Certified Arborist Test Safe Work Practices 2

Question 1

What OSHA standard governs electrical hazard protection for arborists working near utility lines, and what are the minimum approach distances?

Accepted Answer

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269 — minimum approach distances vary by voltage, from 2 feet for lines under 50kV to greater distances for higher voltages, and only qualified electrical workers may work within these boundaries

Answer

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.268 — the minimum approach distance is 10 feet from all utility lines regardless of voltage

Answer

OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1400 — the minimum approach distance is 20 feet from all energized overhead lines

Answer

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132 — minimum approach distances are determined on site by the utility company rather than specified in the regulation

Question 2

What is the 'two-to-one' safety rule in rigging, and how is it applied in arboricultural operations?

Accepted Answer

Each rigging component must have a working load limit (WLL) at least twice the expected maximum load it will bear during the operation

Answer

Never remove more than 50% of a tree's canopy in a single operation to avoid wind-throw risk

Answer

For every 2 feet of tree height, use 1 ton of rigging capacity as a general guideline

Answer

Never allow more than 2 workers in a tree simultaneously when rigging large sections

Question 3

What is the purpose of a pre-work site hazard assessment, and who is responsible for conducting it?

Accepted Answer

It is a required safety practice conducted by the crew leader or supervisor before beginning work, identifying hazards including electrical lines, overhead obstacles, buried utilities, traffic, soil conditions, and escape routes

Answer

It is an optional quality control step performed by the office manager before client consultations

Answer

It is a municipal permit application requirement completed by the certified arborist 72 hours before work begins

Answer

It is a financial assessment of equipment and materials required to complete the job that is reviewed by the owner

Question 4

What does 'struck-by' refer to as a category of workplace incident, and what are the primary prevention strategies in arboricultural operations?

Accepted Answer

Injuries caused by falling or moving objects such as falling branches, tools, or wood chips — prevented through exclusion zones, PPE, and proper work planning

Answer

Repetitive stress injuries from chainsaw vibration that affect arborists after years of exposure

Answer

Electric arc flash injuries from accidental contact with energized conductors near work areas

Answer

Vehicle collision injuries sustained when working near roads — prevented by traffic control measures only

Question 5

What is the correct procedure for using a chainsaw to make a felling cut, and what factors must be assessed before beginning a felling operation?

Accepted Answer

A directional notch is cut on the intended fall side, followed by a back cut on the opposite side leaving a hinge of wood that directs the fall — after assessing lean, obstacles, escape routes, and weight distribution

Answer

A single straight-through cut is made at the lowest possible point on the trunk, then the faller steps back

Answer

Two parallel cuts are made at the base and a falling wedge is driven between them to direct the fall

Answer

The tree is cut at mid-trunk height first to reduce falling energy, then the base is cut to complete the fell

Question 6

What are the requirements for using personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) in tree climbing, and how does it differ from work positioning?

Accepted Answer

A PFAS arrests a worker after a fall begins, requires a free fall distance calculation to prevent ground contact, and includes a full-body harness; work positioning maintains the worker in position and must be backed up by a secondary attachment when working aloft

Answer

PFAS is required only when working at heights above 50 feet; work positioning can be used at any height without restrictions

Answer

PFAS and work positioning are identical systems — the terms are used interchangeably in ANSI Z133

Answer

PFAS is for aerial lift operations only; work positioning systems are required for all rope climbing operations