OSHA 10-Hour Construction Review flashcards

Type C soil is the least stable soil type, characterized by granular soils (sand, gravel), submerged soil, or cohesive soil with very low unconfined compressive strength (<0.5 tsf). It crumbles easily and lacks cohesion.

• Granular soils (sand, gravel).
• Low or no clay content.
• Easily crumbled, lacks cohesion.
• Least stable soil type.

Memory trick: Rocks and A, B, C's of Soil Safety

When an excavation is near an existing structure, protective systems must be implemented to ensure the stability of the structure's foundation and prevent undermining or collapse.

• Crucial when excavating near buildings, walls, or utilities.
• Protective system must be specifically designed.
• Often requires shoring or underpinning for the structure.
• Design by competent person or RPE is critical.

Memory trick: Structures Need Solid Support

In excavations, any suspicion of hazardous atmospheres, indicated by unusual odors or other signs, requires immediate evacuation, notification of the competent person, and atmospheric testing before re-entry.

• Unusual odors can indicate hazardous gases.
• Immediate evacuation is paramount.
• Competent person must conduct atmospheric testing.
• Never attempt self-identification of unknown hazards.

Memory trick: Smell something odd? GET OUT and CALL the boss!

The minimum horizontal distance excavated material (spoil) must be kept from the edge of an excavation to prevent it from falling back into the trench and to reduce the surcharge load on the trench walls.

• Minimum distance is 2 feet from the edge.
• Prevents materials from falling into the trench.
• Reduces surcharge load, enhancing trench stability.

Memory trick: Don't let the 'spoil' spoil the 'space'.

Type A soil is the most stable soil type according to OSHA's classification system, allowing for the steepest excavation slopes.

• Maximum slope for Type A soil is 0.75H:1V (53 degrees).
• Applies to excavations 20 feet or less in depth.
• Requires competent person evaluation.

Memory trick: Always Be Careful: A is steepest, C is shallowest for safety.

For excavations 20 feet (6.1 meters) or greater in depth, all protective systems must be designed by a registered professional engineer (RPE) or based on tabulated data approved by an RPE.

• Applies to excavations 20 feet or deeper.
• Mandates RPE involvement for protective system design.
• Ensures structural integrity for high-risk excavations.
• Tabulated data must also be RPE-approved.

Memory trick: Deep Digs Demand Engineer's Design

Type B soil is a cohesive soil type with intermediate stability, characterized by an unconfined compressive strength greater than 0.5 tsf but less than 1.5 tsf.

• Unconfined compressive strength: >0.5 tsf to <1.5 tsf.
• Includes granular cohesionless soils if they are moist and have some cohesion.
• Requires moderate sloping or other protective systems.

Memory trick: A-B-C: A is Strongest, C is Weakest, B is Between.

Shoring involves installing aluminum or steel hydraulic cylinders, or timber structures, to brace the sides of an excavation and prevent cave-ins.

• Provides active support to excavation walls.
• Prevents soil movement and collapse.
• Can be hydraulic, pneumatic, or timber.
• Used in unstable soil conditions or when space is limited.

Memory trick: Protect Every Trench Carefully

Type B soil has an intermediate level of cohesion and strength, requiring a maximum allowable slope of 1:1 (45 degrees) when open excavation is used, as per OSHA standards.

• Intermediate stability between Type A and C.
• Maximum allowable slope is 1:1.
• Angle of 45 degrees from the horizontal.
• Common for silts, sandy loams, and some clays.

Memory trick: Slopes Classify Safety Carefully

Selecting the right gloves involves matching glove properties to specific hazards encountered in the task.

• Hazards: Abrasion, cut, puncture, impact, chemical, electrical, thermal.
• Materials: Leather, synthetic, coated fabrics, specialized blends.
• Features: Grip, dexterity, insulation, vibration dampening.

Memory trick: Sharp Edges and Crushing Force? Leather with Layers is the Source!

OSHA requires that all floor openings on construction sites be guarded by a standard railing or cover if they are 6 feet (1.8 meters) or more above the lower level to prevent falls.

• Applies to temporary and permanent floor openings.
• Guardrails must meet specific strength and height requirements.
• Covers must be capable of supporting twice the maximum intended load.

Memory trick: Six feet means safety, or a fall you will meet!

Selecting eye protection depends on the type, size, and velocity of airborne particulates and potential for splash.

• Safety Glasses: Primary impact protection, side shields for peripheral.
• Goggles: Full seal around eyes, superior protection for dust, splash, fine particles.
• Venting: Direct for impact, indirect for splash/dust, non-vented for chemical vapors.

Memory trick: Dusty Air, Goggles There, Keeps Eyes Clear!

OSHA sets permissible noise exposure limits based on dBA levels and exposure duration, using a 5 dBA exchange rate.

• PEL: 90 dBA for an 8-hour Time-Weighted Average (TWA).
• 5 dBA Exchange Rate: For every 5 dBA increase, permissible exposure time is halved.
• Action Level: 85 dBA TWA, triggering a hearing conservation program.

Memory trick: Every Five Decibels, Time Halves for the Rebels!

Selecting the correct respirator involves assessing hazard type, concentration, and required protection factor.

• N-series: Not resistant to oil.
• R-series: Resistant to oil.
• P-series: Oil proof (most protective for oil and non-oil particulates).
• Filtering efficiencies: 95%, 99%, 99.97% (100).

Memory trick: Mold and Fiberglass, Full-Face P100 is the Class!

Employers have 15 working days from the receipt of an OSHA citation or proposed penalty to formally notify OSHA of their intent to contest it.

• 15 working days is the legal limit.
• Notification must be in writing to the OSHA Area Director.
• Failure to contest within this period makes the citation a final order.

Memory trick: Fifteen working days to write your fight, or the citation becomes final and tight.

OSHA-compliant hard hats are categorized by type (impact protection) and class (electrical protection).

• Type I: Protection from impacts to the top of the head.
• Type II: Protection from impacts to the top and sides/front/rear of the head.
• Classes G, E, C describe electrical protection.

Memory trick: Impacts Everywhere, Electrical Too, Type II is for You!

OSHA mandates fall protection for employees on scaffolds when working at or above a specific height.

• Construction Scaffolds: Fall protection required at 10 feet (3.0 m) or higher.
• General Industry Scaffolds: Fall protection required at 4 feet (1.2 m) or higher.
• Fall Protection Methods: Guardrails, personal fall arrest systems.

Memory trick: Scaffolds at Ten, Protect Your Men!