Stair Tower Trivia: Construction Safety Quiz!

Toeboards are required on all landings to provide a barrier and prevent objects from falling off the edge. They are typically installed along the perimeter of elevated surfaces such as landings, platforms, or balconies to ensure the safety of workers or individuals in the area. This helps to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries caused by falling objects, providing a secure environment for everyone. Therefore, the statement "Toeboards are required on all landings" is true.

Stair towers should be inspected daily to ensure their safety and functionality. Daily inspections allow for prompt identification of any potential hazards or issues that may arise, such as loose handrails, damaged steps, or debris accumulation. Regular inspections help to prevent accidents and ensure that the stair towers remain in good condition for use by individuals. Monthly or weekly inspections may not be frequent enough to catch and address problems in a timely manner, while choosing "None of the Above" would imply neglecting inspections altogether.

The correct answer is "No, the inspection date must be indicated." This means that if a stair tower has a green tag but the inspection date is not listed, it is not okay to use the stair tower. The inspection date is an important piece of information that ensures the safety and maintenance of the stair tower. Without the inspection date, it is not possible to determine if the stair tower has been recently inspected and deemed safe for use. Therefore, it is necessary for the inspection date to be indicated before using the stair tower.

Pinch points are areas where two objects come together and create a narrow space that can trap or pinch body parts or objects. In the context of building a stair tower, pinch points can occur between bracing and rosettes, while connecting braces with a hammer, and when shaking out material. These situations involve the possibility of fingers, hands, or other body parts getting caught or squeezed between the objects, potentially causing injury. It is important to be cautious and aware of these pinch points to ensure safety during the construction process.

A yellow tag on a stair tower indicates that the area is under construction and only stair tower erectors are allowed to enter. This tag serves as a warning to others that the area may be unsafe or have potential hazards due to ongoing construction work. It is important to respect the tag and not enter the area unless authorized to do so to ensure safety.

A competent person is someone who has the knowledge, experience, and training to identify hazards and take appropriate actions to ensure safety. In the context of inspecting, tagging, and dating a stair tower, it is essential to have a competent person perform these tasks to ensure that the structure is safe for use. The job superintendent and OSHA representative may have specific roles and responsibilities related to safety, but they may not necessarily possess the expertise required to inspect and tag a stair tower. Therefore, the correct answer is that only a competent person can perform these tasks.

A Professional Engineer is required to design stair tower bracing. This is because a Professional Engineer is licensed and has the necessary expertise and qualifications to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the stair tower. They have the knowledge and skills to analyze the load requirements, design the appropriate bracing system, and ensure compliance with relevant codes and regulations. A Qualified Engineer may also have the necessary qualifications, but a Professional Engineer is specifically recognized and authorized to take on this responsibility. A District Engineer and Job Engineer may not have the required expertise or authority for this task.

The minimum dimensions of a stair tower mud seal are 2" x 10" x 2'. This means that the mud seal should have a width of 2 inches, a depth of 10 inches, and a length of 2 feet. The mud seal is a horizontal barrier that is placed at the base of the stair tower to prevent the entry of mud or debris into the tower. The dimensions specified ensure that the mud seal is wide enough and long enough to effectively block any mud or debris from entering the stair tower.

To determine the height at which a brace needs to be installed, we need to consider the stability and safety of the stair tower. Generally, braces are installed at certain intervals to provide additional support and prevent the tower from swaying or collapsing. Since the question does not provide any specific guidelines or standards, we can assume that a brace is required for this particular stair tower. Considering the dimensions of the footprint (7'-0" x 10'-0"), the most appropriate height to install a brace would be 28 feet. This height ensures that the brace effectively supports the structure and maintains its stability.

A free standing stair tower may have a maximum height of 3 landings. This means that the tower can have a maximum of 3 sets of stairs with platforms in between. Any additional height would require additional landings for safety and accessibility purposes.