Occupational Safety and Jobsite Practices
OSHA and the Focus Four
Construction safety in Florida follows OSHA 29 CFR 1926. The Focus Four causes of fatalities are falls, struck-by, caught-in/between, and electrical. Fall protection is required at 6 feet in construction. Head, eye, hand, and foot protection are routine; high-visibility vests and hard hats are commonly mandated by the general contractor even where OSHA does not specify them.
Excavation and trenching
This is the highest-value safety topic on a plumbing exam. Any trench 5 feet deep or more requires a protective system (sloping, benching, shoring, or a trench box) unless it is entirely in stable rock. A competent person must inspect daily and after rain. Ladders are needed for access when trenches are 4 feet or deeper, and no more than 25 feet of lateral travel is allowed to a ladder. Spoils and equipment stay at least 2 feet back from the edge, and utilities must be located before digging - in Florida, call Sunshine 811 at least two full business days before excavation.
Hot work, chemicals, and confined spaces
Brazing and soldering require a fire watch, a clear area, and a fire extinguisher; a hot-work permit is typical on commercial sites. Solvent cements and primers need ventilation and SDS access under Hazard Communication. Confined spaces require atmospheric testing, an attendant, and entry procedures. Temporary power must be GFCI-protected.
Traps
Questions swap the 4-foot and 5-foot trench thresholds or offer "sloping" as optional. Worked rule: 6-foot-deep trench, no protective system, ladder 30 feet away - three violations: no protection at 5+ feet, no ladder at 4+ feet, and ladder beyond the 25-foot travel limit.