CPII Safety & Environmental Compliance 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes a Type A soil classification under OSHA excavation standards?
- Sand, gravel, loamy sand, or submerged soil
- Cohesive soil with an unconfined compressive strength of 1.5 tsf or greater (Correct answer)
- Cohesive soil with unconfined compressive strength between 0.5 and 1.5 tsf
- Granular soils susceptible to vibration or water infiltration
Correct answer: Cohesive soil with an unconfined compressive strength of 1.5 tsf or greater
OSHA defines Type A soil as cohesive soil with an unconfined compressive strength of 1.5 tons per square foot (tsf) or greater.
Question 2: Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), what document is required for federal actions that significantly affect the quality of the human environment?
- Environmental Assessment (EA)
- Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) (Correct answer)
- Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)
- Categorical Exclusion (CE)
Correct answer: Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is required under NEPA for federal actions determined to significantly affect environmental quality.
Question 3: A public infrastructure project disturbs a wetland area. Which regulatory agency administers the Section 404 permit program governing such disturbances?
- EPA only
- Army Corps of Engineers (Correct answer)
- Fish and Wildlife Service
- State Environmental Agency only
Correct answer: Army Corps of Engineers
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers administers the Section 404 permit program under the Clean Water Act for dredge and fill activities in waters of the U.S.
Question 4: An inspector observes a road crew using a pneumatic jackhammer without hearing protection. At what noise level does OSHA require hearing protection for an 8-hour exposure?
- 80 dBA
- 85 dBA
- 90 dBA (Correct answer)
- 95 dBA
Correct answer: 90 dBA
OSHA's permissible exposure limit (PEL) for noise is 90 dBA as an 8-hour time-weighted average, at which point hearing protection becomes mandatory.
Question 5: What is the regulatory purpose of a confined space entry permit under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 when inspecting a municipal sewer manhole?
- To track worker productivity in confined areas
- To document hazard evaluation, controls, and rescue procedures before entry (Correct answer)
- To satisfy insurance requirements for underground work
- To log the time workers spend below grade
Correct answer: To document hazard evaluation, controls, and rescue procedures before entry
A confined space entry permit documents hazard identification, atmospheric testing results, required controls, and emergency rescue procedures prior to each entry.
Question 6: Which phase of environmental site assessment involves soil and groundwater sampling to confirm contamination found during a Phase I assessment?
- Phase I ESA
- Phase II ESA (Correct answer)
- Phase III ESA
- Remedial Investigation
Correct answer: Phase II ESA
A Phase II Environmental Site Assessment involves intrusive testing, including soil and groundwater sampling, to confirm or deny contamination identified in Phase I.
Question 7: During road construction near a historic district, the inspector must ensure compliance with which federal law that protects historic properties from adverse project effects?
- National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106 (Correct answer)
- National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Section 4(f)
- Antiquities Act of 1906
- Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA)
Correct answer: National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106
Section 106 of the NHPA requires federal agencies to consider effects of their undertakings on historic properties listed or eligible for the National Register.
CPII Safety & Environmental Compliance 3
Which of the following best describes a Type A soil classification under OSHA excavation standards?