CSLB General Building (B) Trade Practice Test
Frequently asked questions
How many OSHA 30 Construction practice questions are here?+
A full bank of original OSHA 30 Construction practice questions across the official content areas, weighted like the real exam, with explanations. Free, no signup.
What is the OSHA 30 Construction exam like?+
About 100 questions. Practice by topic here, then take the full timed mock exam to gauge readiness.
Are these the real exam questions?+
No. Every question is 100% original, written from public primary sources with explanations. We never copy real exam questions or paid prep material.
Can I study in Chinese or Spanish?+
PrepPass practice is in English, 中文 and Español. The official exam is in English — switch the question language to English any time to rehearse the exact terminology you'll see on test day.
Sample practice questions
A few real questions from this free bank, with full explanations. Use the practice tool above for the whole set.
- 1. Intro to OSHA
What year was the Occupational Safety and Health Act signed into law, creating OSHA?
- a.1970
- b.1965
- c.1980
- d.1955
Answer: a
Explanation: The Occupational Safety and Health Act was signed into law in 1970 and OSHA began operating in 1971. Its purpose is to assure safe and healthful working conditions for workers. It also established the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
- 2. Intro to OSHA
Who is responsible for providing required personal protective equipment (PPE) in most cases?
- a.The worker, purchased personally
- b.The equipment manufacturer directly
- c.The employer, generally at no cost to the worker
- d.OSHA inspectors
Answer: c
Explanation: Employers are generally required to provide required PPE at no cost to employees, with limited exceptions such as ordinary safety-toe footwear allowed to be worn off-site. Employers must also ensure PPE is properly maintained and that workers are trained in its use. This helps remove cost as a barrier to protection.
- 3. Common Hazards
A worker is hit by a swinging load from a crane. Which Focus Four category does this fall under?
- a.Caught-in/between
- b.Fall
- c.Electrocution
- d.Struck-by
Answer: d
Explanation: Being hit by a moving or swinging object such as a crane load is a struck-by hazard. Struck-by incidents also include flying, falling, and rolling objects. Controls include barricading swing zones and keeping workers clear of suspended loads.
- 4. Common Hazards
Which is a common caught-in/between hazard during trenching operations?
- a.Sunburn
- b.Cave-in of unprotected trench walls
- c.Loud noise
- d.Slippery floors
Answer: b
Explanation: A cave-in of unprotected trench walls is a deadly caught-in/between hazard because soil is extremely heavy and can bury a worker in seconds. Protective systems and competent-person inspections are essential. Even shallow collapses can cause fatal crushing injuries.
- 5. Common Hazards
Which is the correct order of the hierarchy of controls from most to least effective?
- a.Elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE
- b.PPE, administrative, engineering, substitution, elimination
- c.Administrative, PPE, elimination, engineering, substitution
- d.Substitution, PPE, elimination, engineering, administrative
Answer: a
Explanation: The correct hierarchy from most to least effective is elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE. Higher-level controls are more reliable because they do not depend on worker behavior. PPE is the last line of defense.
- 6. Fall Protection
When must a scaffold be inspected?
- a.Only once a year
- b.Only when it collapses
- c.Before each work shift and after any event that could affect its integrity
- d.Never
Answer: c
Explanation: Scaffolds must be inspected by a competent person before each work shift and after any occurrence that could affect their structural integrity, such as a storm. Defective scaffolds must be tagged and taken out of service. Regular inspection prevents scaffold collapses and falls.
- 7. Fall Protection
When is a floor hole or opening a fall hazard that must be protected?
- a.Only if larger than a door
- b.Never, holes are always safe
- c.Only outdoors
- d.When a worker could fall through or step into it, requiring covers or guardrails
Answer: d
Explanation: Holes and openings in floors or roofs through which a worker could fall must be protected with covers, guardrails, or personal fall arrest. Covers must be secured and marked, and be able to support the intended loads. Unprotected openings are a common and preventable fall hazard.
- 8. Electrical & PPE
What is the correct action if a coworker is in contact with a live electrical source?
- a.Grab them immediately with bare hands
- b.De-energize the source or use a non-conductive object to separate them, then call for help
- c.Pour water on them
- d.Do nothing and wait
Answer: b
Explanation: You should never touch a person who is in contact with a live electrical source with bare hands, because the current can pass to you. First de-energize the source if possible, or use a non-conductive object to separate the person from the source, then call for emergency help. Attempting a bare-hand rescue can create a second victim.
- 9. Electrical & PPE
What is the danger of overloading an electrical circuit or extension cord?
- a.Overheating that can cause fires and equipment damage
- b.It saves money
- c.Faster tool operation
- d.There is no danger
Answer: a
Explanation: Overloading a circuit or cord draws more current than it is rated for, causing it to overheat and potentially start a fire or damage equipment. Cords should be sized for the load and length of the run. Daisy-chaining cords and power strips increases this risk.
- 10. Health & Safety Programs
What is a symptom of heat exhaustion that workers should recognize?
- a.Feeling energetic
- b.Improved concentration
- c.Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, and nausea
- d.No symptoms at all
Answer: c
Explanation: Heat exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, and clammy skin. Affected workers should move to a cool area, rest, and drink water. If symptoms worsen or confusion appears, it may signal heat stroke, a medical emergency.