CSCS High-Risk Activities 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary hazard when using a cartridge-operated fixing tool?
- Excessive noise causing hearing damage only
- The fixing or cartridge acting as a projectile if misused (Correct answer)
- Vibration causing hand-arm issues
- Overheating of the tool body
Correct answer: The fixing or cartridge acting as a projectile if misused
Cartridge-operated tools drive fixings at high velocity; improper use can cause the fixing or cartridge to become a dangerous projectile.
Question 2: Which regulation governs work at height in the United States construction industry?
- OSHA 1926 Subpart M — Fall Protection (Correct answer)
- NFPA 70E
- ANSI Z359
- EPA 40 CFR Part 763
Correct answer: OSHA 1926 Subpart M — Fall Protection
OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M sets the fall protection requirements for construction work, including guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems.
Question 3: What must be done with a personal fall arrest system after it has arrested a fall?
- Inspect it and return to service if it looks undamaged
- Clean it and store it for future use
- Remove it from service and have it inspected by the manufacturer or competent person before reuse (Correct answer)
- Replace only the lanyard and reuse the harness
Correct answer: Remove it from service and have it inspected by the manufacturer or competent person before reuse
After arresting a fall, a PFAS must be removed from service immediately because the components may be structurally compromised even if no visible damage is apparent.
Question 4: Which hazard is specifically associated with working on or near asbestos-containing materials during renovation?
- Chemical burns from asbestos fibers
- Inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers causing lung disease (Correct answer)
- Electrical shock from asbestos insulation
- Skin absorption of asbestos compounds
Correct answer: Inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers causing lung disease
Disturbing asbestos-containing materials releases microscopic fibers that, when inhaled, can cause mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
Question 5: A crane operator receives conflicting signals from two signalers during a lift. What should the operator do?
- Follow the signal given by the more senior worker
- Stop the lift immediately and clarify with a single designated signaler (Correct answer)
- Follow the last signal received
- Continue slowly while seeking clarification
Correct answer: Stop the lift immediately and clarify with a single designated signaler
Only one designated signaler should direct a lift; conflicting signals require an immediate stop until communication is clarified.
Question 6: What is a toolbox talk (TBT) designed to achieve on a high-risk construction site?
- Record tool inventory and maintenance schedules
- Brief workers on specific hazards and safe methods for upcoming tasks (Correct answer)
- Provide formal safety training certification
- Satisfy insurance documentation requirements only
Correct answer: Brief workers on specific hazards and safe methods for upcoming tasks
Toolbox talks are short, informal briefings held before a task to communicate specific hazards, controls, and safe work methods relevant to that day's activities.
Question 7: When using a chainsaw on a construction site, what is the greatest risk if the tip of the bar contacts an object?
- Chain derailment causing the saw to stop
- Kickback, where the saw is thrown back violently toward the operator (Correct answer)
- Overheating of the motor
- Excessive vibration to the handles
Correct answer: Kickback, where the saw is thrown back violently toward the operator
Kickback occurs when the tip of the chainsaw bar contacts a surface, causing the bar to rotate violently upward and backward toward the operator.
CSCS High-Risk Activities 3
What is the primary hazard when using a cartridge-operated fixing tool?