OSHA 10-HOUR GENERAL INDUSTRY - Study Guide
How to Use this Study Guide
This Study Guide contains key teaching points covered in the course. It lists each topic contained within the 10-Hour course broken down by module. Each module contains Knowledge Keys which summarize key information from that module. It is recommended that you review this Study Guide before taking the final course assessment.
Final Assessment Format
The final assessment will consist of 25 questions pulled randomly from each topic in the course. Every question will be based on the knowledge keys, which can be found in the course pages as well as the study guide material.
You must answer all questions in the final assessment. Once you have completed every question, you may submit the assessment for a grade.
To satisfy all of the requirements to receive the certification of this course, you must pass the final assessment with a grade of 70% or higher within 3 attempts.
Question Types
The questions on the final assessment match the formats of the topic assessment questions. You may see multiple choice, multiple answer, and sequencing questions, some of which may include images or videos.
In multiple choice questions, you will select one option as an answer for the question.
In multiple answer questions, you may select as many of the options as you need to answer the question correctly. There is no partial scoring for multiple answer questions.
For sequencing questions, you must choose the correct order of the options to answer the question. There is no partial scoring for sequencing questions.
View the Practice Questions for each topic for more information on each question type.
Preparing for the Final Assessment
You have several options to help you prepare for the final assessment:
- Review the course pages.
- Every question on the final assessment will have its answer(s) in the course material. You can read back through the pages, redo the activities, or retake the knowledge checks in each module to help refresh your memory on each subject.
- Take the topic assessments.
- The topic assessments are in the same format as the final assessment, and some of the questions on the topic assessments may be in the final assessment as well. Because you can take the topic assessments as many times as you like, you can use them as practice quizzes or as a way to familiarize yourself with how the final assessment will feel.
- Use this study guide.
- You can review the knowledge keys in this study guide and use the practice questions for each topic to refresh your memory. Remember, all final assessment questions are based on the material found in the knowledge keys.
Test-Taking Tips
Here are some tips for taking assessments that you may find useful.
- Take your time.
Read each question carefully and be sure not to rush. You have as much time as you need to answer a quesiton, so use it!
Read every answer option before making your decision. Some answer options seem correct at first glance but are the wrong choice.
- Eliminate wrong answers.
Once you read an answer, if it is obviously incorrect then you can eliminate it as a correct answer option. Don’t look at it again while you try to answer the question.
Eliminating answer options also increases the chances that you will be correct if you must guess.
- Use your materials.
The assessments in this course are open-note. If you have any notes you’ve made, keep them with you to reference as you take the tests.
You can also suspend the assessment to return to the course material or this study guide, if needed.
- Look for context clues.
Think about what the question is asking. If you’re being asked about, for instance, material from Avoiding Electrocution Hazards, you can eliminate answer options which may focus on information from Bloodborne Pathogens or another unrelated topic.
Introduction to OSHA | Learning Objectives
Given OSHA historical events and current information, the student will be able to explain the importance of OSHA in providing a safe and healthful workplace to workers covered by OSHA.
Explain why OSHA is important to workers Explain worker rights under OSHA
Discuss employer responsibilities under OSHA Discuss the use of OSHA standards
Explain how OSHA inspections are conducted Utilize helpful worker safety and health resources
Introduction to OSHA | Knowledge Keys
OSHA's Mission
The mission of OSHA is to save lives, prevent injuries and protect the health of America’s workers. The OSH Act states that workers have the right to a safe workplace and that it is the employer’s responsibility to provide safe and healthy workplaces.
OSHA's Standards
OSHA standards are rules that describe the methods that employers must use to protect their employees from hazards. These standards limit the amount of hazardous chemicals workers can be exposed to, require the use of certain safe practices and equipment, and require employers to monitor hazards and keep records of workplace injuries and illnesses.
Employer Responsibilities
Your employer must follow OSHA's standards. This means that your employer is responsible for providing you, the worker, with training required by OSHA standards, a workplace free of recognized hazards, medical exams when required by OSHA standards, and access to your exposure and medical records. Additionally, your employer must keep records of illnesses and injuries, not discriminate against workers exercising their rights, post OSHA citations and abatement notices, and provide and pay for PPE.
Workers' Rights and Responsibilities
You, the worker, must follow occupational safety and health standards and rules that apply to your workplace. You have the right to: a safe and healthful workplace, knowledge of hazardous conditions, information on any injuries or illnesses in your workplace, complain or request hazard correction from your employer, training as provided in the OSHA standards, hazard exposure and medical records, the ability to file a complaint with OSHA, participate in an OSHA inspection, and freedom from retaliation for exercising your safety and health rights.
Inspection Process
OSHA enforces standards through inspections, prioritizing the most dangerous workplaces. Inspections follow a standard process, consisting of an opening conference, a walkthrough, and a closing conference. Workers have the right to participate in the inspection to point out safety and health issues in the workplace. They also have the right to participate in any meetings related to the inspection and can object to the date set for the violation to be corrected and be notified if they employer files a contest.
Reporting Hazards
The first action to report a safety hazard should be to contact your team leader, supervisor, manager, safety committee, etc. You may file a report online, in person, by fax or mail, or after a phone conversation. Serious hazards almost always result in a site inspection, as do complaints that are written, signed, and submitted to the OSHA area or State Plan office. Complaints that are submitted online, over the phone, or are not serious hazards will be resolved over the phone. It is recommended that all forms be fully completed and signed.
Whistleblower Protections
It is illegal for your employer to use disciplinary, incentive, or drug testing programs to prevent you from reporting any job safety and health hazards. If you have been punished or discriminated against for using your rights, you must file a complaint with OSHA within 30 days of the alleged reprisal for most complaints.
Worker Resources
There are many resources available to workers who want to find out more information about safety or health issues both inside and outside of their workplace. These include but are not limited to: safety data sheets (SDSs), labels and warning signs, NIOSH, health care providers, and OSHA.
Introduction to OSHA | Practice Questions
Question 1 of 3
The following are main responsibilities of someone under OSHA's standards: monitor hazards, keep records of workplace injuries and illnesses, and provide specific equipment, such as PPE. Whose responsibilities are these?
Select the best answer.
- You, the worker
- Your co-workers
- Your employer
- The government
Question 2 of 3
You work for a company as one of their cleaning staff. Since you've been working with a new cleaning product, you've begun to notice that you have headaches and blurry vision by the end of your shifts. Do OSHA regulations give you the right to access your exposure records?
Select the best answer.
- Yes
- No
Question 3 of 3
Your co-worker Alayna thinks that your employer punished her by excluding her from a prize drawing after she was injured at work, even though she followed all worksite safety rules. How long does Alayna have to file a complaint with OSHA?
Select the best answer.
- 3 days
- 10 days
- 15 days
- 30 days
Walking Working Surfaces | Learning Objectives
Given the various walking/working surface types, the student will be able to protect themselves from walking/working hazards including fall hazards.
Identify hazards in the workplace associated with walking and working surfaces
Identify best practices for eliminating or controlling hazards associated with walking and working surfaces in the workplace
Recognize employer requirements to protect workers from walking and working surface hazards.
Walking Working Surfaces | Knowledge Keys
Slip and Trip Hazards
Poor housekeeping creates additional slip and trip hazards. Employers are responsible for maintaining the work area, but you have a responsibility to follow your employer’s guidelines. In some cases, the work area has some slip and trip hazards which cannot be removed, and workers must use the correct footwear and be aware of their surroundings in order to remain safe.
Employer Responsibilities: Fall Hazards
Your employer is responsible for providing working conditions which are free from fall dangers, including keeping floors and work areas in a clean and sanitary condition. Your employer is also required to provide PPE at no cost to you and to train you about the job hazards in a language you can understand.
Employer Responsibilities: Ladders
Employers must keep ladders in good condition for their workers to use and must also ensure that their workers use the ladders correctly.
Fixed Ladders
Fixed ladders are permanently attached to a structure, a building, or equipment. Your employer is required to have ladder safety or personal fall arrest systems for fixed ladders that extend more than 24 feet, and any worker ascending these ladders must be a qualified climber with additional training.
Ladder Safety
Just because ladders are found both at work and at home doesn’t mean they’re safe. Be sure to use ladders safely by choosing the right ladder for the job, tying the top and bottom of the ladder to fixed points when necessary, and keeping your hands free and always maintaining three points of contact with the ladder while climbing. Remember to never use the top of a step ladder as a step.
Guardrails and Stairs
Guardrails prevent falls by acting as barriers along open sides of stairways, platforms, and other hazards involving floor or wall openings. Your employer is responsible for installing and maintaining any guardrails where you work. Any staircase extending more than 4 steps is required to have a handrail in order to allow you to maintain 3 points of contact while walking along the stairs. Stairs should not be used as a storage area, and you should never carry heavy items while using stairs.
Scaffolds
In this section, we learned that the main causes of deaths and injuries on scaffolds are falls, being struck by objects, electrocution, scaffold collapse and bad planking.
Walking Working Surfaces | Practice Questions
Question 1 of 3
If a fixed ladder extends more than 24 feet, who is allowed to work on it?
Select the best answer.
- Supervisors on a job site
- Senior workers on a job site
- Any worker, as long as they have been given an orientation and PPE
- Qualified climbers with additional training
Question 2 of 3
What is a barrier along the open sides of stairways and platforms that prevents falling called?
Select the best answer.
- Guardrail
- Banister
- Top rail
- Toeboard
Question 3 of 3
Your worksite has a stairwell without a section of railing. Whose responsibility is it to make this area free of this fall hazard?
Select the best answer.
- You, the worker
- Your co-workers
- Your employer
- OSHA
Emergency Action Plans and Fire Protection | Learning Objectives
Given current OSHA and industry information regarding worksite illnesses, injuries, and/or fatalities, the student will be able to recognize hazards and best practices associated with emergency action plans, fire prevention plans fire protection, and exit routes.
Recognize benefits of an Emergency Action Plan. Identify elements of Fire Protection Plan.
Identify conditions under which evacuation actions may be necessary in an emergency situation. Identify conditions under which shelter-in-place may be necessary in an emergency situation.
Identify characteristics of an effective emergency escape route.
Recognize the five types of fire extinguishers, including the types of fires they can extinguish. Review requirements for proper maintenance of portable fire extinguishers.
Emergency Action Plans and Fire Protection | Knowledge Keys
Emergency Action Plan
An EAP documents what should be done during different types of emergencies. Having a plan in place means that it's less likely injuries or damage will occur during an emergency. It also provides information on post emergency plans and communication. Every employee should be trained on the plan and know their individual responsibilities.
Fire Prevention Plan
Having a fire prevention plan means that because advance planning has taken place, any emergencies should result in few injuries and damage. Fire prevention plans have required elements and they must exist in a written format which employees can be trained on. Understanding the risks and hazards associated with fires assists in preventing accidents occurring in the first place.
Evacuation
While many different types of emergencies require evacuation, the decision to evacuate is dependent on factors such as of the extent or location of the emergency or even the type of building in which it is occurring. Your employer should have a plan in place regarding the expected evacuation plans or fire fighting expectations and ensure that all employees are aware of both evacuation plans and what to do once the emergency has passed.
Shelter-in-Place
During a natural disaster, such as a tornado, or during a man-made event, such as when chemical, biological, or radiological contaminants are released, sheltering-in-place is recommended. During such events, you should follow recommended safety precautions, such as sealing up vents, windows, and doors, seeking refuge in a windowless, interior room, keeping in communication, and monitoring the ongoing situation.
Exit Routes
In order to ensure safe and timely evacuation in an emergency situation, exit routes must follow strict criteria. Exit routes must be adequately signposted, exit to an outside area, be unlocked, be sufficiently large, as well as being sufficient for the number of people needing to exit during an emergency.
Types of Fire Extinguishers
Fires are classified into five different categories depending on what is burning. There are four types of fire extinguisher. The type of fire extinguisher used to fight a fire depends on the type of fire being fought. There is a standard set of steps to be followed when using a fire extinguisher to fight a fire. Fire extinguishers must be routinely maintained if they are to remain effective.
Emergency Action Plans and Fire Protection | Practice Questions
Question 1 of 3
Does an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) only contain information on what happens during an emergency?
Select the best answer.
- Yes
- No
Question 2 of 3
Why is it important to understand the risks and hazards associated with fires?
Select the best answer.
- Employers are less liable for any accidents that occur.
- It makes it easier to train workers on the fire prevention plan.
- It prevents accidents from occurring in the first place.
Question 3 of 3
What determines what type of extinguisher to use on a fire?
Select the best answer.
- The type of fire
- What is available on the worksite
- How many employees are near the fire
- How much smoke is in the air
Avoiding Electrocution Hazards | Learning Objectives
Given current OSHA and industry information regarding worksite illnesses, injuries and/or fatalities, the student will be able to recognize electrocution hazards in general industry.
Identify major electrical hazards. Describe types of electrical hazards. Describe electrical protection methods.
Recognize employer requirements to protect workers from electrical hazards.
Avoiding Electrocution Hazards | Knowledge Keys
Major Electrical Hazards
There are several types of electrical hazards, all of which can cause injury or death. For this reason, you need to be aware of the dangers involved with working around electricity.
Power Lines and Energized Sources
In almost all cases, touching power lines or coming into contact with energized sources will result in severe injuries or death.
Employer Responsibilities
OSHA's standards require your employer to ensure that lighting, equipment, motors, machines, appliances, switches, controls and enclosures are constructed and installed to minimize electrical dangers.
Protection Against Electrical Hazards
There are several ways you can be protected from electrical hazards. These are using tools and power cords safely, understanding how a GFCI can protect you, and following lockout/tagout procedures.
Avoiding Electrocution Hazards | Practice Questions
Question 1 of 3
Your co-worker Boston is about to place a plug into a wall receptacle with his hand on the plug. Should you stop Boston?
Select the best answer.
- Yes, because you should never place your hand on the plug while you plug it into a wall receptacle.
- Yes, because you should always plug it into an extension cord, not a wall receptacle.
- No, Boston is using a safe method of plugging in the cord.
Question 2 of 3
Yvonne is having an electrician come to her site to work on a piece of machinery. As an employer, what does she need to ensure before the electrician begins work on the equipment?
Select the best answer.
- Lockout and tagout the equipment's electrical circuit(s)
- Purchase liability insurance for the equipment
- Confiscate the keys to the machinery
- Install a GFCI or an AEGCP for the equipment's electrical circuit(s)
Question 3 of 3
Some overhead power lines have a protective covering that protects them from exposure to the elements. Does this covering also protect you, the worker, from electrocution?
Select the best answer.
- Yes
- No
Personal Protective Equipment | Learning Objectives
Given current OSHA and industry information regarding worksite illnesses, injuries and/or fatalities, the student will be able to select appropriate personal protective equipment for common industry hazards.
Recall employer responsibilities toward affected employees regarding PPE. Identify when face and head protection should be used.
Recall which types of hand and foot protection should be used in a specific situation. Recognize the differences between respirator types.
Identify the differences between full-body protection levels.
Personal Protective Equipment | Knowledge Keys
Employer Responsibilities
Your employer is responsible for conducting a hazard assessment at your workplace, selecting and providing the appropriate PPE for the hazard present, making sure the PPE fits you properly and you know how and when to use it, and training you on the limitations of your PPE as well as how to care for and dispose of it.
Eye
In this section you learned that you must use eye protection to prevent injuries to your eyes from splashes, dust, flying particles, and intense light. The type of eye protection you use depends on the hazard you will be exposed to.
Hard Hat
In this section you learned that there are different classes of hard hats. The type of work you will be doing determines which type of hard hat you should wear. Class C offers the lowest protection, just providing protection from minor bumps. Class E and G provide protection from falling objects as well as varying degrees of protection from electrical shocks, Class G offers protection from up to 2,200 volts while Class E provides protection up to 20,000 volts.
Hearing Protection
Wearing earplugs or earmuffs correctly can preserve your hearing when you are on a jobsite with high noise levels. The longer you’re exposed to noise, the more likely it is that hearing damage will occur. Be sure to select the type of hearing protection that will best protect you based on your work environment.
Hand Protection
Gloves protect your hands from a variety of hazards, but it’s important that you use the right gloves for the job and that the gloves fit your hands correctly. Be sure to use your gloves properly and inspect them for any damage to protect your hands from any hazards on your worksite.
Foot Protection
You need to protect your feet at your workplace from any hazards that may be present, such as falling objects, sharps, slippery areas, or hazardous liquids. Use the foot protection that best protects you from the hazards you may encounter on a daily basis. Be sure to inspect your foot protection regularly and keep it in good condition.
Respiratory Protection
There are two types of respirators: one which filters air and one which supplies clean air. The type you use depends on the work you’re doing. Remember that respirator use requires that you have a medical evaluation and additional training.
Full Body Protection
There are many varieties of clothing which protect against different hazards. It’s your employer’s responsibility to provide PPE appropriate for the work being done.
General Health Exposure Protection
According to federal, state, or local guidance, employers must provide face coverings or, as determined by a hazard assessment, to ensure a safe and healthy workplace free from known health hazards.
Depending on the needs of the situation, acceptable types of face coverings include fabric masks constructed of two-layer breathable fabric without vents or valves, surgical masks, or N95 respirators. In addition, face coverings may consist of clear mouth covers to facilitate lip-reading as needed. Effective use of face coverings requires a proper fit, with the nose, mouth, and chin covered and with sides resting snugly against the face to effectively contain respiratory particles to protect the worker and others.
Personal Protective Equipment | Practice Questions
Question 1 of 3
Valencia will be working around chemicals that could splash and get into her eyes. What type of PPE should she be sure to wear?
Select the best answer.
- Steel-toed boots
- Goggles or safety glasses
- Leather palm gloves
- Respirator
Question 2 of 3
Micah has just started his first job. Who is responsible for training him on the use of PPE in his workplace?
Select the best answer.
- Himself
- A co-worker
- OSHA
- His employer
Question 3 of 3
Under what circumstances is it more likely that you will have hearing damage?
Select the best answer.
- Long exposures to low noise levels
- Short exposures to low noise levels
- Long exposures to high noise levels
Hazard Communication | Learning Objectives
Given current OSHA and general industry information regarding worksite illnesses, injuries, and/or fatalities, the student will be able to recognize responsibilities related to hazard communications, including Global Harmonizing System (GHS) requirements.
Identify the employer’s responsibilities under the HCS, including training requirements. Identify components of a Hazard Communication program.
Describe requirements of the different types of Hazard Communication labels.
Locate pertinent information about chemicals on labels, including other forms of hazard communication, to ensure “right to understanding” provisions of GHS requirements.
Hazard Communication | Knowledge Keys
HAZCOM Basics
Now that you have learned a few of the basics, remember that any chemical in the workplace can potentially enter your body through inhalation, ingestion, injection, or absorption. Some chemicals can cause short term exposure effects, while others can cause chronic exposure that lasts years.
Right to Know
The Right to Know law requires anyone who produces or uses chemicals to provide you with the right information to know how to protect yourself, including the potential harm each chemical can do to you. The standard ways of communicating chemical information are safety data sheets and labels. Your employer must also maintain a list of all chemicals you may be exposed to AND provide training to minimize exposure to these chemicals.
Safety Data Sheets
An SDS is a document that each chemical manufacturer, distributor, or importer must provide for each hazardous chemical. It contains detailed information such as the properties of each chemical; the physical, health, and environmental health hazards; protective measures; and safety precautions for handling, storing, and transporting the chemical. An SDS must be in a uniform format and there must be an SDS for every hazardous chemical in the workplace.
Chemical Container Labels
All hazardous chemicals in the workplace must contain a label that includes critical information you need to identify what the chemical is and the warnings you need to be aware of. The label should be clearly legible and marked on the container.
Pictograms
Become familiar with all nine standard pictogram symbols to easily identify the types of hazards in chemicals in your workplace, including those that pose chemical, physical, health, and environmental hazards. Beware that the environmental pictogram is not required according to the GHS so be cautious when using any chemicals in the environment.
Employer Responsibilities
It's your employer's responsibility to develop, implement, and maintain a written hazard communication program. That means keeping a list of all chemicals in the workplace, making sure each chemical has a Safety Data Sheet that is easily accessible, that each container has a label that is not defaced, and that you are trained on the chemicals with which you will be working.
Hazard Communication | Practice Questions
Question 1 of 3
By law, who is responsible for providing Safety Data Sheets?
Select the best answer(s). There may be more than one.
- Manufacturers
- Employers
- Distributors
- Importers
Question 2 of 3
Why can chemical exposure in the workplace be dangerous?
Select the best answer(s). There may be more than one.
- Almost all chemicals in the workplace are flammable.
- Workplace chemical concentrations are higher than at home.
- Chemicals can cause serious incidents in the workplace.
- You're exposed to chemicals for longer periods of time in the workplace.
Question 3 of 3
Howard has worked with a cleaning solution for over a decade that gives off strong fumes. Over time, Howard has developed a cough that won't go away and has become more sensitive to sunlight. What kind of exposure is this considered?
Select the best answer.
- Acute
- Chronic
- Deadly
- No effect
Materials Handling, Storage, Use, and Disposal | Learning Objectives
Given best practices and current OSHA and industry information regarding worksite illnesses, injuries, and/or fatalities, the student will be able to recognize how to protect themselves from hazards associated with material handling.
Identify types of material handling equipment.
Describe hazards associated with material handling activities (e.g., storage, use, and disposal). Identify methods to prevent hazards associated with material handling equipment.
Recognize employer requirements to protect workers from material handling hazards.
Materials Handling, Storage, Use, and Disposal | Knowledge Keys
Hazards Associated with Materials Handling
Though the hazards associated with materials handling in the workplace are varied, in most cases they are caused by using equipment or materials incorrectly, poor housekeeping and inadequate storage methods. Exceeding load capacity, manually moving heavy items, and struck-by and caught-on/- between accidents are also common sources of injury. The types of injuries you could receive in such cases are extensive. The best thing to do to keep safe on the job is to analyze your job's tasks and identify potential hazards associated with that task.
Preventing Materials Handling Hazards
Protect yourself when handling, using, or disposing of materials by wearing appropriate PPE for the eyes, hands, and feet. Don't move things that are too bulky or heavy by yourself. Practice safe lifting techniques and use aids, pads, handles, or wheels to move items, if possible.
Forklifts
The main causes of injuries when using forklifts are overturns, striking pedestrians, being crushed by a forklift, or falling from one. However, the likelihood of injuries can be lessened by following safety practices, including safe driving practices, adhering to guidelines for driving on ramps, distributing loads correctly, using dock boards, and following struck-by guidelines. Only authorized personnel who are trained and over 18 should operate a forklift.
Cranes
The likelihood of the most common accidents occurring when using cranes can be reduced by following standard safety guidelines when operating a crane, ensuring inspections are carried out by competent personnel, paying attention to the crane load chart and adhering to its limits, and only allowing qualified workers to operate a crane.
Slings
A sling is what is used to connect a load to a crane hook. There are three main types of slings: chain, wire, and rope and mesh. The type you select to carry a load, depends on the load and environmental factors. There are standard precautions you can use to reduce hazards when working with slings. A competent person must inspect slings before and during use and damaged slings must never be used.
Materials Handling, Storage, Use, and Disposal | Practice Questions
Question 1 of 3
Your employer has asked you to remove old metal plating from the worksite. The metal plating is heavy and has sharp edges. What PPE should you use?
Select the best answer(s). There may be more than one.
- A respirator
- Steel-toed boots
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
Question 2 of 3
Robert is scheduled to begin working with forklifts in two weeks. He will turn 18 two days before he operates a forklift for the first time. Will Robert be old enough to be a forklift operator?
Select the best answer.
- Yes, you can be a forklift operator at 18.
- No, you must be 21 before you can operate a forklift.
Question 3 of 3
In addition to environmental factors, what determines which type of sling you should use?
Select the best answer.
- The type of crane
- Where you work
- What's available at your worksite
- The type of load
Machine Guarding | Learning Objectives
Given current OSHA and industry information regarding general industry worksite illnesses, injuries, and/or fatalities, the student will be able to recognize hazards associated with machinery that has improper or missing guards.
Identify the main causes of machinery accidents.
Recognize basic machinery parts that expose workers to hazards. Recognize workplace situations involving machinery that requires guarding. Identify the requirements for safeguards.
Identify types of machine guards including types of devices used to safeguard machines.
Machine Guarding | Knowledge Keys
Machinery Parts and Hazards
The most common way workers get hurt around machines is by reaching-in to clean equipment, not using lockout tagout, interaction with parts where guards are missing, or allowing a person who is not qualified to work on a machine. The most common injuries are amputations, especially those of the fingers. There are three main parts of a machine that you will interact with; the point of operation, the power transmission, and the operating controls. Machine movements can be divided into two categories; motions and actions. Motions are how the machine part moves, for example rotating, in- running nip points, reciprocating, and transversing. Actions are operations the machine performs, such as cutting, punching, shearing, and bending.
When Guarding is Required
Anytime you are working on a machine where the point of operation exposes you to injury, it must be guarded. Special hand tools used to avoid the point of operation are not an acceptable substitute. Fan blades, rotating barrels, containers, and drums, power transmission apparatus, and abrasive wheel machinery always require guards. Safeguards themselves must meet certain requirements and not add any danger.
Types of Machine Safeguards
There are two types of primary safeguarding methods; guards and devices. Guards place a physical barrier between the worker and the machine while devices either prevent or detect operator contact with the machine's point of operation or stops hazardous motion if a worker's body part comes too close to a moving machine part. There are four types of guards; fixed, interlocked, adjustable, and self- adjusting. There are six types of devices; presence-sensing, pullback, restraint, safety trip controls, two- hand controls, and gates. Secondary guards are generally considered less effective and should only be used if primary guards aren't possible or as a secondary safety measure.
Machine Guarding | Practice Questions
Question 1 of 3
Machine movement can be divided into two main categories, one of which is motions. What is the other category?
Select the best answer.
- Type
- Actions
- Power
Question 2 of 3
One of the main safeguarding methods is using guards. What is the other main safeguarding method?
Select the best answer.
- Pictorial
- Types
- Devices
- Levers
Question 3 of 3
When can you use special hand tools instead of guards to avoid the point of operation on a machine?
Select the best answer.
- You can never use special hand tools as a substitute for guards.
- You can always use special hand tools as a substitute for guards.
- You can only use special hand tools in certain cases as a substitute for guards.
Industrial Hygiene | Learning Objectives
Given current OSHA and industry information regarding general industry worksite illnesses, injuries, and/or fatalities, the student will be able to recognize hazards associated with industrial hygiene.
Identify strategies to control chemical hazards. Identify strategies to control biological hazards. Identify strategies to control physical hazards. Identify strategies to control ergonomic hazards.
Industrial Hygiene | Knowledge Keys
Chemical Hazards
In this section you learned that there are different chemical hazards in the workplace and the effects they can have on you. Be sure to look for potential chemical hazards through visual signs such as gases, fumes, mists, or even liquids. Also, remember that at times these hazards may not be clearly visible. So if any of the common symptoms occur during or after work, be sure to bring this up with your supervisor.
Chemical Controls
If you can eliminate chemical hazards from the work environment, that is the safest solution. If that can't be done, engineering controls can be used to protect you from exposure. Administrative controls, such as training, inspection, housekeeping and so on can be used to limit exposure. Where engineering and administrative controls are not possible or do not protect you completely, you should wear PPE to protect yourself from chemical exposure.
Biological Hazards and Controls
Biological hazards include any harmful contact with water, soil, animals, plants, pathogens, and human blood or bodily fluids. The effects can range from mild annoyances, such as allergic reactions, to life- threatening events. Biological hazard sources include humans, plants, pathogens, and animals and insects. You can protect yourself from exposure by following best practices for each hazard source.
Physical Hazards and Controls
There are four different types of physical hazards you may be exposed to while working: noise, extreme temperature, impact or vibration, and radiation. Protect yourself from these hazards by following best practices to control exposure to noise and vibration hazards and being aware of the effects of the temperature, whether hot or cold.
Ergonomic Hazards and Controls
While ergonomic hazards exist in all work environments, the workspace and the tools you use to perform your job can be designed to lessen the likelihood of you suffering from ergonomic-related injuries. Any incorrect tool usage, awkward prolonged postures, and repetitive movements can lead to musculoskeletal disorders that affect your ability to do your job now or in the future, as well as cause you permanent injury.
Industrial Hygiene | Practice Questions
Question 1 of 3
Training is considered what type of control?
Select the best answer.
- PPE
- Engineering
- Administrative
Question 2 of 3
In addition to pushing and pulling, what could lead to the development of a musculoskeletal disorder?
Select the best answer.
- Sitting in a neutral posture
- Relaxed arms and shoulders
- Washing your hands
- Lifting loads
Question 3 of 3
Can soil be a source of biological hazards?
Select the best answer.
- Yes
- No
Bloodborne Pathogens | Learning Objectives
Given current OSHA and industry information regarding general industry worksite illnesses, injuries, and/or fatalities, the student will be able to recognize hazards associated when working with bloodborne pathogens in the workplace.
Identify OSHA requirements pertaining to bloodborne pathogens. List the potential routes of exposure from bloodborne pathogens.
Identify the risks associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus, and Hepatitis C Virus.
Identify methods of preventing transmission of bloodborne pathogens and managing occupational exposures.
Restate methods of the safe disposal of sharps.
Recount steps which should be taken in the event of an exposure to a potential bloodborne pathogen.
Bloodborne Pathogens | Knowledge Keys
Employer Responsibilities
You, as a worker, have legal protections against health hazards related to bloodborne pathogens. Among other things, these protections require that employers provide PPE, use controls to prevent injury, label hazards correctly, and provide Hepatitis B vaccinations, as well as free medical evaluations should an injury involving bloodborne pathogens occur.
Common Bloodborne Disease Risks
The most common bloodborne pathogens are HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Exposures to these diseases can occur via (1) a skin injury or (2) contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin with blood, tissue, or other bodily fluids.
Reducing Exposure Risks
You can protect yourself from exposure to bloodborne pathogens by treating all body fluid as infectious, wearing PPE, disposing of PPE correctly, keeping your hands clean, and avoiding eating, drinking, applying cosmetics or contact lenses around potential bloodborne pathogens. Sharps, such as needles, must be disposed of in a designated sharps container. Sharps containers must be emptied by professional biohazard removal services. Never empty a sharps container yourself.
In Case of Exposure
If you are exposed to infectious material via a needlestick or sharps injury or are exposed to blood or other bodily fluids, immediately wash the area with soap and water, flush splashes to the nose, mouth or skin with water, or irrigate the eyes with water, saline or sterile irrigants. Then report the incident to your employer who is required to offer you a cost-free medical evaluation and appropriate testing.
Bloodborne Pathogens | Practice Questions
Question 1 of 3
You can have a bloodborne pathogen transmitted to you via skin injury, contact with mucous membranes, and contact with infected bodily fluid. What is another way a bloodborne pathogen
can be transmitted?
Select the best answer.
- Drinking from the same water fountain as an infected individual
- Using the same sinks as an infected individual
- Sitting in a chair previously occupied by an infected individual
- Contact with blood from an infected individual
Question 2 of 3
Mani has accidentally stuck himself with a needle on a used syringe. The first thing he did was to immediately wash the area with soap and water. Did Mani do the right thing?
Select the best answer.
- Yes, you should immediately wash the area around a sharps injury with soap and water.
- No, you should immediately report the injury before washing the area.
- No, you should have the blood tested before washing it away.
- No, you should blot the area with a dry tissue before washing.
Question 3 of 3
Your employer is required to provide you with a vaccine if you may have been exposed to bloodborne pathogens. Which vaccine is this?
Select the best answer.
- IPV
- Hepatitis B Vaccine
- Varicella Vaccine
- DTaP
Ergonomics | Learning Objectives
Given current OSHA and industry information regarding worksite ergonomic injuries, the student will be able to recognize ergonomic hazards and select solutions which prevent injuries from occurring.
Recognize risk factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD)s. Identify good posture.
Describe safe lifting techniques.
Identify ergonomic control methods for eliminating/reducing work-related MSDs.
Ergonomics | Knowledge Keys
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Poor ergonomics can lead to musculoskeletal disorders which can affect almost every part of your body including muscles, nerves, blood vessels, ligaments, and tendons. Injuries are caused by exerting excessive force, working in awkward positions for long periods, repeatedly performing the same tasks, localized pressure, cold temperatures, vibration, or a combination of exposure to several risk factors.
Knowing the risk factors for each task helps you reduce the likelihood of getting injured.
The Importance of Good Posture
Good posture is one that places the least amount of stress on your muscles and joints. Maintaining good or neutral postures when performing tasks helps prevent injuries from occurring.
Safe Lifting
In this section, we learned that lifting heavy loads, lifting moderate or lighter loads repetitively, or when in an awkward position can lead to injury. Following safe lifting guidelines can greatly reduce your risk of getting hurt while lifting.
Awkward and Static Postures
In this section, we saw that maintaining a static or awkward position for long periods of time can cause injury. There are things that you can do, like changing your workflow, changing your work setup, or using different equipment to help reduce the likelihood of injury.
Effects of Repetitive Motion, Localized Pressure, and Vibration
Repetitive motions, prolonged exposure to vibration, and positions that expose you to long periods of localized pressure, all put you at risk for injury. Using tools to reduce the need to perform repetitive actions, using low vibration tools, and using ergonomic props all reduce the likelihood of injury. Rotating tasks and taking breaks can also lessen the chance of injury.
Ergonomics | Practice Questions
Question 1 of 3
Imura lifts a box by bending at the knees, then slowly standing up and holding the box away from her body. Is this an effective and safe lifting technique?
Select the best answer.
- Yes, because she bent at the knees.
- Yes, because she held the box away from her body.
- No, because she bent at the knees.
- No, because she held the box away from her body.
Question 2 of 3
How can you reduce the likelihood of being injured?
Select the best answer(s). There may be more than one.
- Use tools to reduce the need to perform repetitive actions
- Use ergonomic props
- Take breaks
- Use static, awkward postures
- Use low vibration tools
- Rotate through tasks
Question 3 of 3
A good posture is one that places the least amount of on your muscles and joints.
Select the best answer.
- Flexibility
- Pressure
- Pain
- Stress
Safe Driving Practices | Learning Objectives
Given current OSHA and industry information regarding general industry worksite illnesses, injuries, and/or fatalities, the student will be able to recognize hazards associated with driving.
Identify the number one cause of death for U.S. teens. List eight risk factors for young drivers.
Identify the biggest risk factor for young drivers. Define distracted driving.
Provide examples and/or causes of distracted driving. Identify the biggest risk factor for distracted driving.
Discuss the risk of having other young passengers in the car.
List some actions employers should take to keep employees safe while driving. List some actions employees can take to safely drive on the job.
Safe Driving Practices | Knowledge Keys
Automobile Accident Statistics
Car crashes in the United States result in high costs both monetarily and in human lives. Many of these accidents occur as a result of distracted driving with cell phone usage being a leading cause of distraction.
Causes of Accidents and Risk Factors
Some of the most common types of accident causes are the driver of a vehicle, the vehicle itself, the road condition, and the weather. Inexperience, risky driving, and impaired driving also increase the chances of having an accident. While some of these causes are beyond your control, causes related to you, the driver, can and should be addressed.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of vehicle accidents. Just by being a focused driver, you've reduced the leading cause of accidents. There are four different types of distractions:
- Visual: looking away from the roadway.
- Auditory: hearing noises that prevent you from making the best use of your hearing or that draw your attention away from driving.
- Biomechanical (or Manual): doing something physically that is not related to driving like reaching for something or taking your hands off the wheel.
- Cognitive: mentally thinking about something other than driving.
Remember that texting and driving combines all four of these types of distractions into one, which increases your risk and the risk of other drivers on the road of being in an accident. Never text and drive!
Driving on the Job
There are a variety of important regulations in place when you drive for a living. Make sure that you understand and keep to these guidelines. Remember, if your employer does not follow OSHA's rules concerning employees who drive, you can report it to OSHA. No job is worth your health or your life!
How to Stay Safe on the Road
Do something, learn something, and say something. Do something today to be a better driver. Learn more about what it means to stay safe, stay alert and to anticipate dangers. Say something: speak up for yourself and your friends and family.
Safe Driving Practices | Practice Questions
Question 1 of 3
Janell's car runs out of gas in the middle of a busy highway. Which of the four main causes of accidents is involved in this situation?
Select the best answer.
- Driver
- Vehicle
- Roadway
- Weather conditions
Question 2 of 3
You heard something shift and fall onto the floorboard in the back of your vehicle, so you turn to see what it is. Which type of distraction is this?
Select the best answer.
- Visual
- Auditory
- Biomechanical/Manual
- Cognitive
Question 3 of 3
You're driving across country on a roadtrip. How often should you take breaks, at a minimum?
Select the best answer.
- Every 30 minutes
- Every hour
- Every 2 hours
- Every 4 hours
Preventing Workplace Violence | Learning Objectives
Given current OSHA and industry information regarding general industry worksite illnesses, injuries, and/or fatalities, the student will be able to recognize hazards associated with violence in the workplace.
Define the term violence.
Recall who is at risk for encountering workplace violence. Describe workplace violence prevention strategies.
Identify how to StartSafe and StaySafe to prevent or lessen workplace violence.
Preventing Workplace Violence | Knowledge Keys
Defining Workplace Violence
Most people think of violence as some kind of physical attack, but that’s not always the case. Violence can also be a verbal or non-verbal attack. Any time someone is threatened in a way that results in physical, emotional, or mental harm, it could be considered violence.
Who is at Risk?
Workplace violence can affect anyone, but individuals working in certain occupations such as delivery drivers, those working alone, and those working with money all face an inherently greater risk of workplace violence.
Safety Strategies
Though some danger in life is inevitable, there are common sense strategies to be aware of to help you stay safe. Spot warning signs and know how to manage dangerous situations, report aggressive behavior before it escalates, share safety tips with your co-workers, and help make safety a meaningful part of your work culture.
Prevention Strategies
Preventing workplace violence takes involvement from management and employees. Remember to watch out for warning signs that could indicate a person or a situation may become violent.
Coping Skills
Anticipating and preventing workplace violence is the first step, but it is also important to be prepared to endure and manage the situation if workplace violence should occur.
Preventing Workplace Violence | Practice Questions
Question 1 of 3
Who could be a victim of workplace violence?
Select the best answer(s). There may be more than one.
- Construction workers
- Retail workers
- Line cooks
- Auto mechanics
Question 2 of 3
Employers can get involved to prevent workplace violence. Who else can help prevent workplace violence?
Select the best answer.
- Clients
- Perpetrators
- Employees
Question 3 of 3
Falyn has noticed that one of the people in her store has remained in the same area for twenty minutes, isn't looking at the merchandise, and keeps reaching in his pocket, which makes her think this customer has the potential to become violent. Who should she talk to about this?
Select the best answer.
- The customer in question
- Her co-workers
- Her supervisor
- No one
Safety & Health Programs | Learning Objectives
Given current OSHA and general industry information regarding worksite illnesses, injuries, and/or fatalities, the student will be able to recognize responsibilities related to safety and health in the workplace.
Recognize the costs of workplace accidents.
Recognize the benefits of implementing an effective safety and health program. Describe the elements of an effective safety and health program.
Identify three methods to prevent workplace hazards.
Safety & Health Programs | Knowledge Keys
Costs of Workplace Accidents
There are both direct and indirect costs for any workplace accident. Direct costs can sometimes be easier to detect, as they include fees and other bills which can be calculated in invoices. However, indirect costs, such as absenteeism, decreased productivity, and poor customer relations, can have a financial impact on the workplace as well.
Benefits of Safety and Health Programs
Ultimately, the benefits of a safety and health program outweigh potential costs associated with developing and maintaining it. These benefits include preventing workplace injuries, illnesses, and deaths as well as better morale, improved employee retention, and improvements in service quality.
Roles in Safety and Health Programs
Of the core elements of successful safety and health programs, the ones which directly relate to individuals' roles are Management Leadership, Worker Participation, and Education and Training. Remember that it takes more than just workers or employers to help reduce the likelihood of workplace accidents: every employee or employer must work together and be trained properly so that fewer injuries occur.
Hazards and Controls in Safety and Health Programs
Successful safety and health programs identify, prevent or control, and evaluate hazards and control methods. This involves regular inspections, incident investigations, and reviews of control methods to determine whether they are effective. If a worksite includes more than one set of management and workers, safety and health programs should include specific aspects to ensure that every worker and manager has access to the information, training, and controls they need to avoid workplace accidents.
Methods to Prevent Workplace Hazards
Effective controls protect you, the worker, from workplace hazards. Often, workers have the best understanding of why hazards exist in their workplace, which is why you should be involved in the process of preventing and controlling workplace hazards. Your employer must use the hierarchy of hazard control to protect you sufficiently from hazards, which involves eliminating or substituting hazards, implementing engineering or administrative controls, and/or selecting and using PPE. Additionally, your employer can prevent or control workplace hazards by using a hazard control plan, developing emergency plans, and evaluating the effectiveness of existing controls.
Safety & Health Programs | Practice Questions
Question 1 of 3
What are some direct costs of workplace accidents?
Select the best answer(s). There may be more than one.
- Decreased productivity
- Fees
- Poor customer relations
- Bills
Question 2 of 3
Successful safety and health programs identify and control hazards and control methods. What else do they do?
Select the best answer.
- Prevent hazards
- Ignore hazards
- Hide hazards
- Establish hazards
Question 3 of 3
Which of the following are ways employers can prevent or control workplace hazards?
Select the best answer(s). There may be more than one.
- Use a hazard control plan
- Develop emergency plans
- Hire an effective lawyer to protect the facility
- Evaluate the effectiveness of existing controls
Answer Key
Introduction to OSHA
Question 1 of 3
The correct answer is: Your employer Question 2 of 3
The correct answer is: Yes Question 3 of 3
The correct answer is: 30 days
Walking Working Surfaces
Question 1 of 3
The correct answer is: Qualified climbers with additional training Question 2 of 3
The correct answer is: Guardrail
Question 3 of 3
The correct answer is: Your employer
Emergency Action Plans and Fire Protection
Question 1 of 3
The correct answer is: No Question 2 of 3
The correct answer is: It prevents accidents from occurring in the first place. Question 3 of 3
The correct answer is: The type of fire
Avoiding Electrocution Hazards
Question 1 of 3
The correct answer is: No, Boston is using a safe method of plugging in the cord. Question 2 of 3
The correct answer is: Lockout and tagout the equipment's electrical circuit(s) Question 3 of 3
The correct answer is: No
Personal Protective Equipment
Question 1 of 3
The correct answer is: Goggles or safety glasses
Question 2 of 3
The correct answer is: His employer Question 3 of 3
The correct answer is: Long exposures to high noise levels
Hazard Communication
Question 1 of 3
The correct answers are: 1, 3, 4
Question 2 of 3
The correct answers are: 2, 3, 4
Question 3 of 3
The correct answer is: Chronic
Materials Handling, Storage, Use, and Disposal
Question 1 of 3
The correct answers are: 2, 3
Question 2 of 3
The correct answer is: Yes, you can be a forklift operator at 18. Question 3 of 3
The correct answer is: The type of load
Machine Guarding
Question 1 of 3
The correct answer is: Actions Question 2 of 3
The correct answer is: Devices Question 3 of 3
The correct answer is: You can never use special hand tools as a substitute for guards.
Industrial Hygiene
Question 1 of 3
The correct answer is: Administrative Question 2 of 3
The correct answer is: Lifting loads
Question 3 of 3
The correct answer is: Yes
Bloodborne Pathogens
Question 1 of 3
The correct answer is: Contact with blood from an infected individual Question 2 of 3
The correct answer is: Yes, you should immediately wash the area around a sharps injury with soap and water.
Question 3 of 3
The correct answer is: Hepatitis B Vaccine
Ergonomics
Question 1 of 3
The correct answer is: No, because she held the box away from her body. Question 2 of 3
The correct answers are: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6
Question 3 of 3
The correct answer is: Stress
Safe Driving Practices
Question 1 of 3
The correct answer is: Vehicle Question 2 of 3
The correct answer is: Auditory Question 3 of 3
The correct answer is: Every 2 hours
Preventing Workplace Violence
Question 1 of 3
The correct answers are: 1, 2, 3, 4
Question 2 of 3
The correct answer is: Employees Question 3 of 3
The correct answer is: Her supervisor
Safety & Health Programs
Question 1 of 3
The correct answers are: 2, 4
Question 2 of 3
The correct answer is: Prevent hazards Question 3 of 3
The correct answers are: 1, 2, 4