/dry chemical. Class C: electrical equipment—CO2/dry chemical (never water). Class D: combustible metals (magnesium, titanium)—special dry powder. Class K: cooking oils/fats—wet chemical. ABC extinguishers cover most workplace fires.

Question 30

PASS Method (Fire Extinguisher Use)

Accepted Answer

P = Pull the pin. A = Aim at the base of the fire (not the flames). S = Squeeze the handle. S = Sweep from side to side. Stand 6-8 feet from fire. Know your escape route before attempting to extinguish. If fire grows or extinguisher empties, evacuate immediately. Most portable extinguishers last 10-25 seconds.

Question 31

Ergonomic Risk Factors

Accepted Answer

Repetition (same motion repeatedly), Forceful exertions (lifting, pushing, pulling heavy loads), Awkward postures (bending, twisting, reaching overhead), Static postures (holding same position), Contact stress (pressing against hard surfaces), Vibration (power tools, vehicles). Leads to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)—#1 workplace injury type.

Question 32

Proper Lifting Technique

Accepted Answer

Plan the lift (weight, path, destination). Get close to the load. Feet shoulder-width apart for stable base. Bend at knees (not waist). Keep back straight, core engaged. Grip firmly with both hands. Lift with legs, keep load close to body. Avoid twisting—turn with feet. Get help for loads >50 lbs. Use mechanical aids when possible.

Question 33

Noise Exposure Standards

Accepted Answer

OSHA PEL: 90 dBA TWA (8-hour time-weighted average). Action level: 85 dBA TWA (triggers hearing conservation program). Hearing conservation program: monitoring, audiometric testing, hearing protectors, training, recordkeeping. For every 5 dB increase, permissible exposure time halves (90 dBA = 8 hrs, 95 dBA = 4 hrs, 100 dBA = 2 hrs).

Question 34

Heat Illness Prevention

Accepted Answer

Heat cramps: muscle cramps from electrolyte loss. Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, cool/clammy skin—move to shade, cool water, rest. Heat stroke: hot/dry/red skin, confusion, high temp (>104°F)—MEDICAL EMERGENCY, call 911, cool immediately. Prevention: water-rest-shade, acclimatization (7-14 days), buddy system.

Question 35

Forklift/Powered Industrial Truck Safety

Accepted Answer

Operators must be trained and evaluated (certification not required from OSHA, but training is). Re-evaluation every 3 years. Never exceed rated load capacity. Wear seatbelt. Travel with forks 4-6 inches off ground, tilted back. Yield to pedestrians. No riders. Sound horn at intersections. Inspect before each shift. #1 cause of warehouse fatalities.

Question 36

Crane Safety Basics

Accepted Answer

Operator must be certified and trained. Never exceed rated load capacity. Maintain minimum safe distance from power lines (10 ft for <50kV, +4 inches per 10kV above). Signal person required when operator's view is obstructed. Annual inspection required. Do NOT work under suspended loads. Tag lines to control loads. Wind limits must be observed.

Question 37

Hot Work Safety

Accepted Answer

Hot work: welding, cutting, brazing, soldering, grinding. Requires: hot work permit in non-designated areas, fire watch during and 30 minutes after work, removal of combustibles within 35 feet (or protection with fire-resistant covers), fire extinguisher within reach. Ventilation required to prevent fume inhalation.

Question 38

Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030)

Accepted Answer

Applies to workers with reasonably anticipated occupational exposure to blood/OPIM. Requires: written exposure control plan, universal precautions, engineering/work practice controls, PPE, HBV vaccination (free), post-exposure evaluation, training (at hire + annual), proper labeling/disposal of regulated waste.

Question 39

OSHA Recordkeeping Requirements

Accepted Answer

Employers with 11+ employees must keep: OSHA 300 Log (Log of Work-Related Injuries/Illnesses), OSHA 300A Summary (posted Feb 1-Apr 30 annually), OSHA 301 (Incident Report). Records kept for 5 years. Report fatalities within 8 hours. Report hospitalizations, amputations, eye losses within 24 hours. Some low-hazard industries are exempt.

Question 40

Recordable vs. Non-Recordable Injuries

Accepted Answer

Recordable: results in death, days away from work, restricted work/transfer, medical treatment beyond first aid, loss of consciousness, significant injury diagnosed by physician. NOT recordable: first aid treatment only (bandages, non-prescription meds, tetanus shots, wound cleaning), self-inflicted injuries, voluntary participation in wellness program.

Question 41

Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs)

Accepted Answer

Maximum concentration of a hazardous substance a worker can be exposed to (usually as 8-hour TWA). Set by OSHA and legally enforceable. NIOSH RELs (Recommended Exposure Limits) are often more protective but not enforceable. ACGIH TLVs are guidelines, not regulations. Employers must monitor exposure if above action level.

Question 42

Asbestos in Construction

Accepted Answer

PEL: 0.1 fibers per cc (8-hour TWA). Found in: insulation, floor tiles, roofing, siding, textured coatings. Diseases: mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer (latency 10-40 years). Must be identified before renovation/demolition. Licensed abatement contractors for removal. Never sweep, sand, or dry-scrape asbestos-containing materials.

Question 43

Silica Exposure Standard

Accepted Answer

PEL: 50 μg/m³ (8-hour TWA) for respirable crystalline silica. Found in: concrete, stone, brick, sand, mortar. Activities: cutting, drilling, grinding, blasting. Causes silicosis (irreversible lung disease), lung cancer, kidney disease. Controls: wet methods, ventilation, vacuum dust collection, respiratory protection, medical surveillance.

Question 44

Machine Guarding Requirements

Accepted Answer

Point of operation, power transmission apparatus, and other moving parts must be guarded. Types of guards: fixed (preferred), interlocked, adjustable, self-adjusting. Guards must prevent contact with moving parts, be secured, not create new hazards, not interfere with work, and be durable. Never remove or bypass machine guards.

Question 45

Walking/Working Surface Hazards

Accepted Answer

Slips, trips, and falls are the most common general industry injuries. Prevention: keep floors clean and dry, proper lighting, mark wet areas, remove obstacles from walkways, use anti-slip coatings/mats, repair uneven surfaces, proper housekeeping. Good housekeeping is the foundation of workplace safety.

Question 46

Emergency Action Plan (EAP) Requirements

Accepted Answer

Written plan required when OSHA standard requires one. Must include: emergency escape procedures and routes, procedures for employees who remain for critical operations, accounting for all employees after evacuation, rescue and medical duties, means of reporting emergencies, contacts. Review with each new employee and when plan changes.

Question 47

Stairway Requirements (Construction)

Accepted Answer

Stairway or ladder required at elevation change of 19 inches or more. Stairway requirements: minimum width 22 inches, landings every 12 feet, handrails on open sides, stair rails 36 inches high (construction) or 30-37 inches (general industry). Steps uniform in height and depth. Non-slip surfaces.

Question 48

Multi-Employer Worksite Responsibility

Accepted Answer

Four employer types: Creating employer (caused the hazard), Exposing employer (employees exposed), Correcting employer (responsible for fixing), Controlling employer (general authority over the jobsite). Each can be cited independently. General contractors typically are controlling employers and bear broad responsibility.

Question 49

Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)

Accepted Answer

Systematic process to identify hazards in specific job tasks. Steps: 1) Select the job, 2) Break job into steps, 3) Identify hazards for each step, 4) Develop preventive measures. Also called Job Safety Analysis (JSA). Prioritize high-hazard, high-frequency tasks. Review after incidents, process changes, or new equipment. Involve workers in the process.

Question 50

Safety and Health Management System Elements

Accepted Answer

OSHA's recommended framework: 1) Management leadership (commitment, resources), 2) Worker participation (reporting, involvement), 3) Hazard identification and assessment, 4) Hazard prevention and control, 5) Education and training, 6) Program evaluation and improvement. Proven to reduce injuries by 20-40% and lower workers' compensation costs.

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