Free NWSA Fall Protection and Rescue Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A tower technician experiences a fall and is suspended in their full-body harness. Which of the following is the MOST critical, time-sensitive condition that must be addressed to prevent serious injury or death?
- Lacerations from equipment
- Fractured bones from the impact
- Suspension trauma (orthostatic intolerance) (Correct answer)
- Dehydration from sun exposure
Correct answer: Suspension trauma (orthostatic intolerance)
Suspension trauma, or orthostatic intolerance, is a life-threatening condition that can occur when a person is suspended motionless in a harness. Blood pools in the legs, reducing blood flow to the heart and brain, which can lead to unconsciousness and death in a matter of minutes. Prompt rescue is critical.
Question 2: When calculating the total fall clearance distance for a personal fall arrest system (PFAS) using a 6-foot shock-absorbing lanyard, which of the following components is NOT typically included in the calculation?
- Length of the lanyard
- Deceleration distance
- Harness stretch and D-ring shift
- The breaking strength of the anchorage point (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The breaking strength of the anchorage point
The calculation for total fall clearance involves adding the lanyard length, deceleration distance, harness stretch/D-ring shift, D-ring height, and a safety factor. The anchorage point's breaking strength (which must meet a minimum requirement, typically 5,000 lbs) is a prerequisite for the system's validity but is not a variable in the clearance distance calculation itself.
Question 3: According to OSHA and ANSI standards applicable to the telecommunications industry, a personal fall arrest system (PFAS) must be used when working at heights of how many feet or more on tower structures?
- 4 feet
- 6 feet (Correct answer)
- 10 feet
- 25 feet
Correct answer: 6 feet
OSHA's construction standard, 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M, generally requires fall protection for construction work at heights of 6 feet or greater. While some specific standards exist, 6 feet is the commonly enforced threshold for requiring fall protection on telecommunication tower sites during construction and maintenance activities.
Question 4: A rescue plan is a critical component of any fall protection program. Which of the following is the primary goal of a written, site-specific rescue plan?
- To satisfy the insurance company's requirements.
- To document the incident for OSHA reporting.
- To ensure the prompt and safe retrieval of a fallen worker. (Correct answer)
- To assign blame in the event of an accident.
Correct answer: To ensure the prompt and safe retrieval of a fallen worker.
The primary purpose of a rescue plan is to ensure that a worker who has fallen can be retrieved promptly and safely. OSHA requires employers to provide for prompt rescue of employees in the event of a fall. A well-developed plan minimizes suspension time and addresses potential hazards during the rescue operation.
Question 5: A competent person inspects a full-body harness and discovers a frayed stitch on a load-bearing strap. What is the correct course of action?
- Note the fraying in the inspection log and allow continued use for one more week.
- Apply duct tape over the frayed area to prevent further damage.
- Immediately remove the harness from service and destroy it to prevent reuse.
- Use a lighter to carefully melt the frayed ends of the stitch. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Use a lighter to carefully melt the frayed ends of the stitch.
According to ANSI Z359 standards and manufacturer requirements, any fall protection equipment that shows signs of wear, damage, or defects such as fraying, cuts, or chemical damage must be immediately removed from service. The harness should be tagged as unusable and preferably destroyed to ensure it cannot be accidentally used again.
Question 6: During a rescue operation of a conscious suspended worker, what action can the worker take to help mitigate the effects of suspension trauma while awaiting rescue?
- Remain as still as possible to conserve energy.
- Tuck their chin to their chest to protect their airway.
- Cross their arms tightly across their chest.
- Push against a structure or use suspension trauma relief straps to create a foothold. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Push against a structure or use suspension trauma relief straps to create a foothold.
Using leg muscles by pushing against a surface or using specially designed suspension trauma relief straps helps to pump blood back toward the heart. This muscular contraction counteracts the venous pooling in the legs that causes suspension trauma. Remaining still is the worst thing a suspended worker can do.
Free NWSA Fall Protection and Rescue Questions and Answers
A tower technician experiences a fall and is suspended in their full-body harness.
Which of the following is the MOST critical, time-sensitive condition that must be addressed to prevent serious injury or death?