STSC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield STSC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which engineering control is most effective at reducing worker exposure to wood dust during cutting operations? → Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) at the source
2. When storing pneumatic nailers at the end of a shift, what is the required first step? → Disconnect the air supply hose
3. When conducting a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) for a new construction task, what is the correct first step? → Break the job down into its basic steps
4. A supervisor's span of control on a construction site refers to: → The number of workers one supervisor can effectively oversee
5. Where must excavated material (spoil) be placed relative to the edge of a trench according to OSHA 1926.651(j)(2)? → At least 2 feet from the edge of the excavation
6. Before a contractor begins work in a permit-required confined space owned or controlled by the host employer, the host employer must: → Inform the contractor of permit space hazards, precautions, and emergency procedures
7. A construction safety program's written emergency action plan must include which of the following? → Procedures for reporting fires and other emergencies
8. What medical condition can result from repeated hand-arm vibration exposure from tools like jackhammers over several years? → Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), including vibration white finger
9. What does the lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedure require before servicing or maintaining a power tool? → De-energizing and locking out the energy source before any service begins
10. A tag line is used during crane lifts primarily to: → Control load rotation and prevent swinging without workers pulling the load directly
11. A construction site is near a former dry-cleaning facility. Workers should be most concerned about exposure to which contaminant in soil and groundwater? → Tetrachloroethylene (PCE/PERC)
12. An STSC supervisor observes workers using a metal ladder near overhead power lines. What is the correct guidance according to OSHA electrical safety standards? → Non-conductive (fiberglass or wood) ladders must be used near electrical hazards
13. What is the primary hazard created by using a pneumatic nail gun with the contact-trip safety feature defeated or bypassed? → Unintentional nail discharge and double-fire events that cause penetrating injuries
14. A supervisor who consistently models safe behavior on the job site is demonstrating which leadership principle? → Leading by example
15. What is the minimum air monitoring requirement before entering a permit-required confined space? → Test for oxygen, flammable gases, and toxic air contaminants
16. Which hierarchy of controls option is considered most effective when addressing a recognized construction site hazard? → Elimination of the hazard
17. Which section of the SDS provides first-aid instructions if a worker splashes a chemical in their eyes? → Section 4 – First-Aid Measures
18. Which section of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) contains information about required personal protective equipment? → Section 8 - Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
19. A supervisor who leads by example in wearing all required PPE is demonstrating which principle of effective safety leadership? → Visible felt leadership
20. In the event of a fall from height, which of the following actions should be taken immediately? → Secure the area and assess the worker’s condition before calling for medical help
21. A safety supervisor notices a worker's safety harness webbing has a cut through roughly 40% of its width. The correct action is to: → Remove the harness from service immediately and destroy or quarantine it
22. What must be done before lifting with any crane at the start of each shift? → Complete a pre-shift inspection by a competent person
23. Which safeguard is specifically required when using a table saw on a construction site? → Anti-kickback device and blade guard
24. What is the purpose of the '5 Whys' technique in incident investigation? → To repeatedly ask 'why' in order to move from immediate causes to underlying root causes
25. What is the correct order of priorities in the Incident Command System (ICS) during a construction emergency? → Life safety, incident stabilization, property preservation
26. Which of the following is an example of a physical hazard commonly found on construction sites? → Falling objects
27. Under OSHA 29 CFR 1926, which subpart specifically governs hand and power tools used in construction? → Subpart I
28. Which communication style is most effective when issuing urgent safety instructions on a noisy construction site? → Clear, short verbal commands combined with hand signals or visual cues
29. When using chemicals with known skin absorption hazards on a construction site, the primary PPE control is: → Chemical-resistant gloves appropriate for the specific chemical
30. What is the primary purpose of a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) in emergency preparedness? → To identify potential hazards and plan controls before work begins