Below is a 50-question multiple-choice exam with answers designed for a Confined Space Entry Practice Test (29 CFR 1910.146). The questions cover core Confined Space expected knowledge areas for a complete course.
50 Multiple Choice Questions
1. What OSHA standard primarily regulates permit-required confined spaces
in general industry?
A. 29 CFR 1910.134
B. 29 CFR 1910.120
C. 29 CFR 1910.146
D. 29 CFR 1926.21
Correct Answer: C. 29 CFR 1910.146
2. A confined space must meet all of the following criteria EXCEPT:
A. Large enough to bodily enter
B. Limited or restricted means of entry or exit
C. Designed for continuous occupancy
D. Not designed for continuous occupancy
Correct Answer: C. Designed for continuous occupancy
3. Which atmospheric condition is considered immediately dangerous to life or
health (IDLH)?
A. Oxygen level of 20.9%
B. Oxygen level below 19.5%
C. Relative humidity above 70%
D. Temperature above 80°F
Correct Answer: B. Oxygen level below 19.5%
4. Which gas is most commonly used to calibrate oxygen sensors?
A. Carbon monoxide
B. Nitrogen
C. Ambient air
D. Hydrogen sulfideCorrect Answer: C. Ambient air
5. Which of the following is considered a hazardous atmosphere?
A. Oxygen concentration of 20.9%
B. Flammable gas above 10% LEL
C. Carbon dioxide at outdoor background levels
D. Normal atmospheric pressure
Correct Answer: B. Flammable gas above 10% LEL
6. What does LEL stand for?
A. Lowest Exposure Limit
B. Lower Explosive Limit
C. Limited Entry Level
D. Low Emission Level
Correct Answer: B. Lower Explosive Limit
7. Which document identifies hazards and controls for confined space entry?
A. Safety Data Sheet
B. Permit-required confined space entry permit
C. Job application
D. OSHA citation log
Correct Answer: B. Permit-required confined space entry permit
8. What is the primary purpose of ventilation during confined space entry?
A. Reduce noise
B. Increase humidity
C. Control atmospheric hazards
D. Improve lighting
Correct Answer: C. Control atmospheric hazards
9. Which role is responsible for monitoring entrants outside the confined
space?A. Competent person
B. Safety director
C. Attendant
D. Contractor
Correct Answer: C. Attendant
10. Which of the following spaces is MOST likely to be considered permit-
required?
A. Office hallway
B. Storage tank
C. Parking lot
D. Conference room
Correct Answer: B. Storage tank
11. What is the acceptable oxygen range for confined space entry?
A. 10%–15%
B. 15%–18%
C. 19.5%–23.5%
D. 24%–28%
Correct Answer: C. 19.5%–23.5%
12. Which gas is commonly associated with sewer confined spaces?
A. Helium
B. Hydrogen sulfide
C. Neon
D. Argon
Correct Answer: B. Hydrogen sulfide
13. Which hazard category includes engulfment?
A. Mechanical hazard
B. Atmospheric hazard
C. Physical hazard
D. Biological hazardCorrect Answer: C. Physical hazard
14. What should occur before an entrant enters a permit space?
A. Lunch break
B. Atmospheric testing
C. Fire watch assignment only
D. Forklift inspection
Correct Answer: B. Atmospheric testing
15. Atmospheric testing should generally be performed in what order?
A. Toxics, oxygen, combustibles
B. Combustibles, oxygen, toxics
C. Oxygen, combustibles, toxics
D. Oxygen, toxics, combustibles
Correct Answer: C. Oxygen, combustibles, toxics
16. Which device is commonly used to monitor atmospheric conditions?
A. Sound level meter
B. Gas detector
C. Hygrometer
D. Lux meter
Correct Answer: B. Gas detector
17. Which of the following is an example of engulfment?
A. Loud noise exposure
B. Contact with rotating equipment
C. Being buried in grain
D. Slippery floor surfaces
Correct Answer: C. Being buried in grain
18. Entry permits must be canceled when:A. The weather changes
B. Work shifts change
C. Entry operations are completed
D. Ventilation is operating properly
Correct Answer: C. Entry operations are completed
19. Which employee has the authority to terminate entry operations?
A. Entrant only
B. Attendant only
C. Entry supervisor
D. Visitor
Correct Answer: C. Entry supervisor
20. What is the primary duty of an authorized entrant?
A. Supervise contractors
B. Enter and perform assigned work safely
C. Calibrate monitors
D. Approve permits
Correct Answer: B. Enter and perform assigned work safely
21. Which hazard may result from welding inside a confined space?
A. Increased oxygen
B. Toxic fumes
C. Reduced lighting only
D. Excess humidity only
Correct Answer: B. Toxic fumes
22. Lockout/tagout procedures help control:
A. Atmospheric hazards only
B. Engulfment hazards only
C. Hazardous energy sources
D. Ventilation rates
Correct Answer: C. Hazardous energy sources
23. Rescue personnel must be:
A. Located in another state
B. Untrained contractors
C. Properly trained and equipped
D. Optional for permit spaces
Correct Answer: C. Properly trained and equipped
24. Continuous atmospheric monitoring is recommended when:
A. Hazards may change during entry
B. Outdoor work is performed
C. Employees are on lunch break
D. Lighting is sufficient
Correct Answer: A. Hazards may change during entry
25. Which communication method may be used between entrant and
attendant?
A. Hand signals
B. Radios
C. Voice communication
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D. All of the above
26. Which of the following is NOT a confined space hazard?
A. Toxic atmosphere
B. Engulfment
C. Rotating machinery
D. Proper illumination
Correct Answer: D. Proper illumination
27. Which condition may increase fire risk in a confined space?A. Low humidity
B. Flammable vapors
C. Increased ventilation
D. Oxygen deficiency only
Correct Answer: B. Flammable vapors
28. What is the purpose of isolation procedures?
A. Increase productivity
B. Prevent hazard introduction into the space
C. Improve lighting
D. Reduce paperwork
Correct Answer: B. Prevent hazard introduction into the space
29. What does “entry” mean under OSHA confined space rules?
A. Standing near the opening
B. Breaking the plane of the opening
C. Completing work paperwork
D. Installing ventilation equipment
Correct Answer: B. Breaking the plane of the opening
30. Which type of ventilation pushes fresh air into a space?
A. Local exhaust
B. Negative pressure ventilation
C. Forced-air ventilation
D. Passive diffusion
Correct Answer: C. Forced-air ventilation
31. What is the primary concern with oxygen-enriched atmospheres?
A. Reduced visibility
B. Increased corrosion
C. Increased fire and explosion risk
D. Increased humidity
Correct Answer: C. Increased fire and explosion risk
32. Confined space permits should include:
A. Authorized entrants
B. Hazards of the space
C. Required controls
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D. All of the above
33. Which of the following may create toxic atmospheres in confined spaces?
A. Cleaning solvents
B. Welding operations
C. Decomposition of organic matter
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D. All of the above
34. Which employee verifies acceptable entry conditions?
A. Visitor
B. Entry supervisor
C. Delivery driver
D. Accountant
Correct Answer: B. Entry supervisor
35. What should happen if an alarm sounds during entry?
A. Continue work briefly
B. Ignore if readings appear normal
C. Exit the space immediately
D. Silence the alarm
Correct Answer: C. Exit the space immediately
36. What is a non-permit confined space?
A. A space with no actual or potential hazards capable of causing death or serious harm
B. Any underground spaceC. Any permit-required space
D. A space containing flammable gases
Correct Answer: A. A space with no actual or potential hazards capable of causing death or
serious harm
37. Which atmospheric hazard is colorless and odorless?
A. Hydrogen sulfide
B. Chlorine
C. Carbon monoxide
D. Ammonia
Correct Answer: C. Carbon monoxide
38. Which of the following may be used for non-entry rescue?
A. Retrieval line
B. Winch system
C. Tripod
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D. All of the above
39. Why must attendants remain outside the permit space?
A. To complete paperwork
B. To monitor and assist entrants
C. To supervise contractors only
D. To operate ventilation equipment only
Correct Answer: B. To monitor and assist entrants
40. Which type of hazard involves moving mechanical parts?
A. Atmospheric hazard
B. Engulfment hazard
C. Mechanical hazard
D. Biological hazard
Correct Answer: C. Mechanical hazard
41. Confined spaces may be found in:
A. Silos
B. Vaults
C. Pipelines
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D. All of the above
42. Which atmospheric condition can impair judgment and coordination?
A. Oxygen deficiency
B. Proper ventilation
C. Normal humidity
D. Stable temperature
Correct Answer: A. Oxygen deficiency
43. A permit-required confined space may contain:
A. Hazardous atmosphere
B. Engulfment hazards
C. Internal configuration hazards
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D. All of the above
44. What should be done before removing an entry permit from service?
A. Review and cancel it properly
B. Destroy monitoring equipment
C. Ignore documentation
D. Leave the space unsecured
Correct Answer: A. Review and cancel it properly
45. Which atmospheric testing result requires immediate evacuation?
A. Oxygen at 20.9%
B. Combustible gas at 0% LELC. Hydrogen sulfide above acceptable limits
D. Fresh air ventilation operating
Correct Answer: C. Hydrogen sulfide above acceptable limits
46. What is the purpose of a confined space training program?
A. Increase paperwork
B. Ensure employees understand hazards and controls
C. Eliminate all permits
D. Replace rescue teams
Correct Answer: B. Ensure employees understand hazards and controls
47. Which of the following may introduce hazards into a confined space?
A. Welding
B. Solvent use
C. Combustion engines
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D. All of the above
48. Rescue drills should be conducted:
A. Only after incidents
B. Periodically to maintain proficiency
C. Once every ten years
D. Only during inspections
Correct Answer: B. Periodically to maintain proficiency
49. Which piece of equipment helps retrieve entrants without entering the
space?
A. Ladder
B. Fire extinguisher
C. Tripod and winch
D. Barricade tape
Correct Answer: C. Tripod and winch
50. The ultimate goal of a confined space entry program is to:
A. Reduce permit paperwork
B. Eliminate atmospheric testing
C. Prevent injury, illness, and fatalities
D. Increase production speed
Correct Answer: C. Prevent injury, illness, and fatalities
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Looking for OSHA-compliant HAZWOPER training that integrates seamlessly with site-specific hands-on field experience? OSHACode’s online HAZWOPER courses are designed to support employer-provided, site-specific training under 29 CFR 1910.120.
Sources
Emergency Response and Preparedness
OSHA HAZWOPER Hands-on Training Requirement
Medical Surveillance Requirements
U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration
https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/1992-08-27-1
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-resource-conservation-and-recovery-act
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