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29 CFR 1926.21: Safety training and education

The official text is on the eCFR. Below: how the section is organized, the paragraphs our ASP, CHST questions are built on, and free questions to try.

Quoted from the eCFR, current as of 2026-10-14; last amended 2016-09-01.

How 29 CFR 1926.21 is organized

  • (a) General requirements1 paragraph
  • (b) Employer responsibility5 paragraphs

Paragraphs our practice questions cite most

Counted across the 12 live PassCited questions on this section: our bank, not the real exam.

“(3) Employees required to handle or use poisons, caustics, and other harmful substances shall be instructed regarding the safe handling and use, and be made aware of the potential hazards, personal hygiene, and personal protective measures required.”
“(4) In job site areas where harmful plants or animals are present, employees who may be exposed shall be instructed regarding the potential hazards, and how to avoid injury, and the first aid procedures to be used in the event of injury.”
“(2) The employer shall instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury.”
“(5) Employees required to handle or use flammable liquids, gases, or toxic materials shall be instructed in the safe handling and use of these materials and made aware of the specific requirements contained in subparts D, F, and other applicable subparts of this part.”

Free practice questions on 29 CFR 1926.21

Question 1

A utility contractor is sending a crew to clear brush and dig trenches along a rural right-of-way. During the site walk, the competent person finds a large, active nest of venomous snakes and a dense patch of poison ivy along the planned work path. Crew members have never worked in this type of terrain. Which action does the standard require of the employer before these employees work in that area?

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Answer: B. Instruct the exposed employees about the potential hazards, how to avoid injury, and the first aid procedures to use if injury occurs

OSHA's construction training rule, 29 CFR 1926.21(b)(4), requires employees who may be exposed to harmful plants or animals be instructed on the potential hazards, how to avoid injury, and first aid procedures. The flammable/toxic material and poisons/caustics provisions cover different exposures. Using the Secretary's training programs is a 'should' recommendation, and a later date does not meet the duty.

Answer B rests on

29 CFR 1926.21(b)(4)(opens ecfr.gov in a new tab)
“(4) In job site areas where harmful plants or animals are present, employees who may be exposed shall be instructed regarding the potential hazards, and how to avoid injury, and the first aid procedures to be used in the event of injury.”

Question 2

A laborer on a bridge-cleaning crew will mix and spray a caustic cleaning solution starting tomorrow. The foreman plans to show him only how to run the sprayer. Which instruction must the employer also give him before he starts?

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Answer: B. The safe handling and use of the caustic, its potential hazards, personal hygiene, and the personal protective measures required

OSHA's construction safety training rule says employees who handle or use caustics must be told how to handle and use them safely, what the hazards are, and what hygiene and protective measures apply. Sprayer operation alone does not cover this. Plant and animal training and flammable-liquid fire rules address different hazards.

Answer B rests on

29 CFR 1926.21(b)(3)(opens ecfr.gov in a new tab)
“Employees required to handle or use poisons, caustics, and other harmful substances shall be instructed regarding the safe handling and use, and be made aware of the potential hazards, personal hygiene, and personal protective measures required.”

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Other Part 1926 sections

A study aid, not legal advice or an official interpretation. Always check the current eCFR text.