Complete OSHA 10 Study Guide

OSHA Standards & Worker Rights

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) sets and enforces safety standards to protect workers.

Worker Rights:

• Right to a safe workplace
• Right to report unsafe conditions
• Right to refuse dangerous work
• Protection from retaliation

Employer Responsibilities:

• Provide safe work environment
• Training on hazards
• Display OSHA poster
• Keep injury records

Slip, Trip, and Fall Prevention

Key Requirements:

• Keep work areas clean and dry
• Mark wet floors immediately
• Proper lighting in all areas
• Guardrails at 42 inches ±3 inches
• Covers for floor openings

Ladder Safety:

• 3-point contact at all times
• Extend 3 feet above landing
• 4:1 ratio for portable ladders
• Inspect before each use

Emergency Action Plans

Exit Route Requirements:

• Minimum 28 inches wide
• Clear and unobstructed
• Marked with exit signs
• Emergency lighting required
• At least two exits per floor

Fire Safety:

• Fire extinguishers within 75 feet
• Train employees on use
• Monthly inspections
• Know evacuation routes

Electrical Hazards & Protection

Critical Safety Measures:

• GFCIs required for construction sites
• Maintain 10-foot clearance from power lines
• Lockout/tagout procedures
• Never work on live circuits
• Inspect cords and tools daily

Power Tool Safety:

• Double-insulated or grounded
• No frayed cords
• Use proper extension cords
• Keep away from water

Required PPE by Hazard

Head Protection:

• Hard hats required where overhead hazards exist
• Class A: General protection
• Class B: Electrical protection
• Class C: Lightweight (no electrical protection)

Eye & Face Protection:

• Safety glasses with side shields
• Goggles for splash hazards
• Face shields for severe hazards
• Must meet ANSI Z87.1 standard

Respiratory Protection:

• Fit testing required
• Medical evaluation needed
• Training on proper use
• Dust masks vs. respirators

GHS & Chemical Safety

Safety Data Sheets (SDS):

• Must be readily accessible
• 16 standardized sections
• Hazards, handling, first aid
• Required for all chemicals

GHS Label Elements:

• Product identifier
• Pictograms (hazard symbols)
• Signal words (Danger/Warning)
• Hazard statements
• Precautionary statements

Safe Lifting & Storage

Proper Lifting Technique:

• Bend knees, keep back straight
• Get close to the load
• Use legs to lift, not back
• Keep load close to body
• Team lift for heavy items

Material Storage:

• Stack materials safely
• Secure from tipping
• Clear aisles and exits
• Weight limits on shelving

Fall Protection Systems

When Required:

• 6 feet or more in construction
• 4 feet near dangerous equipment
• Any height over openings

Protection Methods:

• Guardrail systems (preferred)
• Safety net systems
• Personal fall arrest systems (PFAS)
• Covers for openings

PFAS Requirements:

• Full-body harness (never a belt)
• Lanyard with shock absorber
• Anchorage point (5,000 lbs minimum)
• Limit free fall to 6 feet
• Inspect before each use

Scaffold Requirements

Basic Requirements:

• Erected by qualified person
• 10 feet or more requires fall protection
• Guardrails at 38-45 inches
• Toeboards required
• Platforms fully planked

Safe Use:

• Inspect before each shift
• Never overload
• 3:1 height-to-base ratio
• Secure to structure
• Access ladder required

Forklift Safety

Operator Requirements:

• Training and certification required
• Evaluation every 3 years
• Vehicle-specific training
• Authorized operators only

Safe Operation:

• Pre-op inspection daily
• Wear seatbelt
• Sound horn at intersections
• Keep forks low when traveling
• Never exceed capacity
• No riders allowed