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Section 7 of 7

CSLB General Safety Practice Questions

10 free practice questions on general safety, part of the Safety section (about 14% of the exam). Try each one, then open the answer: every choice is explained and the law is quoted.

Questions and answers

  1. Safety

    1. By contract, a general contractor is responsible for safety on the whole site. A subcontractor's workers are exposed to an unguarded hole left by another subcontractor. The general contractor's own employees were not exposed. Under Labor Code section 6400, can Cal/OSHA cite the general contractor?

    • A. Yes, as the controlling employer, even though its own workers were not exposed
    • B. No, because only the employer whose own workers were exposed can be cited
    • C. No, because only the subcontractor who created the hazard can be cited
    • D. Yes, but only if the general contractor also created the hazard itself
    Show answer

    Correct answer: A

    • A. Yes, as the controlling employer, even though its own workers were not exposed

      Correct answer

      Correct. A general contractor responsible by contract for site safety is the controlling employer, and section 6400 lets the controlling employer be cited even if its own employees were not exposed.

    • B. No, because only the employer whose own workers were exposed can be cited

      Wrong. Section 6400 says the creating, controlling, and correcting employers may be cited regardless of whether their own employees were exposed, so citation is not limited to the exposing employer.

    • C. No, because only the subcontractor who created the hazard can be cited

      Wrong. The creating employer is not the only one who can be cited; the controlling employer, which is responsible for site safety by contract or in practice, can also be cited.

    • D. Yes, but only if the general contractor also created the hazard itself

      Wrong. The general contractor can be cited as the controlling employer because it is responsible by contract for site safety; it does not also have to be the employer that created the hazard.

    Explanation

    Labor Code section 6400 lists the employers that can be cited on a multiemployer worksite. One is the controlling employer: the employer responsible, by contract or in practice, for safety on the site. The section says the creating, controlling, and correcting employers may be cited even if their own employees were not exposed. So the exposing employer and the creating employer are not the only ones who can be cited.

    Sources

  2. Safety

    2. A crew piles dirt from a trench next to the excavation. No retaining device is used. Under Title 8 section 1541, how far back from the edge must the pile be kept?

    • A. At least 1 foot
    • B. At least 2 feet
    • C. At least 4 feet
    • D. At least 6 feet
    Show answer

    Correct answer: B

    • A. At least 1 foot

      Wrong. One foot is too close; with no retaining device, section 1541 requires the pile to be kept at least 2 feet from the edge.

    • B. At least 2 feet

      Correct answer

      Correct. Section 1541 protects workers by keeping materials at least 2 feet from the excavation edge, by retaining devices, or both; with no retaining device, the pile must be at least 2 feet back.

    • C. At least 4 feet

      Wrong. Four feet is more than the rule requires; section 1541 sets the distance at least 2 feet from the edge.

    • D. At least 6 feet

      Wrong. Six feet is more than the rule requires; section 1541 sets the distance at least 2 feet from the edge.

    Explanation

    Section 1541 says employees must be protected from materials or equipment that could fall or roll into an excavation. This is done by keeping them at least 2 feet from the edge, by using retaining devices, or both. With no retaining device, the dirt must be at least 2 feet back. One foot is too close; 4 and 6 feet are more than the rule requires.

    Source

  3. Safety

    3. A hazard could badly hurt workers right away. It cannot be fixed immediately without putting employees in danger. Under the Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) rule, what must the employer do?

    • A. Keep working, but give everyone a written warning first
    • B. Wait for a Cal/OSHA inspector before doing anything at all
    • C. Continue work and fix the hazard at the end of the week
    • D. Remove all exposed workers except those needed to fix it
    Show answer

    Correct answer: D

    • A. Keep working, but give everyone a written warning first

      A written warning does not protect the exposed workers. The employer must remove all exposed workers from the area except those needed to correct the hazard.

    • B. Wait for a Cal/OSHA inspector before doing anything at all

      Waiting for a Cal/OSHA inspector does not protect the exposed workers. The employer must remove all exposed workers except those needed to correct the condition.

    • C. Continue work and fix the hazard at the end of the week

      Continuing work and fixing the hazard later leaves workers exposed. When the hazard cannot be fixed right away, exposed workers must be removed from the area.

    • D. Remove all exposed workers except those needed to fix it

      Correct answer

      Correct: when an imminent hazard cannot be fixed right away without endangering employees, all exposed workers must be removed except those needed to correct it. Those workers must be given the needed safeguards.

    Explanation

    Title 8 section 3203 says that when an imminent hazard exists that cannot be fixed right away without endangering employees or property, the employer must remove all exposed workers from the area. Only the workers needed to correct the condition may stay, and they must be given the needed safeguards. A warning, waiting for an inspector, or fixing it later does not protect the exposed workers.

    Source

  4. Safety

    4. Workers check their personal fall arrest systems before each use. Under Title 8 section 1670, how often must a competent person also inspect each system?

    • A. At least once every month
    • B. At least twice a year
    • C. At least once a year
    • D. At least once every two years
    Show answer

    Correct answer: B

    • A. At least once every month

      Wrong. The rule does not require a monthly inspection; it requires a competent person to inspect each system at least twice a year.

    • B. At least twice a year

      Correct answer

      Correct. Section 1670 says each personal fall arrest system must be inspected at least twice a year by a competent person following the manufacturer's recommendations, in addition to the check before each use.

    • C. At least once a year

      Wrong. Once a year is not often enough; the rule requires at least twice a year.

    • D. At least once every two years

      Wrong. Every two years is not often enough; the rule requires at least twice a year.

    Explanation

    Title 8 section 1670 says each personal fall arrest system must be inspected at least twice a year by a competent person, following the manufacturer's recommendations. The date of each inspection must be documented. This is in addition to the check before each use. Once a year or every two years is not often enough, and the rule does not require a monthly inspection.

    Sources

  5. Safety

    5. Ironworkers on a steel frame wear personal fall arrest systems (a harness connected to a lifeline). Under Title 8 section 1670, what must the employer also arrange in case a worker falls?

    • A. Prompt rescue of the worker, or make sure workers can rescue themselves
    • B. A call to Cal/OSHA within 8 hours after each fall the harness stops
    • C. A safety net under the work area in addition to each harness
    • D. A second lanyard on each worker so that two lines hold a fall
    Show answer

    Correct answer: A

    • A. Prompt rescue of the worker, or make sure workers can rescue themselves

      Correct answer

      Correct. The employer must provide for prompt rescue of employees in the event of a fall, or make sure employees are able to rescue themselves.

    • B. A call to Cal/OSHA within 8 hours after each fall the harness stops

      Section 1670 does not require a call to Cal/OSHA for each fall that a harness stops. Its requirement here is planning for prompt rescue or self-rescue.

    • C. A safety net under the work area in addition to each harness

      Section 1670 does not require a safety net on top of the personal fall arrest system. It requires the employer to provide for prompt rescue or self-rescue.

    • D. A second lanyard on each worker so that two lines hold a fall

      Section 1670 does not require a second lanyard. What the employer must also arrange is prompt rescue, or the ability of workers to rescue themselves.

    Explanation

    Title 8 section 1670 says the employer shall provide for prompt rescue of employees in the event of a fall, or make sure employees are able to rescue themselves. A worker hanging in a harness needs help quickly, so rescue must be planned before the work starts. Section 1670 does not require a safety net on top of the fall arrest system, or a second lanyard. It also does not require a call to Cal/OSHA for each fall that a harness stops.

    Source

  6. Safety

    6. A hydraulic shore used to support a trench is bent after a load hits it. Under Title 8 section 1541.1, what must happen before the shore is used again?

    • A. A competent person must examine it and judge if it is safe
    • B. The crew may keep using it if the bend is under one inch
    • C. It must be thrown away right away and never be used again
    • D. The manufacturer must replace it before anyone enters the trench
    Show answer

    Correct answer: A

    • A. A competent person must examine it and judge if it is safe

      Correct answer

      Correct. When protective system equipment is damaged, a competent person shall examine it and evaluate whether it is suitable for continued use.

    • B. The crew may keep using it if the bend is under one inch

      There is no rule that a small bend is acceptable without an examination. A competent person must examine the damaged shore and evaluate its suitability for continued use.

    • C. It must be thrown away right away and never be used again

      Throwing equipment away after one use is a rule for fall arrest gear that stopped a fall, not for shoring. Damaged shoring is examined by a competent person, who evaluates whether it can still be used.

    • D. The manufacturer must replace it before anyone enters the trench

      The manufacturer does not have to replace it. A competent person must examine the damaged shore and evaluate its suitability for continued use.

    Explanation

    Title 8 section 1541.1 says that when protective system equipment is damaged, a competent person shall examine it and evaluate whether it is suitable for continued use. If the competent person cannot be sure it is safe, it is removed from service until a registered professional engineer approves it. There is no rule that a small bend is acceptable without an examination. Throwing equipment away after one use is a rule for fall arrest gear that stopped a fall, not for shoring, and the manufacturer does not have to replace it.

    Source

  7. Safety

    7. A worker uses an extension ladder to climb onto a flat roof (an upper landing). The ladder is long enough to extend above the roof edge. Under the Cal/OSHA ladder rules, how far must the side rails extend above the roof?

    • A. At least 24 inches
    • B. At least 36 inches
    • C. At least 42 inches
    • D. At least 48 inches
    Show answer

    Correct answer: B

    • A. At least 24 inches

      Wrong. 24 inches is too short. The side rails must extend at least 36 inches above the upper landing.

    • B. At least 36 inches

      Correct answer

      Correct. Section 1675 applies section 3276 to portable ladders in construction, and section 3276 requires the side rails to extend at least 36 inches above the upper landing.

    • C. At least 42 inches

      Wrong. 42 inches is the guardrail height rule, not the ladder rule. Ladder side rails must extend at least 36 inches above the landing.

    • D. At least 48 inches

      Wrong. 48 inches is more than the rule requires. The minimum is 36 inches above the upper landing.

    Explanation

    Title 8 section 1675 says portable ladders used in construction must meet section 3276 of the General Industry Safety Orders. Section 3276 says that when a portable ladder is used to reach an upper landing, the side rails must extend at least 36 inches above the landing. 24 inches is too short. 42 inches is the guardrail height rule, not the ladder rule, and 48 inches is more than the rule requires.

    Sources

  8. Safety

    8. A contractor has 4 employees, both men and women, who work at one construction site all day. Under Title 8 section 1526, what is the least the employer may provide to meet the toilet rule?

    • A. One separate toilet facility for men and one for women
    • B. None, because crews with fewer than five workers need no toilet
    • C. One toilet facility for each worker, so four toilets in total
    • D. One single-user toilet facility designated for all-gender use
    Show answer

    Correct answer: D

    • A. One separate toilet facility for men and one for women

      Separate toilets for men and women are not required here. Where there are fewer than five employees, one single-user toilet designated for all-gender use is sufficient.

    • B. None, because crews with fewer than five workers need no toilet

      A small crew still needs a toilet. With fewer than five employees, the rule lets one single-user all-gender toilet suffice, not zero toilets.

    • C. One toilet facility for each worker, so four toilets in total

      One toilet per worker is far more than the rule asks. With fewer than five employees, one single-user all-gender toilet is sufficient.

    • D. One single-user toilet facility designated for all-gender use

      Correct answer

      Correct. Where there are fewer than five employees, one single-user toilet facility designated for all-gender use is sufficient, and this crew has 4 employees.

    Explanation

    Title 8 section 1526 normally requires one separate toilet facility for each 20 employees, or fraction of 20, of each sex. But where there are fewer than five employees, one single-user toilet facility designated for all-gender use is sufficient. This crew has 4 employees, so one all-gender toilet meets the rule. Separate toilets for men and women are not required, a small crew still needs a toilet, and one per worker is far more than the rule asks.

    Source

  9. Safety

    9. Under Title 8 section 1511, when may a construction worker be required to work in an unsafe place?

    • A. Whenever the worker is paid a higher hazard pay rate
    • B. Whenever the worker signs a written release of liability
    • C. Only if the job is behind schedule and the owner agrees
    • D. Only to make the place safe, after proper precautions are taken
    Show answer

    Correct answer: D

    • A. Whenever the worker is paid a higher hazard pay rate

      Wrong. Extra pay does not make unsafe work allowed; under section 1511 the only exception is work done to make the place safe, after proper precautions are taken.

    • B. Whenever the worker signs a written release of liability

      Wrong. A signed release does not make unsafe work allowed; the only exception is work done to make the place safe, after proper precautions protect the worker.

    • C. Only if the job is behind schedule and the owner agrees

      Wrong. A late schedule, even with the owner's agreement, is not the exception; a worker may be required to work in an unsafe place only to make it safe, after proper precautions.

    • D. Only to make the place safe, after proper precautions are taken

      Correct answer

      Correct. Section 1511 bars requiring work in an unsafe place unless the work is to make it safe, and then only after proper precautions have been taken to protect the worker.

    Explanation

    Title 8 section 1511 says no worker may be required or knowingly allowed to work in an unsafe place. The only exception is work done to make the place safe, and then only after proper precautions protect the worker. Extra pay, a signed release, or a late schedule does not make unsafe work allowed.

    Source

  10. Safety

    10. A foreman orders a worker into a 7-foot-deep trench that has no shoring. Entering would violate a safety order and create a real and apparent hazard. The worker refuses. Under Labor Code section 6311, may the employer fire the worker for refusing?

    • A. No, because the order breaks a safety rule and creates a real hazard
    • B. Yes, because a worker must always follow a foreman's direct orders
    • C. Yes, unless the worker first filed a written complaint about it with Cal/OSHA
    • D. No, but the employer may stop paying the worker's wages for that day
    Show answer

    Correct answer: A

    • A. No, because the order breaks a safety rule and creates a real hazard

      Correct answer

      Correct. Section 6311 says a worker may not be laid off or fired for refusing work that would violate a safety order when the violation would create a real and apparent hazard, which is the case here.

    • B. Yes, because a worker must always follow a foreman's direct orders

      Wrong. A foreman's order does not change the rule: section 6311 bars firing a worker for refusing work that would violate a safety order and create a real and apparent hazard.

    • C. Yes, unless the worker first filed a written complaint about it with Cal/OSHA

      Wrong. The worker does not need to file a complaint first; the protection applies because the work would violate a safety order and create a real and apparent hazard.

    • D. No, but the employer may stop paying the worker's wages for that day

      Wrong. Section 6311 gives the worker a right to recover wages lost because of such a layoff or firing, so stopping pay is not allowed either.

    Explanation

    Labor Code section 6311 says an employee may not be laid off or discharged (fired) for refusing work that would violate a safety law or safety order, when the violation would create a real and apparent hazard. That is the case here. The worker does not need to file a complaint first. The section also gives the worker a right to recover wages lost because of such a layoff or firing, so stopping pay is not allowed either.

    Source

    • Lab. Code §6311

      No employee shall be laid off or discharged for refusing to perform work in the performance of which this code, including Section 6400, any occupational safety or health standard, or any safety order of the division or standards board will be violated, where the violation would create a real and apparent hazard to the employee or their fellow employees.

      View source: Lab. Code §6311Official site for Lab. Code §6311 (opens in a new tab)

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Read the Section 7 study notes: Safety

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