Certified Arborist Test Safe Work Practices 3

Question 1

What does the ANSI Z133 standard require regarding work zone setup when arborists are working adjacent to public roadways?

Accepted Answer

Appropriate traffic control measures — including signage, cones, flaggers, and in many cases traffic control permits — must be established to protect workers and the public before work begins near traffic

Answer

ANSI Z133 requires that traffic control be established before arboricultural work begins near public roadways, following MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) standards for signage, cones, and flagging. Local permits may also be required depending on jurisdiction and road type.

Question 2

What are the key elements of a job hazard analysis (JHA) and when should it be completed?

Accepted Answer

A JHA breaks down job tasks into specific steps, identifies hazards associated with each step, and documents control measures — completed before work begins and updated when conditions change

Answer

A JHA (also called Job Safety Analysis/JSA) systematically identifies hazards at the task-step level and documents controls before work begins. For arboricultural operations, JHAs are developed for site-specific conditions and the specific work sequence planned for that job.

Question 3

What is the minimum requirement for a first aid kit on an arboricultural job site according to OSHA standards, and what additional first aid resources are required?

Accepted Answer

OSHA requires adequate first aid supplies on-site whenever a job site is not close to a medical facility; at least one employee per crew must have current first aid and CPR certification

Answer

OSHA 1910.151 requires readily available first aid supplies and, where no medical facilities are nearby, at least one trained first-aider on site. ANSI Z133 and industry best practices call for at least one employee per crew to hold current first aid and CPR certification, with a comprehensive first aid kit in the work vehicle.

Question 4

What are the key selection criteria for personal protective equipment (PPE) in arboricultural operations, specifically for chainsaw protection?

Accepted Answer

PPE must meet relevant ANSI/ASTM performance standards; chainsaw chaps must meet ASTM F1897 with appropriate hazard category for the saw class used; cut-resistant gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, and hard hats have separate applicable standards

Answer

PPE for arboricultural chainsaw work must meet performance standards: chainsaw chaps per ASTM F1897 (matched to the saw's chain speed/hazard class), eye protection per ANSI Z87.1, hearing protection with adequate NRR for chainsaw noise levels, and head protection per ANSI Z89.1. Employers are responsible for providing compliant PPE.

Question 5

What is the role of tailgate safety meetings in arboricultural operations, and what topics should they address?

Accepted Answer

Brief pre-work crew meetings (5-15 minutes) conducted at the job site before work begins to review site-specific hazards, assign roles, and confirm safety procedures for that day's work

Answer

Tailgate safety meetings (also called toolbox talks) are brief, job-site, pre-work team briefings that review the specific hazards for that day's job, confirm each crew member's role and responsibilities, establish communication protocols, identify escape routes, and address any unusual conditions that require specific attention.

Certified Arborist Test Practice Test

Certified Arborist Test Practice Test

Certified Arborist Test Safe Work Practices 3