OSHA 10-Hour Construction Review flashcards

An OSHA-defined 'Competent Person' for asbestos is someone capable of identifying asbestos hazards, authorized to take corrective action, and responsible for ensuring compliance with asbestos regulations.

• Must be specially trained in asbestos hazards.
• Has authority to correct hazards.
• Ensures compliance and conducts frequent inspections.

Memory trick: A Competent Person 'I.D.s and C.A.R.E.s' for asbestos.

Administrative controls for cold stress involve changing work procedures to limit exposure, such as implementing work/warm-up schedules, rotating workers, or adjusting shift lengths.

• Focus on modifying work practices.
• Complements engineering controls and PPE.
• Aims to reduce duration and intensity of cold exposure.

Memory trick: Engineers Design, Admins Schedule, PPE Protects.

Portable electric tools must be protected against electric shock either by having an equipment grounding conductor (three-prong plug) or by being double-insulated, as required by OSHA.

• Grounding provides a path for fault current.
• Double insulation uses two layers of insulating material.
• Both methods prevent electric shock.

Memory trick: Ground or double, no shock trouble.

The adjustable work rest on an abrasive wheel grinder must be maintained within 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) of the wheel surface.

• Prevents workpiece from jamming between rest and wheel.
• Reduces the risk of wheel breakage.
• Reduces the risk of the workpiece being thrown.

Memory trick: Work rest gap, no more than 1/8, or things will vibrate!

When noise exposure reaches or exceeds OSHA's Action Level of 85 dBA TWA, employers must implement a Hearing Conservation Program, which mandates annual audiometric testing for affected employees.

• Action Level = 85 dBA TWA.
• Triggers Hearing Conservation Program.
• Mandates audiometric testing, training, and making hearing protectors available.

Memory trick: 85 dBA: Action Level means Audiometric time!

Before disturbing suspect asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), OSHA requires employers to either assume they contain asbestos and treat them as such, or have them analyzed by a competent person or accredited laboratory.

• Crucial for worker safety.
• Prevents inadvertent asbestos exposure.
• Analysis by competent person/lab is key.

Memory trick: Asbestos: Suspect, Test, Plan, Protect.

The Action Level for lead in construction is an airborne concentration of 30 micrograms per cubic meter of air (30 µg/m³), averaged over an 8-hour period, which triggers specific OSHA requirements like medical surveillance.

• 30 µg/m³ over 8 hours.
• Triggers medical surveillance, training, and exposure monitoring.
• Distinct from the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL).

Memory trick: Thirty for Action, Fifty for PEL, Lead's a hazard, we know it well.

Asbestos exposure can lead to serious, often fatal, lung diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, typically with a long latency period.

• Asbestos fibers are microscopic and can be inhaled.
• Diseases manifest years after initial exposure.
• No safe level of asbestos exposure is recognized.

Memory trick: Asbestos: A Silent Killer, Chronic Illness Forever.

For construction work, OSHA requires employers to presume that paint or surface coatings in buildings built before 1978 contain lead, unless the employer determines through analysis that lead is not present.

• Applies to buildings built before 1978.
• Employer must presume lead is present unless tested otherwise.
• Triggers implementation of lead-specific protective measures.

Memory trick: Before '78, Assume and Protect!

Selecting the correct wrench type is crucial for safety and effectiveness, especially when applying high torque. Box-end wrenches are preferred for their secure grip and ability to prevent slippage.

• Box-end wrenches offer full fastener contact.
• Prevent slipping and rounding of fasteners.
• Safer for high-torque applications.

Memory trick: For tough nuts, box-end's the best, it passes every torque test.

In the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), 'Danger' is a signal word used on chemical labels to indicate a more severe hazard level compared to the signal word 'Warning'.

• Indicates a higher level of hazard severity.
• Used for chemicals with significant risks.
• One of two signal words in GHS (the other being 'Warning').

Memory trick: Danger means more danger, Warning is less!

Wet methods involve applying water or amended water to asbestos-containing materials during removal to suppress dust and airborne fiber release.

• Primary engineering control for asbestos.
• Significantly reduces airborne fiber counts.
• Must be continuously applied to be effective.

Memory trick: Asbestos: Eliminate, Engineer, Administer, PPE.

Engineering controls for heat stress involve modifying the work environment to reduce heat exposure, such as increasing ventilation, providing air conditioning, or using radiant heat shields.

• Focus on modifying the source of heat or the environment.
• More effective than administrative controls or PPE alone.
• Examples include air conditioning, fans, and reflective barriers.

Memory trick: Engineering controls ENGINEER the environment safer!

Always use the right hand tool for the job to prevent tool damage, material damage, and potential injury to the user.

• Never use a wrench as a hammer.
• Never use a screwdriver as a chisel.
• Incorrect tool use can lead to slipping, breaking, or improper force application.

Memory trick: Right tool, right job, right safety!

Acute lead poisoning results from short-term exposure to high levels of lead, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and central nervous system effects.

• Rapid onset of symptoms.
• High exposure over a short period.
• Can be caused by inhaling lead dust.

Memory trick: Lead is Bad: Blood, Brain, Bones, Belly.

OSHA's Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for noise is 90 dBA for an 8-hour workday. For every 5 dBA increase above 90 dBA, the permissible exposure time is halved.

• 90 dBA is the PEL for 8 hours.
• Uses a 5 dBA exchange rate.
• Exposure durations decrease significantly with higher noise levels.

Memory trick: Eighty-two's a bit too loud for six, but ninety's fine for eight.

The GHS pictogram showing a hand with liquid dripping on it and a corroded surface, indicating skin corrosion/burns, serious eye damage, and corrosivity to metals.

• Represents corrosive hazards.
• Includes skin and eye damage.
• Also applies to respiratory tract irritation from corrosive substances.

Memory trick: GHS: A Flame, Skull, Exclamation, Gas, Health, Corrosion, Environment, Exploding Bomb, Cylinder.

Portable electric tools must be protected against electric shock through either double insulation or a functional grounding system.

• Look for the 'double-insulated' mark (square within a square).
• If not double-insulated, the tool must have a three-prong plug and be connected to a grounded outlet.
• Never remove the grounding prong from a plug.

Memory trick: Double up on insulation or ground it down!

OSHA's silica standard requires employers to use a hierarchy of controls: engineering controls (primary), administrative controls, and then respiratory protection if other controls are insufficient to keep exposure below the PEL.

• Engineering controls first choice.
• Administrative controls next.
• Respirators used when other controls fail or as temporary measure.

Memory trick: Silica: Engineer, Administer, Protect.

The GHS pictogram featuring a flame over a circle indicates that a substance is an oxidizer, meaning it can cause or intensify a fire by yielding oxygen.

• Represents oxidizing hazards.
• Can cause or intensify fire.
• Distinct from the 'flame' pictogram which indicates flammability.

Memory trick: Oxidizers make fire 'O'ver the top!

Required when noise exposure reaches or exceeds an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 dBA (Action Level). It includes noise monitoring, audiometric testing, hearing protection, training, and recordkeeping.

• Triggered at 85 dBA Action Level.
• Goal is to prevent occupational hearing loss.
• A multi-faceted program, not just providing PPE.

Memory trick: Eighty-Five: Start the Program, Protect Your Hearing Drive.

For heat exhaustion, move the person to a cool, shaded area, loosen clothing, apply cool, wet cloths, and offer sips of cool water.

• Symptoms: heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, cramps.
• Conscious, normal body temperature.
• Focus on cooling and rehydration.

Memory trick: Cool Down: Move, Loosen, Water, Watch.

A standardized phrase on a GHS label that describes the nature of the hazard(s) of a hazardous chemical.

• Part of the GHS label elements.
• Communicates specific hazards (e.g., 'Flammable liquid and vapor').
• Standardized wording for consistency.

Memory trick: GHS Labels: Some People Have Good Pictures.

The protective grounding conductor in a tool's power cord and plug is essential for safely dissipating fault currents and preventing electrical shock. Any damage to this system renders the tool unsafe.

• Ground prong provides a safe path for fault current.
• Damage to grounding system creates shock hazard.
• Defective tools must be removed from service.

Memory trick: Broken ground means danger found, tag it out and make it sound.

In case of a powder-actuated tool misfire, hold the tool in the operating position, pointed in a safe direction, for at least 30 seconds before attempting to refire or unload.

• Prevents injury from a delayed discharge (hang fire).
• Allows propellant to fully burn off.
• Never immediately attempt to clear or disassemble a misfired tool.

Memory trick: Misfire? Wait 30, point safe, don't hate!

Any load lifted by hydraulic equipment must be immediately and securely supported by appropriate blocking or cribbing once it reaches the desired height.

• Hydraulic systems can fail unexpectedly.
• Blocking provides a mechanical, non-hydraulic support.
• Prevents crushing injuries or fatalities.

Memory trick: Lift with power, support with wood, or it's no good!

Hand tools with defects such as loose heads, cracked handles, or mushroomed striking surfaces must be immediately removed from service to prevent serious injury to the user or others.

• Loose heads can fly off.
• Cracked handles can break.
• Defective tools must be tagged out and repaired/replaced.

Memory trick: Head loose, handle cracked, get it fixed, or get attacked!

Engineering controls for silica dust aim to eliminate or reduce exposure at the source, typically involving methods like wet cutting/grinding or local exhaust ventilation systems.

• Most effective control method.
• Examples include wet methods, LEV, enclosed cabs.
• Reduces airborne dust generation.

Memory trick: Every Engineer Administers PPE for silica dust.

In buildings built before 1978, all paint is presumed to be lead-based until testing proves otherwise. Lead-safe work practices must be implemented immediately if disturbance is planned.

• Lead is a neurotoxin, especially harmful to children.
• Work practices include containment, HEPA vacuuming, and proper waste disposal.
• Testing is recommended but should not delay initial precautions.

Memory trick: Old Paint, Assume Lead, Then Proceed with Care.

Wet clothing, particularly cotton, loses its insulating value in cold environments. Water conducts heat away from the body rapidly, dramatically increasing the risk of hypothermia.

• Water conducts heat 25 times faster than dry air.
• Hypothermia is a dangerous drop in body temperature.
• Layering with moisture-wicking fabrics is crucial.

Memory trick: Wet in Cold: Water Wicks Warmth, Watch for Hypothermia's Hold.

Employers must establish a written Hazard Communication Program, including labels, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and comprehensive training, to ensure workers understand chemical hazards and protective measures.

• Written program is mandatory.
• Applicable to all hazardous chemicals in the workplace.
• Goal is 'right-to-know' and 'right-to-understand'.

Memory trick: HazCom: Written Plan, Labels, SDS, Train Everyone.

Section 8 of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) outlines exposure limits, engineering controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE) recommendations for safe chemical handling.

• SDS has 16 standardized sections.
• Section 8 helps protect workers from chemical exposure.
• It includes information on respirators, gloves, eye protection, etc.

Memory trick: SDS: Safety Data Sheets, Sixteen Detailed Sections.

Heat stroke is the most severe heat-related illness, characterized by a dangerously elevated body temperature and central nervous system dysfunction, such as confusion, slurred speech, and loss of consciousness.

• Life-threatening medical emergency.
• Symptoms include confusion, slurred speech, seizures.
• Hot, dry skin (or sometimes profuse sweating), high body temperature.

Memory trick: Hot, Dry, Confused? Stroke! (Not just exhaustion's snooze).

Frostnip is a mild cold injury characterized by numbness, tingling, or stinging in the affected area, and pale or waxy-looking skin, typically on extremities.

• Superficial skin freezing.
• No permanent tissue damage.
• Often affects fingers, toes, ears, nose.

Memory trick: Cold: Numb, Pale, Shiver, Wet.

Grinding concrete releases respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust, which upon long-term inhalation can cause silicosis, a debilitating and potentially fatal lung disease.

• Concrete contains silica.
• Grinding creates fine, respirable silica dust.
• Long-term exposure leads to silicosis.

Memory trick: Concrete dust, lungs rust!

Administrative controls for asbestos abatement involve establishing work procedures and policies to reduce exposure, such as creating regulated areas, restricting access, and implementing specific work schedules.

• Focus on changing work practices.
• Regulated areas limit exposure to authorized personnel.
• Part of a comprehensive asbestos control plan.

Memory trick: Admin controls ADMINister who goes where!

GHS pictograms are standardized graphic symbols used to convey specific hazard information about a chemical, designed for quick recognition and global consistency in hazard communication.

• One of the three main GHS label elements (pictogram, signal word, hazard statement).
• There are nine pictograms, each representing a specific hazard class.
• Aids in quick hazard assessment and understanding.

Memory trick: GHS: Global Hazard Symbols Speak Universal Language.

Crystalline silica dust, found in materials like concrete and mortar, can cause serious lung diseases. Engineering controls are preferred to minimize exposure.

• Inhalation of silica dust can lead to silicosis.
• Wet methods and local exhaust ventilation are key engineering controls.
• Respirators are used when engineering controls are insufficient.

Memory trick: Engineers PREVENT, People PROTECT.

The lower blade guard on a portable circular saw must be an automatic, self-returning type that covers the blade when the tool is not cutting, ensuring protection against accidental contact.

• Guard must be automatic and self-returning.
• Covers blade when saw is withdrawn from work.
• Prevents accidental contact with blade.

Memory trick: Blade goes in, guard goes out, safety's what it's all about.

Before operating any pneumatic tool, all air hose connections must be securely fastened, and the hose itself must be inspected for damage to prevent air leaks, hose whipping, and loss of control.

• Secure connections prevent accidental disconnections.
• Undamaged hoses prevent bursts and leaks.
• Hose whipping is a significant hazard.

Memory trick: Hose and connections, check for perfection.

Hoses used with pneumatic tools must be securely fastened to prevent accidental disconnection, which can cause severe injury due to whipping.

• Use positive locking devices on all hose connections.
• Inspect hoses for damage before each use.
• Never carry a pneumatic tool by its hose.

Memory trick: Air power needs secure connections, or it'll whip!

Powder-actuated tools must not be used in environments where their operation could ignite flammable substances or create unsafe conditions due to material type.

• Avoid flammable/explosive atmospheres.
• Do not drive fasteners into unsuitable materials (e.g., cast iron, too thin steel).
• Always use appropriate PPE.

Memory trick: No bang near gas, or a blast you'll get fast.

On construction sites, portable electric tools must be protected from electric shock by either Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) or an Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor Program (AEGCP).

• GFCIs trip circuits upon detecting a ground fault.
• AEGCP involves regular inspection and testing of grounding paths.
• This protection is in addition to the tool's inherent grounding or double insulation.

Memory trick: GFCI or Grounding Program, that's the construction site's shock anthem!

An OSHA-compliant Hearing Conservation Program includes noise monitoring, audiometric testing, provision of hearing protection, employee training, and recordkeeping.

• Required when noise exposure is 85 dBA TWA or higher.
• Focuses on preventing noise-induced hearing loss.
• Includes both technical and administrative elements.

Memory trick: Hear Clearly: Monitor, Test, Protect, Train, Record.

Frostbite is a severe cold injury where body tissue freezes due to prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures, characterized by pale/waxy skin, firmness/hardness to the touch, and numbness in affected areas.

• Tissue freezing occurs.
• Skin appears pale, waxy, or grayish-yellow.
• Affected areas feel firm or hard and are numb.

Memory trick: Waxy, Hard, Numb: Frostbite's outcome!

Portable circular saws must have a lower blade guard that automatically adjusts to the work and fully encloses the blade upon completion of the cut.

• The guard retracts during cutting.
• The guard automatically returns to position when the tool is removed from the work.
• This prevents accidental contact with the rotating blade.

Memory trick: Lower guard retracts and returns, like a shy turtle!

For chemical splashes to the eyes, the immediate and critical first aid response is to continuously flush the eyes with water for at least 15 minutes to dilute and remove the chemical.

• Immediate action is crucial.
• Flush with water for a minimum of 15 minutes.
• Seek medical attention after flushing.

Memory trick: Splash in the eye? Flush right away!

OSHA uses a 5 dBA exchange rate for noise exposure; for every 5 dBA increase in noise level above 90 dBA, the permissible exposure time is halved.

• PEL for 8 hours is 90 dBA.
• 5 dBA exchange rate.
• Example: 95 dBA = 4 hours, 100 dBA = 2 hours.

Memory trick: 5 dBA up, time cuts in half!

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a standardized document that provides detailed information about hazardous chemicals, including their properties, hazards, safe handling, emergency control measures, and disposal.

• Communicates hazard information to users.
• Mandatory for hazardous chemicals under HazCom Standard.
• Contains 16 standardized sections.

Memory trick: SDS: Safety Details, Straightforward!

The maximum permissible exposure limit for noise, averaged over an 8-hour workday, set by OSHA at 90 dBA.

• PEL stands for Permissible Exposure Limit.
• Time-Weighted Average (TWA) over 8 hours.
• Exceeding 90 dBA requires protective actions.

Memory trick: Action at '85', Protection at '90'.

OSHA's Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for noise is 90 dBA averaged over 8 hours. A 5 dBA exchange rate means exposure time is halved for every 5 dBA increase.

• PEL: 90 dBA for 8 hours.
• Action Level: 85 dBA for 8 hours (requires hearing conservation program).
• Exchange Rate: 5 dBA doubling rule.

Memory trick: Ninety for Eight, Five Decibels Halves the Fate.

Raynaud's phenomenon, characterized by reduced blood flow to extremities in response to cold, significantly increases an individual's susceptibility to localized cold injuries, particularly frostbite.

• Causes blood vessel narrowing in fingers/toes.
• Triggered by cold temperatures.
• Increases risk of tissue freezing (frostbite).

Memory trick: Raynaud's restricts flow, makes freezing a go!

Before using a powder-actuated tool, the material to be fastened into must be tested to ensure it is suitable (not too hard or brittle) for the fastener.

• Testing prevents ricocheting fasteners.
• Testing prevents fasteners from passing through the material.
• Testing prevents material from shattering.

Memory trick: Before you shoot, check the material's root!

The GHS skull and crossbones pictogram indicates acute toxicity, which means a chemical can cause severe health effects or death from a single, short-term exposure.

• Represents acute toxicity (fatal or toxic)
• Applies to oral, dermal, or inhalation exposure routes
• One of nine GHS pictograms

Memory trick: Skull and Crossbones means 'Danger: Death or severe poison!'

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness, shortness of breath, confusion, and in severe cases, bluish skin (cyanosis).

• Colorless, odorless gas.
• Interferes with oxygen delivery to tissues.
• Often associated with combustion in enclosed spaces.

Memory trick: CO: Can't Oxygenate. Blue, Dizzy, Sick.

A sudden drop in hydraulic pressure under load indicates a potential system failure; immediately stop operation, secure the load, and shut down the system.

• Can result from leaks, pump failure, or valve malfunction.
• Risks include catastrophic load collapse and equipment damage.
• Prioritize load security and system shutdown for safety.

Memory trick: Pressure drops, then stop, secure, and chop the power!

Lockout physically isolates energy, while tagout provides a warning that equipment is locked out and must not be operated.

• Prevents unexpected startup or energy release.
• Protects workers from 'caught-in/between' and electrocution hazards.
• Required for servicing or maintenance of machinery.

Memory trick: Lock says 'no go,' tag says 'don't touch, bro.'

OSHA requires fall protection for open-sided floors and platforms 6 feet or more above a lower level, typically through guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems.

• Guardrails are a preferred passive protection method.
• The protection must be in place before work begins near the edge.
• Height threshold for general construction is 6 feet.

Memory trick: Guardrails first, nets second, arrest if you must!

A circular saw with a stuck or non-functioning blade guard poses an immediate and severe hazard, requiring the tool to be taken out of service.

• Blade guards protect against accidental contact and flying debris.
• A malfunctioning guard creates a 'caught-in/between' hazard.
• Defective tools must be removed from service and tagged.

Memory trick: Broken tool, broken rule, pull it quick, don't be a fool!

OSHA mandates specific minimum clearance distances for equipment operating near overhead power lines, depending on the line's voltage, to prevent accidental contact and electrocution. For uninsulated, energized lines between 35 kV and 50 kV, this distance is 15 feet.

• Contact with overhead power lines is a leading cause of electrocution fatalities on construction sites.
• The clearance distance increases with voltage.
• If the voltage is unknown, a minimum of 10 feet is required for lines up to 50 kV, but 15 feet is for known 35-50 kV.

Memory trick: Keep Clear, Know Your kV, Call Before You Go.