OSHA 30-Hour Construction Outreach (knowledge check)
Stairways and ladders: practice questions
Our OSHA 30 Construction bank has 19 questions on this topic. Here are 4 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.
Question 1
May the top step of a stepladder be used as a step in construction?
- Yes, if a coworker holds the ladder
- Yes, for ladders shorter than 6 feet
- Yes, if the worker faces the ladder
- No
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D. No — The top or top step of a stepladder must not be used as a step.
Question 2
What is the allowed height range for handrails on construction stairways?
- 30 to 37 inches
- 24 to 30 inches
- 36 to 42 inches
- 42 to 45 inches
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A. 30 to 37 inches — Handrails must be not more than 37 inches nor less than 30 inches from the upper surface of the handrail to the tread surface at the riser face.
Question 3
What load must a self-supporting portable ladder (other than type 1A) support?
- Twice the maximum intended load
- The weight of one worker plus the tools they carry
- Ten times the maximum intended load
- At least four times the maximum intended load
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D. At least four times the maximum intended load — Self-supporting portable ladders must support at least four times the maximum intended load (3.3 times for extra-heavy-duty type 1A metal or plastic ladders).
Question 4
What must every stepladder have when in use?
- A rope tied between the legs
- A wooden block under each leg
- A metal spreader or locking device holding it open
- Rubber feet only, with a worker holding the bottom at all times
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C. A metal spreader or locking device holding it open — A metal spreader or locking device must be provided on each stepladder to hold the front and back sections open.