CTSP Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CTSP facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A tree worker is injured when a section of wood rolls off a brush pile and strikes their foot. Which hazard category does this incident fall under? → Struck-by from rolling or sliding objects
2. What does the acronym 'SDS' stand for in the context of chemical safety in tree care? → Safety Data Sheet
3. A tree's root plate is partially lifted on one side. This condition most directly indicates a hazard of: → Whole-tree failure by uprooting
4. Which OSHA standard specifically governs arborist work performed near overhead power lines? → 29 CFR 1910.269
5. What is the primary safety advantage of using two-way radios over hand signals on a large tree removal site? → Radios allow clear communication when line-of-sight between crew members is blocked
6. According to ANSI Z133, at what point must all tree climbing and aerial lift operations be suspended due to lightning risk? → When the 30-30 rule is triggered: lightning seen and thunder heard within 30 seconds
7. A tree care company is cited by OSHA for a 'willful' violation. This classification means the employer: → Intentionally and knowingly violated OSHA standards or was indifferent to worker safety
8. What is the recommended minimum distance a bystander should be kept from a tree being removed to protect against struck-by hazards? → Two times the height of the tree
9. What is the primary goal of a 'safety culture' as opposed to a 'safety compliance' focus? → Creating an environment where workers internalize and value safety independently
10. According to ANSI Z133, who is responsible for conducting a pre-operation inspection of a wood chipper before each shift? → Any crew member assigned to operate or work near the chipper that day
11. OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502 requires fall protection systems when workers are exposed to fall hazards at or above what height in construction? → 6 feet
12. What is the primary purpose of a work positioning lanyard in tree climbing? → To secure the climber so both hands are free for work
13. Which human error type is most common in experienced tree care workers performing familiar, routine tasks? → Slips and lapses (skill-based errors) caused by inattention during automatic behavior
14. According to OSHA, how often must employers review and update their emergency action plan (EAP)? → Whenever there is a change in the workplace
15. Under the MUTCD, the minimum distance for an advance warning sign on a road with a 45 mph speed limit in a typical urban environment is approximately: → 350 feet
16. A tree company's near-miss reporting system is MOST valuable because it: → Reveals systemic hazards before a serious injury occurs
17. Immediately following a serious incident on a tree care site, what is the first and most critical priority for the responding CTSP or crew leader? → Secure the scene to prevent further injuries and preserve evidence.
18. Which training delivery method is MOST effective for teaching knot-tying skills to new arborists? → Hands-on demonstration followed by supervised practice
19. What minimum training must be documented before a new tree care employee is allowed to operate a chipper? → Formal chipper-specific safety training per ANSI Z133 and manufacturer requirements
20. Which type of rope is PROHIBITED for use as a climbing line or rigging line when working near energized conductors? → Natural fiber rope (manila, sisal) or any rope that is wet or contaminated
21. A 'dead crotch' or dead branch attachment point is identified in the tree a climber intends to use for an anchor. The correct response is to: → Select a live, structurally sound anchor point elsewhere in the tree
22. What is the significance of the "likelihood of failure" in tree risk assessment? → It assesses the probability of a tree or its parts failing
23. An OSHA compliance officer arrives at a tree care job site for an inspection. Under the OSH Act, employees have the right to: → Accompany the compliance officer during the workplace inspection
24. A near-miss reporting program is valuable to a safety program primarily because it: → Reveals hazardous conditions before they cause injuries
25. When positioning a wood chipper in a work zone, what is the safest orientation of the discharge chute? → Away from workers, the public, and traffic — typically into a truck or away from the road
26. A city arborist must assess hundreds of street trees efficiently. Which approach provides the best balance of thoroughness and efficiency for initial screening? → Basic level visual assessment to prioritize trees needing further review
27. Before entering the aerial lift work zone, what must a tree care crew establish? → A hazard communication plan and designated drop zone with cones or flagging
28. A crew member notices a large dead branch overhead before beginning chainsaw work. The FIRST action should be to: → Remove or avoid the hazard before starting work
29. OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) requires employers to offer hepatitis B vaccination to employees at risk at: → No cost to the employee
30. Which of the following is OSHA's required timeline for reporting a work-related fatality? → Within 8 hours of the incident