OSHA construction stairways and ladders practice questions
20 free practice questions from 29 CFR 1926 Subpart X. Each answer is explained and linked to the rule it comes from.
OSHA Stairways and ladders
20 questions across 6 topics. After each answer you see why it is right, with a link to the official source.
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Prefer to read? Here is every question in the OSHA Stairways and ladders set, grouped by topic. Open a question to see the answer, why it is right and the official source.
Scope
1. Under Subpart X, which other subpart contains additional requirements for ladders used on or with scaffolds?
- A. Subpart L (Scaffolds)
- B. Subpart P (Excavations)
- C. Subpart K (Electrical)
- D. Subpart E (Personal Protective and Life Saving Equipment)
Show answer
Answer: A. Subpart L (Scaffolds)
Subpart X says "Additional requirements for ladders used on or with scaffolds are contained in subpart L—Scaffolds."
When required
2. A building has only one point of access between levels, and upcoming work will restrict free passage at that point. What does Subpart X require?
- A. Work may go ahead if a warning sign is posted at the access point
- B. The existing ladder must be replaced with a double-cleated ladder
- C. Employees must stay on one level until the work is done
- D. A second point of access must be provided and used
Show answer
Answer: D. A second point of access must be provided and used
"When work must be performed or equipment must be used such that free passage at that point of access is restricted, a second point of access shall be provided and used."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1051, General requirements (as of Nov 3, 2026)
3. By when must the employer have installed the stairway and ladder fall protection systems that Subpart X requires?
- A. Before employees begin the work that necessitates the installation and use of the stairways, ladders and their fall protection systems
- B. Once the building is fully enclosed
- C. Before the final inspection of the project
- D. Within 30 days after work starts
Show answer
Answer: A. Before employees begin the work that necessitates the installation and use of the stairways, ladders and their fall protection systems
Employers must install those systems and comply with the subpart "before employees begin the work that necessitates the installation and use of stairways, ladders, and their respective fall protection systems."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1051, General requirements (as of Nov 3, 2026)
4. What does Subpart X say about spiral stairways that will not be a permanent part of the structure being built?
- A. They may be used if they have a handrail on both sides
- B. They may be used only by one employee at a time
- C. Employees shall not use them
- D. They may be used only during daylight hours
Show answer
Answer: C. Employees shall not use them
"Employees shall not use any spiral stairways that will not be a permanent part of the structure on which construction work is being performed."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1051, General requirements (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Stairways
5. Outside of stairway construction itself, when may employees walk on pan stairs whose treads will be filled with concrete later?
- A. When employees walk single file
- B. When the stairs are temporarily fitted with wood or other solid material at least to the top edge of each pan
- C. When warning signs are posted at both ends
- D. When handrails are installed on both sides
Show answer
Answer: B. When the stairs are temporarily fitted with wood or other solid material at least to the top edge of each pan
Foot traffic on such stairs is prohibited "unless the stairs are temporarily fitted with wood or other solid material at least to the top edge of each pan."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1052, Stairways (as of Nov 3, 2026)
6. How must treads for temporary service be installed on a stair?
- A. Across at least half the width of the stair
- B. On every other step
- C. Only at the landings
- D. The full width and depth of the stair
Show answer
Answer: D. The full width and depth of the stair
"Treads for temporary service shall be made of wood or other solid material, and shall be installed the full width and depth of the stair."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1052, Stairways (as of Nov 3, 2026)
7. A stairway has a slippery spot. When must that condition be eliminated?
- A. Before the stairway is used to reach other levels
- B. At the end of the shift
- C. At the next weekly inspection
- D. Only after someone slips
Show answer
Answer: A. Before the stairway is used to reach other levels
"Slippery conditions on stairways shall be eliminated before the stairways are used to reach other levels."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1052, Stairways (as of Nov 3, 2026)
8. What must be provided along the unprotected sides and edges of stairway landings?
- A. Warning signs
- B. Caution tape
- C. A safety monitor
- D. Guardrail systems
Show answer
Answer: D. Guardrail systems
"Unprotected sides and edges of stairway landings shall be provided with guardrail systems."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1052, Stairways (as of Nov 3, 2026)
9. A crew builds a temporary wooden handrail and stairrail system for a stairway. How must their surfaces be finished?
- A. So as to prevent punctures or lacerations and to prevent snagging of clothing
- B. Wrapped in caution tape
- C. Painted safety yellow
- D. Left rough so they give a firmer grip
Show answer
Answer: A. So as to prevent punctures or lacerations and to prevent snagging of clothing
"Stairrail systems and handrails shall be so surfaced as to prevent injury to employees from punctures or lacerations, and to prevent snagging of clothing."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1052, Stairways (as of Nov 3, 2026)
10. What must be provided between the top rail of a stairrail system and the stairway steps?
- A. A second handrail only
- B. Nothing; the space must be left open for cleaning
- C. Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, or equivalent intermediate structural members
- D. A toeboard only
Show answer
Answer: C. Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, or equivalent intermediate structural members
"Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, or equivalent intermediate structural members, shall be provided between the top rail of the stairrail system and the stairway steps."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1052, Stairways (as of Nov 3, 2026)
11. On a construction stairway, a door opens directly onto the stairs. What does Subpart X require at that spot?
- A. The door must be kept locked until construction ends
- B. Only a warning sign on the door
- C. A platform, with the door's swing leaving the platform at least 20 inches of effective width
- D. A handrail across the door opening
Show answer
Answer: C. A platform, with the door's swing leaving the platform at least 20 inches of effective width
"Where doors or gates open directly on a stairway, a platform shall be provided, and the swing of the door shall not reduce the effective width of the platform to less than 20 inches (51 cm)."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1052, Stairways (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Ladder construction
12. What must each stepladder be provided with to hold its front and back sections open while it is used?
- A. A rope tied between the sections
- B. A metal spreader or locking device
- C. A second worker holding the sections apart
- D. A wood block wedged between the rails
Show answer
Answer: B. A metal spreader or locking device
"A metal spreader or locking device shall be provided on each stepladder to hold the front and back sections in an open position when the ladder is being used."
13. When may two ladders be tied or fastened together to make a longer section?
- A. Whenever both ladders are extra-heavy-duty type 1A
- B. Only when they are specifically designed for such use
- C. Whenever a competent person supervises the job
- D. Whenever the joint is lashed with wire rope
Show answer
Answer: B. Only when they are specifically designed for such use
"Ladders shall not be tied or fastened together to provide longer sections unless they are specifically designed for such use."
14. A fixed ladder with a total length of climb of 24 feet or more uses self-retracting lifelines. What is the longest interval the rule allows between the required rest platforms?
- A. 200 feet
- B. 300 feet
- C. 150 feet
- D. 500 feet
Show answer
Answer: C. 150 feet
One of the permitted options for such fixed ladders is "Self-retracting lifelines, and rest platforms at intervals not to exceed 150 feet (45.7 m)."
Ladder use
15. A ladder must stand in a doorway where passing workplace traffic could knock it over. What does the rule require?
- A. The ladder must be secured to prevent accidental displacement, or a barricade must keep the traffic away from it
- B. Only a warning sign on the ladder
- C. Slip-resistant feet on the ladder, and nothing more
- D. Nothing, if the ladder is a stepladder
Show answer
Answer: A. The ladder must be secured to prevent accidental displacement, or a barricade must keep the traffic away from it
Ladders placed where workplace activities or traffic can displace them, "such as in passageways, doorways, or driveways, shall be secured to prevent accidental displacement, or a barricade shall be used to keep the activities or traffic away from the ladder."
16. Unless it has a single support attachment, how must the top of a non-self-supporting ladder be placed?
- A. Resting on one rail
- B. Resting on the top rung only
- C. Tied to another ladder above it
- D. With the two rails supported equally
Show answer
Answer: D. With the two rails supported equally
"The top of a non-self-supporting ladder shall be placed with the two rails supported equally unless it is equipped with a single support attachment."
17. A damaged ladder has been repaired. What must the repair have achieved before the ladder goes back into use?
- A. Been marked with the repair date only
- B. Restored the ladder to a condition meeting its original design criteria
- C. Been painted over so the damage no longer shows
- D. Nothing; repaired ladders may be used for light work right away
Show answer
Answer: B. Restored the ladder to a condition meeting its original design criteria
"Ladder repairs shall restore the ladder to a condition meeting its original design criteria, before the ladder is returned to use."
18. A ladder has to be set up on ground that is not stable and level. Under what condition does the rule allow it to be used there?
- A. If it will be used for less than 15 minutes
- B. If the user carries no tools
- C. If it is secured to prevent accidental displacement
- D. If it is a fiberglass ladder
Show answer
Answer: C. If it is secured to prevent accidental displacement
"Ladders shall be used only on stable and level surfaces unless secured to prevent accidental displacement."
19. A ladder is used on a flat metal surface that cannot be kept from becoming slippery. What does the rule say about slip-resistant feet in that case?
- A. Slip-resistant feet alone make the setup acceptable
- B. They are required only indoors
- C. Slip-resistant feet are prohibited on metal surfaces
- D. They shall not be used as a substitute for care in placing, lashing, or holding the ladder
Show answer
Answer: D. They shall not be used as a substitute for care in placing, lashing, or holding the ladder
"Slip-resistant feet shall not be used as a substitute for care in placing, lashing, or holding a ladder that is used upon slippery surfaces including, but not limited to, flat metal or concrete surfaces that are constructed so they cannot be prevented from becoming slippery."
Training
20. Which of these is listed as an area in which employees using ladders and stairways must be trained, as applicable?
- A. How to apply for an OSHA inspection
- B. The maximum intended load-carrying capacities of ladders used
- C. First aid certification
- D. Ladder sales and pricing
Show answer
Answer: B. The maximum intended load-carrying capacities of ladders used
Employees must be "trained by a competent person" in listed areas, as applicable, including "The maximum intended load-carrying capacities of ladders used."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1060, Training requirements (as of Nov 3, 2026)