Michigan Residential Builders License Practice Test

Toeboards must be capable of withstanding a force applied in which direction without failure?

1. Only upward

2. Only downward

3. Downward or outward

4. Only outward

The correct answer is: Downward or outward

Toeboards are a critical safety component used in construction to prevent tools, materials, or debris from falling off edges and posing a risk to workers below. The design and installation of toeboards must ensure they can handle various forces that might be applied due to falling objects. The correct answer indicates that toeboards must be capable of withstanding a force applied downward or outward. This means that in the event of an object falling from a height, the toeboard should effectively stop the object from continuing its trajectory downward. Additionally, if there is any impact from objects being pushed or pulled towards the edge (outward force), the toeboard must also resist this force to ensure it remains securely in place. In practice, this dual requirement for strength helps provide a layer of safety, as it addresses both anticipated impacts—objects falling down due to gravity and possible horizontal movements from winds or other activities around the worksite. Ensuring that toeboards can handle both types of force is essential to maintaining workplace safety standards and complying with safety regulations.