DOMAIN 1: UNIT 6: CONFINED SPACES Flashcards
Which of the following characteristics defines a confined space?
A) An area with multiple entry points for easy access
B) A space designed for continuous employee occupancy
C) An area with limited means of egress and potential hazards
D) A location that requires a permit at all times
C) An area with limited means of egress and potential hazards
Explanation: Confined spaces are not designed for continuous occupancy and have restricted entry and exit points.
What distinguishes a permit-required confined space from a non-permit-required confined space?
A) The presence of an access ladder
B) The requirement for a trained supervisor to be present at all times
C) The presence of potential hazards such as toxic gases, oxygen deficiency, or engulfment risks
D) The ability to safely work in the space for more than 8 hours
C) The presence of potential hazards such as toxic gases, oxygen deficiency, or engulfment risks
Explanation: Permit-required confined spaces pose significant hazards that require special precautions.
What must be included in a permit for a permit-required confined space?
A) A list of all employees on-site
B) The names of authorized entrants and an entry tracking system
C) A log of previous entries over the past year
D) A statement that hazards are unlikely
B) The names of authorized entrants and an entry tracking system
Explanation: Permits ensure safety by identifying who enters and monitoring their presence.
What is a critical step before allowing entry into a confined space?
A) Shutting off all nearby machinery
B) Conducting a hazard assessment, including oxygen level and hazardous vapor testing
C) Ensuring the space is large enough for multiple workers
D) Spraying the space with disinfectant
B) Conducting a hazard assessment, including oxygen level and hazardous vapor testing
Explanation: Identifying hazards before entry prevents dangerous exposure.
What is the minimum acceptable oxygen level in a confined space before entry?
A) 16%
B) 18.5%
C) 19.5%
D) 21.5%
C) 19.5%
Explanation: OSHA requires at least 19.5% oxygen to ensure worker safety.
What is a common hazard of confined spaces that requires monitoring?
A) Excessive noise levels
B) High employee traffic
C) Oxygen deficiency and flammable vapors
D) Cold temperatures below freezing
C) Oxygen deficiency and flammable vapors
Explanation: These hazards can be fatal and must be monitored before and during entry.
What is the primary function of ventilation in confined spaces?
A) To regulate temperature for comfort
B) To remove hazardous gases and supply fresh air
C) To reduce noise levels for worker communication
D) To provide cooling for electrical equipment
B) To remove hazardous gases and supply fresh air
Explanation: Ventilation is critical for preventing hazardous atmospheres.
Why is it necessary to have an attendant present outside a permit-required confined space?
A) To assist with equipment transport
B) To monitor worker safety and initiate emergency response if needed
C) To prevent unauthorized personnel from observing the work
D) To ensure workers take scheduled breaks
B) To monitor worker safety and initiate emergency response if needed
Explanation: Attendants ensure a quick response to emergencies.
What is a crucial component of a confined space safety program?
A) Only allowing supervisors to enter confined spaces
B) Conducting hazard assessments only when incidents occur
C) Creating an inventory of confined spaces and their associated hazards
D) Only using personal protective equipment (PPE) without additional controls
C) Creating an inventory of confined spaces and their associated hazards
Explanation: A documented inventory helps identify risks and implement safety measures.
How can fire hazards be controlled in confined spaces?
A) Only allowing workers to enter with flame-resistant clothing
B) Equipping the space with fire suppression systems and smoke removal methods
C) Reducing oxygen levels to 10% to prevent combustion
D) Requiring all workers to wear oxygen tanks
B) Equipping the space with fire suppression systems and smoke removal methods
Explanation: Fire suppression and smoke removal reduce the risk of fire-related incidents.
What is the purpose of a handheld analyzer in confined space entry?
A) To detect excessive noise levels
B) To test for hazardous vapors and flammable gases
C) To measure wind speed in the space
D) To ensure equipment is properly maintained
B) To test for hazardous vapors and flammable gases
Explanation: Handheld analyzers help detect dangerous air contaminants before entry.
What role does the buddy system play in confined space work?
A) It allows two workers to share a single permit
B) It ensures that one worker can call for help if the other is in distress
C) It eliminates the need for a confined space permit
D) It allows workers to alternate tasks every 30 minutes
B) It ensures that one worker can call for help if the other is in distress
Explanation: The buddy system ensures workers are not left alone in hazardous conditions.
If hazardous vapors are detected in a confined space, what should be done first?
A) Evacuate workers immediately and reassess ventilation
B) Continue working but use extra personal protective equipment
C) Increase work speed to minimize exposure time
D) Have workers hold their breath while inside
A) Evacuate workers immediately and reassess ventilation
Explanation: Safety procedures require immediate evacuation to prevent exposure to toxic vapors.
According to OSHA, what must be done before entering a confined space with known hazards?
A) Perform a hazard evaluation and implement appropriate controls
B) Require workers to sign a liability waiver
C) Limit entry time to under 15 minutes
D) Provide a first aid kit inside the space
A) Perform a hazard evaluation and implement appropriate controls
Explanation: OSHA mandates assessing hazards and implementing controls before entry.
What is the best way to ensure workers are prepared for confined space emergencies?
A) Conduct annual emergency drills and provide training on response procedures
B) Only hire workers with previous confined space experience
C) Assign one worker to be responsible for all emergency situations
D) Require workers to memorize OSHA regulations
A) Conduct annual emergency drills and provide training on response procedures
Explanation: Regular drills and training ensure workers know how to respond in emergencies.