CIT Safety Practices & Troubleshooting Techniques 2

Question 1

A technician arrives at a job site and notices a strong smell of natural gas near the irrigation system's valve box area. The correct first action is to:

Accepted Answer

Immediately evacuate the area, do not operate any electrical equipment (including cell phones), and call 911 from a safe distance

Answer

A natural gas smell indicates a potential gas leak, which is a life-threatening emergency. The technician must evacuate immediately, avoid any potential ignition sources (electrical switches, cell phones, vehicles), and call 911 from a safe distance (at least 300 feet upwind).

Question 2

When troubleshooting an irrigation system that has no output on any zone, and the controller display appears normal, the technician should first check:

Accepted Answer

The transformer output voltage (should read 24-28 VAC) and the common wire connection at the controller

Answer

If the controller display works (indicating power to the electronics) but no zones activate, the most likely causes are a failed transformer (no 24 VAC output to zones), a broken or disconnected common wire, or a rain sensor in bypass mode. Checking transformer output first confirms whether 24 VAC is being produced.

Question 3

A technician needs to work inside a deep valve box (3+ feet) that has standing water. What safety concern should be addressed?

Accepted Answer

Potential confined space hazards including atmospheric dangers (gases from decomposing matter) and risk of electrical contact with submerged wiring

Answer

Deep valve boxes with standing water can present confined space hazards (accumulated gases like hydrogen sulfide or methane from decomposing organic matter) and electrical hazards (submerged 24 VAC wiring with compromised insulation). The technician should pump out water and test air quality before reaching into deep boxes.

Question 4

The proper way to diagnose whether a valve is not opening due to an electrical problem versus a mechanical problem is to:

Accepted Answer

Manually activate the valve by opening the bleed screw or turning the solenoid 1/4 turn counter-clockwise — if water flows, the problem is electrical; if not, it's mechanical

Answer

Manually opening the valve bypasses the electrical circuit. If the valve opens manually (water flows), the valve's mechanical components are working and the problem is in the electrical path (controller, wiring, or solenoid). If it doesn't open manually, the valve itself has a mechanical failure.

Question 5

Heat stress in outdoor workers performing irrigation installation or maintenance is best prevented by:

Accepted Answer

Regular hydration, scheduled rest breaks in shade, appropriate clothing, acclimatization, and recognizing early symptoms of heat illness

Answer

Heat-related illness is a serious risk for outdoor irrigation workers. Prevention includes drinking water before feeling thirsty (16-32 oz per hour), taking regular shade breaks (per OSHA guidelines), wearing light-colored loose clothing, gradually acclimatizing to heat, and watching for symptoms in yourself and coworkers.

CIT - Certified Irrigation Technician Practice Test

CIT - Certified Irrigation Technician Practice Test

CIT Safety Practices & Troubleshooting Techniques 2