CSS Fall Protection and Scaffolding 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502, what is the maximum free-fall distance allowed when using a personal fall arrest system?
- 4 feet
- 6 feet (Correct answer)
- 8 feet
- 10 feet
Correct answer: 6 feet
OSHA limits free fall to 6 feet when using a personal fall arrest system (PFAS).
Question 2: A safety net used for fall protection must extend how far beyond the outermost projection of the work surface?
- 4 feet
- 6 feet
- 8 feet (Correct answer)
- 10 feet
Correct answer: 8 feet
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502(c) requires safety nets to extend at least 8 feet beyond the edge of the work surface.
Question 3: Which component of a personal fall arrest system is responsible for dissipating energy during a fall?
- Anchorage connector
- Full-body harness
- Deceleration device (shock absorber) (Correct answer)
- Snap hook
Correct answer: Deceleration device (shock absorber)
The deceleration device (shock absorber or self-retracting lanyard mechanism) absorbs the energy of a fall to limit arrest forces on the worker.
Question 4: What is the minimum tensile strength required for anchorage points used with personal fall arrest systems under OSHA standards?
- 2,500 lbs per worker
- 3,600 lbs per worker
- 5,000 lbs per worker (Correct answer)
- 7,500 lbs per worker
Correct answer: 5,000 lbs per worker
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(15) requires anchorages for PFAS to be capable of supporting at least 5,000 lbs per worker attached.
Question 5: According to OSHA, scaffolding must be inspected by a competent person:
- Once per week
- Before each work shift (Correct answer)
- Once per month
- After any significant event only
Correct answer: Before each work shift
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.451(f)(3) requires scaffold inspection by a competent person before each work shift and after any occurrence that could affect structural integrity.
Question 6: When must a scaffold be erected, moved, dismantled, or altered under OSHA standards?
- By any trained worker
- By the scaffold manufacturer only
- Under the supervision of a competent person (Correct answer)
- Only after engineering approval
Correct answer: Under the supervision of a competent person
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.451(f)(7) requires that scaffold erection, movement, dismantling, or alteration be performed under the supervision of a competent person.
Question 7: What is the required minimum distance that a scaffold platform must be planked or decked when a scaffold is more than 2 feet wide?
- Planked as close to the front edge as possible, within 14 inches (Correct answer)
- Planked to within 6 inches of the front edge
- Planked to within 9.5 inches of the front edge
- Fully planked with no gap requirement
Correct answer: Planked as close to the front edge as possible, within 14 inches
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.451(b)(1) requires scaffold platforms to be fully planked or decked with no gap greater than 1 inch, and the front edge within 14 inches of the work face when work prevents closer placement.
CSS Fall Protection and Scaffolding 2
Under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502, what is the maximum free-fall distance allowed when using a personal fall arrest system?