CTSP Environmental and Weather Hazards in Tree Care

Question 1

According to ANSI Z133, at what point must all tree climbing and aerial lift operations be suspended due to lightning risk?

Accepted Answer

When the 30-30 rule is triggered: lightning seen and thunder heard within 30 seconds

Answer

When lightning is visible within 10 miles

Answer

When the National Weather Service issues a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the county

Answer

Only when lightning strikes within 1 mile of the job site

Question 2

Which early symptom combination should a crew leader recognize as a sign that a worker may be developing heat exhaustion during summer tree work?

Accepted Answer

Heavy sweating, pale or moist skin, weakness, and nausea

Answer

Flushed, hot, dry skin with confusion and no sweating

Answer

Shivering, slow breathing, and slurred speech

Answer

Bluish lips, rapid heartbeat, and chest pain

Question 3

A crew member is stung multiple times by yellow jackets while pruning a tree and immediately reports throat tightness and difficulty swallowing. What is the correct emergency response?

Accepted Answer

Recognize this as a potential anaphylactic reaction, call 911 immediately, and use an epinephrine auto-injector if available

Answer

Apply ice packs to the sting sites and monitor for 30 minutes

Answer

Administer antihistamine tablets from the first aid kit and resume work if symptoms improve

Answer

Have the worker sit down and drink water while contacting the company safety officer

Question 4

Under OSHA's heat illness prevention guidelines, which measure is considered the MOST effective primary control for reducing heat illness risk on an outdoor tree care crew?

Accepted Answer

Scheduling frequent rest breaks in shade and ensuring access to water every 15-20 minutes

Answer

Requiring workers to wear cooling vests at all times

Answer

Administering electrolyte supplements at the start of each shift

Answer

Distributing heat illness awareness pamphlets to all workers annually

Question 5

A crew is working in freezing temperatures and a worker reports that their fingers have become white, hard, and numb. What condition does this describe and what is the immediate field treatment?

Accepted Answer

Frostbite — protect the area from further cold and do NOT rub or rewarm in the field if refreezing is possible

Answer

Trench foot — elevate the limb and apply compression bandaging

Answer

Chilblains — rewarm slowly with warm water above 104°F (40°C)

Answer

Raynaud's phenomenon — have the worker exercise fingers vigorously to restore circulation

Question 6

Which ANSI Z133 provision governs the decision to suspend tree care operations due to high winds?

Accepted Answer

Climbing and aerial lift operations must be evaluated for suspension when wind conditions create a hazard to workers, and the qualified supervisor makes the call

Answer

All operations stop when sustained winds exceed 50 mph

Answer

Operations continue as long as the worker uses double-line tie-in regardless of wind speed

Answer

Wind is not addressed in ANSI Z133 — decisions are left entirely to the crew member