OSHA general industry walking-working surfaces practice questions
20 free practice questions from 29 CFR 1910 Subpart D. Each answer is explained and linked to the rule it comes from.
OSHA Walking-working surfaces
20 questions across 7 topics. After each answer you see why it is right, with a link to the official source.
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General requirements
1. Under 1910.22(d)(2), what must happen when a hazardous condition on a walking-working surface cannot be corrected or repaired immediately?
- A. Employees may keep using the surface for up to 7 days
- B. The hazard is guarded to prevent employees from using the surface until it is corrected or repaired
- C. A note in the maintenance log is enough until the next scheduled repair
- D. Employees may use the surface once they have been told about the hazard
Show answer
Answer: B. The hazard is guarded to prevent employees from using the surface until it is corrected or repaired
Hazardous conditions must be corrected or repaired before the surface is used again, and "if the correction or repair cannot be made immediately, the hazard must be guarded to prevent employees from using the walking-working surface until the hazard is corrected or repaired."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.22, General requirements (as of Nov 3, 2026)
2. Under 1910.22(b), what load must the employer ensure each walking-working surface can support?
- A. Twice the heaviest load placed on it during the past year
- B. A uniform 50 pounds per square foot, whatever the surface is used for
- C. Only the weight of the employees who walk on it, not their tools or materials
- D. The maximum intended load for that surface
Show answer
Answer: D. The maximum intended load for that surface
Under the loads paragraph, "the employer must ensure that each walking-working surface can support the maximum intended load for that surface."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.22, General requirements (as of Nov 3, 2026)
3. Under 1910.22(a)(2), what must be maintained when wet processes are used in a workroom?
- A. Drainage
- B. A written spill log reviewed once a year
- C. Standing water no deeper than 1 inch
- D. A closed door between the workroom and other areas
Show answer
Answer: A. Drainage
"When wet processes are used, drainage must be maintained" and, to the extent feasible, dry standing places such as false floors, platforms, and mats must be provided.
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.22, General requirements (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Ladders
4. Under 1910.23(b)(3), how far apart must the steps on a stepstool be spaced, measured between the centerlines of the steps?
- A. Not less than 6 inches and not more than 10 inches
- B. Not less than 12 inches and not more than 16 inches
- C. Not less than 8 inches and not more than 12 inches
- D. Not less than 14 inches and not more than 18 inches
Show answer
Answer: C. Not less than 8 inches and not more than 12 inches
The rule says "Steps on stepstools are spaced not less than 8 inches (20 cm) apart and not more than 12 inches (30 cm) apart, as measured between the centerlines of the steps."
5. What does 1910.23(b)(5) require for wooden ladders?
- A. They are replaced every 5 years, whatever their condition
- B. They are painted a high-visibility color so defects stand out
- C. They are not coated with any material that may obscure structural defects
- D. They are used only by employees trained as carpenters
Show answer
Answer: C. They are not coated with any material that may obscure structural defects
The employer must ensure "Wooden ladders are not coated with any material that may obscure structural defects." A coating such as opaque paint could hide cracks or other damage.
6. A portable ladder has to be set up in a doorway where foot traffic could knock it over. What does 1910.23(c)(7) require?
- A. The ladder is secured to prevent accidental displacement, or guarded by a temporary barricade such as traffic cones or caution tape
- B. A sign is hung on the ladder, with no other measure
- C. The ladder is used only for tasks that take less than 15 minutes
- D. The employee on the ladder calls out a warning before each move
Show answer
Answer: A. The ladder is secured to prevent accidental displacement, or guarded by a temporary barricade such as traffic cones or caution tape
Ladders placed in passageways, doorways, or driveways where they can be displaced by other activities or traffic must be "secured to prevent accidental displacement" or "guarded by a temporary barricade, such as a row of traffic cones or caution tape, to keep the activities or traffic away from the ladder."
7. When does 1910.23(c)(12) allow ladders or ladder sections to be tied or fastened together to provide added length?
- A. Whenever the joint is lashed with rope at two points
- B. Whenever the combined ladder is less than 30 feet long
- C. Whenever a supervisor approves the setup
- D. Only when they are specifically designed for such use
Show answer
Answer: D. Only when they are specifically designed for such use
The employer must ensure "Ladders and ladder sections are not tied or fastened together to provide added length unless they are specifically designed for such use."
Stairways
8. Under 1910.25(b)(7), what is the smallest tank or round-structure diameter at which winding stairways may be used on it?
- A. 3 feet
- B. 5 feet (1.5 m)
- C. 8 feet
- D. 12 feet
Show answer
Answer: B. 5 feet (1.5 m)
Standard stairs are the rule for regular travel between levels, but "Winding stairways may be used on tanks and similar round structures when the diameter of the tank or structure is at least 5 feet (1.5 m)."
9. When may an employer use spiral, ship, or alternating tread-type stairs instead of standard stairs?
- A. Only when the employer can demonstrate that it is not feasible to provide standard stairs
- B. Whenever they cost less than standard stairs
- C. Whenever fewer than 10 employees use the stairs
- D. Whenever the employer prefers them, with no conditions
Show answer
Answer: A. Only when the employer can demonstrate that it is not feasible to provide standard stairs
"Spiral, ship, or alternating tread-type stairs are used only when the employer can demonstrate that it is not feasible to provide standard stairs."
10. What load does 1910.25(b)(6) require each stair to be able to support?
- A. The normal anticipated live load, with no safety factor and no minimum concentrated load
- B. A load of 200 pounds applied at the handrail, with no requirement for the treads
- C. Four times the maximum intended load, with no minimum concentrated load
- D. At least five times the normal anticipated live load, but never less than a concentrated load of 1,000 pounds applied at any point
Show answer
Answer: D. At least five times the normal anticipated live load, but never less than a concentrated load of 1,000 pounds applied at any point
The employer must ensure "Each stair can support at least five times the normal anticipated live load, but never less than a concentrated load of 1,000 pounds (454 kg) applied at any point."
Dockboards
11. What does 1910.26(e) require portable dockboards to be equipped with?
- A. Built-in warning lights
- B. Wheels at every corner
- C. Handholds or other means to permit safe handling
- D. A hydraulic lifting mechanism
Show answer
Answer: C. Handholds or other means to permit safe handling
The employer must ensure "Portable dockboards are equipped with handholds or other means to permit safe handling of dockboards."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.26, Dockboards (as of Nov 3, 2026)
12. A dockboard is used solely for materials handling with motorized equipment, and the employees are trained under 1910.30. Guardrails or handrails are then not required if the employees are not exposed to fall hazards greater than how many feet?
- A. 15 feet
- B. 10 feet
- C. 20 feet
- D. 30 feet
Show answer
Answer: B. 10 feet
A guardrail system or handrails are not required when dockboards are used solely for materials handling with motorized equipment, "employees engaged in these operations are not exposed to fall hazards greater than 10 feet (3 m)," and they are trained under 1910.30.
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.28, Duty to have fall protection and falling object protection (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Duty to have fall protection
13. A service pit less than 10 feet deep uses the 1910.28(b)(8) option instead of a fall protection system. What must the readily visible caution signs posted at the pit state?
- A. Danger—Keep Out
- B. Caution—Open Pit
- C. Watch Your Step
- D. Authorized Personnel Only
Show answer
Answer: B. Caution—Open Pit
Among the conditions for not using a fall protection system at such a pit, the employer "Posts readily visible caution signs that meet the requirements of § 1910.145 and state “Caution—Open Pit.”"
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.28, Duty to have fall protection and falling object protection (as of Nov 3, 2026)
14. Section 1910.28(a)(2) lists situations to which the section does not apply. Which one is on that list?
- A. Fixed ladders that extend more than 24 feet above a lower level
- B. Hoist areas
- C. Runways and similar walkways
- D. Portable ladders
Show answer
Answer: D. Portable ladders
1910.28(a)(2) states that the section does not apply "to portable ladders." Fixed ladders, hoist areas, and runways each have their own fall protection paragraphs in 1910.28(b).
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.28, Duty to have fall protection and falling object protection (as of Nov 3, 2026)
15. Part of the cage on a fixed ladder that extends more than 24 feet above a lower level is replaced. Under 1910.28(b)(9)(i)(C), what must be installed?
- A. A personal fall arrest system or ladder safety system in at least the section where the replacement is located
- B. A new cage on that section, with nothing else
- C. A warning sign at the base of the ladder, with nothing else
- D. Nothing, as long as the replacement cage matches the original
Show answer
Answer: A. A personal fall arrest system or ladder safety system in at least the section where the replacement is located
When "a fixed ladder, cage, or well, or any portion of a section thereof, is replaced, a personal fall arrest system or ladder safety system is installed in at least that section of the fixed ladder, cage, or well where the replacement is located."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.28, Duty to have fall protection and falling object protection (as of Nov 3, 2026)
16. By what date does 1910.28(b)(9)(i)(D) require all fixed ladders that extend more than 24 feet above a lower level to be equipped with a personal fall arrest system or a ladder safety system?
- A. November 18, 2040
- B. January 1, 2046
- C. November 18, 2036
- D. November 19, 2050
Show answer
Answer: C. November 18, 2036
Under the final deadline for fixed ladders that extend more than 24 feet above a lower level, "on and after November 18, 2036, all fixed ladders are equipped with a personal fall arrest system or a ladder safety system."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.28, Duty to have fall protection and falling object protection (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Fall protection system criteria
17. When a guardrail system uses intermediate vertical members such as balusters, what is the farthest apart 1910.29(b)(2)(iii) allows them to be installed?
- A. 21 inches
- B. 24 inches
- C. 30 inches
- D. 19 inches (48 cm)
Show answer
Answer: D. 19 inches (48 cm)
Where there is no wall or parapet at least 21 inches high, "Intermediate vertical members (such as balusters) are installed no more than 19 inches (48 cm) apart."
18. Which material does 1910.29(b)(8) bar from use as top rails or midrails of a guardrail system?
- A. Steel banding and plastic banding
- B. Manila or synthetic rope
- C. Wood
- D. Steel pipe
Show answer
Answer: A. Steel banding and plastic banding
The rule says "Steel banding and plastic banding are not used for top rails or midrails." Manila or synthetic rope may be used if it is inspected as necessary to keep meeting the strength requirements.
Training
19. Under 1910.30(b)(2), what must the employer train each employee who uses a dockboard to do?
- A. Calculate the dockboard's rated load from its dimensions
- B. Properly place and secure it to prevent unintentional movement
- C. Weld cracks in the dockboard surface
- D. Drive the transport vehicle into position at the dock
Show answer
Answer: B. Properly place and secure it to prevent unintentional movement
The rule says "The employer must train each employee who uses a dockboard to properly place and secure it to prevent unintentional movement."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.30, Training requirements (as of Nov 3, 2026)
20. Which situation does 1910.30(c) list as one requiring retraining?
- A. A new calendar year begins, with no change in work or equipment
- B. The employee moves to a different shift with the same hazards and equipment
- C. Changes in the workplace render previous training obsolete or inadequate
- D. The employer changes its payroll provider
Show answer
Answer: C. Changes in the workplace render previous training obsolete or inadequate
Retraining is required when the employer has reason to believe the employee lacks the required understanding and skill, including "when changes in the workplace render previous training obsolete or inadequate."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.30, Training requirements (as of Nov 3, 2026)