Walking and Working Surfaces in General Industry
60 flashcards covering Walking and Working Surfaces in General Industry for the OSHA OSHA 10/30 General Industry section.
Walking and working surfaces in general industry address the safety standards for floors, stairways, ladders, and platforms to prevent slips, trips, and falls in workplaces. These are defined by OSHA's 29 CFR 1910 Subpart D, which sets requirements for maintenance, guarding, and proper use to ensure worker protection in non-construction settings.
On OSHA 10/30 practice exams for general industry, this topic typically features multiple-choice questions that test knowledge of specific regulations, such as guardrail heights or ladder placement. A common trap is confusing requirements between general industry and construction, leading to errors in identifying when fall protection systems are needed versus general safeguards.
One practical pitfall workers often overlook is regularly inspecting walking surfaces for hazards like uneven flooring or debris, which can prevent accidents before they occur.
Terms (60)
- 01
What is the definition of a walking-working surface under OSHA standards?
A walking-working surface is any horizontal or vertical surface on or through which an employee could walk, work, or gain access to a work area or workplace location (29 CFR 1910.21).
- 02
Under 29 CFR 1910.22, what must employers do to maintain walking-working surfaces?
Employers must ensure that walking-working surfaces are kept in a clean, orderly, and sanitary condition, and that they are free of hazards such as sharp projections (29 CFR 1910.22(b)).
- 03
How often must fixed ladders be inspected according to OSHA?
Fixed ladders must be inspected before initial use in each work shift and after any occurrence that could affect their safety (29 CFR 1910.23(d)(9)).
- 04
What is required when a hole is present in a walking-working surface?
Holes in walking-working surfaces must be covered or guarded to prevent falls, with the cover secured and marked with the word 'HOLE' or equivalent (29 CFR 1910.23(a)(6)).
- 05
Under 29 CFR 1910.28, at what height is fall protection needed on walking-working surfaces?
Fall protection is required for employees working on walking-working surfaces at heights of 4 feet (1.2 meters) or more above lower levels (29 CFR 1910.28(b)(1)).
- 06
What are the requirements for ladder rungs and steps under OSHA?
Ladder rungs and steps must be parallel, level, and uniformly spaced between 10 and 14 inches apart (29 CFR 1910.23(b)(3)).
- 07
Before using a portable ladder, what must an employee check?
An employee must check that the ladder is in good condition, properly secured, and placed on a stable surface to prevent slipping (29 CFR 1910.23(c)(1)).
- 08
A worker notices a slippery floor in the workplace. What should they do?
The worker should report the condition to their employer, who must clean and dry the surface as feasible to prevent slips and falls (29 CFR 1910.22(b)(1)).
- 09
What is the definition of a fixed ladder per OSHA?
A fixed ladder is a ladder that is permanently attached to a structure, building, or equipment (29 CFR 1910.21).
- 10
Under 29 CFR 1910.25, what must be true for stair railings?
Stair railings must be capable of withstanding a force of at least 200 pounds applied in any direction at any point along the top rail (29 CFR 1910.25(b)(2)).
- 11
How must ladders be secured to prevent accidental displacement?
Ladders must be secured by tying off or other equivalent means to prevent accidental displacement (29 CFR 1910.23(c)(11)).
- 12
If an employee must work near an unguarded edge, what protection is needed?
Fall protection systems, such as guardrails or safety nets, must be used when working near an unguarded edge at heights of 4 feet or more (29 CFR 1910.28(b)).
- 13
What is required for the training of employees on walking-working surfaces?
Employers must train employees on the hazards of walking-working surfaces and the proper use of fall protection (29 CFR 1910.30(a)).
- 14
Under 29 CFR 1910.23, what is the minimum clearance for ladder side rails?
There must be a minimum clear width of 15 inches on each side of ladder center line beyond the ladder side rails (29 CFR 1910.23(d)(4)).
- 15
What steps must be taken to ensure safe access to elevated surfaces?
Safe means of access, such as stairs or ladders, must be provided where employees need to reach elevated surfaces (29 CFR 1910.22(d)).
- 16
A platform has an uneven surface. What action is required?
The surface must be repaired or replaced to eliminate the hazard, ensuring it is stable and slip-resistant (29 CFR 1910.22(a)).
- 17
What is the definition of a portable ladder under OSHA?
A portable ladder is a ladder that can be readily moved or carried, including stepladders and extension ladders (29 CFR 1910.21).
- 18
How often must rope descent systems be inspected?
Rope descent systems must be inspected before each use (29 CFR 1910.27(b)(1)(i)).
- 19
Before installing a scaffold, what must be ensured?
The surface must be capable of supporting the scaffold and loads imposed, and it must be stable (29 CFR 1910.28(a)).
- 20
An employee slips on stairs due to missing anti-slip treads. What should be done?
The stairs must be equipped with slip-resistant surfaces or treads to prevent such hazards (29 CFR 1910.25(c)(2)).
- 21
Under 29 CFR 1910.29, what criteria must guardrail systems meet?
Guardrail systems must have a top rail at 42 inches high and be capable of withstanding 200 pounds of force (29 CFR 1910.29(b)).
- 22
What must employers provide for employees exposed to fall hazards?
Employers must provide and ensure the use of appropriate fall protection systems (29 CFR 1910.28).
- 23
What is required for the angle of placement for portable ladders?
Portable ladders must be placed at an angle such that the horizontal distance from the top support to the base is about one-quarter of the working length (29 CFR 1910.23(c)(7)).
- 24
If a ladder is damaged, what procedure should be followed?
The ladder must be tagged as defective and removed from service until repaired or replaced (29 CFR 1910.23(d)(1)).
- 25
Under 29 CFR 1910.22, what lighting is required for walking-working surfaces?
Walking-working surfaces must be provided with adequate lighting to ensure safe movement (29 CFR 1910.22(b)(3)).
- 26
What training must employees receive on ladders?
Employees must be trained on the proper selection, care, and use of ladders (29 CFR 1910.30(a)).
- 27
A worker is assigned to use a step stool. What safety measures are needed?
The step stool must be stable, have a handrail if over 2 steps, and be used on a level surface (29 CFR 1910.23(e)).
- 28
What is the minimum width for stairways under OSHA?
Stairways must be at least 22 inches wide between vertical barriers (29 CFR 1910.25(c)(1)).
- 29
How must dockboards be secured?
Dockboards must be secured in place, either by anchoring or other equivalent means, to prevent sliding (29 CFR 1910.26(b)).
- 30
Under 29 CFR 1910.23, what must be on ladder side rails at exposed ends?
Exposed ends of ladder side rails must be flared or provided with devices to prevent snagging (29 CFR 1910.23(b)(11)).
- 31
What fall protection is needed for ramps and runways?
Guardrails must be provided on open sides of ramps and runways at heights of 4 feet or more (29 CFR 1910.28(b)(4)).
- 32
What is required when using a ladder for access to an upper landing?
The ladder must extend at least 3 feet above the upper landing surface (29 CFR 1910.23(d)(2)).
- 33
A surface is covered in debris. What must the employer do?
The employer must remove the debris to maintain a clean and hazard-free walking-working surface (29 CFR 1910.22(b)).
- 34
What is the definition of a step bolt?
A step bolt is a bolt or rung attached to the structure that serves as a foot hold for climbing (29 CFR 1910.21).
- 35
Under 29 CFR 1910.27, what inspections are needed for rope descent systems?
Rope descent systems must be inspected for wear, damage, and proper operation before each use (29 CFR 1910.27(b)(1)).
- 36
How must employees be protected from falling objects?
Employers must implement measures such as toeboards or barricades to prevent objects from falling onto employees (29 CFR 1910.28(c)).
- 37
What must be done if a walking surface is slippery due to weather?
The surface must be treated or employees must be protected from the hazard until conditions improve (29 CFR 1910.22(b)(1)).
- 38
What training elements are required for fall hazards?
Training must include recognition of fall hazards and the use of fall protection systems (29 CFR 1910.30(a)).
- 39
Under 29 CFR 1910.25, what handrails are required for stairs?
Stairs with four or more risers must have handrails on at least one side (29 CFR 1910.25(d)(1)).
- 40
What is the proper way to carry tools on a ladder?
Tools must be carried in a way that allows the employee to maintain three points of contact on the ladder (29 CFR 1910.23(c)(4)).
- 41
If an employee refuses to use fall protection, what may happen?
The employer must ensure compliance with fall protection requirements, potentially through retraining (29 CFR 1910.28).
- 42
What clearance is required around the base of a fixed ladder?
A clear width of at least 15 inches on each side of the ladder center line must be maintained (29 CFR 1910.23(d)(4)).
- 43
Under 29 CFR 1910.22, what signs are needed for hazardous areas?
Hazardous areas must be posted with signs or other warnings to alert employees (29 CFR 1910.22(c)).
- 44
How must extension ladders be used safely?
Extension ladders must be secured at the top and bottom to prevent slipping and be placed at the proper angle (29 CFR 1910.23(c)).
- 45
A hole cover is loose. What immediate action is required?
The cover must be secured immediately to prevent it from being displaced (29 CFR 1910.23(a)(6)).
- 46
What is the maximum allowable variation in riser height for stairs?
The variation in riser height within a flight of stairs must not exceed 3/8 inch (29 CFR 1910.25(b)(2)).
- 47
Under 29 CFR 1910.28, what personal fall protection is required?
Personal fall arrest systems must be used when other protection is not feasible (29 CFR 1910.28(b)(14)).
- 48
What must be inspected on a scaffold before use?
Scaffolds must be inspected for defects and proper assembly before each work shift (29 CFR 1910.28(a)).
- 49
If a ladder is used near doors, what precautions are needed?
The area must be roped off or otherwise controlled to prevent doors from knocking the ladder over (29 CFR 1910.23(c)(8)).
- 50
What is required for the design of manhole steps?
Manhole steps must be corrugated or coated with a slip-resistant surface (29 CFR 1910.24(b)).
- 51
Under 29 CFR 1910.23, what labeling is needed for defective ladders?
Defective ladders must be marked and removed from service (29 CFR 1910.23(d)(1)).
- 52
How should employees descend from a ladder?
Employees must face the ladder and maintain three points of contact while descending (29 CFR 1910.23(c)(4)).
- 53
What protection is needed for open-sided floors?
Open-sided floors must have standard guardrails or equivalent fall protection (29 CFR 1910.23(c)).
- 54
A worker is on a slippery ramp. What should they do?
They should use fall protection and report the condition for immediate correction (29 CFR 1910.28(b)).
- 55
What is the minimum top rail height for guardrails?
The top rail must be 42 inches high, plus or minus 3 inches (29 CFR 1910.29(b)(1)).
- 56
Under 29 CFR 1910.30, who needs fall protection training?
Employees exposed to fall hazards must receive training on fall protection (29 CFR 1910.30(a)).
- 57
What must be done with unused ladders in the workplace?
Unused ladders must be stored in a way that prevents damage and maintains their safety (29 CFR 1910.23(d)(13)).
- 58
If a stairway is slippery, what maintenance is required?
The stairway must be kept clean and treated with non-slip materials as needed (29 CFR 1910.25(c)).
- 59
What is the requirement for ladder maintenance tags?
Ladders must be inspected regularly and tagged if defective (29 CFR 1910.23(d)).
- 60
Under 29 CFR 1910.22, what access is required for maintenance?
Safe access must be provided for routine maintenance of walking-working surfaces (29 CFR 1910.22(d)).