Person Examination Practice Questions

Illinois Fall Protection Competent Person Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

Q1: What is the primary responsibility of a competent person in fall

protection?

• Perform routine housekeeping
• Train all employees in safety procedures
• Identify and correct fall hazards D. Operate lifting equipment

Rationale: A competent person must be able to identify existing and

predictable hazards and have the authority to correct them.

Q2: At what height does OSHA require fall protection in general industry?

• 4 feet
• 5 feet 1 / 4

• 6 feet D. 7 feet

Rationale: OSHA requires fall protection at 4 feet in general industry, but

specific Illinois construction standards require 6 feet.

Q3: Which of the following is an acceptable type of fall protection?

• Guardrail system B. Safety harness system
• Warning signs
• Hard hats alone

Rationale: Acceptable fall protection includes guardrails, safety nets, and

personal fall arrest systems.

Q4: When should a competent person inspect fall protection equipment?

• Once per month
• Before each use C. Daily or before each use
• Only after a fall occurs

Rationale: Fall protection equipment must be inspected by a competent

person daily or before each use to ensure safety.

Q5: What is the maximum allowable free fall distance for a personal fall

arrest system?

• 2 feet
• 4 feet
• 6 feet
• 6 feet

Rationale: OSHA limits free fall distance to 6 feet to reduce impact forces on

the worker. 2 / 4

Q6: Which part of a personal fall arrest system connects the worker to the

anchorage?

• D-ring
• Lanyard C. Anchorage connector
• Safety net

Rationale: The lanyard or lifeline connects the worker’s body harness to a

secure anchorage.

Q7: A guardrail system must have a top rail at what minimum height?

• 30 inches
• 36 inches
• 42 inches
• 48 inches

Rationale: OSHA requires the top rail of guardrails to be 42 inches above the

walking/working surface.

Q8: Who can be designated as a competent person for fall protection?

• Any employee
• A trained supervisor C. Someone capable of identifying and correcting

hazards

• Only an engineer

Rationale: A competent person must have knowledge to identify hazards

and the authority to correct them.

Q9: When using a ladder, how far should the base be from the wall?

• 1 foot 3 / 4

• 2 feet
• One-quarter of the ladder’s working length
• One-half of the ladder’s working length

Rationale: The 4-to-1 rule ensures ladder stability: 1 foot away for every 4 feet in height.

Q10: Fall protection is required for scaffolds at what minimum height?

• 4 feet
• 5 feet
• 10 feet
• 15 feet

Rationale: OSHA requires fall protection for scaffolds 10 feet or higher in

construction.

Q11: What is the purpose of a warning line system?

• Stop workers from entering unsafe areas B. Alert workers to fall hazards
• Support personal fall arrest systems
• Prevent slips on ladders

Rationale: Warning line systems mark areas where fall hazards exist but do

not provide fall protection themselves.Q12: The maximum arresting force for a personal fall arrest system is:

• 500 lbs
• 900 lbs
• 1,800 lbs
• 2,500 lbs
• / 4