NWSA Basic Safety 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) before beginning tower work?
- To estimate the project cost
- To identify potential hazards and establish controls before work begins (Correct answer)
- To determine how many workers are needed
- To schedule equipment deliveries
Correct answer: To identify potential hazards and establish controls before work begins
A JHA systematically identifies hazards associated with each work step and establishes control measures to mitigate risks.
A Job Hazard Analysis examines each step of a work task to identify potential hazards and determine the best way to control or eliminate them. For tower work, it addresses falls, dropped objects, electrical exposure, RF radiation, weather conditions, and equipment failure.
Question 2: According to OSHA, at what height must fall protection be provided for workers in the construction industry?
- 10 feet
- 6 feet (Correct answer)
- 15 feet
- 20 feet
Correct answer: 6 feet
OSHA 1926.501(b)(1) requires fall protection for construction workers at heights of 6 feet or more above a lower level.
OSHA construction standard 1926.501(b)(1) establishes 6 feet as the trigger height for fall protection. This applies to all construction activities including telecommunications tower work.
Question 3: What does the term 'competent person' mean under OSHA regulations for tower work?
- Any worker with more than one year of experience
- A person capable of identifying hazards and authorized to take prompt corrective action (Correct answer)
- A person who holds a college degree in safety
- The tower owner or property manager
Correct answer: A person capable of identifying hazards and authorized to take prompt corrective action
OSHA defines a competent person as one who can identify existing and predictable hazards and has the authority to take prompt corrective action.
OSHA defines a competent person in 29 CFR 1926.32(f) as one capable of identifying hazards and authorized to take prompt corrective measures. This role must be present on site with authority to stop unsafe work.
Question 4: What is the correct response when weather conditions deteriorate while workers are on a tower?
- Continue working if the job is almost complete
- Workers must descend immediately when lightning, high winds, or severe weather threatens (Correct answer)
- Wait on the tower for the weather to pass
- Only the foreman needs to descend
Correct answer: Workers must descend immediately when lightning, high winds, or severe weather threatens
Lightning and high winds pose immediate life-threatening risks to tower workers at elevated, exposed positions with metal structures.
Telecommunications towers are the tallest structures in most areas and made of conductive metal. Work must cease and all personnel must descend when lightning is detected within range or high winds exceed site-specific thresholds, typically 35-40 mph.
Question 5: What PPE is required as a minimum for all workers at a tower work site?
- Only a hard hat
- Hard hat, safety glasses, high-visibility vest, and work boots with appropriate soles (Correct answer)
- Steel-toed boots only
- No PPE is required on the ground
Correct answer: Hard hat, safety glasses, high-visibility vest, and work boots with appropriate soles
Minimum site PPE protects against falling objects, eye hazards, visibility to equipment operators, and foot injuries.
Every person entering a tower work site must wear hard hat (ANSI Z89.1), safety glasses (ANSI Z87.1), high-visibility vest, and work boots with slip-resistant soles. Additional PPE for climbers includes full-body harnesses and gloves.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a pre-job safety briefing (toolbox talk) before starting tower work?
- To distribute tools to workers
- To review the day's hazards, safety procedures, emergency plans, and ensure all workers understand their roles (Correct answer)
- To take attendance for payroll
- To test workers' climbing speed
Correct answer: To review the day's hazards, safety procedures, emergency plans, and ensure all workers understand their roles
Pre-job briefings ensure all crew members are aware of specific hazards, control measures, emergency procedures, and individual responsibilities.
The pre-job safety briefing covers the JHA, rescue plan, communication procedures, weather monitoring, PPE requirements, RF hazards, specific roles, emergency contacts, and hospital route. All attendees must sign documentation.
NWSA Basic Safety 2
What is the primary purpose of a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) before beginning tower work?