CAT Safety Procedures & PPE 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An alarm technician must work on a roof-mounted sensor in wet conditions. Which footwear hazard is MOST significant?
- UV degradation of boot soles
- Reduced traction and slip risk (Correct answer)
- Steel toe toe-cap corrosion
- Boot insulation breakdown
Correct answer: Reduced traction and slip risk
Wet conditions dramatically reduce boot traction, making slip and fall the primary footwear-related hazard on elevated surfaces.
Question 2: What does the acronym 'GFI' stand for in the context of electrical safety for alarm technicians?
- Ground Fault Interrupter (Correct answer)
- General Fault Indicator
- Ground Frequency Isolator
- Grounded Fixture Installation
Correct answer: Ground Fault Interrupter
GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter, also called GFCI) is a safety device that interrupts a circuit when current leaks to ground, protecting against electrocution.
Question 3: A technician is about to drill into a wall to run conduit. Which tool should be used to check for hidden hazards before drilling?
- Voltage tester only
- Stud finder only
- Multi-sensor detector capable of finding pipes, wires, and studs (Correct answer)
- Thermal camera only
Correct answer: Multi-sensor detector capable of finding pipes, wires, and studs
A multi-sensor detector identifies pipes, electrical wires, and structural members simultaneously, providing the most complete pre-drill hazard check.
Question 4: What is the OSHA-required minimum height at which fall protection must be provided for general industry work on an elevated surface?
- 4 feet (Correct answer)
- 6 feet
- 10 feet
- 12 feet
Correct answer: 4 feet
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.23 requires fall protection for general industry workers at elevations of 4 feet or more above a lower level.
Question 5: Which respiratory hazard is MOST commonly encountered by alarm technicians drilling into older commercial buildings built before 1980?
- Carbon monoxide from HVAC leaks
- Silica and asbestos-containing materials (Correct answer)
- Radon gas from concrete
- Formaldehyde from insulation
Correct answer: Silica and asbestos-containing materials
Buildings constructed before 1980 commonly contain asbestos in insulation, tiles, and fireproofing, and silica in concrete — both serious respiratory hazards when disturbed.
Question 6: When should a safety data sheet (SDS) be consulted on a job site?
- Only after accidental chemical exposure
- Before using any chemical product and whenever a spill or exposure occurs (Correct answer)
- Only when transporting chemicals between job sites
- Only for products containing flammable solvents
Correct answer: Before using any chemical product and whenever a spill or exposure occurs
OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) requires workers to review the SDS before using any chemical to understand hazards and proper handling.
Question 7: A technician feels light-headed and notices a rotten-egg smell while working in a basement equipment room. What should they do?
- Open a window and continue working
- Immediately exit the area and call for emergency help (Correct answer)
- Lower themselves to the floor where air is cleaner
- Turn off the electrical panel and continue
Correct answer: Immediately exit the area and call for emergency help
A rotten-egg odor indicates hydrogen sulfide or natural gas — both immediately dangerous to life; immediate evacuation and emergency notification are required.
CAT Safety Procedures & PPE 3
An alarm technician must work on a roof-mounted sensor in wet conditions.
Which footwear hazard is MOST significant?