Michigan Residential Builders License Practice Test

What type of system should protect employees on walking/working surfaces that are 6 feet or more above lower levels?

1. Guardrail systems

2. Fire suppression systems

3. Personal protective equipment

4. Noise reduction systems

The correct answer is: Guardrail systems

Guardrail systems are specifically designed to provide protection for employees who are working or walking on elevated surfaces that are 6 feet or more above lower levels. These systems serve as a physical barrier to prevent falls, which is a critical safety concern in construction and other work environments involving heights. The requirement for guardrail systems is outlined in regulations such as those from OSHA, emphasizing that these systems must be installed on open sides and edges of elevated work surfaces. Guardrails typically consist of a top rail, midrail, and posts, ensuring a strong and reliable barrier to keep workers safe from falling off the edge. In contrast, options like fire suppression systems, personal protective equipment (PPE), and noise reduction systems do not specifically address fall hazards related to elevated surfaces. Fire suppression systems are essential for preventing and extinguishing fires, while PPE focuses on protecting workers from various hazards but does not provide the same kind of fall protection as guardrails. Noise reduction systems help mitigate noise exposure in the workplace but are unrelated to fall protection needs.