OSHA general industry materials handling and storage practice questions
20 free practice questions from 29 CFR 1910 Subpart N. Each answer is explained and linked to the rule it comes from.
OSHA Materials handling and storage
20 questions across 7 topics. After each answer you see why it is right, with a link to the official source.
Tip: press A, B, C or D to answer and Enter for the next question. Nothing you answer leaves your browser.
Review all 20 questions
Prefer to read? Here is every question in the OSHA Materials handling and storage set, grouped by topic. Open a question to see the answer, why it is right and the official source.
General materials handling and storage
1. Under 1910.176(c), storage areas must be kept free from accumulations of materials that constitute which hazards?
- A. Noise only
- B. Tripping, fire, explosion, or pest harborage
- C. Glare and reflections
- D. Electrical interference with radios
Show answer
Answer: B. Tripping, fire, explosion, or pest harborage
1910.176(c) states: "Storage areas shall be kept free from accumulation of materials that constitute hazards from tripping, fire, explosion, or pest harborage."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.176, Handling materials—general (as of Nov 3, 2026)
2. A rolling railroad car on a spur track could enter a building or a work area. What does 1910.176(f) require on that spur track?
- A. A flagger posted at the building door
- B. Wheel chocks on each car only
- C. A warning bell at the track switch
- D. Derail and/or bumper blocks
Show answer
Answer: D. Derail and/or bumper blocks
1910.176(f) states that "Derail and/or bumper blocks shall be provided on spur railroad tracks where a rolling car could contact other cars being worked, enter a building, work or traffic area."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.176, Handling materials—general (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Rim wheel servicing
3. 1910.177 covers rim wheels used on large vehicles such as trucks, buses and off-road machines. Which rim wheel servicing does its scope paragraph exclude?
- A. Rim wheels used on automobiles
- B. Rim wheels used on buses
- C. Rim wheels used on off-road machines
- D. Single piece rim wheels used on trailers
Show answer
Answer: A. Rim wheels used on automobiles
The section applies to rim wheels "used on large vehicles such as trucks, tractors, trailers, buses and off-road machines" and "does not apply to the servicing of rim wheels used on automobiles".
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.177, Servicing multi-piece and single piece rim wheels (as of Nov 3, 2026)
4. A tire on a multi-piece rim wheel is being inflated behind a restraining device. Under 1910.177(d)(3)(ii), what must the restraining device or barrier be capable of doing for any rim wheel positioned within or behind it?
- A. Inflating the tire automatically to its specification pressure
- B. Holding the vehicle in place on its jack stands
- C. Preventing the rim wheel components from being thrown outside or beyond the device or barrier
- D. Recording the tire pressure in the shop's log
Show answer
Answer: C. Preventing the rim wheel components from being thrown outside or beyond the device or barrier
"Restraining devices and barriers shall be capable of preventing the rim wheel components from being thrown outside or beyond the device or barrier for any rim wheel positioned within or behind the device".
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.177, Servicing multi-piece and single piece rim wheels (as of Nov 3, 2026)
5. When does 1910.177(d)(3)(iii) require restraining devices and barriers to be visually inspected?
- A. Prior to each day's use and after any separation or sudden release of contained air
- B. Once a week and after any separation of the rim wheel components
- C. Once a month, with a written record
- D. Only after a rim wheel separation has occurred
Show answer
Answer: A. Prior to each day's use and after any separation or sudden release of contained air
Restraining devices and barriers "shall be visually inspected prior to each day's use and after any separation of the rim wheel components or sudden release of contained air."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.177, Servicing multi-piece and single piece rim wheels (as of Nov 3, 2026)
6. A rim wheel restraining device needs rewelding. Under 1910.177(d)(3)(iv), who must certify it as meeting the strength requirements before it returns to service?
- A. The tire technician who last used it
- B. Either the manufacturer or a Registered Professional Engineer
- C. Any shop supervisor
- D. The local fire marshal
Show answer
Answer: B. Either the manufacturer or a Registered Professional Engineer
Restraining devices or barriers needing structural repair such as component replacement or rewelding "shall not be returned to service until they are certified by either the manufacturer or a Registered Professional Engineer as meeting the strength requirements of paragraph (d)(3)(i) of this section."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.177, Servicing multi-piece and single piece rim wheels (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Overhead and gantry cranes
7. Where must the rated load of an overhead or gantry crane be marked under 1910.179(b)(5)?
- A. Only in the operator's manual kept in the office
- B. On the runway rail next to the end stop
- C. On a sign at the building entrance
- D. Plainly on each side of the crane
Show answer
Answer: D. Plainly on each side of the crane
1910.179(b)(5) states that "The rated load of the crane shall be plainly marked on each side of the crane". Each hoist of a crane with more than one hoisting unit is also marked, legible from the ground or floor.
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.179, Overhead and gantry cranes (as of Nov 3, 2026)
8. An overhead crane is to be modified and rerated. Under 1910.179(b)(3), who must check the modifications and the supporting structure for the new rated load?
- A. The crane operator
- B. An OSHA compliance officer
- C. A qualified engineer or the equipment manufacturer
- D. The building's insurance carrier
Show answer
Answer: C. A qualified engineer or the equipment manufacturer
Cranes may be modified and rerated "provided such modifications and the supporting structure are checked thoroughly for the new rated load by a qualified engineer or the equipment manufacturer." The crane is then tested under paragraph (k)(2).
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.179, Overhead and gantry cranes (as of Nov 3, 2026)
9. When does 1910.179(n)(4)(i) require the upper limit switch of each hoist to be tried out under no load?
- A. Once a month
- B. Only during the annual periodic inspection
- C. Only after a rated load test
- D. At the beginning of each operator's shift
Show answer
Answer: D. At the beginning of each operator's shift
"At the beginning of each operator's shift, the upper limit switch of each hoist shall be tried out under no load." If the switch does not operate properly, the appointed person is notified immediately.
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.179, Overhead and gantry cranes (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Crane inspections and load tests
10. Under 1910.179(j)(1)(ii), the inspection intervals for overhead and gantry cranes in regular service depend on what?
- A. The nature of the critical components of the crane and the degree of their exposure to wear, deterioration, or malfunction
- B. The number of operators assigned to the crane
- C. The age of the building in which the crane is installed
- D. The color code painted on the crane's hook block
Show answer
Answer: A. The nature of the critical components of the crane and the degree of their exposure to wear, deterioration, or malfunction
Inspection is divided into frequent and periodic classifications, and "The intervals in turn are dependent upon the nature of the critical components of the crane and the degree of their exposure to wear, deterioration, or malfunction."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.179, Overhead and gantry cranes (as of Nov 3, 2026)
11. Prior to initial use, which overhead and gantry cranes does 1910.179(k)(1)(i) require to be tested?
- A. Only cranes rated over 10 tons
- B. Only cranes bought used
- C. All new and altered cranes
- D. Only cranes installed outdoors
Show answer
Answer: C. All new and altered cranes
"Prior to initial use all new and altered cranes shall be tested to insure compliance with this section", including hoisting and lowering, trolley travel, bridge travel, and limit switches, locking and safety devices.
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.179, Overhead and gantry cranes (as of Nov 3, 2026)
12. A crane's rope has been idle for a month or more because the crane was shut down. What does 1910.179(m)(2) require before the rope is used?
- A. Lubrication only
- B. A thorough inspection for all types of deterioration by an appointed person, whose approval is required for further use
- C. Replacement of the rope in every case
- D. Nothing, if the rope was inspected before the shutdown
Show answer
Answer: B. A thorough inspection for all types of deterioration by an appointed person, whose approval is required for further use
Such rope "shall be given a thorough inspection before it is used. This inspection shall be for all types of deterioration and shall be performed by an appointed person whose approval shall be required for further use of the rope."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.179, Overhead and gantry cranes (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Crawler, locomotive and truck cranes
13. An employer wants a truck crane rerated in excess of its original load ratings. Under 1910.180(e)(2)(iv), whose approval of the rating change is required?
- A. The crane operator's
- B. The employer's safety committee's
- C. The crane manufacturer's or final assembler's
- D. Any rigger's with five years of experience
Show answer
Answer: C. The crane manufacturer's or final assembler's
"No cranes shall be rerated in excess of the original load ratings unless such rating changes are approved by the crane manufacturer or final assembler."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.180, Crawler locomotive and truck cranes (as of Nov 3, 2026)
14. Where does 1910.180(c)(2) require the load rating chart of a crawler, locomotive or truck crane to be fixed?
- A. To the crane cab, easily visible to the operator while seated at the control station
- B. In the employer's main office files
- C. On a board at the entrance to the work area
- D. Inside the toolbox stored on the crane
Show answer
Answer: A. To the crane cab, easily visible to the operator while seated at the control station
The rating chart must be "securely fixed to the crane cab in a location easily visible to the operator while seated at his control station."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.180, Crawler locomotive and truck cranes (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Sling use and daily inspection
15. What does 1910.184(c)(5) require for slings used in a basket hitch?
- A. That only nylon web slings be used
- B. That they be loaded at double their rated capacity
- C. That they be shortened with a knot to fit the load
- D. That the loads be balanced to prevent slippage
Show answer
Answer: D. That the loads be balanced to prevent slippage
1910.184(c)(5) states: "Slings used in a basket hitch shall have the loads balanced to prevent slippage."
16. What does 1910.184(c)(14) state about slings without affixed and legible identification markings?
- A. They may be used at half their rated capacity
- B. Employers must not use them
- C. They may be used for up to 30 days
- D. They may be used if the operator approves
Show answer
Answer: B. Employers must not use them
1910.184(c)(14) states: "Employers must not use slings without affixed and legible identification markings."
17. What does 1910.184(c)(11) state about shock loading of slings?
- A. Shock loading is prohibited
- B. It is allowed up to the sling's rated capacity
- C. It is allowed with a basket hitch only
- D. It is allowed once a competent person approves it
Show answer
Answer: A. Shock loading is prohibited
Among the safe operating practices that apply whenever any sling is used, 1910.184(c)(11) states: "Shock loading is prohibited."
Sling markings and removal criteria
18. Which condition does 1910.184(g)(9) list for immediately removing a metal mesh sling from service?
- A. Use at a temperature of 100 degrees F
- B. A durable marking stating the rated capacity
- C. A broken weld or broken brazed joint along the sling edge
- D. Handles with a rated capacity equal to the metal fabric
Show answer
Answer: C. A broken weld or broken brazed joint along the sling edge
Metal mesh slings "shall be immediately removed from service" for listed conditions, including "A broken weld or broken brazed joint along the sling edge."
19. What must the permanently affixed durable identification on an alloy steel chain sling state under 1910.184(e)(1)?
- A. The purchase date and price
- B. The owner's name only
- C. The color code and the chain's weight
- D. Size, grade, rated capacity, and reach
Show answer
Answer: D. Size, grade, rated capacity, and reach
1910.184(e)(1) states: "Alloy steel chain slings shall have permanently affixed durable identification stating size, grade, rated capacity, and reach."
20. Under 1910.184(i)(6)(i), nylon web slings must not be used where fumes, vapors, sprays, mists or liquids of which substances are present?
- A. Caustics
- B. Acids or phenolics
- C. Water or steam
- D. Oils or greases
Show answer
Answer: B. Acids or phenolics
1910.184(i)(6)(i) states: "Nylon web slings shall not be used where fumes, vapors, sprays, mists or liquids of acids or phenolics are present." The caustics limit in (i)(6)(ii) is for polyester and polypropylene web slings.