CEA Jobsite Safety Procedures Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An apprentice is setting up a non-self-supporting extension ladder to access a junction box on a wall. To ensure stability and meet OSHA requirements, what is the proper ratio of the ladder's working length to the set-back distance from the wall?
- 3 to 1
- 4 to 1 (Correct answer)
- 5 to 1
- 2 to 1
Correct answer: 4 to 1
According to OSHA, a non-self-supporting ladder, like an extension ladder, should be set up at approximately a 75.5-degree angle. This is achieved by following the 4 to 1 rule: for every 4 feet of working ladder length, the base of the ladder should be 1 foot away from the wall or vertical surface.
Question 2: During a job briefing, the supervisor discusses the need to de-energize a 480V motor control center for maintenance. Which of the following is the first and most critical step in the Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedure?
- Apply the lock and tag to the disconnect.
- Verify the equipment is de-energized using a meter.
- Notify all affected employees of the impending shutdown. (Correct answer)
- Shut down the equipment using the normal stopping procedure.
Correct answer: Notify all affected employees of the impending shutdown.
The first step in a Lockout/Tagout procedure, as outlined by OSHA, is preparation and notification. Before any equipment is shut down, all affected employees (operators, personnel in the area) must be notified that a LOTO procedure is about to begin.
Question 3: An electrical apprentice is tasked with performing voltage measurements on an energized circuit panel, which has been determined to be a PPE Category 2 hazard. What is the minimum arc rating for the personal protective equipment (PPE) required for this task?
- 4 cal/cm²
- 25 cal/cm²
- 40 cal/cm²
- 8 cal/cm² (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 8 cal/cm²
NFPA 70E, the Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, defines PPE Category 2 as requiring arc-rated clothing and equipment with a minimum arc rating of 8 cal/cm². This category is common for tasks like voltage testing on 480V panels.
Question 4: While working on a construction site, an apprentice notices an extension cord with a missing grounding prong being used to power a saw. What is the appropriate action to take?
- Continue using the cord as long as the saw is working.
- Wrap the damaged area with electrical tape.
- Immediately remove the cord from service and report it to a supervisor. (Correct answer)
- Only use the cord in a dry location.
Correct answer: Immediately remove the cord from service and report it to a supervisor.
Using damaged electrical equipment, such as an extension cord with a missing grounding prong, poses a serious shock hazard. The grounding prong is a critical safety feature. The proper procedure is to immediately stop using the cord, remove it from service, and inform a supervisor so it can be properly repaired or replaced.
Question 5: Which of the following materials is required for the side rails of a portable ladder being used by an apprentice near exposed energized electrical equipment?
- Aluminum
- Steel
- Nonconductive material, like fiberglass (Correct answer)
- Pressure-treated wood
Correct answer: Nonconductive material, like fiberglass
OSHA regulations explicitly state that portable ladders must have nonconductive side rails, such as those made of fiberglass, if they are used where the employee or the ladder could come into contact with exposed energized electrical equipment.
Question 6: According to the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), also known as the "Right to Know" law, what is an employer's primary responsibility to an apprentice regarding hazardous chemicals on the jobsite?
- Ensure all chemical containers are made of metal.
- Provide personal protective equipment only upon request.
- Provide information and training on the hazardous chemicals. (Correct answer)
- Store all chemicals in a single, locked cabinet.
Correct answer: Provide information and training on the hazardous chemicals.
The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) requires employers to provide employees with information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area. This includes understanding Safety Data Sheets (SDS), container labeling, and how to protect themselves.
CEA Jobsite Safety Procedures Questions and Answers
An apprentice is setting up a non-self-supporting extension ladder to access a junction box on a wall.
To ensure stability and meet OSHA requirements, what is the proper ratio of the ladder's working length to the set-back distance from the wall?