CME Safety and Emergency Procedures Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An electrician is called to a job site where another worker has received a severe electrical shock and is now unconscious and not breathing. After ensuring the scene is safe and the power is off, what is the most critical and immediate action the electrician should take?
- Cover the victim with a blanket to treat for shock.
- Immediately begin performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). (Correct answer)
- Use a non-conductive object to move the victim further from the source.
- Apply cool water to any visible burns on the victim's skin.
Correct answer: Immediately begin performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
According to first aid procedures for electrical shock, after ensuring the area is safe and calling for emergency medical help, the immediate priority for an unresponsive victim who is not breathing is to begin CPR. Restoring circulation and breathing is critical to survival. While treating for shock and addressing burns are important, they are secondary to the immediate life-sustaining action of CPR.
Question 2: Per NFPA 70E, which of the following best defines the Arc Flash Boundary?
- The distance at which a worker is legally required to wear a full arc flash suit regardless of the task.
- A 4-foot default perimeter around any energized electrical panel.
- The distance from an arc source at which the incident energy equals 1.2 cal/cm², potentially causing a second-degree burn. (Correct answer)
- The closest a non-qualified person is permitted to approach energized equipment.
Correct answer: The distance from an arc source at which the incident energy equals 1.2 cal/cm², potentially causing a second-degree burn.
NFPA 70E defines the Arc Flash Boundary as the distance from a potential arc source where a person could receive a second-degree burn if an arc flash were to occur. This is technically defined as the point where incident energy equals 1.2 cal/cm². The other options are incorrect interpretations of approach boundaries and PPE requirements.
Question 3: A master electrician is supervising a team performing maintenance on a large motor control center with multiple sources of power. The procedure requires several disconnects to be opened and locked out. According to NFPA 70E, what type of lockout/tagout procedure is required in this scenario?
- A simple lockout/tagout procedure.
- An individual lockout/tagout procedure.
- A group lockout/tagout procedure.
- A complex lockout/tagout procedure. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A complex lockout/tagout procedure.
NFPA 70E specifies that a complex lockout/tagout procedure is required when there are multiple energy sources, multiple crews, multiple disconnecting means, or the job extends for more than one work period. This scenario involves multiple sources and disconnects, mandating a written plan and a person in charge to coordinate the effort safely.
Question 4: According to NFPA 70E and OSHA standards, which of the following is a primary requirement for an individual to be considered a "Qualified Person"?
- Holding a valid master electrician license for at least five years.
- Having received safety training to identify and avoid electrical hazards and demonstrating related skills and knowledge. (Correct answer)
- Successfully passing a company-specific written examination on electrical theory.
- Being designated in writing by the site's general contractor.
Correct answer: Having received safety training to identify and avoid electrical hazards and demonstrating related skills and knowledge.
Both NFPA 70E and OSHA define a qualified person as someone who has received safety training to identify and reduce the associated risks of electrical hazards and has demonstrated the skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of the electrical equipment. While licensure and exams can be part of the qualification process, the core requirement is the specific training and demonstrated ability to work safely around the hazards involved.
Question 5: An electrician is preparing to work within the Arc Flash Boundary of a 480V switchboard. The arc flash label indicates that the required PPE is Hazard/Risk Category 2. Which of the following combinations of PPE is required as a minimum for Category 2 protection?
- An arc-rated long-sleeve shirt, pants (or coverall), an arc-rated face shield, and a hard hat.
- A standard cotton long-sleeve shirt and pants, plus a face shield and hard hat.
- An arc-rated flash suit hood, arc-rated jacket, and arc-rated pants.
- An arc-rated long-sleeve shirt, pants (or coverall), an arc-rated face shield with a balaclava (or an arc flash suit hood), and a hard hat. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: An arc-rated long-sleeve shirt, pants (or coverall), an arc-rated face shield with a balaclava (or an arc flash suit hood), and a hard hat.
For Hazard/Risk Category 2 (minimum arc rating of 8 cal/cm²), NFPA 70E requires an arc-rated long-sleeve shirt and pants or coveralls, a hard hat, and arc-rated head protection. Head protection for Category 2 consists of an arc-rated face shield plus an arc-rated balaclava (sock hood) or a full arc flash suit hood. A face shield alone is insufficient for Category 2.
Question 6: When establishing an electrically safe work condition, which of the following steps is performed immediately AFTER locking and tagging the disconnecting means?
- Release any stored electrical or mechanical energy.
- Visually verify that the disconnecting blades are open.
- Notify all affected employees that work is beginning.
- Test the circuit with a properly rated voltmeter to verify the absence of voltage. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Test the circuit with a properly rated voltmeter to verify the absence of voltage.
The process for establishing an electrically safe work condition per NFPA 70E Article 120 is sequential. After applying the lock and tag, the crucial next step is to verify that the circuit is truly de-energized by testing for the absence of voltage with an appropriate test instrument. This step confirms that the lockout was successful before any work begins. Releasing stored energy and visual verification are also required steps, but the test for absence of voltage directly follows the application of the LOTO device.
CME Safety and Emergency Procedures Questions and Answers 1
An electrician is called to a job site where another worker has received a severe electrical shock and is now unconscious and not breathing.
After ensuring the scene is safe and the power is off, what is the most critical and immediate action the electrician should take?