Safety Training Questions and Answers
1. What is the purpose of safety training?
Safety training educates employees on workplace hazards, safe practices, and emergency procedures to prevent injuries and illnesses.
2. What are the three main components of fire?
The three components of fire are heat, fuel, and oxygen (known as the fire triangle).
3. What does PPE stand for?
PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment.
4. When should you wear PPE?
PPE should be worn whenever there is a risk of exposure to hazards that cannot be eliminated by other controls.
5. What is the first step in responding to a workplace injury?
The first step is to assess the situation, ensure your own safety, and provide first aid if necessary.
6. What is the proper way to lift heavy objects?
Bend at the knees, keep the back straight, hold the load close to the body, and lift with the legs.
7. What should you do if you see a frayed electrical cord?
Disconnect the equipment, tag it as defective, and report it to a supervisor for repair or replacement.
8. What is a near-miss incident?
A near-miss is an unplanned event that could have caused injury or damage but did not.
9. Why is it important to report near misses?
Reporting near misses helps identify hazards and prevent future accidents.
10. What is the purpose of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?
An SDS provides information on chemical hazards, safe handling, storage, and emergency measures.
11. What are the four main types of fire extinguishers?
- Class A (ordinary combustibles)
- Class B (flammable liquids)
- Class C (electrical fires)
- Class D (flammable metals)
12. How often should fire extinguishers be inspected?
Fire extinguishers should be inspected monthly and professionally serviced annually.
13. What is the correct way to use a fire extinguisher?
Use the PASS method: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side.
14. What is ergonomics?
Ergonomics is the science of designing workspaces to fit the worker and reduce strain or injury.
15. What are common ergonomic hazards?
Repetitive motions, poor posture, and improper workstation setup.
16. What is the maximum height for a ladder to extend above a landing?
A ladder should extend at least 3 feet above the landing for stability.
17. What should you check before using a ladder?
Inspect for damage, ensure stable footing, and check weight capacity.
18. What is lockout/tagout (LOTO)?
LOTO is a safety procedure to ensure machines are properly shut off and cannot be restarted during maintenance.
19. Who is authorized to remove a lockout/tagout device?
Only the person who applied the lockout/tagout device should remove it.
20. What is the leading cause of workplace injuries?
Slips, trips, and falls are among the leading causes of workplace injuries.
21. What should you do if you spill a hazardous chemical?
Follow spill response procedures, contain the spill, notify others, and use appropriate PPE for cleanup.
22. What is the purpose of machine guarding?
Machine guarding prevents contact with moving parts to avoid injuries.
23. What are the three stages of heat-related illness?
- Heat cramps
- Heat exhaustion
- Heat stroke (most severe)
24. What should you do if a coworker suffers from heat stroke?
Move them to a cooler area, call emergency services, and cool them down with water or ice packs.
25. What is the minimum safe distance from overhead power lines?
At least 10 feet for voltages up to 50kV, with greater distances for higher voltages.
26. What is confined space entry training?
Training for working in spaces with limited entry/exit and potential hazards like low oxygen or toxic gases.
27. What are the hazards of working in a confined space?
Oxygen deficiency, toxic gases, engulfment, and entrapment.
28. What is the purpose of a Job Safety Analysis (JSA)?
A JSA identifies hazards for specific job tasks and outlines safety measures.
29. What should you do before entering a trench?
Ensure proper shoring, sloping, or trench boxes are in place to prevent collapse.
30. What is the most common cause of trenching fatalities?
Trench collapses due to improper protective systems.
31. What is the correct way to store flammable liquids?
In approved containers, away from ignition sources, and in well-ventilated areas.
32. What is the emergency action plan (EAP)?
A written plan detailing procedures for emergencies like fires, chemical spills, or evacuations.
33. What should you do if you hear a fire alarm?
Evacuate immediately using the nearest safe exit and assemble at the designated meeting point.
34. What is the difference between a hazard and a risk?
A hazard is a potential source of harm, while risk is the likelihood and severity of harm occurring.
35. What is the hierarchy of controls?
- Elimination
- Substitution
- Engineering controls
- Administrative controls
- PPE
36. What is the purpose of a safety committee?
To promote workplace safety, review incidents, and recommend improvements.
37. What is the OSHA requirement for emergency exits?
Exits must be clearly marked, unobstructed, and lead to a safe area.
38. What is the maximum permissible exposure limit (PEL)?
The highest allowable concentration of a hazardous substance in the air.
39. What should you do if you witness unsafe behavior?
Stop the task, address the behavior, and report it if necessary.
40. What is the proper way to handle compressed gas cylinders?
Secure them upright, use caps when not in use, and store them in well-ventilated areas.
41. What is the purpose of a respirator fit test?
To ensure a proper seal and protection against airborne hazards.
42. What is the most common cause of electrical injuries?
Contact with live wires, faulty equipment, or improper grounding.
43. What should you do if someone is electrocuted?
Turn off the power if safe, call for help, and do not touch the victim until power is off.
44. What is the purpose of a fall protection system?
To prevent or minimize injuries from falls when working at heights.
45. What is the minimum height for fall protection requirements?
OSHA requires fall protection at 6 feet in construction and 4 feet in general industry.
46. What is a safety harness lanyard used for?
To connect a worker’s harness to an anchor point, preventing falls.
47. What is the difference between a hard hat and a bump cap?
A hard hat protects against falling objects, while a bump cap protects against minor head bumps.
48. What are the types of hearing protection?
Earplugs and earmuffs.
49. What is the permissible noise exposure limit?
90 decibels (dB) over an 8-hour workday.
50. What is the purpose of a safety sign’s color coding?
- Red: Danger/Prohibition
- Yellow: Caution/Warning
- Blue: Mandatory Action
- Green: Safety/Emergency Info
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51. What should you do if you find an unlabeled chemical container?
Do not use it—report it to a supervisor for proper identification.
52. What is the purpose of a hazard communication program?
To inform employees about chemical hazards and safe handling procedures.
53. What is the best way to prevent back injuries?
Use proper lifting techniques, mechanical aids, and ergonomic practices.
54. What is a pinch point hazard?
A place where body parts can get caught between moving and stationary objects.
55. What is the proper way to store tools?
Keep them clean, organized, and stored in designated areas when not in use.
56. What is the purpose of a safety audit?
To assess compliance with safety regulations and identify improvement areas.
57. What should you do if you are unsure about a safety procedure?
Ask a supervisor or safety officer for clarification before proceeding.
58. What is the purpose of a pre-task safety meeting?
To discuss hazards and safety measures before starting a job.
59. What is the most common cause of forklift accidents?
Tip-overs due to improper loading or speeding.
60. What is the proper way to operate a forklift?
Follow speed limits, secure loads, and always look in the direction of travel.
61. What should you do if a forklift starts to tip?
Stay inside, hold on, and lean away from the direction of the tip.
62. What is the purpose of a guardrail?
To prevent falls from elevated work areas.
63. What is the difference between a flash fire and an explosion?
A flash fire burns rapidly, while an explosion releases a shockwave.
64. What is the best way to prevent slips and trips?
Keep walkways clear, clean spills immediately, and wear slip-resistant footwear.
65. What is the purpose of a safety shower?
To rinse off hazardous chemicals quickly in case of exposure.
66. What is the first aid treatment for burns?
Cool with running water, cover with a sterile bandage, and seek medical help for severe burns.
67. What is the proper way to use a knife?
Cut away from the body, keep blades sharp, and store safely when not in use.
68. What is the purpose of a permit-required confined space?
To ensure proper safety measures are in place before entry.
69. What is the most common cause of hand injuries?
Lack of gloves or improper tool use.
70. What is the proper way to store sharp objects?
In designated containers with puncture-resistant labeling.
71. What is the purpose of a safety interlock?
To shut down equipment when a guard is removed or a hazard is detected.
72. What is the best way to prevent repetitive strain injuries?
Take breaks, stretch, and use ergonomic tools.
73. What is the purpose of a grounding wire?
To prevent electrical shock by providing a safe path for excess electricity.
74. What is the proper way to handle broken glass?
Use gloves and a broom/dustpan, and dispose of it in a puncture-resistant container.
75. What is the best way to prevent eye injuries?
Wear safety glasses or goggles when exposed to flying debris or chemicals.
76. What should you do if you get a chemical in your eyes?
Flush with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.
77. What is the purpose of a safety valve?
To release excess pressure and prevent equipment failure.
78. What is the best way to prevent equipment-related injuries?
Follow lockout/tagout procedures and inspect equipment before use.
79. What is the purpose of a safety stand-down?
To pause work and discuss safety concerns with employees.
80. What is the best way to prevent struck-by accidents?
Stay alert, wear high-visibility clothing, and secure tools/materials.
81. What is the proper way to store hazardous waste?
In labeled, sealed containers in designated hazardous waste areas.
82. What is the best way to prevent respiratory hazards?
Use proper ventilation and wear respirators when needed.
83. What is the purpose of a tailgate safety meeting?
To discuss job-specific hazards before starting work.
84. What is the best way to prevent electrocution?
Avoid contact with live wires, use insulated tools, and follow lockout procedures.
85. What is the purpose of a safety harness inspection?
To ensure the harness is in good condition before use.
86. What is the best way to prevent chemical exposure?
Use proper PPE, follow SDS guidelines, and work in ventilated areas.
87. What is the purpose of a safety whistle?
To alert others in emergencies or signal for help.
88. What is the best way to prevent fatigue-related accidents?
Take regular breaks, stay hydrated, and get enough rest.
89. What is the purpose of a safety checklist?
To ensure all safety measures are followed before starting a task.
90. What is the best way to prevent vehicle-related accidents?
Follow traffic rules, avoid distractions, and perform pre-trip inspections.
91. What is the purpose of a fire watch?
To monitor for fires during hot work operations.
92. What is the best way to prevent arc flash injuries?
Use proper PPE and de-energize equipment when possible.
93. What is the purpose of a safety vest?
To increase visibility in high-traffic or low-light areas.
94. What is the best way to prevent scaffold collapses?
Ensure proper assembly, inspection, and weight limits.
95. What is the purpose of a safety net?
To catch falling workers or debris.
96. What is the best way to prevent pinch point injuries?
Keep hands clear, use machine guards, and stay alert.
97. What is the purpose of a safety training record?
To document employee training and compliance.
98. What is the best way to prevent struck-by flying object injuries?
Wear hard hats and secure loose materials.
99. What is the purpose of a safety drill?
To practice emergency response procedures.
100. What is the most important rule in workplace safety?
Always follow safety procedures and never take shortcuts.
