Certified Arborist Test Safe Work Practices Questions and Answers

Question 1

An arborist is preparing to fell a medium-sized tree.
To ensure the tree falls in the intended direction and to prevent dangerous situations like a 'barber chair', what is the most critical element the arborist must create and maintain during the back cut?

Accepted Answer

Adequate and sound hinge wood

Answer

A back cut that is perfectly level with the face notch

Answer

An escape route cleared at a 90-degree angle to the fell line

Answer

The use of at least two felling wedges

Question 2

An arborist crew is working near a 25kV primary distribution line, but they are not qualified as line-clearance arborists. According to ANSI Z133 standards, what is the mandatory course of action before any work can begin on a tree that has branches within the minimum approach distance?

Accepted Answer

Notify the utility company and wait for them to de-energize or shield the lines before proceeding.

Answer

Use only insulated, fiberglass tools to prune the branches.

Answer

Work quickly and carefully, ensuring no person or tool comes within 5 feet of the conductor.

Answer

Have a ground worker spot the climber to warn them if they get too close to the line.

Question 3

When operating a chainsaw for ground operations, which of the following combinations of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required by the ANSI Z133 standard?

Accepted Answer

Head protection (helmet), eye protection, hearing protection, and cut-resistant leg protection.

Answer

Steel-toed boots, safety glasses, and a long-sleeved shirt.

Answer

A hard hat, leather gloves, and hearing protection.

Answer

Chainsaw-resistant boots, a face shield, and a high-visibility vest.

Question 4

During a job site safety briefing before starting a tree removal, which topic is a mandatory component according to ANSI Z133 standards?

Accepted Answer

Identification of hazards, work procedures, and emergency response plans.

Answer

A review of the client's invoice and payment terms.

Answer

The estimated time of completion for the project.

Answer

The location of the nearest hardware store for supplies.

Question 5

In tree care rigging, what does the term 'Working Load Limit' (WLL) represent?

Accepted Answer

The maximum load that should ever be applied to a piece of equipment, as determined by the manufacturer.

Answer

The absolute minimum force at which a new piece of equipment will break.

Answer

The total weight of the rigging components being used in the system.

Answer

A rating that is only applicable to ropes and not to hardware like blocks or shackles.

Question 6

Which of the following represents a critical safety violation when operating a brush chipper?

Accepted Answer

Wearing gauntlet-style gloves and a hoodie with drawstrings.

Answer

Standing to the side of the infeed hopper when feeding material.

Answer

Using a wooden push paddle to feed in short branches.

Answer

Briefly reversing the feed wheels to clear a jam.

An arborist is preparing to fell a medium-sized tree.To ensure the tree falls in the intended direction and to prevent dangerous situations like a 'barber chair', what is the most critical element the arborist must create and maintain during the back cut?

An arborist is preparing to fell a medium-sized tree.
To ensure the tree falls in the intended direction and to prevent dangerous situations like a 'barber chair', what is the most critical element the arborist must create and maintain during the back cut?