OSHA 30 Construction Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (21–30)

Question 1

Before each work shift on a scaffold, and after any event that could affect its structural integrity, OSHA requires that the scaffold be inspected by:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

A competent person. 29 CFR 1926.451(f)(3) requires a competent person to inspect scaffolds and scaffold components before each work shift and after any occurrence that could affect structural integrity.

Question 2

Which of the following is a correct requirement for access to scaffold platforms more than 2 feet above or below a point of access?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

A portable ladder, hook-on ladder, attachable ladder, stair tower, ramp, or walkway must be provided. 29 CFR 1926.451(e)(1) requires that when scaffold platforms are more than 2 feet above or below a point of access, proper means such as portable ladders, hook-on ladders, stair towers, ramps, or walkways must be provided; cross braces are explicitly prohibited as access.

Question 3

A competent person overseeing scaffold work discovers a plank that is cracked and deflecting beyond acceptable limits. What is the correct action?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Immediately remove the defective plank from service and replace it before workers use the scaffold. 29 CFR 1926.451(f)(3) requires a competent person to remove defective scaffold components from service immediately; allowing continued use of a known defective component violates the standard.

Question 4

Under OSHA's personal fall arrest system requirements, what is the maximum free-fall distance allowed before the system must begin to arrest a fall?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

6 feet. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(16)(iii) limits free fall to no more than 6 feet and requires the system to bring the worker to a complete stop with no more than 3.5 feet of deceleration distance.

Question 5

Which of the following workers on a two-point adjustable suspension (swing stage) scaffold is required to use a personal fall arrest system rather than relying solely on guardrails?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

All workers on the swing stage, in addition to guardrails, because both are required simultaneously. 29 CFR 1926.502(d) and 1926.451(g)(3) require each worker on a two-point adjustable suspension scaffold to be protected by both guardrails and a personal fall arrest system — the two systems are required simultaneously, not as alternatives.

Question 6

A competent person for fall protection and scaffolds must be able to do which of the following that an ordinary worker is NOT expected to do?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Identify existing and predictable hazards AND have the authority to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them. 29 CFR 1926.32(f) defines a competent person as one who can identify hazardous or dangerous conditions AND who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures — the authority to act, not just report, is what distinguishes a competent person from an ordinary worker.

Question 7

Which of the following is considered one of OSHA's 'Focus Four' leading causes of construction fatalities?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Electrocutions. OSHA identifies Electrocutions as one of the Focus Four hazards responsible for the majority of construction worker deaths, alongside Falls, Struck-By, and Caught-In/Between incidents (29 CFR 1926, Subpart K).

Question 8

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are required on construction sites when using temporary power. What is the primary purpose of a GFCI?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

To detect a difference in current between the hot and neutral conductors and interrupt the circuit. A GFCI monitors the difference in current between the hot and neutral conductors and trips the circuit within milliseconds when a ground fault is detected, protecting workers from electrocution per 29 CFR 1926.404(b)(1).

Question 9

Under the OSHA assured equipment grounding conductor program, which of the following must be performed before equipment is placed into service on a construction site?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Visual inspections and continuity tests of cords, plugs, and equipment must be documented. 29 CFR 1926.404(b)(1)(iii) requires that under an assured equipment grounding conductor program, all cord sets, receptacles, and equipment be visually inspected and tested for proper grounding before first use and after any incident that may have damaged them, with results documented.

Question 10

When working near overhead power lines where the voltage is unknown, what is the minimum safe approach distance a worker or equipment must maintain?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

10 feet. 29 CFR 1926.1408 and 1926.416(a)(1) require a minimum clearance of 10 feet from overhead power lines when voltage is unknown or up to 50 kV, to protect workers from electrocution from arc flash or contact.

OSHA 30 Construction Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (21–30)

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