- Certified Irrigation Technician Safety, Tools, and Documentation Flashcards

Before excavating for an irrigation installation, the technician is required to:

Answer: Contact 811 (Call Before You Dig) to have underground utilities marked

Calling 811 before any excavation is required by law in all 50 US states. Utility companies will mark the approximate location of underground gas, electric, water, sewer, cable, and phone lines, typically within 48-72 hours of the request.

When using a pipe and tubing cutter on PVC pipe, the technician should:

Answer: Make a straight, square cut perpendicular to the pipe and deburr the edges before cementing

PVC pipe must be cut squarely (perpendicular to the pipe length) and deburred to ensure a proper cement joint. An angled cut reduces the bonding surface area, and burrs can interfere with proper fitting insertion and create turbulence.

An as-built drawing of an irrigation system should include:

Answer: The actual locations of all mainlines, laterals, valves, heads, wiring, and point of connection as installed — including any deviations from the original design

An as-built drawing documents the actual installed system, including all changes from the original design. This is essential for future maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, and system modifications by any technician who services the system.

When using PVC primer and solvent cement, what personal protective equipment (PPE) should a technician wear?

Answer: Safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves, and work in a ventilated area

PVC primer and cement contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and solvents that can irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory systems. Safety glasses protect eyes from splashes, chemical-resistant gloves prevent skin absorption, and adequate ventilation prevents inhalation of fumes.

A trenching machine used for irrigation installation should not be operated near trees without first:

Answer: Identifying the tree's root zone and planning the trench route to minimize root damage, or using boring/tunneling methods

Tree roots extend well beyond the canopy (drip line) and trenching through the root zone can severely damage or kill valuable trees. The technician should identify the critical root zone, route the trench to avoid major roots, or use boring/directional drilling under the root zone.

What tool is used to measure the static water pressure at a point of connection before designing an irrigation system?

Answer: Pressure gauge (with hose bib adapter)

A pressure gauge with a hose bib adapter (also called a water pressure test gauge) is threaded onto an outdoor hose bib to measure the static water pressure. This reading, taken with no water flowing, establishes the maximum available pressure for system design.