CGM Equipment Operation & Safety Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct procedure for safely dismounting a running riding mower to remove a debris obstruction from the discharge chute?
- Dismount quickly while the blade continues to spin
- Disengage the blade, shift to neutral, set the parking brake, then shut off engine (Correct answer)
- Lower engine RPM and use a stick to clear the obstruction
- Engage reverse to dislodge the obstruction
Correct answer: Disengage the blade, shift to neutral, set the parking brake, then shut off engine
The full sequence — disengage blade, neutral, parking brake, engine off — eliminates all movement energy before any contact with the equipment.
Question 2: A chainsaw operator must wear all of the following PPE EXCEPT:
- Cut-resistant chaps or leg protection
- Face shield or safety glasses
- Chainsaw-rated gloves
- Chemical-resistant rubber apron (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Chemical-resistant rubber apron
Chainsaw PPE includes chaps, eye protection, gloves, and hearing protection, but a chemical-resistant apron is not required for chainsaw use.
Question 3: When using a backpack sprayer to apply herbicide along a property boundary, the operator should walk in which direction relative to the wind?
- Into the wind to blow spray onto the target
- With the wind at their back to drift spray forward (Correct answer)
- Perpendicular to the wind on the downwind side of the target
- Wind direction is irrelevant for backpack sprayers
Correct answer: With the wind at their back to drift spray forward
Walking with the wind at your back allows the spray to drift onto the target ahead of you while keeping the operator out of the chemical cloud.
Question 4: Which pre-operational check is MOST critical before operating an aerial lift (man-lift) for tree canopy work?
- Checking tire pressure on all wheels
- Inspecting the platform controls, safety harness anchor, and outrigger stability (Correct answer)
- Verifying the fuel level is above half
- Confirming the unit's paint is undamaged
Correct answer: Inspecting the platform controls, safety harness anchor, and outrigger stability
Platform controls, fall-arrest anchor points, and outrigger deployment are the three systems most directly tied to preventing fall or tip-over fatalities.
Question 5: What is the minimum safe clearance distance from energized overhead power lines for grounds equipment with non-insulated booms less than 50 feet long?
- 3 feet
- 5 feet
- 10 feet (Correct answer)
- 15 feet
Correct answer: 10 feet
OSHA 1910.333 requires at least 10 feet of clearance from energized lines up to 50 kV for uninsulated equipment.
Question 6: A grounds crew uses a rented wood chipper with a 6-inch diameter capacity. Which feeding practice is most hazardous?
- Feeding branches butt-end first
- Standing to the side of the feed chute during operation
- Reaching into the feed chute to push material while running (Correct answer)
- Using brush hooks to guide branches toward the opening
Correct answer: Reaching into the feed chute to push material while running
Reaching into the feed chute while the chipper is running risks draw-in injury from the powerful infeed rollers, which can pull an arm in within milliseconds.
Question 7: Which of the following is the CORRECT blade engagement sequence on a riding mower when approaching a paved sidewalk crossing?
- Maintain blade engagement and cross quickly
- Disengage blades, cross at idle, re-engage after clearing pavement (Correct answer)
- Lower engine RPM while crossing, then resume
- Switch to a lower gear and cross with blades engaged
Correct answer: Disengage blades, cross at idle, re-engage after clearing pavement
Disengaging blades prevents projectile discharge of any debris on pavement, protecting bystanders and nearby property from high-velocity objects.
CGM Equipment Operation & Safety Procedures 3
What is the correct procedure for safely dismounting a running riding mower to remove a debris obstruction from the discharge chute?